10 Fun Things To Do Near Bellevue, Washington (King County)
If you’re planning a trip to the Seattle area,
Bellevue, Washington is a spot you don’t want to miss. Sitting just across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue offers city vibes, easy access to nature, and some of the best views in the region.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying longer, here are
10 things to do in and around Bellevue that give you a real feel for the area.
1. Stroll, Shop, and Eat Your Way Through Downtown Bellevue
Downtown Bellevue is compact, walkable, and full of energy. Think of it as Seattle’s stylish neighbor with a slightly calmer pace.
- Bellevue Square – a large shopping center with big-name brands, local shops, and plenty of food options.
- Lincoln Square & Bellevue Place – connected complexes with restaurants, lounges, movie theaters, and even a bowling alley.
- Sidewalk cafes and coffee shops on almost every corner.
If you love people-watching, grab a coffee, find a bench, and just soak in the city. On weekends, the streets feel almost like a mini downtown Seattle without the hustle overload.
2. Escape to Nature at Bellevue Botanical Garden
Just a few minutes from the high-rise buildings, you’ll find the
Bellevue Botanical Garden, a peaceful 53-acre oasis that’s completely free to visit.
You can wander through:
- Native plant gardens full of Pacific Northwest greenery.
- A beautiful perennial border bursting with color in spring and summer.
- The Ravine Experience with a cool suspension bridge tucked into the trees.
This is a great spot for:
- Relaxed walks
- Easy photos with a “wow” backdrop
- Families with kids who like to explore
If you visit in winter, check if their
Garden d’Lights holiday light show is running—it’s a local favorite.
3. Picnic and Paddle at Meydenbauer Bay Park
Bellevue has real waterfront charm, and
Meydenbauer Bay Park puts you right on Lake Washington.
Here you can:
- Spread out a blanket on the grass and enjoy a picnic.
- Let kids play at the waterfront playground.
- Walk the curved pier for picture-perfect views of the lake and Seattle skyline in the distance.
- Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard nearby in warmer months.
On a sunny day, the bay sparkles. On a cloudy one, the mist over the water feels cozy and very “Pacific Northwest.”
4. Walk the Bellevue Downtown Park Loop
If you prefer flat, easy walks,
Bellevue Downtown Park is perfect. It’s a 21-acre park right next to the city center, with a wide loop trail—about a half-mile around—a huge lawn, and a reflecting pond.
Reasons to stop here:
- Easy exercise without leaving downtown.
- Playground for younger kids.
- Fountain views and skyline photo spots.
It’s also where Bellevue hosts events and festivals throughout the year, so you might stumble onto live music or food trucks if you time it right.
5. Get Outdoors at the Mercer Slough Nature Park
Just south of downtown Bellevue, the
Mercer Slough Nature Park offers a totally different vibe—wetlands, boardwalks, and quiet forested trails.
What to do there:
- Walk or jog the boardwalk trails through the wetlands.
- Watch for birds, turtles, and other wildlife.
- Drop by the Environmental Education Center for family-friendly programs (check hours in advance).
In the summer, you can even
canoe or kayak through the slough. It feels like you’re far from the city, even though the freeway is only a few minutes away.
6. Ride the Lake-to-Lake Trail or Explore the Regional Bike Paths
If you like to bike, Bellevue and King County give you access to some of the best urban trails in the state.
In and around Bellevue:
- The Lake-to-Lake Trail connects several parks and small lakes across the city.
- The nearby Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail offers scenic stretches with views of the Cascades.
Close by in King County:
- Burke-Gilman Trail – extends from Seattle and connects with the Eastside via the SR 520 Trail.
- East Lake Sammamish Trail – a popular path following the shoreline of Lake Sammamish.
You don’t have to be a hardcore cyclist. Even a short, 20–30 minute ride on a flat section can be a great way to see more of the area.
7. Take a Day Trip to Snoqualmie Falls
If you’re willing to drive about 30–40 minutes east from Bellevue, you’ll reach one of King County’s most iconic sights:
Snoqualmie Falls.
This 268-foot waterfall is one of those places that actually looks as dramatic in person as it does in photos.
Highlights:
- Easy access viewpoints from the upper observation area.
- A trail (steep but manageable for many people) down to the lower view.
- The historic Salish Lodge & Spa overlooking the falls—nice for a meal or a special treat.
If you’ve ever watched the TV show
Twin Peaks, the area might feel oddly familiar.
8. Walk the Waterfront in Kirkland or Rent a Boat
Just a short drive north of Bellevue, still in King County, the town of
Kirkland offers charming lakeside parks and a lively waterfront.
You can:
- Stroll through Marina Park and relax by the docks.
- Grab ice cream or coffee and sit by the water.
- Look for boat rentals or lake cruises on Lake Washington in summer.
It’s an easy half-day trip from Bellevue, and the sunset views over the lake are worth sticking around for.
9. Explore Seattle’s Big Attractions (Just Across the Lake)
One of the best things about staying in Bellevue is how close you are to
Seattle. In normal traffic, downtown Seattle is roughly a 15–20 minute drive across I-90 or SR 520.
Popular spots to add to your list:
- Pike Place Market – fresh fish, flowers, local food, and the famous flying fish.
- Space Needle – the classic Seattle landmark with wide views of the city and Puget Sound.
- Seattle Aquarium and the waterfront piers.
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) – music, movies, sci-fi, and more.
Think of Bellevue as your “home base” with easy parking and often slightly cheaper hotels, while Seattle is your day trip playground.
10. Enjoy Food, Coffee, and Local Flavor All Over Bellevue
Bellevue is known for its
diverse food scene. Within a few miles, you can find nearly every type of cuisine you can think of—especially Asian food.
Ideas to try:
- Asian food halls and restaurants for ramen, hot pot, dim sum, sushi, and more.
- Craft coffee shops serving everything from classic drip coffee to fancy lattes.
- Happy hour spots in and around downtown, perfect after a day of exploring.
If you’re a foodie, it’s easy to build your trip around meals—walk, explore, eat, repeat.
Planning Your Bellevue Trip: A Few Tips
- When to visit: Late spring through early fall usually offers the best weather. Summers are often mild, with comfortable temperatures.
- Getting around: A car is handy, but many areas are walkable, and there are buses and ride-shares. The light rail is expanding in the region too.
- What to pack: Layers and a light rain jacket. Even in summer, evenings can be cool and showers can pop up.
Final Thoughts: Why Bellevue Belongs on Your Washington Itinerary
Bellevue is more than just a suburb of Seattle. It’s a place where you can:
- Shop and dine in a modern downtown,
- Step into peaceful gardens and wetland trails,
- Take quick trips to waterfalls, lakes, and big-city attractions.
If you like the idea of mixing
urban comfort with easy
access to nature, Bellevue in King County is a great choice for your next getaway.
Share Your Bellevue Experience
Have you been to Bellevue or nearby spots in King County?
- Which park or viewpoint was your favorite?
- Did you find an amazing local restaurant or coffee shop?
Drop your stories, tips, or questions in the comments—I’d love to hear what you discovered.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a trip to Washington. It might be just the nudge they need to add Bellevue to their itinerary.
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