Thinking of Visiting Fairhaven? Here's an Ideal Itinerary

Fairhaven is a cherished community for so many reasons. There's no shortage of things to do here, so it's well worth visiting again and again. If you're not familiar with the area, or just want some pointers for your next visit, here's an ideal itinerary for a perfect day in Fairhaven:

Morning

The perfect way to start the day in Fairhaven is by visiting Boulevard Park. The park features a boardwalk that extends along the edge of Bellingham Bay (from Fairhaven Village to the heart of the park), so you can either park in Fairhaven Village or in the parking lot at the park to access the boardwalk. Right in Boulevard Park, you'll find Woods Coffee, a local favorite coffee shop where you can grab a cup of coffee before or after your walk on the boardwalk.

Early Afternoon

The early afternoon is a great time to explore Fairhaven Village and check out shops. The village has plenty of interesting shops to visit, whether you're looking for clothing, plants, books, home decor, or gifts among other things. Some of the most visited shops include Village Books, Good Earth Pottery, Bay to Baker Trading Company, and Paper Dreams. Aside from the shops, Fairhaven Village has some landmarks to visit that have an interesting history. Fairhavenhistory.com goes into depth about the history of the area and the historical landmarks that still stand today, but for a unique way to experience the history of Fairhaven, we recommend a Bellinghistory Tour.

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat while out and about, Fairhaven is home to some eateries with delicious and convenient food. Fairhaven Poke serves authentic Hawaiian poke that can be ordered and taken to go an a matter of minutes, and Avenue Bread has sandwiches made to order on fresh homemade bread. After grabbing some food and checking out shops and landmarks, Stones Throw Brewery is a cozy and inviting place to grab a local craft beer if you enjoy breweries.

Late Afternoon

A trip to the Fairhaven area wouldn't be complete without a drive down Chuckanut Drive. Chuckanut Drive is a road just south of Fairhaven that runs along the edge of Bellingham Bay. The drive is worthy of a trip not only for its outstanding views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan islands, but also for its access to several hiking trails, beaches, and seafood restaurants.

Evening

Fairhaven is full of restaurant options, from casual to high end, so it's an ideal location for dining. Some of Fairhaven's most popular restaurants include Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse, The Black Cat, Skylark's Hidden Cafe, and Mambo Italiano. You'll also find some fun bars in Fairhaven for a nightcap, including Swim Club Wet Bar and Galloway's Cocktail Bar.

If you're visiting between June and September and want a memorable dining experience, San Juan Cruises offers a cracked crab dinner cruise on Bellingham Bay, complete with a gourmet crab dinner, a full bar, and spectacular views of the bay at sunset.

This itinerary is just one of many you could choose for a visit to Fairhaven. It has lots to offer in terms of dining, shopping, and entertainment. Visit our Eat & Drink, Play, and Shop pages to learn more about the best things to do and see in Fairhaven.