10 Best Things to Do in Bellevue, WA

Nestled between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, Bellevue, WA, is a charming place to visit, offering a wealth of attractions and activities, such as historic tourist spots, museums, parks, restaurants, and shopping venues.

This city makes for a great day trip destination or quiet weekend getaway. If you’re considering visiting soon, this article enumerates the 10 best things to do in Bellevue to help you plan your trip.

10 Best Things to Do in Bellevue, WA

Credit: Photo by Caroline Ashley on Unsplash | Source

1.  Bellevue Botanical Garden

The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a great place to visit for its diverse and picturesque landscapes. It features cultivated gardens, restored woodlands, and natural wetlands.

Exploring themed gardens like the Yao Japanese Garden, Native Discovery Garden, and Rock Garden is one of the best things to do in Bellevue.

2.  The Bellevue Collection

The Bellevue Collection is the ultimate shopping destination of the Pacific Northwest, home to over 200 retail stores and 50 restaurants and entertainment venues. 

It also features an indoor play area for kids, three luxury hotels, and skybridge access to Lincoln Square.

Credit: Photo by Luke Robinson on Unsplash | Source

3.  Bellevue Downtown Park

The Bellevue Downtown Park is a great spot for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors, as a rhythmic waterfall sculpture plays calming sounds for visitors. The park’s Inspiration Playground provides a fun place for kids to enjoy interactive features that engage the senses.

The park is one of the most popular Bellevue attractions, with locals and tourists coming here to enjoy a casual stroll along the wide promenade and take in the spectacular view of the downtown skyline. 

Bellevue Downtown Park also hosts community events year-round, including the annual Fourth of July fireworks and a summer series of outdoor movies.

4.  KidsQuest Children's Museum

KidsQuest Children's Museum is an interactive museum designed to engage kids through world-class hands-on exhibits and programs that encourage imagination and discovery.

The museum offers year-round playful education opportunities for children and families, including STEAM-based classes, inter-generational workshops, special events, and outreach programs.

Credit: Photo by Gennady Zakharin on Unsplash | Source

5.  Mercer Slough Nature Park

Located in the heart of urban Bellevue, Mercer Slough Nature Park is Lake Washington’s largest remaining wetland. This 320-acre park provides a diverse habitat and is home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife. 

Some of the popular activities in the park include hiking on the trails, picking blueberries at the blueberry farm, kayaking through the slough, and visiting the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center to learn about the habitat.

6.  Bellevue Arts Museum 

The Bellevue Arts Museum is a place where locals and visitors can connect with regional, national, and international artists and creators through exhibitions, programs, and publications.

Every year in July, the museum hosts one of the largest art festivals in the region, the Bellevue Arts Museum ARTSfair. The event celebrates the creative process, skill, and vision of artisans, from sculpture to furniture and jewelry.

Credit: Photo by Nick Jio on Unsplash | Source

7.  Meydenbauer Beach Park

The Meydenbauer Beach Park features a viewing terrace, hillside woodland, playground, Beach House, historic Whaling Building, expansive beach, daylighted channel, and pedestrian pier. 

The family-friendly pier has a public plaza, a marine-themed playground, and a vast space for relaxation and recreation. A unique walkway leading out to the middle of Meydenbauer Bay allows visitors to appreciate the scenic view of Lake Washington. 

The park is also a popular spot for swimming in summer when the water is warm and lifeguards are on duty.

8.  Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park offers over 35 miles of trails meandering through diverse habitats. The park is a haven for native wildlife and is known for its wetlands, streams, cliffs, and mature second-growth forests.

Aside from being a great spot for hiking, trail running, and horseback riding, the park offers stunning views of Lake Sammamish, the Cascades, Bellevue, and Seattle.

Credit: Photo by Ty Downs on Unsplash | Source

9. Bellevue Zip Tour

Visitors who would like to experience an exhilarating zip-lining activity can go to Eastgate Park for a fun Bellevue Zip Tour. 

The tour consists of several zip lines ranging in length from 78 to 458 feet and includes two wooden suspension bridges. Riders can zip along at up to 35 mph as they take in views from up to 80 feet above the ground.

10.  Old Bellevue / Main Street

Strolling along Old Bellevue’s Main Street is a unique experience that transports visitors back in time with historic storefronts that create a charming, old-world atmosphere. It's a great place to explore local boutiques, find one-of-a-kind gifts, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Conclusion

Bellevue, WA, is a charming city to visit, offering numerous attractions and outdoor activities, such as historic tourist spots, museums, parks, restaurants, and shopping venues.

If you’d like to know more about Bellevue, WA, specifically the homes for sale in the area, please give me a call today at (206)-501-8484 or send me an email at matthewbchapman@windermere.com to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bellevue have good shopping?

Yes, it does! The Bellevue Collection offers the ultimate shopping experience, with over 200 retail stores, 50 restaurants, and entertainment venues.

What parks are a must-see in Bellevue, WA?

Meydenbauer Beach Park and Bellevue Downtown Park are some of the must-see parks in Bellevue, WA.

Are there any museums in Bellevue, WA?

Yes, the KidsQuest Children's Museum and the Bellevue Arts Museum are popular museums in Bellevue, WA.

What outdoor activities can I do in Bellevue?

Zip-lining at the Bellevue Zip Tour, swimming in Meydenbauer Beach Park, and hiking and kayaking at Mercer Slough Nature Park are some of the popular outdoor activities in Bellevue, WA.