Best Things to Do in Bellevue, Washington: A Friendly Guide to Exploring the City

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October 10, 2023

Bellevue, Washington, is a bustling city located just east of Seattle. With its picturesque parks, vibrant downtown area, and diverse range of attractions, Bellevue has something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, there are plenty of things to do in this city that will keep you entertained.

One of the top attractions in Bellevue is the Bellevue Downtown Park. This 21-acre park features a stunning waterfall, a reflecting pond, and a variety of walking paths that wind through gardens and open spaces. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, and it’s also a popular spot for outdoor concerts and events.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous activity, you might want to check out the Bellevue Zip Tour. This thrilling zipline experience takes you soaring through the treetops of Eastgate Park, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. It’s a unique and exciting way to see Bellevue from a whole new perspective.

Exploring Downtown Bellevue

Downtown Bellevue is a bustling area with plenty to see and do. Whether you’re interested in art, parks, or shopping, there is something for everyone. Here are a few highlights to check out:

Bellevue Arts Museum

The Bellevue Arts Museum is a must-visit for any art enthusiast. The museum features a rotating collection of contemporary art, craft, and design. Visitors can also participate in workshops and classes to learn more about various art forms. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and admission fees vary.

Bellevue Downtown Park

Bellevue Downtown Park is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. The 21-acre park features a reflecting pond, a waterfall, and plenty of green space for picnics and relaxation. The park is also home to several events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts and movie screenings.

The Shops at The Bravern

For a high-end shopping experience, head to The Shops at The Bravern. This luxury shopping center features designer boutiques, upscale restaurants, and even a Neiman Marcus department store. The Shops at The Bravern is a great place to spend an afternoon browsing and indulging in some retail therapy.

Overall, Downtown Bellevue is a vibrant and exciting area with plenty to discover. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to explore all that this area has to offer.

Outdoor Activities

Bellevue, Washington is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With plenty of parks, gardens, and nature reserves, there are numerous opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Here are a few of the top outdoor activities in Bellevue:

Bellevue Botanical Garden

The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Bellevue. With 53 acres of gardens, woodlands, and wetlands, visitors can explore a wide variety of plant life. The garden features several themed gardens, including a Japanese garden, a rock garden, and a water-wise garden. There are also several walking trails that wind through the garden, providing visitors with a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Mercer Slough Nature Park

Mercer Slough Nature Park is a 320-acre wetland nature preserve located in the heart of Bellevue. The park features several miles of hiking trails, boardwalks, and canoe and kayak rentals. Visitors can explore the wetlands and see a variety of wildlife, including beavers, otters, and herons. The park also offers several educational programs and guided tours for visitors who want to learn more about the wetland ecosystem.

Kelsey Creek Park

Kelsey Creek Park is a 150-acre park located in the heart of Bellevue. The park features several miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. Visitors can explore the park’s forests and wetlands, and see a variety of wildlife, including deer and rabbits. The park also features a working farm, where visitors can see farm animals up close and learn about farm life.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll through a garden or an adventurous hike through the wetlands, Bellevue has something to offer for every outdoor enthusiast.

Culinary Experiences

Bellevue is known for its vibrant culinary scene, offering a diverse range of dining experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences. From farm-to-table restaurants to local wineries and breweries, there are plenty of options for foodies to indulge in.

Bellevue Farmers Market

Bellevue Farmers Market is a must-visit for anyone interested in locally-sourced, fresh produce. The market is open every Saturday from May to November and features over 50 vendors selling a variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, and artisanal products. Visitors can also enjoy live music and cooking demonstrations while browsing the stalls.

Dining at Bellevue Square

Bellevue Square is a popular shopping destination, but it also offers a range of dining options for visitors to enjoy. From casual cafes to upscale restaurants, there is something for everyone. Some of the notable restaurants include Daniel’s Broiler, which offers stunning views of the city skyline, and The Cheesecake Factory, known for its extensive menu and delicious desserts.

Local Wineries and Breweries

Bellevue is home to several wineries and breweries that offer tastings and tours for visitors. Some of the notable wineries include Pondera Winery, which specializes in red blends, and Chateau Ste. Michelle, which offers a range of varietals and has a beautiful outdoor patio. For beer lovers, Bellevue Brewing Company is a popular spot that offers a variety of craft brews and pub fare.

Overall, Bellevue’s culinary scene is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. With a range of options to choose from, visitors are sure to find something that satisfies their taste buds.

Family Friendly Activities

Bellevue, Washington is a great place to visit with the whole family. There are plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from. Here are a few that are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.

KidsQuest Children’s Museum

KidsQuest Children’s Museum is an interactive museum that is perfect for kids. Children can learn and play at the same time. The museum has a variety of exhibits that are designed to be both fun and educational. Some of the exhibits include:

  • The Backyard: This exhibit is designed for younger children. It features a playhouse, a garden, and a water table.
  • The Garage: This exhibit is all about cars. Children can pretend to be mechanics and work on a car or race a car on a track.
  • The Treehouse: This exhibit is a three-story treehouse that children can climb and explore.

Bellevue Zip Tour

Bellevue Zip Tour is an exciting adventure that the whole family can enjoy. The tour takes you through a beautiful forest canopy, and you get to see some amazing views of Bellevue. The tour lasts about two hours, and there are seven zip lines in total. The tour guides are friendly and knowledgeable, and they make sure that everyone is safe and having a good time.

Factoria Mall

Factoria Mall is a great place to go shopping with the whole family. There are plenty of stores to choose from, including clothing stores, toy stores, and electronics stores. There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from, so you can grab a bite to eat while you’re there. The mall is clean and well-maintained, and there is plenty of parking available.

Bellevue, Washington has plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an interactive museum, an exciting adventure, or a place to go shopping, Bellevue has something for everyone.

Cultural Experiences

Bellevue is a city with a rich culture and history. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending various cultural events and visiting museums and galleries. Here are some of the best cultural experiences in Bellevue:

Meydenbauer Center

The Meydenbauer Center is a state-of-the-art conference center that hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. The center has hosted everything from art exhibits to dance performances and theater productions. Visitors can check the center’s website to see what events are coming up.

Bellevue Arts Fair

The Bellevue Arts Fair is an annual event that takes place in July. The fair features over 300 artists from around the country who display their work in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and jewelry. Visitors can also enjoy live music and food from local vendors.

Eastside Heritage Center

The Eastside Heritage Center is a museum that showcases the history of the Eastside region, including Bellevue. The museum has exhibits on everything from Native American history to the early days of Bellevue. Visitors can also take guided tours of the museum and attend various events throughout the year.

Whether you’re interested in art, history, or cultural events, Bellevue has something to offer. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending events and visiting museums and galleries.

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