The Bellingham Boardwalk: The Heartbeat of Our City

Every city has its defining landmark—a place that embodies its spirit and identity. Seattle has the Space Needle, Lynden has its iconic windmills, Blaine has the unmistakable Semiahmoo water tower, and New York has the Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center. These places become ingrained in the identity of their communities, instantly recognizable and cherished by locals and visitors alike.

Bellingham is no different. Our city is full of history and breathtaking scenery, from Mount Baker’s towering presence to the cascading waters of Whatcom Falls Park, from the architectural marvel of the Mt. Baker Theatre and Bellingham Towers to the scenic Chuckanut Drive. We have Sycamore Square, also known as the Mason Block, and the stunning Victorian-style homes of Fairhaven Hills, such as the Gamwell House and Wardner’s Castle—also known as the “Purple Castle,” though its hue has changed over the years to more of a blue. Each of these sites holds a piece of Bellingham’s soul. But if I were to choose the true heart of our city, the place that every Bellinghamster knows and loves, it would have to be the Bellingham Boardwalk.

Spanning the breathtaking Bellingham Bay, the Boardwalk offers some of the most stunning, unobstructed views in town. It’s a place of serenity and community, where locals never tire of strolling its length, breathing in the fresh air, and watching the sunset paint the sky. For many of us, the journey begins at the Boulevard Park Music Stage. Some might have already been walking from the South Bay Trail, which seamlessly connects Downtown Bellingham to Fairhaven. But for most, this is the start of a beloved ritual.

As you make your way south, you first pass the remnants of an old dock that once played a key role in Bellingham’s important maritime history. It now offers a unique vantage point of our growing downtown skyline. Nearby, a small rocky beach invites exploration. As kids, we would turn over stones to watch tiny crabs run away or toss rocks into the bay, competing to see who could make the farthest thow. Adjacent to this was the beloved Boulevard Park wooden trestle overpass, which sadly had to be removed in 2019 for safety reasons. Though it no longer stands, it lives on in the hearts of lifelong Bellinghamsters who fondly remember crossing it, feeling the rumble of passing trains below.

Continuing south, you are met with a choice: walk under the shade of the park’s towering pnw trees, where you can pause to watch the endless amount of passing trains, whether its BNSF or Amtrak, or take the open waterfront route, basking in uninterrupted sunlight with stunning bay views. Before stepping onto the Boardwalk itself, children often stop at the pirate ship-themed playground—though those of us who remember the original metal slide might argue that the old one was even better.

No visit to the Boardwalk is complete without a stop at Woods Coffee at Boulevard Park. This is arguably the most iconic Woods location, a must-visit for anyone taking a stroll along the waterfront. Whether you’re sipping a hot drink in the cooler months or enjoying an iced latte in the summer, “Boardwalk and coffee” is a timeless Bellingham tradition. In years past, visitors had to use the single-person restrooms attached to the café, but thankfully, the city has since added a standalone restroom nearby—a small yet significant improvement for the many who frequent this spot.

As you step onto the Boardwalk, the real magic begins. The fresh bay breeze brushes against your face, the fresh scent of the sea fills the air, and the rhythmic lapping of waves provides the perfect natural soundtrack to your journey. Every Bellinghamster has a cherished Boardwalk memory—whether it’s taking family photos at one of the many benches, watching their little sister excitedly pet every passing dog, or simply pausing to soak in the natural beauty of… Everything.

Once you cross the first Boardwalk, you are welcomed by the winding South Bay Trail, a well-maintained path that continues to surprise. Along the way, you’ll find benches dedicated to past Bellingham residents, including the Henry King Memorial Bench. Side trails beckon with hidden gems, like the steep, scenic lookout over the BNSF train tracks that leads to another wooden bench and a stunning view of the second Boardwalk—Taylor Dock. Below this dock, people carve their names into the sandstone, throw rocks into the water, or even lounge in a hammock beneath the planks.

Taylor Dock is longer than the first Boardwalk, offering an even more immersive waterfront experience. The gazebo halfway through is a popular resting point, where, in the summer, you’ll often find musicians strumming guitars, tightrope walkers balancing high above the water, and daring divers plunging into the bay. As you near the end of the Boardwalk, the path begins to rise, offering a stunning aerial perspective of the bay, the railway, and the city beyond. Before you know it, you’ve arrived in Fairhaven Village, where the adventure can continue in the historic district’s charming streets.

But what if there was more? With the upcoming development of Salish Landing Park to the north of Boulevard Park, I can’t help but wonder: Could we extend the Boardwalk even further? Could we finally see the master plan that once envisioned a connection between Salish Landing and Boulevard Park via Boardwalk come to life? And why stop there? Imagine a seamless waterfront trail linking Marine Park to the south end of the boulevard, even if it meant a brief detour inland past the ferry terminal. What if Waypoint Park and Zuanich Point Park were connected, creating an unbroken pedestrian experience along Bellingham’s stunning coastline? Maybe even Little Squalicum Park?

The Boardwalk is more than just a walking path—it’s a thread that ties our community together. It’s where childhood memories are made, where friendships are strengthened over long conversations, and where newcomers fall in love with the city. It’s Bellingham’s heartbeat, and I, for one, can’t wait to see it grow.

This article was created by lifelong resident of Whatcom County, Born and raised in the City of Bellingham, Fernando Gonzalez.