Things to do in Blaine Washington – Blaine is a lovely community located near the westernmost extremity of the United States-Canada border. It is best known as the location of Peace Arch Historical State Park, which honors the resolution of border disputes between the United States and Great Britain dating back to the War of 1812.
The tiny village, set along scenic Drayton Harbor, is a fantastic day trip or weekend retreat from Seattle, Portland, or Vancouver, and is just a half-hour drive from the city of Bellingham.
Visitors can cross Semiahmoo Bay on the historic Plover Ferry or enjoy renowned golfing adventures at the Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club or the Loomis Trail Golf Club. Blaine Marine Park conducts annual festivals, and Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve safeguards a section of seashore along the Strait of Georgia.
We recommend calling the attractions and eateries ahead of time to confirm the current hours of operation so you can explore Things to do in Blaine Washington
Things to do in Blaine Washington
1. Peace Arch Historical State Park
Peace Arch Historical State Park is a one-of-a-kind international park straddling the extreme western end of the United States-Canada border, easily accessible from the United States via the town of Blaine. The park is famous for its 67-foot Peace Arch, which was built in 1921 to commemorate the Treaty of Ghent and the Rush-Bagot Agreement, which resolved tensions between the United States and the United Kingdom over border security.
The concrete arch is now on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as the focal point of the dual-nationality park, Peace Arch Provincial Park on the Canadian side. Visitors can tour both sides of the park without requiring a passport and can enjoy picnics and strolls through the park’s lovely garden parts.
An International Sculpture Exhibition and an International Arts and Music Festival are two of the park’s annual special events.
2. Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club
Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, recognized for its gorgeous 7,005-yard terrain and unique course obstacles, has been named one of Washington State’s greatest public golf courses by Golf Week. The course was created by golf ace Arnold Palmer and is now open to the public all year.
The course’s 67 bunkers and five water-incorporated holes are set against rolling fairways bordered with magnificent forested portions, providing a stunning natural background for golfers. Course admission is limited to Semiahmoo Resort and Spa guests, with golf and tennis overnight packages available to all resort visitors.
Guests can take award-winning golf lessons at the Jeff Coston Academy or dine on high-quality American cuisine at the course’s Great Blue Heron Grill.
3. Blaine Marine Park, Blaine, Washington
Blaine Marine Park is a picturesque waterfront park in Blaine that is well-known for being one of the top sites in the region for bird and waterfowl watching. Several waterside shelters in the park provide great viewing areas for thousands of migratory birds each year.
During the summer, small coastal areas are available, with space for beachcombing and shoreline fishing, as well as launches for kayaks and other watercraft.
Trails lead to the neighboring Blaine Public Pier and Marina, which offers more than two miles of waterfront walking.
A unique nautical theme is used in a children’s playground, and an outdoor amphitheater serves as a central venue for the city’s annual Wings Over Water Festival.
4. The Historic Plover Ferry, Blaine, Washington
The Historic Plover Ferry was constructed in 1944 to transport regional cannery workers across the waters of the Semiahmoo Spit and Bay to the neighboring APA Salmon Cannery facility. The Whatcom Maritime Historical Society and the Friends of the Plover charitable group repaired the ferry in the twentieth century.
The 32-foot ferry, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the state’s oldest operating foot passenger ferry. Throughout the summer, visitors to the area can take the ferry between the Semiahmoo Spit and the Blaine Harbor Marina.
Ferry crews provide information about the ferry’s restoration as well as nearby attractions such as the Coast Mountains.
5. Loomis Trail Golf Club, Blaine, Washington
Loomis Trail Golf Club is Washington State’s number five public golf course, according to Golf Week, and is most recognized for being the only course in the state to be listed among the top 100 in the country. The Graham Cooke-designed course is a year-round classic, specifically built to incorporate the gorgeous Pacific Northwest terrain into its layout.
Because of the course’s spectacular lake and canal system, water play is integrated into all 18 holes. Guests can play the course every day of the year and experience quick greens and one of the highest course slope ratings in the state.
The course’s beautiful Tudor-style clubhouse, which also houses a pro shop, has a full-service lounge and snack bar.
6. Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve
Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve is a stunning 54-acre nature reserve in Blaine that sits along the picturesque Strait of Georgia waterway. The reserve was formed in 1999 in response to a gasoline pipeline leak in Bellingham and is managed by the Whatcom County Parks department to protect two miles of shoreline and adjoining woodland wetlands.
Visitors may enjoy breathtaking views of the adjacent San Juan Islands as well as sights of local marine life such as seal pups, sea lions, porpoises, and shorebirds such as loons and cormorants. A 34-mile ADA-accessible interpretive route offers breathtaking views of the local river, bluffs, and seashore locations. A switchback path descending from the park’s bluff areas leads to a lovely cobble beachfront.
7. The Spa at Semiahmoo, Blaine, Washington
The Spa at Semiahmoo provides premium spa services at the magnificent Semiahmoo Resort and is accessible seven days a week, year-round, to both resort guests and area tourists by appointment.
Massages, facials, and scalp treatments are among the high-quality services available to spa guests to soothe the mind and restore the body and spirit.
In beautiful seaside treatment rooms, all treatments are administered by highly skilled professionals. Signature Éminence skin care products are proven to promote skin healing and beautification while being free of cosmetic chemicals, animal products, and parabens.
The spa also provides salon services such as makeup application and bikini waxing.
8. The Market at Birch Bay, Blaine, Washington
The Market at Birch Bay is a bustling shopping center in Blaine, offering a diverse selection of fresh, locally sourced foods and commodities. Local farmers and producers routinely sell their wares at the market, such as hearty pieces of bread, high-quality pantry goods, and delectable desserts and baked goods.
A wide variety of supermarket products are also available, ideal for area visitors wishing to stock up on supplies for vacation rentals or picnics at nearby natural attractions.
A magnificent seating room with a nice, intimate fireplace allows visitors to enjoy prepared snacks and meals on-site.
9. Bob’s Burgers and Brew, Blaine, Washington
Bob’s Burgers and Brew is a great New American restaurant with over a dozen locations in the Pacific Northwest, including a lively version in Blaine. The restaurant is well-known for its high-quality burgers and American pub fare made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Jalapeo pepperjack burgers, guacamole bacon burgers, and Hawaiian-style burgers with ham and pineapple are among the gourmet burger options. Every day, excellent land and sea entrees are served, including cod and prawn platters and surf and turf combination plates.
Local microbrews are served in the restaurant’s lounge, along with bar appetizers.
10 Fun Things to Do in Blaine
1. Grab a drink by the water in Birch Bay
Birch Bay is a little village located approximately 10 minutes south of downtown Blaine on a crescent-shaped bay with convenient beach access and a lovely walking trail. Right across the street from the ocean, there are a couple of fantastic places to get a drink.
The Beach at Birch Bay (check out their schedule for trivia, live music, and other events) and Beach Cat Brewing were two of our favorites. CJ’s Beach House is likewise well-regarded!
2. Have a fire on the beach
A fire on the beach is always a fun and free thing to do, whether you visit in the winter or not! Birch Bay State Park has developed wood-burning fire pits that you can use. We brought our propane fire pit and had a fire right on the beach in the heart of Birch Bay. The Semiahmoo Resort website also mentions beach fires and s’mores for their visitors.
3. Visit Semiahmhoo Spit and dine at Semiahmoo Resort
The Semiahmoo Spit is a long, thin spit of land that protrudes from the Semiahmoo Peninsula and connects Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. You can walk starting at Semiahmoo Park. A trail along the east side of the spit is 8 kilometers long one way.
On a clear day, you may enjoy mountain views and plenty of bird watching! After you’ve worked up an appetite, try having supper and beverages at Packers Kitchen + Bar or grabbing a quick bite at Seaview Café and General Store, both of which are located at the resort at the end of the spit.
4. Eat delicious food and grab a drink at Gateway 1890 Taphouse in downtown Blaine
Gateway 1890 Taphouse is the place to go if you want a clean environment, polite service, and good food. They have 20 beers and ciders on tap, as well as a wine selection from a rotating network of over 100 coastal vineyards.
We split the Gateway PPB Burger (a burger with pulled pork), which was delicious. They also provide fantastic fries, delectable fried pickles, and a great spicy aioli.
5. Go for a walk at Point Whitehorn Marine Preserve or Birch Bay State Park
While there are no long hikes in the area around Blaine, you can enjoy beach walks and short coastal trails. Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve has a 4-mile round-trip hike. You can walk the 2.5-mile Terrell Marsh Loop as well as 1.5 miles of saltwater shoreline at Birch Bay State Park.
6. Grab a glass of wine at The Vault Wine Bar or GLM Wine Company
Consider visiting The Vault Wine Bar or micro-winery GLM Wine Company if you want to sit back and relax with a glass of wine. The Vault Wine Bar has over 250 different wines to choose from, so you’re sure to find something you like!
Do you want a more tailored taste experience? GLM Wine Company is run by a couple from Vancouver, BC out of a converted garage.
7. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a milkshake at Railway Café
What the Railway Café lacks in size, it more than compensates for in charm! Relax in their back patio area with a view of the water with a cup of coffee, fresh-baked pastries, a milkshake, or one of their other food items.
8. Eat fresh oysters at Drayton Harbor Oyster Company
If you like oysters, you can’t go wrong with Drayton Harbor Oyster Company. They cultivate and harvest oysters less than a mile from the restaurant, and they have a lovely waterfront setting!
9. Visit Washington’s first pour-it-yourself taproom
Downtime Taps is located in Ferndale, only 15 minutes south of Blaine. They have 32 rotating taps with a diverse selection of beers of different genres, ciders, and selected wines. Guests are given a key card that is activated when they open their tab, and they are then free to try as many drinks as they want in whatever amounts they want!
Despite its unassuming plaza location, the space is clean, bright, and cozy, with a great outdoor space complete with swings!
10. Have an epic outdoor adventure at Mt. Baker
If you’re willing to make the 1.5-hour drive east from Blaine to the Mt. Baker area (it’s well worth it! ), you’ll find incredible natural beauty. If you’re visiting in the winter, go skiing or snowboarding at Mt. Baker Ski Area. Looking for something with a slower pace? Snowshoeing to Artist Point or Bagley Lakes is an option.
