The 19 Best Things to Do in Bellevue

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Outdoors | Family-Friendly Activities | Shopping & Dining

I’m a Seattle local who can point you to all the fun things to do in Bellevue, Washington!

Bellevue is one of the best places to stay near Seattle for those craving a less hectic and more suburban vibe. The city has endless options for shopping, outdoor activities, and family-friendly excursions. In this guide, I’ll cover all of Bellevue’s key attractions and throw in a few hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

20 Best Things to Do in Bellevue

Bellevue Downtown Park

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

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

Downtown Park is a gorgeous and 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. If it’s a nice day in Bellevue, you want to be here.

There’s enough space here to lay out a blanket and relax solo or meet up with friends. The 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 through a free attraction home to several gardens and a charming coffee shop.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 452-2750 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 6:30 pm Daily | Entrance: Free

Visiting the Bellevue Botanical Garden is completely free! This attraction is a must for nature lovers. 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. 

Take a break at the Copper Kettle Coffee Bar to refuel with a latte and a baked good. Then, pop into the Trillium Store to snag a garden-themed gift before you leave. Also, check the garden’s event calendar before you visit. There are almost daily events like storytimes for kids, plus flower weaving workshops and plant sales for adults. 

Coming during the wetter months? 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

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 along the dock to admire the view. Want to get out on the water? Book the nearby Bellevue Lake Cruises in the summertime for a 90-minute day cruise or a 2-hour sunset cruise. 

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 a must-visit.

Bellevue Collection

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 454-8096 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Daily

Head to The Bellevue Collection if you’re set on shopping. It comprises Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Place. These 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. Here, you’ll find shops selling everything from apparel and shoes to home decor and electronics. Most shops are popular chains like Nordstrom, Anthropologie, and UNIQLO, but there are a few local gems in the mix. Visit Made in Washington for some classic PNW souvenirs.

The Collection also has numerous restaurants and entertainment venues like Cinemark, Lucky Strike, and Mirra, a social venue with VR games. Many of Bellevue’s top hotels are in the area around the Collection, so if you decide to stay here, you’ll have plenty at your fingertips to keep you busy.

🚅 How to Get There: Staying in Seattle, but want to spend some time in Bellevue? Use Sound Transit’s 2-Line to do this easy day trip from Seattle without a car. Just hop on the train from the International District toward Redmond. Get off at the Bellevue Downtown stop to be within walking distance of Bellevue Square, Downtown Park, and Old Bellevue!

Outdoor Adventures

Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (916) 396-2166 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Tue-Sat; 8 am – 4 pm Sun; Closed Mon & Tue

Families will enjoy Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm, particularly during blueberry picking season (usually from July through August). 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. 

Visiting outside the blueberry season? There’s a farm store at Larsen Lake that’s open year-round, 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.

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)

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 forest is one of the best things to do in Washington state!

There are hundreds of trails throughout to suit every level of hiker, like the popular Rattlesnake Ledge and Twin Falls trails or the breathtaking Snow Lake. Besides hiking, you can also go wildlife watching, river rafting, biking or take a scenic drive through the area.

Chism Beach Park

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

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

Chism Beach Park is a local favorite nestled in a forested area on Lake Washington. This small beach is a hidden gem with great views of the Seattle skyline, tons of picnic tables, and a playground. It’s also home to Bellevue’s oldest remaining structure, Burrows Cabin. 

The park has enough space for people to spread out and lounge. You can also swim and fish here in the summertime.

Paragliding

Launch off Poo Poo Point and soar through the air.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 387-3477 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm Daily | Cost: $325 Tandem Flight

Drive south to Issaquah from Bellevue 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 than the flight from it? Get the details in my hikes near Seattle article!

Mercer Slough Nature Park

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 452-2565 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm Daily

Enjoyed the Bellevue Botanical Gardens? 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. Bring a guidebook to identify plants native to the Pacific Northwest. Just make sure bug spray is on your packing list. Mosquitoes are a pretty common annoyance here.

Newcastle Beach Park

Take a walk and watch a sunset at this out-of-the-way local gem.

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

While it’s a little farther away from most other attractions, Newcastle Beach Park deserves a place on this list. This cute hangout spot is the perfect setting for a picnic, barbecue, game of frisbee, or a peaceful evening by the water. 

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

Family-Friendly Activities

Kelsey Creek Park and Farm

Picnic and watch farm animals at this family-friendly farm.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 452-7688 | Website | Hours (farm animal viewing): 9 am – 3 pm daily | Entrance: free

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

More interested in animals than trails? Kelsey Creek has a variety of farm animals including sheep, goats, pigs, ponies, cows, and chickens for viewing and educational purposes. The animals are free to see, so you can pack a picnic and spend a delightful afternoon here. If you’re visiting with kids, there’s also a cute farm-themed playground on-site.

Bellevue Adventures

Go ziplining high above the forest floor and enjoy glimpses of far-off mountain peaks.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 317-7768 | Website | Hours: Opens Memorial Day/Closes Labor Day | Entrance: Pricing varies based on activity, day, & time of year (see website)

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

This spot is good for both adrenaline junkies and anyone who wants to get over a fear of heights with a bit of exposure therapy. While visiting, be sure to admire the beautiful forest around you, along with any glimpses of Mount Baker and Glacier Peak you might catch.

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 | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Tue-Thu & Sat (until 7 pm Fri); 11:30 am – 5 pm Sun; Closed Mon | Entrance: $16.75 Adults & Children (1+), Free for babies under 1

This is one of the best places to take your kids on a rainy day. The KidsQuest Children’s Museum will keep kids ages 10 and under entertained for hours. Popular exhibits include an art studio, climbing structures, a water play gallery, and STEM-focused learning labs, but there are a ton of other options. 

The museum has clever and interactive learning activities so kids are guaranteed to have fun 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.

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 Mon-Thu; 11 am – 12 am Fri; 10 am – 12 am Sat; 10 am – 10 pm Sun

Mox Boarding House is great for pretty much everyone. Visit with your family, friends, or partner to peruse this board game cafe’s enormous game library. I guarantee you’ll find something that interests you! 

Rent a game from the library and set it up in the cafe to play while enjoying some delicious food, beer, wine, or cocktails. There’s also a Mox Boarding House in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, so you can check that one out if you’re on the other side of the lake.

👉 Read Next: What to Do in Seattle

Shopping & Dining

Old Bellevue

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

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

Old Bellevue is in the heart of the city, right across the way from Bellevue Square and Downtown Park. Locals love this strip of small businesses and eateries along Main Street. 

Popular spots include Belle Pastry and Fran’s Chocolate, two must-visits for those with a sweet tooth. I’m also partial to Matcha Magic, which has some of the best matcha drinks in the area.

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.

TRES Sandwich

Grab delicious Japanese sandos from a casual and unassuming spot.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (425) 643-7333 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 2 pm Daily

TRES Sandwich is an unassuming little spot in a quiet corner of Bellevue, and its sandwiches are delightful. That’s why you need to plan (or order) ahead before coming. Sandwiches sell out quickly, especially on weekends!

Come to TRES Sandwich for a delicious variety of Japanese sandos. Some of the bestsellers are strawberry, miso katsu, and egg salad, but everything I’ve tried has made it to my mental list of “would eat again.” I’ve also tried the coffee jelly, which was tasty.

This is the perfect spot to visit on the way back from a hike. It’s take-away only, so you can scarf down your sandwiches in the car after purchasing. Or, if you’re more patient than I am, you can take them over to Meydenbauer Bay Park and eat them while enjoying a good view.

Fine Dining

Splurge on upscale restaurants serving everything from seafood and steak to international cuisines.

📍 Google Maps (John Howie Steak)

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.

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 fine dining restaurant in Bellevue? Go to Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar. Its dreamy seafood dishes and great service will justify the splurge.

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 Mon-Sat; 12 pm – 6 pm Sun

All signs point to Bellevue if your tastes tend toward designer and luxury brands. Head to The Shops at The Bravern to get some shopping done.

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

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 Mon-Sat; 9 am – 6 pm Sun

Crossroads is yet another shopping complex in Bellevue. It’s less luxurious than The Bravern and smaller than Bellevue Square, but it’s worth a visit if you want a more community-oriented shopping experience. The mall hosts communal events like the weekly farmers market in the summertime and live music every weekend. 

Alongside shops ranging from bookstores to pottery painting studios and home goods shops, Crossroads has great dining options. Several local PNW chains like Dicks Drive-In and Piroshky Piroshky are here, and the mall’s public market area is full of delicious international foods.

Don’t skip a visit to Edgeworks Climbing Bellevue either. It’s a super fun climbing gym that’s great for some exercise after your day of shopping.

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I hope I’ve helped you figure out what to do the next time you’re in Bellevue! For more travel inspiration, read my article on the top places to visit in Washington state next.