Things to do in Bellevue, WA

The city of Bellevue, Washington is comfortably nestled between the dazzling waters of Lake Washington and the soaring mountain tops of the Cascades. While traveling to Bellevue, you will be surprised to see that these natural wonders exist in harmony with the high-rises and skyscrapers that have, in the last 20 years, become downtown Bellevue. This city near Seattle boasts the 2nd largest city center in the state of Washington. Additionally, Bellevue was also voted by Money Magazine to be one of the 100 best places to live in the years 2006 and 2008, and for good reason. Shopping and entertainment in Bellevue thrive in this expanding city, as do the arts and outdoor activities.

The city of Bellevue was founded in 1869 by William Meydenbauer but remained an undeveloped town on the outskirts of Seattle until the 1940's when the Lake Washington Floating Bridge was built. This new and convenient way of traveling to Bellevue made the town and its growth soar to new heights, particularly when the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge opened in the 1960's. In the present day, Bellevue city information characterizes it as an up-and-coming Washington tourist spot that is full of promise, culture and new business.

If shopping...  Read more »

The city of Bellevue, Washington is comfortably nestled between the dazzling waters of Lake Washington and the soaring mountain tops of the Cascades. While traveling to Bellevue, you will be surprised to see that these natural wonders exist in harmony with the high-rises and skyscrapers that have, in the last 20 years, become downtown Bellevue. This city near Seattle boasts the 2nd largest city center in the state of Washington. Additionally, Bellevue was also voted by Money Magazine to be one of the 100 best places to live in the years 2006 and 2008, and for good reason. Shopping and entertainment in Bellevue thrive in this expanding city, as do the arts and outdoor activities.

The city of Bellevue was founded in 1869 by William Meydenbauer but remained an undeveloped town on the outskirts of Seattle until the 1940's when the Lake Washington Floating Bridge was built. This new and convenient way of traveling to Bellevue made the town and its growth soar to new heights, particularly when the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge opened in the 1960's. In the present day, Bellevue city information characterizes it as an up-and-coming Washington tourist spot that is full of promise, culture and new business.

If shopping is a must when on vacation in Bellevue, then come to the Bellevue Square Mall, the region's largest shopping center with over 180 retail stores, valet parking, children's play areas and a number of choice restaurants. Bellevue is well known for its optimal shopping and its rising skyline, but tradition is still important to the city's residents. This Seattle suburb is the site of a number of annual events, festivals and fairs that help to give the growing city a hometown feel. The annual Bellevue Arts and Crafts Fair is held every July (since 1947), with over 300 local artists showcasing their inspiring artwork and contemporary crafts. If you're looking for outdoor activities in Bellevue, try kayaking at the Mercer Slough Nature Park, enjoy the lakefront beaches and hike along over 50 miles of trails in the area. Your vacation in Bellevue isn't complete until you've visited Downtown Park (17 acres of meadows, hiking trails and a beautiful waterfall) or beautiful Medina, where Bill Gates resides in his spectacular mansion.

With a somehow simultaneous small town feel and big city opportunities, it's no wonder that Bellevue travel guides rate this award-winning Washington city as a must see. Venture out from Seattle and visit this Washington vacation spot to get a true taste of the people, culture, resources and activities of the Evergreen State.