A Brief History of Bellevue, WA
Before we get into all the things to do in Bellevue, let’s get to know it a bit. The first signs of settlement in Bellevue came in 1869, when William Meydenbauer built a cabin on the east side of Lake Washington. In 1871, a small, wood frame school house was constructed. The first church, a Congregational Church, opened in 1878, and was later followed by a Presbyterian Church, which was established in 1885. The first bank opened in 1888, and the city’s first newspaper started publishing in 1890.
Bellevue’s population began to grow after it was incorporated as a city on March 21, 1953. Since then, it has grown from less than 2,000 people to more than 144,000 today. Bellevue is now one of the largest cities in Washington state and home to more than 130 technology companies. It’s also full of beautiful wetland wildlife, making it a popular destination for hikers.
Places to Visit in Bellevue Downtown
Bellevue, once a small suburb east of Seattle, has grown into one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, with a wide variety of attractions and things to do. If you find yourself in the area for business or pleasure, make sure to check out the following must-see places.
Bellevue Arts Museum
The arts scene in Bellevue is flourishing, and the Bellevue Arts Museum is at its core. The museum features contemporary art exhibitions and focuses on craftsmanship and innovation. A visit to BAM will reveal exciting exhibits from some of the top artists in town.
Bellevue Downtown Park
This 12-acre park is an oasis just steps away from the bustle of downtown Bellevue. It is one of the city’s best outdoor spots, featuring a waterfall, sculptures, walking paths and live entertainment during summer months. The park also hosts community events throughout the year, such as Bellevue Magic Season Ice Skating.
Meydenbauer Bay Park
This waterfront park offers great views of Lake Washington and is the perfect place for launching your kayak or paddleboard. It is an excellent spot for picnics and barbecues.
Shopping and Restaurants in Downtown Bellevue
Bellevue has become a shopping mecca in recent years, with high-end stores and unique boutiques lining the streets. Bellevue Square is a great place to start your shopping spree. Downtown Bellevue is also home to a number of excellent hotels, such as the Marriott Bellevue and Hilton Bellevue.
Some of the best restaurants in Bellevue can be found downtown. If you’re looking for a quick bite, stop by Dough Zone Dumpling House for some of the best dumplings in town. For something more upscale, try Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi.
Outdoor Things to Do in Bellevue
Bellevue is home to a number of excellent parks and outdoor spaces. Here are some of the best things to do in Bellevue in fresh air.
- Visit one of Bellevue’s many parks, such as Willburton Hill Park, Kelsey Creek Park, and Lake Hills Greenbelt.
- Take in the breathtaking views of Bellevue Botanical Garden.
- Take a walk or bike ride along Lake Washington, stopping to enjoy the beach parks and picnic areas.
There are also great spots for nature lovers just outside Bellevue. Take a short drive to Coal Creek Natural Area to see a waterfall, or watch the wildlife at Squak Mountain State Park. For an amazing hiking experience, drive to Tiger Mountain State Forest, featuring a 15-mile trail.
Things to Do in Bellevue with Kids
Bellevue is the perfect place for a family getaway. With so many things to do in Bellevue, from museums to parks and more, the whole family will be entertained. If you are looking for attractions made specifically for kids, here are some ideas for your next trip.
KidsQuest Children’s Museum is one of the best kids museums in Washington State. Kids can learn about science, technology and art through play. The museum features hands-on exhibits as well as a space for little ones under 3 years old. Admission is $11, and your kids will also be able to participate in free programming such as ‘Play with Clay’ or ‘Engineering Hour.’
Kids Cove at The Square is a great spot to take toddlers and preschoolers on rainy days. Kids Cove is an indoor play space where children can run around and have fun. There is no admission fee, but you may want to bring cash for the snack bar.
On a sunny day, take your kids to Mercer Slough Nature Park to enjoy the park and the lake. Kids will love seeing turtles, frogs and birds during their visit. Another option is Lakemont Community Park, which has a playground, pool and mini golf course.
Plan a Day Trip to Bellevue – You Won’t Regret It!
Bellevue is a great place to visit if you’re staying in Washington State. With so many things to see and do, you won’t be disappointed. From parks and museums to shopping and outdoor activities, there are plenty of things to do in Bellevue for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Similar Posts:
- Things to Do in Montgomery, AL – Places to Go and Things to See in the Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement
- Things to Do in Bellingham, WA – Tourist Attractions in Bellingham for Families and Solo Travelers Alike
- Things to Do in Arlington, VA: Attractions to Visit in Arlington to Learn About the Military and More
- Things to Do in Alexandria, VA: The Old Town and Other Interesting Things to See When You Visit Alexandria
- The Église Saint-Sulpice: Exploring the Saint Sulpice Church in Paris, Known for Its Organ and Eugène Delacroix Murals
- 14 Things to Do in Fredericksburg, VA: Attractions, Places to Go and Things to See On Your Day Trip to Fredericksburg
- Things to Do in Spokane, WA. Tourist Attractions and Places to See in Spokane
- Things to Do in North Conway, NH: A Guide to the Best Attractions in North Conway, New Hampshire
