The Best Parks for Picnics in Bellingham

Marine Park in Fairhaven

Bring back the gingham picnic blankets, tea sets, and frilly outfits! Okay, Chef and I don’t go all out like that. But over the years we’ve done a few blanket picnics with Chef made food but we’re also just as likely to get carryout and throw out the random towel we have in the car. It made me stop and think… Where are the best parks for picnics in Bellingham? But here are my top four favorite picnic spots!

Boulevard Park

It’s a top pick for most people and you’ll constantly find college kids and families sprawled on the grass. To me half the fun of picnic-ing is people watching with your picnic buddy. At Boulevard you get the water, the grass, the bustle of people. You don’t have to go far with your picnic supplies and there are a few built-in tables, garbage cans are available and bathrooms as well. It’s a very convenient spot for a picnic if you can find the space. Also, there is not a ton of shade, so in the summer bring an umbrella and for sure wear your sunblock!

 

Marine Park

Now, if you’re thinking: I want a romantic picnic spot in Bellingham, I’ll purpose Marine Park in Fairhaven. I feel like most people know this spot as the finish line for Ski to Sea but when you visit this little park outside of that hustle and bustle, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It’s this 1.9-acre waterfront park with a lovely grass space, a little rocky beach shore, plus a newly renovated picnic shelter is perfect for any type of outdoor gathering on a first-come first-use basis. Which makes picking up food or a treat (we go to Sweet Haven and walk with our apples to this park) easy peasy!

 

Zuanich Point Park

This is a park that I adore. It’s one that transforms regularly so be sure to keep an eye out for events and the Dockside Market. It is this great space to walk a relatively flat loop, parking is plentiful, and there is a good amount of shade. There is a mix of generations that appear at this park, families, older folks, doggies, and so much more! This park has a few food spots as you enter but I haven’t eaten at them yet and they don’t seem like grab’n’go spots, so pack your snacks. We’ve definately gotten cupcakes and sat at the picnic tables several times to celebrate little life wins. I love that the path is paved and you’re right at the waters edge. PLUS: on windy days there are so many kites! The whale kite in Bellingham is such a sight and I always grab Chef when I see it’s massiveness from across town.

 

Tom Glenn Commons

Which reminds me, just across the way from Zuanich, is the Tom Glenn Commons, which has recently become a favorite of mine to frequent. It is VERY quiet here. I feel like people don’t know this little spot exists. It has plenty of food spots and a grass space and a lovely pavilion style set up. After your picnic you could walk to Bellingham’s Free Aquarium: The Marine Life Center.

 

This map gets to be in color so you can see the green space. :)

Fairhaven Park

One of the bigger parks to explore and enjoy with 136 acres to its name! I have set up picnic blankets and enjoyed playing board games here with my friends for many summers. We tuck ourselves into the bushes and trees with our cards and snacks and the sun and wind hardly touch us. This park also has a playground and a “splash and spray water park” but it’s so large if you take you blanket you won’t even notice it is there. This park also has different spot courts, bathrooms, picnic tables and a pavilion. It also is connected to a huge network of trails so after your picnic you can stash your blanket in the car and go for a wander!

 

Larrabee State Park

First, you have to plan ahead for this park and you need a Discover Pass! They offer one-day and annual passes and I think REI, Village Books, and few other spots sell them, but just take that note into consideration for your picnicking! This park is massive and there are some stunning snacking spots on the rocks, in the park proper, and just along the path with benches sprinkled throughout. It’s a great spot to enjoy meal and chat along the 8,100 feet of saltwater shoreline.

 

Additional Picnic Park Options:

These are some other spots, I haven’t picnic-ed at, but seem like they could be good options.

• Whatcom Falls Park

• Arroyo Park

• Cornwall Park

• Big Rock Garden

• Squalicum Creek Park

Quick Picks (Best by Situation)

• Best overall: Boulevard Park

• Best for sunset: Zuanich Point Park or Marine Park

• Best for families: Fairhaven or Cornwall Park

• Best for quiet vibes: Tom Glenn Commons

• Best waterfront feel: Marine Park

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Time for picnics in Bellingham!

I really love getting food from local spots and taking them to parks to enjoy. Of course, I’m spoiled with Chef making delicious things to make our own picnic as well. Either way, whether you are taking yourself on a picnic, a weekend idea with friends, getting food or making it, I hope you get to enjoy all these lovely spaces one time or another!