Moving to a new city can be difficult if you have lived in a place for a long time. You want the transition to be as smooth as possible; with minimal interruption to your lifestyle. The new city should mirror the previous place in terms of things you don’t want to live without. This includes fun activities to do and nice places to visit.
If you are thinking of moving to Bellevue, Washington, or simply visiting, we have compiled a list of interesting things to do in the city. It does not matter if you want to shop till you drop, or you simply love history, this list has something for you. For sports & fitness enthusiasts, lovers of art & nature, beachgoers & night-crawlers the options are plentiful enough to cover everybody’s needs.
Beautiful Beaches
There is such a profusion of beaches in Bellevue that visitors forget the city has no direct access to the ocean. Sandwiched between Lake Washington and Sammamish, there are many waterside places to go to. The larger beaches include Enatai Beach Park where you can swim, or do some kayaking and canoeing.
Clyde Beach Park is the perfect place within the city for a hot afternoon dip. Additionally, if you want a more diverse waterfront experience, find it at the Meydenbauer Beach Park. This whole area, along the largest freshwater body in King County, played a key role in the growth of the city. Today, it is hidden away in one of Bellevue’s residential neighborhoods.
Lots of Shopping
Bellevue has a rich surplus of shopping experiences. The Bellevue Downtown Association website has an inexhaustible list of the best shops where you can find almost everything you need. Over at Bellevue Collection, you will love the dozens of retail stores within its three distinct areas.
For trendy shoppers who want the convenience of their favorite brands in one luxury location, there is the Bravern. Moreover, if you want to escape the crowds, visit the Old Bellevue website. The shops are every bit as good as the malls, just a tad quieter.
Plan an Escape Into Nature
Despite the massive urban sprawl of past decades, Bellevue has managed to retain its natural environment. The 20-acre Downtown Park offers a get-away from the hubbub of the city, along with a yearly entertainment calendar. Events include outdoor movies in the summer, firework displays on July 4, and several community celebrations.
At the 320-acre Mercer Slough Nature Park, you can follow seven miles of hiking trails to explore Lake Washington’s largest wetland. Or you may head over to the Snoqualmie Falls to view the grand waterfall.
See a Show, or Watch a Movie
If you enjoy watching movies, there are numerous places in Bellevue to do so. For those who don’t mind paying a few extra dollars, the highly-rated Cinemark Lincoln Square is the place to go. Nonetheless, if you would rather save money while being entertained, check out: AMC Factoria 8, IPIC Redmond, Regal Crossroads, Cinemark Reserve Dine-In – 21 and Over, and AMC Oak Tree 6.
If you would prefer to see a show, the 410-seat theatre at the Meydenbauer Center always has a musical, dance, or recital on the calendar. Regular events include performances by the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra, Bellevue Chamber Chorus and Lyric Opera Northwest. There is also a wealth of programs from several cultural organizations.
Perfect for Art-Lovers
For art-lovers, the Bellevue Arts Museum has a fine display of works from regional and international artists. The collection features a large exhibit of ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and sculpture pieces. They also have tours, talks, workshops and kid’s programs; as well as, a range exciting memorabilia for visitors.
Visitors to the Bellevue Botanical Garden will be impressed by the rich diversity of flora within its 53 acres. You can see the most varied display of plant species native to the Pacific Northwest. Moreover, you can also visit the Environmental Education Center inside the Mercer Slough Nature Park. It is a collaborative effort by the city of Bellevue and the Pacific Science Center that’s designed to enrich your nature-learning experience.
Lots of Activities for Children
On Snowflake Lane, outside the Bellevue Square shopping mall, it snows every day! There are dazzling lights, captivating animations, and a never-ending holiday season. At Quest Children’s Museum, there are eight interactive exhibits and kids can take on the challenge of a two-story Atrium Climber. They will test their strength and stretch their minds in this wonder-filled place.
If you go over to the Kelsey Creek Farm at Mercer Slough Nature Park, you and the kids will get the thrill of a real historic farm. There is an authentic farm animal education with live animals. The children can ride a pony, take part in one of the farm programs, and get to pet a bunny or one of the other farm animals.
Outdoor Activities
You can go skateboarding at the Crossroads Park Skate Bowl or Lakemont Park Skate Bowl. However, if you would rather do your thing in the streets, there is Highland Outdoor Skate Plaza. Stone Gardens is the city’s number one rock-climbing facility and over at Marymoor Park, there are extensive biking and hiking trails.
Take your biking experience further on the Bellevue Zip Tour. Its 6.5 ziplines range between 70 and 450 feet and they are in operation all-year-round. Over on the North of Lake Sammamish, there is a water-skiing slalom course.
On the eastern shore of the lake, Vasa Park Resort offers boating activities, diving boards, and waterslides.
Amazing Festivals & Other Activities
Crossroads Bellevue is the city’s public market; you can eat, drink, and ride a vintage carousel. If you go to Woodinville, you will find western Washington’s main wine region.
Best of all, there is a festival in Bellevue every season of the year. The Wintergrass Bluegrass festival in February kicks off the festival-year. In May, there is the Bellevue Jazz Festival. Every July the city welcomes the Bellevue Arts Fair, while the Bellevue’s Strawberry Festival announces the beginning of summer.
Finally, the Bellevue’s residents are warm and never lacking in what they can dream up to pass time and enjoy their lives. If you choose to visit or live here, we promise to make you most welcome.
Go on, pack your bags and come home…the city of Bellevue awaits you!
If you have any questions regarding the information mentioned above, don’t hesitate to contact T-Square Properties!