Downtown Bellingham
Downtown Bellingham is the cultural and commercial heart of the city—a vibrant hub filled with character, creativity, and community. Locally-owned shops line the streets, and you’ll find everything from artisan boutiques to vinyl record stores. Dining options are abundant, ranging from casual bites to upscale farm-to-table cuisine.
At the center of the arts scene is the historic Mount Baker Theatre, a beautifully restored 1927 performing arts venue that hosts concerts, plays, comedy, and film screenings throughout the year. It's a cornerstone of Bellingham’s cultural identity.
Beer lovers will feel right at home with a variety of award-winning local breweries within walking distance—perfect for a casual pint with friends or trying out seasonal small-batch releases. Whether you're grabbing a cold one at Aslan, Structures, or Gruff Brewing, the local beer scene is a big part of the downtown vibe.
The Downtown Waterfront District continues to evolve, featuring Trackside Beer Garden, a family-friendly space with rotating food trucks, and a creative container village with pop-ups and local businesses. Just steps away, Waypoint Park offers sweeping bay views, and you can take a scenic walk along Granary Pier, one of the longest overwater piers in the region.
If you're craving beach time, Locust Beach is just a short bike ride away and is a favorite for low-tide exploring, driftwood walks, and peaceful sunsets.
Downtown Bellingham brings together the best of urban living, community spirit, and access to the outdoors—all in one inspiring neighborhood.
Situated on the site of the former Georgia-Pacific paper mill, Waypoint Park is a testament to Bellingham’s commitment to revitalizing its industrial past into a vibrant public space. The park features a unique playground designed to resemble a working waterfront, with tall logs embedded in a spongy cyan play surface, creating the illusion of pilings rising from the water.
Adjacent to the playground is the historic Granary Building, a refurbished structure that now houses retail and office spaces, offering stunning views of the waterfront.
The park also boasts the iconic Acid Ball, a 430,000-pound piece of industrial equipment repurposed into a public art sculpture, serving as a nod to the site's industrial heritage.
Looking ahead, the next phase of development for Waypoint Park includes a new waterfront trail, overlooks, seating areas, shoreline planting, flexible lawn space, a restroom building, and opportunities for public art, further enhancing its role as a community gathering space.
Located at 2600 N Harbor Loop Drive, Zuanich Point Park is a 4.4-acre waterfront park offering panoramic views of Squalicum Harbor and the San Juan Islands. The park is a popular venue for community events, boating celebrations, picnics, and kite flying.
Amenities include paved paths suitable for jogging and roller-blading, picnic tables, benches, restrooms, and a children's play area . The park also houses the Squalicum Boathouse, a community meeting rental facility, and the Fishermen’s Memorial, a bronze statue honoring local fishermen lost at sea.
Elementary School
The specific elementary school depends on your exact downtown address. District maps show that parts of downtown are zoned for Lowell, Roosevelt, or Northern Heights Elementary schools
Middle School
Students attend one of four middle schools in the district. Downtown students are most likely zoned for Whatcom Middle School or Shuksan Middle School
High School
All downtown students attend Bellingham High School