Emmett & Venus’ Guidebook

Emmett
Emmett & Venus’ Guidebook

Food scene

One of the most popular Pacific Northwest restaurants around. They pull oysters fresh out of the water multiple times per day, have dozens of ways of preparing them (raw or cooked), as well as oyster or shrimp tacos, dozens of small batch beers on tap from local breweries, etc. They have indoor and outdoor dining with water views overlooking Drayton Harbor and the Blain Marina.
22 locals raden deze aan
Drayton Harbor Oyster Company
685 Peace Portal Dr
22 locals raden deze aan
One of the most popular Pacific Northwest restaurants around. They pull oysters fresh out of the water multiple times per day, have dozens of ways of preparing them (raw or cooked), as well as oyster or shrimp tacos, dozens of small batch beers on tap from local breweries, etc. They have indoor and outdoor dining with water views overlooking Drayton Harbor and the Blain Marina.
This is the only restaurant directly on the water / beach of Birch Bay. It offers beautiful views indoors and from its rooftop dining area. A local favorite.
11 locals raden deze aan
Bay Breeze Restaurant & Bar
7829 Birch Bay Dr
11 locals raden deze aan
This is the only restaurant directly on the water / beach of Birch Bay. It offers beautiful views indoors and from its rooftop dining area. A local favorite.
Great indoor and outdoor dining restaurant with views overlooking Birch Bay.
27 locals raden deze aan
CJ's Beach House
7878 Birch Bay Dr
27 locals raden deze aan
Great indoor and outdoor dining restaurant with views overlooking Birch Bay.
For those who like golf or who want a more private or quiet ambiance, this restaurant is a little known restaurant located inside the Semiahmoo Golf Resort, which is open to the public. Offers great views of the golf course and lakes.
Great Blue Heron Grill
8720 Semiahmoo Pkwy
For those who like golf or who want a more private or quiet ambiance, this restaurant is a little known restaurant located inside the Semiahmoo Golf Resort, which is open to the public. Offers great views of the golf course and lakes.
By far one of the most popular restaurants around. Located at the Semiahmoo Resort, this restaurant and bar offer full panoramic ocean views, incredible dining and lots of activities that are free to participate in from oversized chess, bonfires, billiards, etc.
23 locals raden deze aan
Packers Kitchen + Bar
9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy
23 locals raden deze aan
By far one of the most popular restaurants around. Located at the Semiahmoo Resort, this restaurant and bar offer full panoramic ocean views, incredible dining and lots of activities that are free to participate in from oversized chess, bonfires, billiards, etc.
This restaurant has more of a sports bar and family restaurant vibe. Great for larger groups or small groups alike. Large menu selection, great service and a local favorite.
13 locals raden deze aan
Bob's Burgers & Brew Birch Bay
8120 Birch Bay Square St
13 locals raden deze aan
This restaurant has more of a sports bar and family restaurant vibe. Great for larger groups or small groups alike. Large menu selection, great service and a local favorite.
A local favorite for Mexican food, family owned and operated for decades, diverse menu options, generous sized portions.
7 locals raden deze aan
Paso Del Norte
758 Peace Portal Dr
7 locals raden deze aan
A local favorite for Mexican food, family owned and operated for decades, diverse menu options, generous sized portions.
Local Italian restaurant, featuring an award-winning selection of curated wines from their Master Sommelier, as well as a diverse menu.
9 locals raden deze aan
Leaderblock Wine
2026 Main St
9 locals raden deze aan
Local Italian restaurant, featuring an award-winning selection of curated wines from their Master Sommelier, as well as a diverse menu.
Beautiful fine dining restaurant overlooking the Bellingham Marina, featuring a diverse selection of “Surf and Turf” dining options, cocktails, etc.
35 locals raden deze aan
Anthony's Hearthfire Grill, Bellingham
7 Bellwether Way
35 locals raden deze aan
Beautiful fine dining restaurant overlooking the Bellingham Marina, featuring a diverse selection of “Surf and Turf” dining options, cocktails, etc.
A local fine dining Italian restaurant right in Birch Bay.
Scampi Osteria Llc
4823 Alderson Rd
A local fine dining Italian restaurant right in Birch Bay.
Located right in Birch Bay, this is a recently opened brewery with water views of Birch Bay.
8 locals raden deze aan
Beach Cat Brewing
7876 Birch Bay Dr
8 locals raden deze aan
Located right in Birch Bay, this is a recently opened brewery with water views of Birch Bay.
Located inside a former bank, this newer restaurant features a diverse wine selection and great menu.
16 locals raden deze aan
The Vault Wine Bar
277 G Street
16 locals raden deze aan
Located inside a former bank, this newer restaurant features a diverse wine selection and great menu.
One of the best local Kombucha spots.
17 locals raden deze aan
Kombucha Town
210 E Chestnut St
17 locals raden deze aan
One of the best local Kombucha spots.
Ultimate Pacific Northwest vibes coffee shop and restaurant.
26 locals raden deze aan
Camber
221 W Holly St
26 locals raden deze aan
Ultimate Pacific Northwest vibes coffee shop and restaurant.
Barbie’s Berries is a local’s favorite. They have acres of raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and other fruit and offer U pick options for extremely low prices, as well as buckets or baskets full of freshly picked berries. They also have jams and other products. They are located between Birch Bay and Lynden, technically in Northern Ferndale. For more info on crop availability visit their website: http://www.barbiesberries.com
Barbie's Berries Seasonal Berry Stand
7655 Melody Ln
Barbie’s Berries is a local’s favorite. They have acres of raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and other fruit and offer U pick options for extremely low prices, as well as buckets or baskets full of freshly picked berries. They also have jams and other products. They are located between Birch Bay and Lynden, technically in Northern Ferndale. For more info on crop availability visit their website: http://www.barbiesberries.com
Edaleen Dairy offers fresh homemade ice cream and other dairy products from their farms located right here in Whatcom County. They are a local favorite and you’ll often still find a line of people getting ice cream during the cold and rainy season.
18 locals raden deze aan
Edaleen Dairy
458 Peace Portal Dr
18 locals raden deze aan
Edaleen Dairy offers fresh homemade ice cream and other dairy products from their farms located right here in Whatcom County. They are a local favorite and you’ll often still find a line of people getting ice cream during the cold and rainy season.
Fine dining restaurant with views overlooking Bellingham Bay and the Bellingham Boardwalk. Located on the first floor of the Hotel Chrysalis Inn & Spa. Free parking is available in the hotel’s private underground garage.
30 locals raden deze aan
Keenan's at the Pier
804 10th Street
30 locals raden deze aan
Fine dining restaurant with views overlooking Bellingham Bay and the Bellingham Boardwalk. Located on the first floor of the Hotel Chrysalis Inn & Spa. Free parking is available in the hotel’s private underground garage.

Sightseeing

Birch Bay State Park has beautiful views, walking trails along the beach and into the forest, bicycle trails, picnic sites, bonfire and barbecue sites, outdoor dining tables, public bathrooms and a kids playground.
46 locals raden deze aan
Birch Bay State Park
5105 Helweg Rd
46 locals raden deze aan
Birch Bay State Park has beautiful views, walking trails along the beach and into the forest, bicycle trails, picnic sites, bonfire and barbecue sites, outdoor dining tables, public bathrooms and a kids playground.
The Semiahmoo spit has a State Park, along with views of White Rock, Canada and two separate bodies of water (Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay). There are public bathrooms, picnic, bonfire and barbecue sites on both sides of the spit, as well as over 2 miles of waterfront walking trails. On one side, you have beautiful views of Drayton Harbor with Mt Baker in the background and on the other side you have views of the ocean, White Rock Canada and some of the Canadian islands.
7 locals raden deze aan
Semiahmoo Spit
7 locals raden deze aan
The Semiahmoo spit has a State Park, along with views of White Rock, Canada and two separate bodies of water (Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay). There are public bathrooms, picnic, bonfire and barbecue sites on both sides of the spit, as well as over 2 miles of waterfront walking trails. On one side, you have beautiful views of Drayton Harbor with Mt Baker in the background and on the other side you have views of the ocean, White Rock Canada and some of the Canadian islands.
This stunning park is beautiful itself, featuring elaborate flower gardens, sculptures and meticulously maintained grounds. It also has water views and is one of the only “international zones” where Canadians and US residents can both meet with each other and enjoy time together without either side needing to go through Customs & Immigration.
9 locals raden deze aan
Peace Arch Historical State Park
123 2nd Street
9 locals raden deze aan
This stunning park is beautiful itself, featuring elaborate flower gardens, sculptures and meticulously maintained grounds. It also has water views and is one of the only “international zones” where Canadians and US residents can both meet with each other and enjoy time together without either side needing to go through Customs & Immigration.
This is a massive freshwater lake next to Bellingham, which offers multiple boat ramps, swimming, motorized and non motorized water sports, fishing, etc. You can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, etc. from an on-site rental facility. There are also picnic areas, a playground and public bathrooms.
21 locals raden deze aan
Lake Whatcom
21 locals raden deze aan
This is a massive freshwater lake next to Bellingham, which offers multiple boat ramps, swimming, motorized and non motorized water sports, fishing, etc. You can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, etc. from an on-site rental facility. There are also picnic areas, a playground and public bathrooms.
Boulevard Park in Bellingham offers waterfront views, long walking trails along the water, views of trains rolling by, a Woods Coffee Shop, etc.
25 locals raden deze aan
Bayview Drive
Bayview Drive
25 locals raden deze aan
Boulevard Park in Bellingham offers waterfront views, long walking trails along the water, views of trains rolling by, a Woods Coffee Shop, etc.
More secluded lake offering beautiful views, hiking trails and fishing
100 locals raden deze aan
Lake Padden Park
4882 S Samish Way
100 locals raden deze aan
More secluded lake offering beautiful views, hiking trails and fishing
This stye park has beautiful waterfront views, miles of hiking trails that wind up a mountain through a dense forest, as well as picnic sites and public restrooms.
73 locals raden deze aan
Larrabee State Park
Larrabee State Park
73 locals raden deze aan
This stye park has beautiful waterfront views, miles of hiking trails that wind up a mountain through a dense forest, as well as picnic sites and public restrooms.
Onsite parking, picnic and bonfire sites, views on both sides of the Semiahmoo spit including of Drayton Harbor and Mount Baker on one side and Semiahmoo Bay, Canada and the Gulf Islands on the other. Also miles of oceanfront walking trails. There is a seasonal museum in the park that covers the history of fish canneries that operated in Blaine many years ago.
17 locals raden deze aan
Semiahmoo Park
9261 Semiahmoo Pkwy
17 locals raden deze aan
Onsite parking, picnic and bonfire sites, views on both sides of the Semiahmoo spit including of Drayton Harbor and Mount Baker on one side and Semiahmoo Bay, Canada and the Gulf Islands on the other. Also miles of oceanfront walking trails. There is a seasonal museum in the park that covers the history of fish canneries that operated in Blaine many years ago.
One of the best scenic drives with winding ocean views, dozens of pull-out sites where you can park and enjoy views of the San Juan islands, eagles, etc.
26 locals raden deze aan
Chuckanut Drive
Chuckanut Drive
26 locals raden deze aan
One of the best scenic drives with winding ocean views, dozens of pull-out sites where you can park and enjoy views of the San Juan islands, eagles, etc.
For those who want to take the road less traveled, this park offers hiking trails through a dense forest and winds down to the ocean and a beautiful rocky beach with views of the San Juan islands. This is known mostly to locals so tends to be less crowded.
10 locals raden deze aan
Point Whitehorn
6899 Koehn Rd
10 locals raden deze aan
For those who want to take the road less traveled, this park offers hiking trails through a dense forest and winds down to the ocean and a beautiful rocky beach with views of the San Juan islands. This is known mostly to locals so tends to be less crowded.
Local theatre guild with live plays.
7 locals raden deze aan
Bellingham Theatre Guild
1600 H St
7 locals raden deze aan
Local theatre guild with live plays.
An iconic state park within less than an hour drive. Stunning views. Picnic sites. Wildlife.
278 locals raden deze aan
Deception Pass State Park
41229 State Route 20
278 locals raden deze aan
An iconic state park within less than an hour drive. Stunning views. Picnic sites. Wildlife.
San Juan cruises offers everything from a short 2 hour lunchtime cruise with fresh local crab meals, to 6 hour cruises. Their boats are very large and slower moving, there are 2 observation levels and both indoor and outdoor viewing options so this is great for those who want a more relaxed atmosphere, less rolling in the waves or for those with children.
20 locals raden deze aan
San Juan Cruises
355 Harris Ave
20 locals raden deze aan
San Juan cruises offers everything from a short 2 hour lunchtime cruise with fresh local crab meals, to 6 hour cruises. Their boats are very large and slower moving, there are 2 observation levels and both indoor and outdoor viewing options so this is great for those who want a more relaxed atmosphere, less rolling in the waves or for those with children.
One of the best local whale watching outfits in the Pacific Northwest. Their boats are modern, comfortable and fast, while also not being bumpy. Their crew are extremely knowledgeable and almost always have marine biologists onboard. They depart out of the San Juan islands so best to plan a trip using them if you have plans to visit the islands.
Maya's Legacy Whale Watching
One of the best local whale watching outfits in the Pacific Northwest. Their boats are modern, comfortable and fast, while also not being bumpy. Their crew are extremely knowledgeable and almost always have marine biologists onboard. They depart out of the San Juan islands so best to plan a trip using them if you have plans to visit the islands.
Fairhaven is a historical district in Southern Bellingham. It is also the furthest North Amtrak station before you cross into Canada, the docking port for the Alaska Ferry and home to hundreds of historical buildings. It has dozens and dozens of small locally owned restaurants, bookstores and antique shops. One of the trendiest places around.
122 locals raden deze aan
Fairhaven
122 locals raden deze aan
Fairhaven is a historical district in Southern Bellingham. It is also the furthest North Amtrak station before you cross into Canada, the docking port for the Alaska Ferry and home to hundreds of historical buildings. It has dozens and dozens of small locally owned restaurants, bookstores and antique shops. One of the trendiest places around.
Located in Bellingham Bay, with access from Boulevard Park, this recently completed waterfront boardwalk offers stunning views of the ocean and the San Juans. You can regularly see otters, seals and many types of birds there and occasionally if you are lucky you can see orcas swimming by. There is also a Wood’s Coffee at the park so you can grab a coffee to enjoy while you walk.
Bellingham Boardwalk
Bayview Drive
Located in Bellingham Bay, with access from Boulevard Park, this recently completed waterfront boardwalk offers stunning views of the ocean and the San Juans. You can regularly see otters, seals and many types of birds there and occasionally if you are lucky you can see orcas swimming by. There is also a Wood’s Coffee at the park so you can grab a coffee to enjoy while you walk.

Children Parks

This park overlooks the Semiahmoo Bay, between the US and Canada. It is boat themed and has lots of interactive things for kids of all ages to do, as well as large replicas of orcas that kids can climb on. There are public bathrooms onsite, walking trails and covered picnic sites for birthdays or other gatherings.
7 locals raden deze aan
Blaine Marine Park
272 Marine Dr
7 locals raden deze aan
Very unique park that was previously a farm homestead and was donated and incorporated as a State Park. Contains stunning mature gardens, a massive red barn, live bunny rabbits, chickens and geese for viewing, acres of well maintained lawns, picnic sites and walking trails.
20 locals raden deze aan
Hovander Homestead Park
5299 Nielsen Ave
20 locals raden deze aan
Very unique park that was previously a farm homestead and was donated and incorporated as a State Park. Contains stunning mature gardens, a massive red barn, live bunny rabbits, chickens and geese for viewing, acres of well maintained lawns, picnic sites and walking trails.
This park is great for taking children of all ages, with one of the nicer designed playgrounds in the area, as well as separate fields for soccer, baseball, etc.
Star Park
Ferndale Road
This park is great for taking children of all ages, with one of the nicer designed playgrounds in the area, as well as separate fields for soccer, baseball, etc.
This place is best families with children. Features outdoor go carts race track, miniature golf course, miniature train rides, live music, arcades.
20 locals raden deze aan
Miniature World Family Fun Center & The Santa Train
4620 Birch Bay Lynden Rd
20 locals raden deze aan
This place is best families with children. Features outdoor go carts race track, miniature golf course, miniature train rides, live music, arcades.
Open during summer months, located right off the main road leading into Birch Bay. This place is a locate favorite. They also offer drive-in movies in their parking lot during certain times of the year.
31 locals raden deze aan
Birch Bay Waterslides
4874 Birch Bay Lynden Rd
31 locals raden deze aan
Open during summer months, located right off the main road leading into Birch Bay. This place is a locate favorite. They also offer drive-in movies in their parking lot during certain times of the year.
This technically part of the Whatcom Museum. Features a very interactive children’s play area with activities best for toddlers to pre-teens, including a full art studio with dozens of arts and crafts projects to choose from.
Family Interactive Gallery
250 Flora St
This technically part of the Whatcom Museum. Features a very interactive children’s play area with activities best for toddlers to pre-teens, including a full art studio with dozens of arts and crafts projects to choose from.

Local Stores / Grocery Outlets

This is a good place to stop at when you get off the freeway if you want to pick up any food or cooking items. They have a large selection of foods, alcohol, toiletries, etc.
24 locals raden deze aan
The Market At Birch Bay
8125 Birch Bay Square St
24 locals raden deze aan
The local Whole Foods is located in Bellingham, about 30 minutes from the Air BnB. This is a great place to stock up on groceries on the way in, especially if you are coming from the South.
29 locals raden deze aan
Whole Foods Market
1030 Lakeway Dr
29 locals raden deze aan
The local Whole Foods is located in Bellingham, about 30 minutes from the Air BnB. This is a great place to stock up on groceries on the way in, especially if you are coming from the South.
The local Trader Joe’s is located in Bellingham, about 30 minutes from the Air BnB. This is a great place to stock up on groceries on the way in, especially if you want good prices and lots of high quality choices.
48 locals raden deze aan
Trader Joe's
2410 James St
48 locals raden deze aan
The local Trader Joe’s is located in Bellingham, about 30 minutes from the Air BnB. This is a great place to stock up on groceries on the way in, especially if you want good prices and lots of high quality choices.
A local favorite, particularly for those who are health conscious, like to eat healthy and who want to support small local farmers, breweries, etc.
13 locals raden deze aan
Community Food Co-op Cordata
315 Westerly Rd
13 locals raden deze aan
A local favorite, particularly for those who are health conscious, like to eat healthy and who want to support small local farmers, breweries, etc.
For those who like shopping for healthy food and toiletries while supporting small locally owned businesses, this place delivers.
Living Pantry
264 Peace Portal Dr
For those who like shopping for healthy food and toiletries while supporting small locally owned businesses, this place delivers.
About half way between Birch Bay and Bellingham, this grocery store is large and carriers many organic and locally grown items.
19 locals raden deze aan
Haggen
1815 Main St
19 locals raden deze aan
About half way between Birch Bay and Bellingham, this grocery store is large and carriers many organic and locally grown items.
Costco.
20 locals raden deze aan
Costco Wholesale
4125 Arctic Ave
20 locals raden deze aan
Costco.

Sports / Outdoor Activities

This golf course was designed by Arnold Palmer and is one of the best in the Pacific Northwest.
Mt Baker offers beautiful outdoor scenery all year round and is within about 1 hour drive from the Air BnB. The ski lodge and restaurant are seasonal, with courses for beginners to very advanced professionals. Mt Baker Ski Area is the unofficial highest annual snowfall ski resort in the world. During summer months, there are lots of walking trails, scenery and wild berries that you can pick.
103 locals raden deze aan
Mount Baker
103 locals raden deze aan
Mt Baker offers beautiful outdoor scenery all year round and is within about 1 hour drive from the Air BnB. The ski lodge and restaurant are seasonal, with courses for beginners to very advanced professionals. Mt Baker Ski Area is the unofficial highest annual snowfall ski resort in the world. During summer months, there are lots of walking trails, scenery and wild berries that you can pick.
21 locals raden deze aan
Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club
8720 Semiahmoo Pkwy
21 locals raden deze aan
The Semiahmoo Resort has an activities center where you can rent single or double person kayaks, bicycles, canoes, etc. Their onsite Spa & Fitness Center is open to non-hotel guests (for a fee) and includes a massive heated pool, jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms, tennis courts, indoor running track, gym, etc. There are also several dining options onsite.
26 locals raden deze aan
Semiahmoo Resort
9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy
26 locals raden deze aan
The Semiahmoo Resort has an activities center where you can rent single or double person kayaks, bicycles, canoes, etc. Their onsite Spa & Fitness Center is open to non-hotel guests (for a fee) and includes a massive heated pool, jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms, tennis courts, indoor running track, gym, etc. There are also several dining options onsite.
One of the larger parks in the area, with multiple dedicated soccer fields, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, basket ball courts, as well as a custom bicycle course.
Bender Fields - Lynden Parks
8770 Bender Rd
One of the larger parks in the area, with multiple dedicated soccer fields, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, basket ball courts, as well as a custom bicycle course.
Privately owned apple orchards, distillery, restaurant and store offering fresh on-tap selection, as well as live music and activities for groups and families. Depending on the season, they offer horse or tractor drawn wagon rides, corn mazes, Easter egg hunts, etc.
24 locals raden deze aan
BelleWood Distilling
6140 WA-539
24 locals raden deze aan
Privately owned apple orchards, distillery, restaurant and store offering fresh on-tap selection, as well as live music and activities for groups and families. Depending on the season, they offer horse or tractor drawn wagon rides, corn mazes, Easter egg hunts, etc.
The annual fair features carnival rides, games and food, farm animals, rodeo events, live music and much more. There are other concerts, shows and expos held on the fairgrounds at different times of the year so check the schedule for the dates you will be in town.
6 locals raden deze aan
Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center
1775 Front St
6 locals raden deze aan
The annual fair features carnival rides, games and food, farm animals, rodeo events, live music and much more. There are other concerts, shows and expos held on the fairgrounds at different times of the year so check the schedule for the dates you will be in town.

Stadsadvies

Wat je mee moet nemen

Bring rubber bottomed water shoes for beach walking

If you plan to walk the beach, we recommend bringing “water shoes” that have rubber soles so that you can comfortably walk over the initial rocky part of the beach at Birch Bay. Once you are past that, especially at low tide, there are miles and miles of sandy beach that you can enjoy.
Manieren om te besparen

Save money on gas

Due to Canada having significantly higher gas prices, almost all of the gas stations in Washington that area near the Canada border charge much higher gas prices, where it is still cheaper for Canadians to fill up their tanks. Because of this, locals from Washington use gas stations further South, such as those along the freeway between Ferndale and Bellingham.
Boek voordat je gaat

Whale watching trips

There are multiple reputable whale watching organizations that offer sightseeing charter boats out of either Bellingham, Anacortes, La Conner or the San Juan islands. They tend to book up in advance so advance reservations are recommended. Depending on the type of experience you want to have there are companies offering small fast boats to large 150+ capacity ships that serve hot meals onboard during your trip. A few top recommended ones are San Juan Cruises (Bellingham and La Conner), Blackfish Tours by Outer Islands Excursions (Anacortes) and Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching (San Juan Islands).