Tucked between the sparkling waters of Lake Washington and the tech hubs of the Eastside, Bellevue, Washington is where urban sophistication meets Pacific Northwest charm.
This isn’t just Seattle’s quieter neighbor—it’s a destination packed with world-class parks, cutting-edge museums, and food scenes that’ll make any foodie swoon.
Think Bellevue is just office buildings and shopping malls? Think again.
We’re revealing the 12 absolute best things to do in Bellevue, from hidden hiking trails to interactive art experiences that even some locals don’t know about.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or lucky enough to call this place home, get ready to see Bellevue in a whole new light!
1. Bellevue Downtown Park – Best for Skyline Views & Leisurely Strolls
At the heart of the city lies Bellevue Downtown Park, a 12-acre urban oasis with the most Instagram-worthy skyline views this side of Lake Washington.
The half-mile promenade circles a stunning reflecting pond, while the waterfall feature provides the perfect white-noise backdrop for your afternoon picnic.
What makes it special? The seasonal changes.
Cherry blossoms explode in pink every April, summer brings free outdoor movies, and winter transforms the park into a twinkling wonderland during the Snowflake Lane celebrations (minus the actual snow—this is the PNW, after all).
2. KidsQuest Children’s Museum – Best for Families with Young Explorers
If you’ve got kids under 10, this interactive wonderland will be your new happy place.
KidsQuest Children’s Museum isn’t your typical “look but don’t touch” museum—it’s a hands-on playground where little ones can engineer water channels, climb a two-story jungle gym, and experiment with light and shadows.
The “Bee Garden” exhibit teaches pollination through play, while the “Garage” area lets aspiring mechanics tinker with real (kid-safe) tools.
Budget-friendly perk: Admission is free on the first Friday of every month!
Pro parenting hack: Pair your visit with the Bellevue Arts Museum next door—they offer joint tickets that save you a few bucks.
3. Mercer Slough Nature Park – Best for Kayaking & Wildlife Spotting
You’d never guess a 320-acre wetland paradise exists just minutes from Bellevue’s high-rises.
The Mercer Slough Nature Park is where locals go to paddle through lily pads, spot great blue herons, and forget they’re in a city at all.
Rent a kayak or canoe from the Pacific Science Center’s Mercer Slough location and glide past beaver dams.
Prefer dry land? The 7 miles of trails (boardwalk included!) are perfect for birdwatching or a peaceful jog.
Secret season: Visit in late summer when the blackberries ripen along the trails—free snacks courtesy of Mother Nature.
4. Bellevue Arts Museum – Best for Creative Souls & Instagrammers
Contemporary art lovers, rejoice! The Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) showcases cutting-edge craft, design, and art installations you won’t find anywhere else.
Think giant woven sculptures, interactive light exhibits, and avant-garde jewelry collections.
Current can’t-miss exhibit: The “BAM Biennial” (through 2025) features 53 Pacific Northwest artists pushing boundaries in glass, metal, and textile arts.
Photo op alert: The museum’s exterior is a work of art itself—geometric patterns cast killer shadows on sunny days.
5. Crossroads Bellevue – Best for Global Eats & Retro Fun
This unassuming shopping center hides Bellevue’s most delicious secret: an international food court with everything from Ukrainian pierogies to Nepalese momos.
After eating, challenge friends to 80s arcade games at GameWorks or catch an indie flick at the Cinemark theater.
Don’t miss: The monthly flea market where local artisans sell everything from vintage records to handmade pottery.
6. Chism Beach Park – Best for Lakeside Lounging
Skip the crowds at Seattle’s Alki and head to Chism Beach Park instead.
This quiet stretch of Lake Washington shoreline has sandy swim areas, picnic spots with grills, and jaw-dropping views of Mt. Rainier on clear days.
Local hack: Arrive before 10 AM in summer to snag a prime picnic table—this spot gets popular fast!
7. Bellevue Botanical Garden – Best for Flower Lovers & Zen Seekers
Free to enter and open 365 days a year, the Bellevue Botanical Garden is a living postcard with 53 acres of themed gardens.
The Japanese-inspired Yao Garden will calm your soul, while the Waterwise Garden proves drought-resistant plants can be downright gorgeous.
Must-visit events: The Garden d’Lights display (Nov-Jan) transforms the grounds into a twinkling wonderland with over half a million LED lights.
8. Kelsey Creek Farm – Best for Animal Encounters & Old-West Vibes
Meet sheep, goats, and bunnies at this 1930s-era farm smack in the middle of suburbia.
The red barns and rolling meadows make you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
Free admission (donations welcome) makes this a perfect budget-friendly outing.
9. The Bellevue Collection – Best for Luxury Shopping & People Watching
From Nordstrom to local boutiques, this high-end shopping trio (Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Place) is where Seattle’s tech elite come to play.
Even if you’re not buying, the people-watching is top-tier entertainment.
Hidden gem: The Skybridge at Lincoln Square offers panoramic city views most shoppers miss.
10. Coal Creek Trail – Best for Forest Bathing & History Buffs
Hike through dense evergreens along a path that follows an old coal mining route.
Interpretive signs share tales of 1880s mining disasters—spooky and fascinating.
Trail magic: In fall, the maple grove near the trailhead turns fiery red.
11. Bellevue Zip Tour – Best for Adrenaline Junkies
Soar 90 feet above the forest on this zipline course through the trees. The “Quick Jump” free-fall will test your bravery!
Safety first: Guides are hilarious and make first-timers feel at ease.
12. 1,000 Steps Beach – Best for Secret Sunsets
Okay, there aren’t actually 1,000 steps (more like 100), but this hidden staircase leads to a pebbly beach with the best sunset views in Bellevue.
Time your visit with low tide to explore tide pools.
Local love: Neighbors often string up hammocks between trees—join them!
Final Thoughts
From zipping through treetops to nibbling global street food, Bellevue proves it’s way more than just Microsoft’s backyard.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls at the botanical garden or hunting for sea glass at a secret beach, this city delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
So what are you waiting for? Lace up your walking shoes, charge your camera, and get ready to fall in love with Bellevue—one adventure at a time!