Things
to do

Inspired by the riches of the Pacific Northwest, Fairhaven offers charming coffee shops, delectable dining and artisan cocktail bars. Farm-to-table restaurants highlight local flavors and made-from-scratch dishes. Cozy cafes nestled in alleyways provide the perfect spot for fresh, gourmet brews and mouth-watering soups, sandwiches and pastries. Plus, we have a host of upscale, fine dining establishments where the chef comes out and greets you at your table. You can find the right recipe, ambiance and flavors to satisfy your cravings in Fairhaven.

A Day in Fairhaven

Start your morning bright and early with a quick wake-me-up.

8:30AM – Pick up an espresso drink and a muffin at the Firehouse Cafe. 

8:45 – With coffee and treat in hand, head to the Interurban Trail. This 6.6 mile trail leads to Larrabee State Park. For a more relaxed stroll enter at 10th and Donovan and walk about a mile to 22nd Street. Head north (to the left) and make your way through Happy Valley to Harris Avenue and turn west (another left). Once back in the village it’s time for breakfast.

10:00 – Enjoy a breakfast crepe at Magdalena’s Bistro and Creperie where every meal is a work of art. If you’re lucky enough to be in Fairhaven on Friday, Saturday or Sunday treat yourself to the delicious offerings of Iron Rooster Bakery. 

11:00 – Now it’s time to shop. Fairhaven is full of independently owned and operated businesses. Some of our favorites:

For the kids (or the kid in you) stop by Fairhaven Toy Garden. To take home a bit of the local spirit, check out Bay to Baker Trading Company.  Looking for a little color and fun? Try Scott Ward Art. Finally, to keep you in style as you head into the afternoon, Fairhaven Runners and Walkers.

You may want to take a little time and sit in the Fairhaven Village Green where you can do a little people watching and relax before lunch.

1:00PM – Lunch is right there at the Village Green. Colophon Cafe is a Fairhaven institution offering something for everyone.

2:30 – In the afternoon, head to the water!  The Community Boating Center offers several options for getting onto the water.  Or, stay in the village an take a tour with Bellinghistory Tours with the Good Time Girls. (call ahead to make arrangements)

5:00 – Before dinner, enjoy a cocktail (traditional or designer) at Galloway’s Cocktail Bar.

6:00 – For dinner, make your way up the hill to another of Fairhaven’s institutions, The Black Cat. Here, dinner comes with a spectacular view of the bay.

7:30 – After dinner, grab a gelato treat at Sirena Gelato. Walk the South Bay Trail to Boulevard Park. Take a seat and take in the sunset over the bay.

Now, that is a day in Fairhaven!

Check Out an Ideal Day in Fairhaven

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism contributor Lorin Lindell shares her perfect Fairhaven Day.

You will find it very hard to be bored while in Fairhaven Village, as the district offers something for just about everyone!

In the day, enjoy the array of specialty retail shops, the public library, the Village Green, and the many scenic trails twisting through the beautiful Washington scenery, such as the South Bay and the Interurban. With Marine Park and Boulevard Park just a hop and a skip away, the outdoor opportunities are endless. And at night, the fun continues with artisan cocktail bars, local breweries, and live music streaming out of multiple venues, played by some of our many talented local bands.

If you work up an appetite while out on the town, Fairhaven also offers charming coffee shops, bakeries, and a wide variety of dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether you’re hungry for a quick slice of pizza or want to sit down and enjoy some upscale fine dining, Fairhaven has the perfect place to satisfy any craving.

Fairhaven Village is also one of the most vibrant, friendly communities in Bellingham, Washington. The many historic buildings lend the neighborhood depth to its charm and the folks who live and work inside them are always ready with a smile. Throughout the year the village hosts an abundance of festivals and activities, such as the Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema, Dirty Dan Harris Festival, Fairhaven Festival and Winterfest – there’s certainly no shortage of things to do!