Washington became part of the United States on November 11th, 1889.
While Seattle is renowned for its thriving tech industry and vibrant dining scene, those who venture east across Lake Washington can discover an idyllic vacation destination in the form of Bellevue. Officially incorporated in 1953, the city offers a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown Seattle, with no shortage of charming restaurants and dazzling green spaces to explore within its limits. Whether you’re hoping to encounter fascinating flora and fauna, hit some of King County’s lushest hiking trails or just stuff your face with delicious hot pot, Bellevue has the perfect destination in store for you.
Explore Bellevue’s Scenic Hiking Trails
Mercer Slough Nature Park is a popular kayaking destination for Bellevue residents.
Bellevue is within easy driving distance of spectacular preserves like North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park, but there’s one dazzling outdoor adventure destination located just south of city limits. Measuring in at over twelve square kilometers, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park provides a glimpse into the spectacular beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with more than 55 kilometers of winding hiking trails to explore. In the northeastern reaches of the park, the 4.5-kilometer Klondike Swamp Trail offers scenic views and even terrain with the added opportunity to spot native wetland wildlife, while those in search of a more challenging route can tackle the Coal Creek Falls Loop, a 4.3-kilometer path that rewards hikers with stunning vistas of a beloved local waterfall.
Meanwhile, those who prefer to stick closer to the downtown district can find a gorgeous natural escape in the form of Bridle Trails State Park. While the preserve is particularly popular with equestrians, it also offers ample opportunity for nature lovers to explore on foot, with the 2.7-kilometer Trillium Trail playing host to a fascinating array of native flora and fungi. Further south, Mercer Slough Nature Park serves as a top spot for those hoping to explore some of Washington’s pristine wetlands, with no shortage of steep trails that are rife with indigenous wildlife.
Embark on a Birdwatching Excursion
The state bird of Washington is the American goldfinch.
While Bellevue is home to roughly 150,000 inhabitants, it’s not just people that call the surrounding city home. All throughout its limits, there’s a wealth of fascinating Evergreen State wildlife to be discovered, with no shortage of top-tier birdwatching sites scattered throughout city limits. Immediately upon arrival, avian aficionados can make their way to Bellevue Downtown Park to admire the local ducks, then head just east to explore the spectacular beauty of Bellevue Botanical Garden. During a visit, guests are welcome to explore the perennial-filled meadow, fuchsia garden and restored woodlands, with eye-catching species like the ruby-crowned kinglet, northern flicker and American goldfinch all making potential appearances.
Further south, Bellevue’s sprawling Lake Sammamish offers ample opportunity for spotting a wide variety of waterfowl along its idyllic shores. Spanning roughly 11 kilometers in length, this pristine water feature is a top spot for finding buffleheads, common mergansers and a wealth of other sea ducks, while other shoreside species like the belted kingfisher and pied-billed grebe can be found as well. Throughout your visit, be sure to keep your eyes on the skies along with the water, as Lake Sammamish also serves as a major draw for birds of prey ranging from the red-tailed hawk to the osprey.
Discover Bellevue’s Thriving Drinking and Dining Scene
Geoducks—a type of large saltwater clam—are native to western Washington.
After a long day of outdoor adventure across the Bellevue area, you’re certain to have worked up a pretty strong appetite—and fortunately, there’s no shortage of charming restaurants to explore across the city. For fans of East Asian cuisine, the surrounding region offers a spectacular array of options, with The Dolar Shop serving as a local favorite thanks to its high-quality hot pot. Just a few blocks away, Ginza is a top spot for hearty Japanese fare like miso ramen and the restaurant’s acclaimed pumpkin fried rice, while those in need of a quick bite after hiking along Cougar Mountain should be sure to stop at Sandwich House TRES for a spicy teriyaki chicken sandwich—and that’s just scratching the surface of Bellevue’s thriving dining scene.
The downtown district is home to a high concentration of top-tier restaurants, allowing visitors to traverse the globe without setting foot outside of city limits. Tandoori curried prawns, four-cheese chicken tikka and double butter dal makhani are just a few of the flavorful Indian dishes up for grabs at Farzi Café, while nearby El Gaucho is a must-visit for meat lovers thanks to their decadent 20-ounce Chateaubriand. Closer to the water, visitors can snag crab-loaded kanom jeen gaeng poo at Fern Thai on Main, but for serious seafood lovers, nothing beats a trip to Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar. Established in 2002, this local favorite has earned abundant acclaim for their high-quality shellfish, with fresh, locally-sourced oysters and hearty dishes like butternut squash risotto diver scallops and clam-loaded shellstock stew all up for grabs.
