Bellevue, WA offers a surprising range of activities for a city of its size — from the Bellevue Arts Museum and Meydenbauer Bay Park to the Bellevue Botanical Garden and some of the best shopping in the Pacific Northwest at Bellevue Square. The city sits on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, 10 miles from Seattle, and has developed its own distinct urban identity as one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the US.
What To Do In Bellevue WA
Bellevue truly has something for everyone. No matter what your interests or hobbies, you will be able to find a community and activities to match. Here are a couple of general suggestions for what to do in Bellevue.
1. Bellevue Arts Museum
The Bellevue Arts Museum , or BAM as it’s referred to by residents, has a vast collection of art pieces both from local artists as well as international ones. This is one of the best things to do in Bellevue as it offers a creative, enjoyable experience for adults as well as kids (BAM hosts educational workshops for kids). And to top it all off, admission to BAM is free, so not only do you have a fun activity to do but also a free one in your new hometown of Bellevue.
2. Bellevue Square
If one of your hobbies is shopping, look no further than Bellevue Square . Absolutely packed with restaurants and stores and is one of the best things to do with friends for a relaxing afternoon in Bellevue. Spend the day shopping to your heart’s content and finish the evening at Cactus for a delicious meal of Mexican food paired with a cocktail.
3. Bellevue Zip Tour
Want to explore Bellevue from above? Then you’ll be thrilled to learn that you can book a zipline tour in Bellevue . This is a fun and unique thing to do in Bellevue and give you a glimpse into Bellevue nature scapes from an aerial point of view.
4. The Shops at the Bravern
This is a European inspired shopping mall with high end brands and restaurants aplenty. If shopping is your hobby, The Shops at the Bravern is a perfect way to spend a weekend with friends or your significant other.
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Best Things To Do In Bellevue at Night
For nightlife enthusiasts, here are some of the best things to do in Bellevue at night. If you like nightlife that includes beer, burgers, and shuffleboard, Tavern Hall is the perfect thing to do on Bellevue at night. The lively, pub-like atmosphere all lend their charm and amplify the enjoyment of your Bellevue night out. Tavern Hall is the perfect place to bring friends to share a couple of drinks, snacks, and games. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Bellevue at night, make sure that Tavern Hall is at the top of your list.
6. Earls Kitchen + Bar
Looking for an upscale feel at an affordable price? Earls Kitchen + Bar checks both those boxes and more! Visit during happy hour or for a fun night out in Bellevue and choose from a menu of ribs, sushi, or tacos paired with a delightful margarita.
7. Cactus Bellevue Square
With an expansive (and delicious) Mexican-inspired menu as well as a vast cocktail menu, Cactus in Bellevue Square is perfect for a night out with friends. Young adults in Bellevue love to have a good time and are always on the hunt for things to do at night in the city. An evening spent sipping delicious cocktails and eating portobello mushroom fajitas will be well worth your time.
Fun Things To Do In Bellevue WA With Kids
Relocating to Bellevue with a family? Don’t worry, Bellevue has plenty of fun things to do with kids of all ages!
8. Kelsey Creek Park and Farm
Visiting Kelsey Creek Park and Farm is a double win for parents as it is both a fun and free thing to do with kids. The farm has play and picnic areas, and viewing of animals, including pigs, rabbits, ponies, sheep, goats, and fowl. With all of the educational, hands-on opportunities, this is one of the best things to do with kids in Bellevue, Washington.
9. Kids Quest Children’s Museum
Another fun thing to do in Bellevue with kids is to visit the Kids Quest Children’s Museum. Your kids will enjoy hours of educational fun at the museum with interactive exhibits focused on science, space exploration, and more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Bellevue, WA?
Top things to do in Bellevue: visit Bellevue Botanical Garden (free, 53 acres), shop at Bellevue Square and The Bravern, explore Meydenbauer Bay Park on Lake Washington, visit the Bellevue Arts Museum, hike in Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, dine in the Bellevue Downtown area (excellent Asian cuisine), and catch events at the Bellevue Arts Fair (one of the largest in the US).
Is Bellevue worth visiting?
Yes — Bellevue is worth visiting, especially for its dining scene (some of the best Chinese, Japanese, and Korean restaurants in the Pacific Northwest), shopping, and outdoor access. It's a 10-minute drive or 20-minute bus ride from Seattle and makes a good half-day or full-day addition to a Seattle trip.
What is Bellevue, WA known for?
Bellevue is known for being the home of Microsoft's main campus (in nearby Redmond), Amazon's second major office hub, Bellevue Square (one of the best malls in the Pacific Northwest), a world-class dining scene with exceptional Asian restaurants, and some of the highest-ranked public schools in Washington State.
What outdoor activities are available in Bellevue?
Bellevue outdoor activities: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (36 miles of trails), Lake Hills Greenbelt (2-mile trail through wetlands and blueberry farms), Meydenbauer Bay Park (waterfront, kayak launch), Bellevue Botanical Garden, Newcastle Beach Park (swimming and picnicking on Lake Washington), and easy access to the Cascade foothills for hiking and skiing.
How far is Bellevue from Seattle?
Bellevue is approximately 10 miles east of downtown Seattle across Lake Washington. The drive takes 15–30 minutes via I-90 or SR-520 (depending on traffic). The Metro bus and Sound Transit routes connect Bellevue to Seattle in 20–40 minutes. The East Link light rail extension (opening 2024) provides direct rail service between Bellevue and Seattle.
What is the best area to stay in Bellevue?
The best area to stay in Bellevue is the Downtown Bellevue core, within walking distance of Bellevue Square, the Bellevue Arts Museum, and dozens of restaurants. The Westin Bellevue, Hyatt Regency Bellevue, and W Bellevue are the top hotel options. For a quieter stay, the Meydenbauer Bay area offers waterfront access.
Jason founded On The Go Moving & Storage in Redmond, WA in 2009 and has personally overseen more than 25,000 moves across Greater Seattle. He holds a Washington State Household Goods Mover license (HG-064180) and writes from direct, hands-on experience in the moving industry.
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