19 Best Things to Do in Bellevue (in 2024)

I’m a Seattle local with insights into the absolute best things to do in Bellevue, Washington!

Bellevue is Seattle’s neighbor to the east, and one of the best day trips from Seattle. It offers endless shopping, outdoor activities along Lake Washington, family-friendly excursions, and much more.

I cover all of Bellevue’s key attractions in this guide, as well as a few hidden gems you won’t want to miss!

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19 Best Things to Do in Bellevue

Bellevue Downtown Park

Unwind at a scenic urban park featuring lawn games, walking paths, and community events.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 452-6885 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: free

Downtown Park is gorgeous, meticulously kept green space in the heart of Bellevue’s downtown area. On an average visit, you’ll find people playing lawn games, walking their dogs, exercising, or enjoying a community event like the city’s free outdoor movie series in the summertime. 

There’s enough space here to relax by yourself or meet up with friends. This Bellevue park also has a good-sized children’s play area and a calming horizontal waterfall that flows into a pond brimming with ducks. 

Bellevue Botanical Garden

Wander this free attraction, home to several gardens and a charming coffee shop.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 452-2750 | Website | Hours: Dawn – Dusk, Daily | Entrance: free

Entrance to the Bellevue Botanical Garden is completely free so nature lovers should come here to check out the vibrant and varied vegetation of the cultivated gardens. You can enter and wander at your leisure from dawn to dusk. 

Be sure to take a break at the Copper Kettle Coffee bar to refuel with a latte and a baked good and pop into the Trillium Store before you go to snag a garden-themed gift. Visit the Bellevue Botanical Garden during the holiday season to see the stunning Garden D’Lights, a festive and beautiful light show.

Meydenbauer Bay Park

Watch the sunset from the shore or while kayaking on the water.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 452-6885 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 11 pm, daily | 👉 Rent A Kayak, Canoe or Paddleboard

Meydenbauer Bay Park is a small park on the water with a tiny beach area and grand sunset views. It’s within walking distance of downtown, which makes it a good escape from the busyness of the city. 

Enjoy the gardens, read a book, or walk out along the dock to admire the view. In the summertime, you can go to the nearby REI Boathouse for canoe and kayak rentals. Whether or not you’re able to get out on the water, the laid-back nature and beauty of this gem of a park make it one of the best things to do in Bellevue, Washington.

Bellevue Collection

Experience three shopping complexes where you’ll find retailers, restaurants, entertainment, and hotels.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 454-8096 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Monday-Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm Sunday

The Bellevue Collection is one of the best things to do in Bellevue if you’re set on shopping. It’s comprised of Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Place.

These shopping malls make up a huge district in the downtown area, collectively termed the Bellevue Collection. The largest and most popular of the trio is Bellevue Square, where you’ll find a majority of shops from apparel to home decor to electronics.

The Collection also has numerous restaurants and entertainment venues. It’s also home to Bellevue’s top hotels, some of which are the best places to stay in Seattle.

Old Bellevue

Check out this charming strip of local eateries, retailers, and other establishments.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 637-9678 | Website

In the heart of Bellevue, right across the way from Bellevue Square and Bellevue Downtown Park is Old Bellevue, a strip of small businesses and dining spots along Main Street that Bellevue residents love. Shops include Belle Pastry and Fran’s Chocolate, two must-visit spots for those with a sweet tooth. 

Go to Hedge and Vine for home goods and wine, or take a cooking class at Whisk. Prefer to let someone else do the cooking for you? Order some delicious Vietnamese dishes with a Pacific Northwest twist at Monsoon Bellevue.

Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm

Pick berries and shop for fresh, local produce at this peaceful Bellevue attraction.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 485-4812 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wednesday-Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm Sunday, Closed Mondays & Tuesdays

The whole family will enjoy Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm, particularly during blueberry picking season. Rent one of the buckets and pick as much as you can! There are hundreds of blueberry bushes with several varieties to choose from, so you won’t run out of options. 

Outside of the blueberry season, a produce stand is open regularly, so you can still get your fill of delicious fruits and veggies. After getting your produce, take a peaceful walk around the pond or sit back and relax while observing the birdlife.

Chism Beach Park

Swim and fish while taking in scenic views of the Emerald City skyline.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 452-6885 | Website

This small, sandy beach is a hidden gem. Chism Beach Park is a local favorite nestled in a forest-y area on Lake Washington. It offers great views of the Seattle skyline, tons of picnic tables, a playground, and houses Bellevue’s oldest remaining structure, Burrows Cabin. 

With enough space for people to spread out and lounge, and swimming and fishing opportunities in the summertime, Chism Beach Park is a perfect destination for people who want some family fun. 

👉 Read Next: What to Do in Seattle

Bellevue Arts Museum

Visit this museum that highlights local artists and hosts a massive summer arts fair.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 519-0770 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Sunday, Closed Monday & Tuesday | Entrance: $15 adults, $8 youth, free under 6

Initially an art fair, the Bellevue Arts Museum (or BAM) transitioned into a permanent museum in 1975. It still stays connected to its roots by continuing to host one of the biggest art fairs in the Pacific Northwest during the summer. 

The museum features mostly local artists and has rotating exhibits, meaning you’ll see a unique variety of art on any return visits. With an interesting rotation, a museum store stocked with goods from local makers, and plenty of great food nearby, the Bellevue Arts Museum is a sweet spot to spend a day in Bellevue.

👉 Pro Tip: Planning to spend some time around downtown Bellevue? Bring a receipt from any store in the Bellevue Collection to knock a couple of bucks off your museum admission! 

KidsQuest Children’s Museum

Have a playdate at this engaging attraction, perfect for entertaining little ones on a rainy day.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 637-8100 | Website | Entrance: $15 adults & children 1+, babies under 1 free (reservations required)

Need a fun place to take your kids on a rainy day? The KidsQuest Children’s Museum will keep kids ages 10 and under entertained for hours.

With clever and interactive learning activities, kids are guaranteed a fun time playing with their parents and peers in an imaginative environment. There’s plenty to do indoors, but there’s also an outdoor space for moments when the sun decides to peek through on those cloudy gray days. 

The Bravern

Shop luxury brands and enjoy fine dining at this European-style shopping complex.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 456-8795 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm Monday-Saturday, 12 pm – 6 pm Sunday

All signs point to Bellevue if you want to do some shopping on your visit. If your tastes tend toward designer and luxury brands, head to The Shops at The Bravern.

This posh, European-style shopping complex includes stores like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, and dining options that range from steak to cupcakes. Utilize the valet parking here to ensure you get in and out without a hitch.

Fine Dining

Splurge on an upscale restaurant ranging from seafood and steak to international cuisines.

📍 Google Maps

Bellevue has no shortage of restaurants, particularly if you want an upscale dining experience. Choose from tons of different cuisines ranging from seafood to steak to hot pot. If you’re craving Italian food, hit up Carmine’s for decadent pasta dishes and delightful cocktails. Try out John Howie Steak for a variety of tender, juicy meats. 

The absolute best in Bellevue dining? Go to Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar, whose dreamy seafood dishes and great service will justify the splurge.

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie Forest

Explore this stunning region by hiking, biking, rafting, and taking scenic drives.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 783-6000 | Website | Entrance: Northwest Forest Pass, $5 per vehicle, $30 annually | 👉 Book A Guided Hiking Tour on Viator

Outdoor activities abound on the Eastside, and Bellevue’s proximity to the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is one of the reasons for this. Experiencing this expansive area is one of the best things to do in Washington state!

There are hundreds of trails throughout the forest to suit nearly every level of hiker. Wildlife watching, river rafting, biking, and taking scenic drives are also ways to traverse this popular part of the state. If you’re in Bellevue, you’re in a prime location to get exploring.

Kelsey Creek Park and Farm

Picnic and watch farm animals at one of the top family-friendly places to visit near Bellevue.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 452-7688 | Website | Hours: Dawn – Dusk, daily | Entrance: free

As soon as you see the picturesque white barns, you’ll understand the draw to Kelsey Creek Park and Farm. This 150-acre park consists of forests, meadows, and natural wetlands that you can explore via the many trails and bridges throughout. 

The farm has a variety of animals including sheep, goats, pigs, ponies, and chickens for viewing and educational purposes. Pack a picnic and spend a delightful afternoon here for some all-ages fun.

Mox Boarding House

Play board games and sip craft beer in a cozy setting.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 326-3050 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Monday-Thursday, 11 am – 12 am Friday, 10 am – 12 am Saturday, 10 am – 10 pm Sunday

Mox Boarding House is great for pretty much everyone. From families to couples to groups of friends, this board game cafe is one of the most fun things to do in Bellevue, WA. Peruse their enormous selection of games and see what interests you. 

Rent a game from their rental library and set up in their cafe to play while you enjoy some delicious food, beer, wine, or cocktails. This board game lover’s haven is a great place for a rainy day or to spend time with a chosen few.

Crossroads

Eat, shop, and be entertained at this shopping complex — which even features a rock climbing gym.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 644-1111 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm Monday-Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm Sunday

As far as shopping goes, Crossroads is less luxurious than the Bravern and smaller than Bellevue Square, but still worth a visit. The mall hosts communal events like the weekly farmer’s market in the summertime and live music every weekend. 

Alongside retail shops that range from bookstores to pottery and home goods, Crossroads has great dining options in their public market area full of delicious international foods. Don’t skip a visit to Stone Gardens too, an amazing climbing gym that’s great for some exercise after your day of shopping.

Paragliding

Launch off Poo Poo Point and soar through the air, high above Bellevue!

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (206) 387-3477 | Cost: $295 Tandem Flight

Head south toward Issaquah about 20 minutes from Bellevue center and yet another adventure awaits. Visitors can go paragliding from Poo Poo Point (yes, that’s what it’s actually called!) atop Tiger Mountain. 

Seattle Paragliding will provide you with everything you need to do this tandem flight and will even record the flight so you can keep it forever. You’ll hike or take a shuttle up the mountain and then launch, experiencing views of the mountains, forests, and city that you’ll never forget.

📚 Related Reading: More interested in the hike to Poo Poo Point hike than the flight from it? Get the details in my Hikes Near Seattle article!

Mercer Slough Nature Park

Wander through Lake Washington wetland, spotting birds and other wildlife.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 452-6885 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily

Enjoyed the Bellevue Botanical Gardens? Nature-lovers should head to Mercer Slough Nature Park next. You can explore this Lake Washington wetland via three hiking trails or the river that runs through it. 

Take binoculars and watch for blue herons, bald eagles, beavers, and otters, and bring a guidebook to identify plants native to the Pacific Northwest in this natural area. Just be sure to pack bug spray and watch out for mosquitoes which can be an annoyance in the area.

Newcastle Beach Park

Take a walk at this local gem, an ideal spot to watch the sunset.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 452-6914 | Hours: 6 am – 9 pm daily

While it’s a little further away from most other things to do in Bellevue, Newcastle Beach Park deserves a definite place on this list. This cute hangout spot is the perfect setting for a picnic, barbecue, a frisbee game, or a peaceful evening by the water. 

It’s one of Bellevue’s best beach parks, and the sunsets here are dazzling. While it’s busiest in warmer months, it’s nice to go in the fall when it comes alight with color, and if it snows in the wintertime, the park becomes a winter wonderland.

Bellevue Zip Tour

Go zip lining high above the forest floor and enjoy glimpses of far-off peaks.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 295-5494 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $90 adults, $75 youth 

At the Bellevue Zip Tour and Challenge Course, you can soar through the trees 80 feet above the forest floor, test your wits and balance on an aerial course, or try your strength on the climbing wall. 

This is one of the best things to do in Bellevue for both adrenaline junkies or anyone who wants to get over a fear of heights. While there, don’t forget to marvel at the beautiful forest around you and any glimpses of Mount Baker and Glacier Peak you might catch. 

👉 Heads Up: Bellevue Zip Tour is temporary closed for renovations and plans to resume tours on April 20, 2024.

FAQs About What to Do in Bellevue

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Thanks for reading my guide on the best and most unique things to do in Bellevue, WA. For more insights from a local, read my article on the top places to visit in Washington state next!