Bellevue

Sip roasted coffee in buzzing shopping districts, amble through flowery gardens and experience the rich undercurrent of artisanship in this modern city.

Discover the delights of Bellevue, a city blessed with natural and man-made beauty. A vibrant and growing destination, this city offers shopping, eating and cultural attractions. Explore shopping plazas, globally renowned galleries and flower-laden gardens.

Wander around downtown Bellevue, where local cafés serve roasted brews with pastries and other baked goods. Follow the shopping crowds into the Bellevue Square, where over 200 retailers sell fashionable clothing, accessories and home décor. On Saturdays and Thursdays throughout the summer, head to the Bellevue Farmers Market for fresh, locally grown produce and meat.

Browse art and design exhibits at the Bellevue Arts MuseumOpens in a new window, which also runs hands-on workshops for budding crafters. The city’s downtown area contains about 130 works of public art, which add character to the district. In the evenings, book a seat for a dance or drama performance at the Meydenbauer Center.

Bellevue has an abundance of green refuges for escaping the urban bustle. Take a stroll through Downtown Park or enjoy a picnic at the Bellevue Botanical GardenOpens in a new window, which features flower gardens and a tranquil Japanese-style garden. Go blueberry picking at the Mercer Slough Nature ParkOpens in a new window and try the exhilarating Bellevue Zipline Tour in summer.

Bring the family to the KidsQuest Children’s Museum, an interactive museum that aims to educate younger children on subjects such as science, art and technology. The family-oriented indoor shopping complex Crossroads Bellevue has climbing walls, pottery workshops and a jumbo chessboard.

Sample international cuisine at one of many restaurants in the Bellevue SquareOpens in a new window complex or neighboring Lincoln SquareOpens in a new window. Complete an enchanting evening with a post-dinner wine-tasting, stand-up comedy show or nightclub dance in the area.

Bellevue’s compact downtown can be easily navigated on foot, while buses serve most other areas. Get here via Seattle–Tacoma International Airport or drive from neighboring Seattle.

After seeing the city, travel around the surrounding Puget Sound region. Taste the fine produce of Woodinville Wine Country, hike through Bridle Trails State Park and go skiing at Crystal Mountain.