Between classes and extracurriculars, Western Washington University students have lots to keep them busy—but it can’t be all work and no play! The region offers so much to see and do any time of year that you need your own Western Washington University Students Guide to Bellingham just to keep track of it all.

No matter your interests outside the classroom, you can always find exciting ways to engage with the community, challenge yourself and get some much-needed rest and relaxation right here in Bellingham. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for new ways to get in touch with nature, a beer aficionado hoping to expand your knowledge of the local brew scene, or a budding art critic seeking a new creative outlet, Bellingham delivers.

So, check out this Western Washington University Students Guide to Bellingham and get planning for your next after-class adventure:
 

Nature

Runners and hikers love Whatcom Falls Park. On the smaller side, the park is easily accessible to people of all abilities: Get your heart pounding on the five miles of trails or take a scenic stroll through the woods. Just steps from WWU is Sehome Hill Arboretum. While you may have already enjoyed time in this expansive park, it’s so vast that you can always find something new, from plants to wildlife to the popular observation tower, offering eye-catching views of the town.
 

Brews & Bites

Bellingham and Whatcom County boast an impressive 17 craft breweries, so you can spend a whole weekend hopping from one to the next sampling and socializing. You can even pick up an official Tap Trail map to help guide you.
The area’s culinary scene is just as hot. Fresh and local are the name of the game at most Bellingham restaurants, including Italian spot D’Anna’s, a local favorite for more than 20 years, and the chic farm-to-table Brandywine Kitchen.
 

Get Artsy

There’s plenty of art to enjoy right at WWU, which is known for having one of the nation’s best campus sculpture collections. If that gets you in the mood for more, there’s plenty of creativity to capture throughout the region. Above Lake Whatcom, explore the Big Rock Sculpture Garden, featuring more than three dozen sculptures across 2.5 acres. Sculpture art is also popular throughout downtown Bellingham, with more than 80 sculptures and other works of art adorning the streets. If you want an indoor art adventure, the Whatcom Art Market in nearby Fairhaven offers a look at 40 artists from the region, whose pieces you can just peruse or bring home, with offerings including textiles, jewelry, photographs, and paintings.

And if you're looking for the perfect place to call home near campus, contact us today to set up a tour of our stunning community!