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.
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Drayton Harbor Oyster Company
685 Peace Portal DrOne 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.
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Bay Breeze Restaurant & Bar
7829 Birch Bay DrThis 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.
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CJ's Beach House
7878 Birch Bay DrGreat 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 PkwyFor 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.
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Packers Kitchen + Bar
9565 Semiahmoo PkwyBy 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.
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Bob's Burgers & Brew Birch Bay
8120 Birch Bay Square StThis 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.
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Paso Del Norte
758 Peace Portal DrA 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.
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Leaderblock Wine
2026 Main StLocal 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.
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Anthony's Hearthfire Grill, Bellingham
7 Bellwether WayBeautiful fine dining restaurant overlooking the Bellingham Marina, featuring a diverse selection of “Surf and Turf” dining options, cocktails, etc.
Scampi Osteria Llc
4823 Alderson RdA 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.
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Beach Cat Brewing
7876 Birch Bay DrLocated 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.
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The Vault Wine Bar
277 G StreetLocated inside a former bank, this newer restaurant features a diverse wine selection and great menu.
Kombucha Town
210 E Chestnut StOne of the best local Kombucha spots.
Camber
221 W Holly StUltimate 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 LnBarbie’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.
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Edaleen Dairy
458 Peace Portal DrEdaleen 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.
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Keenan's at the Pier
804 10th StreetFine 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.
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Birch Bay State Park
5105 Helweg RdBirch 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.
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Semiahmoo Spit
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.
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Peace Arch Historical State Park
123 2nd StreetThis 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.
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Lake Whatcom
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.
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Bayview Drive
Bayview DriveBoulevard 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
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Lake Padden Park
4882 S Samish WayMore 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.
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Larrabee State Park
Larrabee State ParkThis 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.
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Semiahmoo Park
9261 Semiahmoo PkwyOnsite 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.
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Chuckanut Drive
Chuckanut DriveOne 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.
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Point Whitehorn
6899 Koehn RdFor 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.
Bellingham Theatre Guild
1600 H StLocal theatre guild with live plays.
An iconic state park within less than an hour drive. Stunning views. Picnic sites. Wildlife.
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Deception Pass State Park
41229 State Route 20An 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.
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San Juan Cruises
355 Harris AveSan 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.
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Fairhaven
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 DriveLocated 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.
Blaine Marine Park
272 Marine DrVery 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.
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Hovander Homestead Park
5299 Nielsen AveVery 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 RoadThis 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.
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Miniature World Family Fun Center & The Santa Train
4620 Birch Bay Lynden RdThis 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.
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Birch Bay Waterslides
4874 Birch Bay Lynden RdOpen 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 StThis 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.
The Market At Birch Bay
8125 Birch Bay Square StThe 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.
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Whole Foods Market
1030 Lakeway DrThe 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.
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Trader Joe's
2410 James StThe 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.
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Community Food Co-op Cordata
315 Westerly RdA 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 DrFor 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.
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Haggen
1815 Main StAbout half way between Birch Bay and Bellingham, this grocery store is large and carriers many organic and locally grown items.
Costco Wholesale
4125 Arctic AveCostco.
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.
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Mount Baker
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.
Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club
8720 Semiahmoo PkwyThe 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.
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Semiahmoo Resort
9565 Semiahmoo PkwyThe 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 RdOne 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.
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BelleWood Distilling
6140 WA-539Privately 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.
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Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center
1775 Front StThe 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.
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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.
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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.
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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).