Places to Visit Near Bellevue

If you’re looking for a change of scenery, there are plenty of great places to visit near Bellevue. From the bustling city of Seattle to the serene beauty of Mount Rainier National Park, there’s something for everyone within a short drive. Here are a few of our top picks⁚

Seattle

Just a short drive from Bellevue, Seattle is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with something to offer everyone. From the iconic Space Needle to the world-renowned Pike Place Market, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

Here are a few of our top picks for things to do in Seattle⁚

• Visit the Space Needle⁚ This iconic landmark offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area.
• Explore Pike Place Market⁚ This bustling public market is a great place to find fresh produce, seafood, and other local delicacies.
• Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island⁚ This charming island is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)⁚ This museum is dedicated to all things pop culture, from music to movies to video games.
• Stroll through the Olympic Sculpture Park⁚ This waterfront park features a collection of sculptures by world-renowned artists.

Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Seattle is a great place to visit near Bellevue. With its diverse attractions and vibrant culture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Mount Rainier National Park

Just a short drive from Bellevue, Mount Rainier National Park is a stunning natural wonderland that offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. From hiking and camping to wildlife viewing and snowshoeing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Here are a few of our top picks for things to do in Mount Rainier National Park⁚

• Hike to Paradise⁚ This popular trail leads to a breathtaking alpine meadow with stunning views of Mount Rainier.
• Camp at Cougar Rock Campground⁚ This campground is located near the park entrance and offers a variety of campsites for tents and RVs.
• Go wildlife viewing⁚ Mount Rainier National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and mountain goats.
• Snowshoe to Reflection Lakes⁚ This beautiful trail leads to a series of lakes that offer stunning reflections of Mount Rainier.
• Visit the Mount Rainier Visitor Center⁚ This visitor center provides information about the park and its many activities.

Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Mount Rainier National Park is a great place to visit near Bellevue. With its stunning scenery and diverse activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Lake Washington

Lake Washington is a large, freshwater lake located just east of Bellevue. It’s a popular spot for recreation, with opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and more.

Here are a few of our top picks for things to do on Lake Washington⁚

• Visit the Museum of Flight⁚ This world-renowned museum is home to a vast collection of aircraft and space artifacts.
• Take a boat tour⁚ Several companies offer boat tours of Lake Washington, providing stunning views of the lake and its surroundings.
• Go for a swim⁚ There are several public beaches on Lake Washington, where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the scenery.
• Go fishing⁚ Lake Washington is home to a variety of fish, including salmon, trout, and bass.
• Have a picnic⁚ There are many picnic areas around Lake Washington, where you can enjoy a meal with friends and family.

Whether you’re looking for a day of fun on the water or a relaxing afternoon in nature, Lake Washington is a great place to visit near Bellevue. With its many activities and stunning scenery, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Bellevue Arts Museum

The Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) is a world-renowned art museum located in the heart of downtown Bellevue. BAM features a diverse collection of art from around the globe, with a focus on modern and contemporary art.

Here are a few of our top picks for things to see and do at BAM⁚

• Explore the galleries⁚ BAM’s galleries feature a wide range of art, from paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media.
• Attend a lecture or workshop⁚ BAM offers a variety of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and artist talks.
• See a film screening⁚ BAM’s cinema screens a variety of films, including independent films, documentaries, and foreign films.
• Have lunch at the café⁚ BAM’s café offers a delicious menu of sandwiches, salads, and soups.
• Shop for art and gifts⁚ BAM’s gift shop features a wide selection of art and gifts, including books, prints, and jewelry;

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational day out, the Bellevue Arts Museum is a great place to visit. With its world-class collection of art and its many programs and events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is a 3,000-acre park located in the Issaquah Alps, just east of Bellevue. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, and offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Here are a few of our top picks for things to see and do at Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park⁚

• Hike to the summit of Cougar Mountain⁚ The summit of Cougar Mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including Mount Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, and the Puget Sound.
• Bike the Cougar Mountain Trail⁚ The Cougar Mountain Trail is a 10-mile loop trail that winds through the park’s forests and meadows.
• Go horseback riding⁚ Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is home to several horseback riding trails.
• Have a picnic⁚ There are several picnic areas located throughout the park.
• Go wildlife watching⁚ Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and coyotes.

Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a leisurely bike ride, or a relaxing picnic, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is a great place to visit. With its beautiful scenery and its many recreational opportunities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Downtown Park

Downtown Park is a 20-acre park located in the heart of Bellevue. The park is home to a variety of public art installations, as well as a playground, a dog park, and a splash pad.

Here are a few of our top picks for things to see and do at Downtown Park⁚

• Admire the public art⁚ Downtown Park is home to a variety of public art installations, including sculptures, murals, and mosaics.
• Let the kids play⁚ The park’s playground is a great place for kids to burn off some energy.
• Bring your dog⁚ The park’s dog park is a great place for your furry friend to socialize and play.
• Cool off in the splash pad⁚ The park’s splash pad is a great way to cool off on a hot day.
• Have a picnic⁚ There are several picnic tables located throughout the park.
• Attend an event⁚ Downtown Park is often the site of events, such as concerts, festivals, and farmers markets.

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, play, or admire some art, Downtown Park is a great place to visit. With its beautiful scenery and its many amenities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.