Summary
Fairhaven is a charming historic district located just south of downtown Bellingham, Washington. This well-preserved area, which overlooks the waters of Bellingham Bay, is within a short walking distance to the bus and train station and the Bellingham Cruise Terminal.
Most of Fairhaven’s shops, galleries, and restaurants occupy a compact neighborhood, making it an easy place to explore on foot. Visitors can leave the train station or park their vehicles, relax, and enjoy their time without worrying about transportation logistics.
Why You Should Visit Fairhaven
Historic Character
Fairhaven experienced a boom in 1889 when it was named as a potential railroad terminus. Workers from around the globe arrived to build and operate various hotels, saloons, and other businesses. The town earned a reputation akin to the “Chicago” or “San Francisco” of the Northwest. Although the railroad terminus was established elsewhere, Fairhaven established itself as a seaport, preserving its turn-of-the-century charm.
Unique Businesses
In Fairhaven, you won’t find chain stores or fast-food restaurants. Instead, visitors can relish the opportunity to wander through unique gift shops, bookstores, and boutiques. Art enthusiasts can enjoy the work of local and regional artists at the numerous galleries. Additionally, a variety of restaurants and coffee shops cater to diverse tastes, serving everything from steak and seafood to ethnic and vegetarian cuisine.
Friendly Atmosphere
Fairhaven promotes a warm and welcoming atmosphere where residents and visitors alike say hello, fostering friendly conversations in various shops or restaurants. This welcoming vibe encourages interactions among college students, locals, and tourists.
Fun Things to Do in Bellingham’s Fairhaven Historic District
Fairhaven invites exploration on foot or simply lounging and enjoying the scenic views. Here are some fun activities to consider:
Fairhaven Village Green
Located at the corner of 10th and Mill, Fairhaven Village Green is a public area enjoyed by people of all ages. Activities such as outdoor cinema, bocce ball, a farmers market, and live music are just a few highlights when visiting the Green.
Historic Walking Tour of Fairhaven
Fairhaven takes pride in its vibrant history, evident through historic markers found throughout the district. Local businesses showcase their histories through photographs and exhibits. To delve deeper into Fairhaven’s past and learn about the preserved buildings, inquire about a walking tour map at nearby establishments.
South Bay Trail (map)
The South Bay Trail runs from just outside Fairhaven Inn to downtown Bellingham, offering breathtaking water views throughout the journey. This accessible trail suits walkers, runners, and cyclists, featuring benches, viewpoints, and informative signs along the way. Boulevard Park, located roughly at the trail’s midpoint, is an excellent spot for enjoying the outdoors, providing ample grassy areas for play, lounging, or picnicking, along with benches and restrooms.
The Chrysalis Spa
The Chrysalis Spa acts as a serene retreat from daily life, offering a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments. With its calming decor of natural materials, glass art, and tranquil running water, the spa provides an optimal relaxation experience.
Shopping in Fairhaven
Spend an enjoyable afternoon exploring Fairhaven’s distinctive shops. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll encounter:
Brenthaven Travel Store
909 Harris Ave.
Brenthaven offers high-quality, locally-made travel bags, business cases, and accessories.
The Bunch
1005 Harris Ave.
Specializing in jewelry, gifts, and bath and body items, The Bunch features an assortment of products sourced from Sequim’s lavender farms.
Eclipse Bookstore
1104 11th St.
Book lovers will appreciate browsing through two stories of quality used books, with an excellent collection focusing on Northwest topics.
Fairhaven Runners
1209 11th St.
This shop specializes in quality shoes, clothing, and gear tailored for walkers and runners, providing expert assistance in selecting the right footwear for individual needs.
Wild Blueberries
1106 Harris Ave.
A charming boutique focused on children, offering gifts, toys, and clothing for little ones.
Wool Station
1103 11th St.
Wool Station is stocked with a vast range of high-quality yarns in every hue, along with patterns, books, needles, and accessories.
Art Galleries in Fairhaven
Fairhaven showcases numerous galleries that feature fine art and crafts, including fine woodwork, art jewelry, blown glass, clever pottery, and much more.
Artwood: A Gallery of Fine Woodworking
1000 Harris Ave.
Entering this woodworking cooperative, visitors are met with delightful scents of wood and polish. Artwood’s inventory includes handcrafted wood furniture, jewelry, and various gift items.
Gallery West
1300 12th Ave.
This gallery features a wide variety of art and craft items, from paintings and wall sculptures to art glass and pottery.
Good Earth Pottery
1000 Harris Ave.
This gallery offers both functional and artistic pottery pieces, alongside jewelry, candles, and additional gift items.
Renaissance Celebration Art Glass
915 Harris Ave.
Filled with various glass creations, this gallery showcases vases, ornaments, frames, dishes, and jewelry.
Dining in Fairhaven
Fairhaven presents an array of dining options, offering home-style breakfasts, fresh lunch selections, and hearty dinners.
Colophon Café & Deli
1208 11th St.
This casual café features a menu packed with wholesome foods, including homemade soups, deli sandwiches, and various vegetarian options. Desserts, ice cream, espresso, beer, and wine are also available.
Dirty Dan Harris’ Restaurant
1211 11th St.
A tribute to Fairhaven’s colorful history, this eatery specializes in steaks, prime rib, and seafood.
Keenan’s at the Pier
804 10th St.
Offering lunch and dinner for the public, Fino Wine Bar presents an array of chef-prepared Northwest dishes.
Sirena Gelato Café
960 Harris Ave.
Indulge in delicious homemade gelato with flavors like amaretto, coconut, and real vanilla, alongside coffee drinks and baked goods.
Skylark’s Hidden Café
1308B 11th St.
This cozy bistro provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner options made from top-quality ingredients, including sandwiches, salads, burgers, hearty pasta dishes, and seafood.
Hotels & Lodging in Fairhaven
Fairhaven Village Inn
This elegant boutique hotel provides convenient access to Fairhaven’s shops, restaurants, and waterfront trails. Amenities include down bedding, bathrobes, fine toiletries, and high-speed Internet access, complemented by a continental breakfast in the morning room and complimentary tea and coffee in the library.
The Chrysalis Inn
The Chrysalis Inn offers spacious and comfortable rooms, individually decorated for an atmosphere of soothing elegance. Room amenities include cushioned window seats, gas fireplaces, large jetted tubs, water views, and plush bedding, complemented by common areas featuring an expansive living room and outdoor sitting and dining spaces overlooking the water.
How to Get to Fairhaven
Fairhaven is located just south of downtown Bellingham, which is approximately 89 miles north of Seattle.
By Car
From Interstate 5, take exit #250 onto Old Fairhaven Parkway and head west for around 1 mile.
For those traveling from the south, scenic Chuckanut Drive offers a delightful route to Fairhaven.
By Bus
The Greyhound bus services Fairhaven Station multiple times per day.
By Train
The Amtrak Cascades line, which services routes between Eugene, Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, BC, includes stops at Fairhaven Station.
By Water
The Bellingham Cruise Terminal serves as the southernmost terminus of the Alaska Marine Highway System. However, the Washington State Ferry System does not operate regularly scheduled services to Fairhaven or Bellingham.
By Air
Bellingham International Airport provides access through several major airlines, including Delta and Horizon, as well as general aviation services.
