Things to Do

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Festivals, Events, Shopping,
Hiking, and Much More…!

What comes to mind when you think of Bellevue? For some, it’s a beautiful skyline across Lake Washington, and for others, it’s the lush green parks and friendly neighborhood. Especially for visitors, it’s more like a hidden gem a few minutes from Seattle.

Yes, we are talking about Bellevue – a city where you can hike a beautiful forest trail at 6 in the morning and sip cocktails in a rooftop bar at midnight. Bellevue isn’t just Seattle’s neighbor; it’s a destination all on its own.

It’s a city that blends the best of outdoor adventures, luxury shopping, fine dining, cool nightlife, vibrant cultural experiences, and whatnot! Whether you are planning a local trip to Bellevue, relocating with family, or just on your official visit and exploring the Pacific Northwest for a few days, Bellevue is full of surprises. There is something here for every age, every mood, and every personality.

From exploring scenic parks to enjoying world-class shopping experiences, you never get bored. And in case you do, here are a few best things to do in Bellevue, Washington – with or without family.

So, What to Do in Bellevue?

There are endless ways to enjoy your trip to Bellevue. We have mentioned a few ideas to spend
some unforgettable moments in this super vibrant city.

Outdoor Adventures

There are lots of outdoor adventurous activities to do in Bellevue. You can explore Bellevue Downtown Park, which is a 21-acre oasis in the heart of downtown. It’s best for morning walks, hiking, jogging, family picnics, or just spending some moments by the beautiful waterfall.

For nature lovers, there is nothing better than Mercer Slough Nature Park. It features 320 acres of freshwater wetlands with canoe trails, hiking paths, and lush greenery. It’s more like an amazing retreat for nature lovers.

Also check out the fantastic Lake Sammamish State Park, which is a favorite spot for paddleboarding, boating, and swimming in the summer months.

Pet-Friendly Things to Do in Bellevue, WA

In Bellevue, pets are not just welcome, they are part of every adventure. Here, you can trade your morning coffee run for a leash in hand and a healthy & happy pup by your side.

There is a beautiful Bellevue Downtown Park, which has wide open lawns, walking loops, and plenty of space for a morning jog with your pup. Another adventurous place is, the Robinswood Off-Leash Dog Park. It’s a fully fenced, 2.3-acre park where dogs can run, play, and make furry friends.

Mercer Slough Nature Park Trails are also quite popular, where you can explore scenic wetlands together. Pet owners choose Marymoor Park (nearby Redmond) specifically because it is known as the “Doggy Disneyland” of the region, with 40+ acres of off-leash space.

Food & Drink Scene

Foodies, get ready!!! Bellevue’s culinary scene is as diverse as its delicious. From international flavors to Northwest-inspired cuisine, you will find everything here.

Especially if you want to enjoy elevated dining on the 31st floor with sweeping views of Seattle and Bellevue, Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi is an option to consider.

And if you want to try Taiwanese dumplings, Din Tai Fung is your way to go. They are world-famous for Chinese food. There is also an option for seafood lovers. A very famous and classic Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar.

However, if you love coffee and other drinks, Belden Café is a good choice. And now the most popular, Food Trucks & Casual Eats. From poke bowls to fusion tacos, you’ll spot a wide variety here.

Dive into Arts & Culture

Bellevue is not only about shopping, hiking, and nature. But it’s also a home to thriving arts & culture.

You can enjoy contemporary art, craft, and design exhibitions that change regularly at Bellevue Arts Museum. For entertainment purposes, Meydenbauer Center Theater is very famous for hosting concerts, plays, and performances throughout the year.

Family-Friendly Fun

Are you travelling with family? Bellevue is packed with a lot of family-friendly attractions that keep your little ones busy and engaged. KidsQuest Children’s Museum is the best option. It offers interactive exhibits that encourage play, creativity, and hands-on learning.

Bellevue Botanical Garden is also an amazing choice for kids, which is a peaceful, educational space where kids can explore nature. There is also the Downtown Park Water Feature that offers splash pad fun for hot summer days.

Other than that, Bowling, Mini Golf, & Escape Rooms are also great options for rainy days or evening entertainment.

Festivals and Events

Bellevue hosts a lot of exciting festivals and events every year, adding more reasons in the list to visit this place. For example, people celebrate creativity every July in the Bellevue Arts Fair.

There are also holiday parades with music, lights, and festive fun in December at Snowflake Lane. For showcasing top local and national talent, the city hosts the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival.

There is one cool and everyone’s favorite occasion – the 4th of July Fireworks at Downtown Park.

Relax & Recharge

Sometimes there is nothing better than treating yourself well and enjoying some ‘me’ time. And for that, Bellevue offers luxury spas – Yuan Spa or The Spa at The Bellevue Club are best for a pampering session.

There are also different wellness studios – you can enjoy yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes everywhere in Bellevue.
Coffee shop hopping is quite popular in Bellevue. This means there is no shortage of cozy cafés perfect for recharging between activities.

Whether you love cocktails, dancing, music, or a whole night of fun, Bellevue knows how to keep the fun alive.

Daytime Things to Do in Bellevue WA

You can explore the beautiful surrounding areas by arranging short daytime trips in Bellevue. You can visit Seattle, which is just across the bridge, offering Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and world-class museums.

Other than that, Woodinville Wine Country is the best option, where dozens of wineries and tasting rooms exist only 20 minutes away.

Snoqualmie Falls is also worth considering as it’s a stunning 268-foot waterfall, perfect for a short hike and scenic photo op. Mount Rainier National Park is farther, but a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts.

Shop Till You Drop

Good news for shopping enthusiasts. Bellevue is considered a shopping paradise in the Pacific Northwest. From designer boutiques to numerous local gems, it is something amazing for every shopper.

Warning – Do not miss The Bellevue Collection. It’s an ultimate shopping and entertainment hub that has more than 300 stores, restaurants, and even luxury hotels.

Bellevue Square Mall is also worth exploring. It’s home to Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., and other high-end favorites. And if you are a big fan of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, then nothing is better than The Shops at The Bravern.

Visitors also love exploring the Bellevue Farmers Market. It’s best for seasonal produce, baked goods, flowers, and local crafts. It’s even ideal for Saturday strolling.

More Fun Things to Do in Bellevue

Here are a few fun things to do in Bellevue today and make your trip more adventurous and memorable.