2026-2027 OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE
WELCOME TO BELLEVUE
Waking up in the Pacific Northwest carries an unexpected energy; a sense of wonder woven into Bellevue’s rise into a world-class destination. With Mount Rainier’s frosted peaks towering in the background, Bellevue’s skyline reflects off Lake Washington in the morning light.
You’re minutes from forested trails and aerial adventures, and yet just steps from a sophisticated, globally inspired dining scene that reflects the city’s rich diversity. In Bellevue, nature and innovation exist side by side each day, offering something new to discover.
Getting here and getting around have never been easier. With light rail now connecting Bellevue to the region, the journey itself becomes part of the experience, especially as you travel across the lake with sweeping views of water and skyline. From there, iconic attractions like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle and the waterfront are within easy reach, and three stops away are T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field, home to Seahawks football, Mariners baseball and this year’s FIFA World Cup matches.
Yet what makes Bellevue truly memorable isn’t just where you can go, it’s what you find along the way. A heron lifting off from a quiet wetland. A seaplane tracing a path toward snowcapped volcanoes. The unexpected delight of a perfectly folded dumpling, steaming and full of flavor.
As you plan your Bellevue getaway, let these pages inspire your journey and leave space for a few discoveries of your own.
UnExpect It.
Brad Jones Executive Director
Visit Bellevue
Harriet Baskas, Jennifer Blalock, Crai S. Bower, Heide Brandes, Adam H. Callaghan, David & Susan Greenberg, James Gulliver Hancock, Sally Verrando
BASECAMP BELLEVUE
Start here. Go everywhere.
There’s a reason Bellevue feels like the center of it all. Set between the Cascade foothills and the shores of Lake Washington, it’s more than a destination—it’s a launch point.
From here, the Pacific Northwest opens up in every direction. Waterfalls, islands, mountain towns and world-class cities are all within easy reach, connected by thoughtful infrastructure and a rhythm that makes exploration feel effortless. With the 2 Line Crosslake Connection now linking Bellevue directly to Seattle, and easy access to the Eastside corridor, your next experience is never far away.
The only question is: Where to begin? That’s where the Vuefinder app comes in.
Designed as your trusted local guide, Vuefinder brings together curated day trips, itineraries, tours and real-time wayfinding into one seamless experience, so you can explore
Western Washington with confidence, curiosity and just the right amount of spontaneity. Start in Bellevue. Then follow the road wherever it leads.
ISSAQUAH & SNOQUALMIE FALLS
Woodland magic and a waterfall that makes its own weather
Just 15-20 minutes east of Bellevue, the landscape shifts. Forest closes in. The air cools. And just outside Issaquah, you’ll find something unexpected: a towering wooden figure hidden among the trees.
Meet Jakob Two Trees, part of the Northwest Trolls series, the incarnation of Nordic folklore in our local forests. The short, fully accessible walk to reach him winds through mossy forest and feels like stepping into a storybook.
Back in Issaquah, linger awhile. Stroll the charming downtown, grab a coffee and take in the slower pace before continuing to your next stop.
A quick drive brings you to Snoqualmie Falls, where 268 feet of cascading water crashes into the canyon below. You’ll hear
Snoqualmie Falls
it before you see it. Feel it before you reach the railing. It’s one of the region’s most iconic sights, and one that never loses its impact.
Then, just as easily, return to Bellevue, where exceptional dining and a comfortable night’s stay are waiting.
Find this itinerary and more in Vuefinder.
SEATTLE DAY TRIP
Two cities. One seamless connection. Bellevue and Seattle have always been close. Now, they’re connected like never before.
Hop aboard the 2 Line and glide across Lake Washington, a floating bridge beneath you, skyline ahead. In minutes, you’re in the heart of Seattle without the stress of traffic or parking. From there, the day unfolds easily.
Catch a game in the Stadium District: baseball, soccer or football, depending on the season. Walk the revitalized waterfront. Step inside the Seattle Aquarium. Then make your way to Seattle Center, where the Space Needle still defines the skyline.
No visit is complete without a stop at Pike Place Market. Fresh seafood, local crafts, the hum of the crowd—it’s all here, layered into one unforgettable experience.
When you’re ready, return the same way you came, effortlessly.
Follow the full Seattle itinerary, including audio storytelling along the route, in Vuefinder.
EDMONDS DAY TRIP
Salt air, ferry views and a slower pace
Head north from Bellevue and the energy shifts again—this time toward the coast.
Edmonds delivers nostalgic seaside charm. Ferries glide in and out of the harbor, the Olympic Mountains rise in the distance, and the pace invites you to slow down.
For something unforgettable, book a whale watching tour with Puget Sound Express.
Edmonds
Depending on the season, you might spot orcas, humpbacks, gray whales or sea lions moving through the iconic Salish Sea.
Back on land, walk the marina out to the beach, then wander through downtown. Pick up fish and chips near the water, browse local shops like Edmonds Bookshop or Treasures and Teas, or settle in with something unexpected like a strawberry matcha latte from a neighborhood cafe.
It’s the kind of day that doesn’t need an agenda but benefits from a good one.
Explore Edmonds and more coastal escapes in Vuefinder.
FIND YOUR VIEW
Vuefinder transforms the way you explore, bringing together curated itineraries, interactive maps and real-time recommendations into one intuitive platform.
Discover new places. Follow guided journeys. Or build your own path across Western Washington—all from your phone.
SCAN TO DOWNLOAD VUEFINDER AND START EXPLORING.
WHERE THE WATER CALLS
Around here, summer arrives by kayak, cruise and jet ski.
BY HEIDE BRANDES
The water was still as glass when we slipped our kayaks off the beach, the day so quiet you could hear the lake breathing. The sun shone on a world belonging to the ducks and the dreamers, and we had signed up for Best Kayak Rentals’ Urban Wildlife Tour on Lake Washington because somebody told us the lake would show us just how pretty Bellevue could be. They were right.
We paddled along the shoreline in a slow, easy rhythm, gliding past towering lakefront homes and stretches of rugged bank where the trees leaned over the water like they were trying to get a drink. A line of ducks fell in behind us, single file, as if they’d been waiting for company.
To the east, the Issaquah Alps rose green and dark against a sky turning peach and gold. Behind them were the Cascades. And on that particular day, the weather gods were feeling generous and Mount Rainier stood in full view.
That paddle changed the way I thought about Bellevue. Most people know this city for its skyline and its shopping. But out on the water at first light, all of that disappears. What’s left is a place shaped by lakes and shoreline, a city that saved its best secrets for those willing to get their feet wet.
BELLEVUE BY WATER
Lake Washington, the second-largest natural lake in the state, stretches between Seattle and Bellevue for 22 miles, and
A TASTE OF SUMMER SOUNDS EVERYWHERE
Marymoor Park in nearby Redmond and Crossroads Bellevue both host outdoor concert series throughout the summer months and are easily accessible by light rail. Marymoor Live is one of the Pacific Northwest’s best open-air stages, with a 5,000-capacity venue tucked into a natural setting. The 2026 lineup runs the full spectrum, from Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors to synth-pop royalty The Human League with Soft Cell and Alison Moyet. Bring a blanket, grab something from the food vendors and settle in while the Cascades go pink behind the stage.
Meydenbauer Bay
summer is when the whole city migrates toward it. At Meydenbauer Bay Park, kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals let you set your own pace. Beginners can hug the protected bay while more adventurous paddlers strike out along the open shoreline.
Kayaking Mercer Slough is an opportunity to connect with one of Washington’s last great wetlands and to move through a living ecosystem. Paddle strokes and birdsong carry you past reflections of lush greens, where turtles sun on logs, ducks trace quiet paths across the water and great blue herons stand motionless in the shallows. It’s a rare kind of stillness, shaped by nature and experienced at your own pace.
Over at Lake Sammamish, the pace shifts. Jet ski rentals put you on the throttle of a whole different kind of lake day, one measured in speed and spray and the kind of laughter you can hear from shore. Families stake out spots at Lake Sammamish State Park, where the beach stretches wide and the picnic tables fill up fast.
Bellevue claims seven beaches, and each one has its own personality. Some are tucked into quiet neighborhoods, perfect for a lazy afternoon with a book. Others buzz with volleyball games and kids building elaborate sand kingdoms. Newcastle Beach Park and Enatai Beach Park are local favorites, with swimming areas, fishing docks, and enough green space to stay awhile.
WHERE TO STAY
The Hyatt Regency Bellevue is part of the heartbeat of downtown, connected by sky bridges to 200-plus shops and over 50 restaurants in The Bellevue Collection. Welcoming guests with a grand entrance and a lively lobby, the hotel offers 731 rooms with views of the Cascades, Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline on the higher floors. The signature restaurant, Eques, serves a Pacific Northwest brunch worth setting an alarm for, including a DIY Bloody Mary bar to go with your smoked salmon omelet. During the summer, dine outside in the garden of Suite Restaurant Lounge, or visit on Friday and Saturday nights for a complimentary aerial arts show in the lounge.
When the sun starts to set, the outdoor concert scene picks up. Marymoor Park, just east of Bellevue in Redmond, hosts a summer series that draws big-name acts to a natural amphitheater with the kind of sunset backdrop that makes every show feel like a music video.
Crossroads Bellevue programs familyfriendly outdoor performances too throughout the warm months, so you can catch live music without leaving the city.
That first day on Lake Washington, as the sun climbed higher and our little flotilla turned back toward the beach, the ducks had lost interest in us and were busy with their own breakfast. The mountains were still there, still showing off.
I pulled my paddle across the water one last time and thought about how some places you visit and some places you feel. Bellevue, from the water, is one you feel through and through.
Canoeing at Mercer Slough Nature Park
EVERY TRAIL TELLS A STORY
In Bellevue, the best hikes start where the sidewalk ends and the ancient trees take over. BY HEIDE BRANDES
The trail dropped into the trees so fast that you forgot you’re in a city.
One minute, cars. The next, a canopy of old-growth conifers so tall and dense that the light came through in ribbons, and the only sound was Phantom Creek tumbling over rocks on its way to Lake Sammamish. This was Weowna Park, 93 acres of genuine Pacific Northwest forest tucked in the middle of Bellevue, and it felt like somebody had hidden an entire wilderness in the suburbs and never told anybody.
That’s the thing about hiking in Bellevue. You come expecting a city with parks, but what you get are parks that swallowed the city.
Start at Mercer Slough Nature Park, 320 acres of wetland right in the heart of town, where boardwalks and soft-surface trails wind through ferns, wildflowers, and boggy forest so lush it feels tropical.
The Bellefields Loop and Heritage Trail connect to a blueberry farm and the historic Winters House, a 1920s Spanish-style beauty on the National Register of Historic Places.
Rattlesnake Ledge
Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm
Great blue herons stalk the slough. Bald eagles circle above. You will not believe you are seven minutes from a shopping mall.
For something with a little more grit, Coal Creek Natural Area delivers 3.7 miles of trail through dense second-growth forest along a creek lined with waterfalls, old mine shafts and the remnants of a 19th-century coal town that once produced 360,000 tons a year.
Rattlesnake Ledge rises just east of Bellevue, offering a well-built trail through second-growth forest to one of the region’s most rewarding viewpoints. Switchbacks ease the climb as mossy boulders and filtered light line the path, creating a steady rhythm on the way up. As elevation builds, glimpses of Rattlesnake Lake begin to appear below, hinting at what’s to come. The final stretch opens onto a broad, exposed ledge with sweeping views of the Cedar River watershed, Mount Si and the surrounding peaks. It’s a
popular trail for good reason, so plan ahead and arrive early to enjoy a quieter ascent. For those looking to go farther, nearby junctions connect to longer ridge routes and less-traveled viewpoints beyond the main overlook.
WHAT’S IN MY BAG
No hike is complete without the right fuel and the right gear. For trail snacks and a packed lunch, swing by T&T Supermarket for an international spread of grab-and-go options, from onigiri to steamed buns. Cafe Aloe in downtown Bellevue serves Hong Kong-style coffee and pastries, including their famous spam-and-egg pineapple bun sandwich. And Tres Sandwich Shop is a Bellevue legend, turning house-baked Japanese milk bread into nearly 60 varieties of crustless sandos, from pork katsu to strawberry cream. Get there early because they sell out fast.
For gear, Escape Outdoors in The Bellevue Collection carries curated outdoor apparel and accessories from brands like Patagonia, The North Face and KUHL, and the staff knows the local trails.
Coal Creek Falls
PINTO THE WILD, OUT THE FRONT DOOR
From rain-soaked old-growth forests to Milky Way skies above Mount Rainier, Bellevue is the launching pad for the greatest outdoor adventures.
BY CRAI S. BOWER
oint your compass in any direction from Bellevue this summer and the Pacific Northwest rewards you immediately. Trails thread through wildflower meadows, waterfalls tumble into ancient riverbeds, and three of the nation’s most storied national parks wait just beyond the city limits: Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic. Consider Bellevue your base camp.
“Every trip into our national parks offers something new,” says Park Ranger Terry Wildy. “I think the night sky at Mount Rainier is amazing, but most visitors never see it.”
That’s the thing about this corner of the world. The best experiences tend to hide in plain sight. Wildy, a 27-year veteran of the National Park Service, knows this better
than most. Experiencing a genuinely dark sky anywhere has become a rarity, and at Mount Rainier, that rarity becomes something transcendent.
“Have you ever seen the Milky Way in a truly dark sky?” she asks. “You’ll be amazed.” Better yet, join the park staff at Paradise for their summer program, Half of the Park is After Dark. Remember to bring your layers, as temperatures drop quickly when the sun goes down.
North Cascades Park Ranger Yeva Cifor echoes the call to prepare. An eight-year National Park Service veteran, Cifor says no wilderness trip begins without thermal layers, sturdy walking shoes and rain gear. She recommends Thunder Creek and Ross Lake
Lake Diablo in North Cascades National Park
Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park
for accessible day hikes, but her enthusiasm extends to the drive itself.
“I also recommend stopping at all the vista points when driving Route 20, the North Cascades Highway,” Cifor says. “The Sterling Munro Boardwalk Trail, located behind the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, is another accessible trail to observe the Picket Range and one of the park’s many glaciers.”
Back at Rainier, Wildy makes a case for the overlooked. Trail of the Shadows in Longmire—short, scenic, laced with oldgrowth trees and history—rarely appears on the must-do lists, but it should. Ambitious hikers can extend the day by climbing Rampart Ridge, and with 260 miles of trails total, Rainier genuinely offers something for every pace and fitness level.
The key, Wildy says, is arriving early or late to sidestep summer congestion.
“And always, always, always plan ahead,” she says. “Check the weather forecast and see if there are any park alerts on our website. Be flexible when you visit and have a Plan B. There
is no one best trail or singular experience, and I promise you will make memories that will last a lifetime.”
Gear up before you go. Jack Soliday, senior gear specialist at REI Bellevue, has a reminder that catches visitors off-guard every season.
“Don’t forget sun protection in the summer,” Soliday says. “Sunscreen or UPFrated clothing is a must, as cloudy days here can be deceptive.”
Nowhere is that overcast sky more dramatic than Olympic National Park, where the Hoh Rain Forest absorbs as much as 14 feet of annual precipitation. It is one of the most primordial landscapes in North America, and it delivers.
“Walk the 1.2-mile Spruce Nature Trail loop for great views of the Hoh River,” says Olympic National Park Ranger Jamie Shurnitski. “The Cascades Overlook at Sol Duc Falls is also a great place to see salmon return from their epic late summer journey.”
Three park options. One day trip. No excuse to stay home.
Mount Rainier
THE TICKET ISN’T JUST TO THE GAME
A stunning cross-lake light rail ride and a front-row seat to everything Seattle sports has to offer make this Pacific Northwest gem the ultimate fan destination. BY JENNIFER BLALOCK
Sports hospitality and tourism have never been bigger, and savvy fans aren’t just showing up for the game anymore. These days, aficionados are building entire trips around it. The tailgate has gone upscale: The pregame ritual now includes concierge service; waterfront views; and a light rail ride that might just steal the show. And for those looking to engineer the ultimate sports getaway—one worth talking about long after the final whistle—Bellevue, has become the smartest play in the Pacific Northwest.
Known as “The City in a Park,” Bellevue is far more than a pretty backdrop. This polished, walkable community on the eastern shore of Lake Washington has positioned itself as the ideal home base for fans heading to Seattle’s professional sports scene. Ditch the parking garage. Skip the traffic. The Crosslake Connection light rail does the heavy lifting, shuttling fans from Bellevue’s front door directly to the action-packed Seattle Stadium District, including Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park and Climate Pledge Arena—affordably, efficiently and with a view that no rideshare app can match.
GETTING TO THE GAME IN STYLE
The Crosslake Connection isn’t just a transit upgrade—it’s a bona fide attraction in its own right. The system holds a distinction no other light rail in the world can claim: It’s the only one that travels on a floating bridge. Fans riding to a Seahawks, Sounders, Mariners, Sparks or Kraken game are carried across Lake Washington on the I-90 corridor,
Lumen Field
traversing atop the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge (the second-longest floating bridge on the planet).
Running parallel to the route is the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge on SR 520, which holds the title of the longest floating bridge in the world. Together, they frame a lake crossing that is made for travel magazines.
The sunsets alone are worth the ticket. There’s something about gliding across Lake Washington at dusk—mountains in the distance and the Seattle skyline coming into focus —that hits differently than any pregame experience in the U.S. Sports fans have been known to be a loud bunch (and Seattle fans are known to be even louder), but the collective gasp on that bridge ride comes close to matching the roar of the crowd.
RELAX IN BELLEVUE
Once the final buzzer sounds and the jersey comes off, Bellevue delivers on the other half of the sports travel promise: a place worth staying. The hotel lineup is deep and well-positioned, with most options within a 15-minute walk of the Bellevue Downtown and South Bellevue light rail stations.
Travelers looking to keep it close and classy have their pick of the W Bellevue, the Westin Bellevue, the Bellevue Club Hotel and the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, which are all walkable from the station and offer the kind of postgame comfort that turns a good trip into
a great one. For families and groups traveling on a game-day budget, the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Bellevue, Seattle Marriott Bellevue and the Hilton Bellevue offer easy rail access and everything you need to rest up and rally for the next day’s matchup. And Bellevue doesn’t ask you to choose between the game and the destination. With Sound Transit’s 2 Line now running directly across Lake Washington, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, the Seattle Waterfront and the Seattle Art Museum are all within reach via the same ORCA card tap that got you to the stadium. Trains run every eight minutes during peak periods, making it easy to build a full itinerary around more than a Seattle Storm tipoff and Seattle Mariners first pitch.
THE FINAL SCORE
Here’s the headline: Bellevue gives sports fans everything they came for and a whole lot they didn’t know they needed. Nearly 100 parks. A world-record floating bridge ride. Walkable luxury. Stress-free transit. And on a clear night, a skyline view that no stadium seat can replicate.
The best sports trips aren’t just about what happens on the field. They’re about everything that surrounds it. In Bellevue, that everything is pretty hard to beat.
T-Mobile Park
The Link light rail (2 Line) crossing the I-90 floating bridge.
FOLLOW THE FLAVOR
World Beer Cup medals, Wine Spectator honors and a steak-and-sushi perch with views for miles are just part of what makes Bellevue’s F&B scene so singular. BY ADAM H. CALLAGHAN
Bellevue’s food and beverage businesses are firing on all cylinders, and professional judges around the world have taken notice. The Acclaimed Dining Trail maps the city’s lauded and award-winning bars and restaurants so you can easily see what has caught the experts’ attention, like convivial brewpubs and exquisite steakhouses.
Bellevue Brewing Company, which has won many national and international awards, reached a new milestone in 2025 with a silver medal for 1882 Pre-Prohibition Lager from the World Beer Cup, sometimes called the “Olympics of Beer.” Brewed with Cluster, a cross between a European hop and a wild American hop, the lager “mimics the style of beer brewed in the late 1800s after European
immigration as a result of the Franco-Prussian War,” says owner James Whittaker. Sit on the brewpub’s expansive patio in the Spring District and enjoy this historical re-creation. “If you were drinking in a nice bar after the Civil War but before Prohibition, it might’ve tasted like this beer.”
Want something more modern? Whittaker has also developed a lager called Bellevue Baller in honor of the world’s biggest soccer tournament, “with ingredients from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. to honor all the host countries.”
Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi
Bellevue Brewing Company
EVENTS
Bellevue Farmers Market
Thursdays from May to October in downtown Bellevue, this vibrant market brims with live music, activities for families, and vendors from all over Washington. Pair some of the state’s famous fresh produce with allergen-friendly sourdough bagels from Lotus Flour and KHOBO’s Vietnamese American jerky from grass-fed beef.
Bellevue Culinary Weeks
In February, July, August and November, local restaurants go all out around a unifying theme, and you benefit. During Berry Week, you might find a gorgeous strawberry kiwi pavlova at Farine Bakery & Cafe and a sparkling strawberry paloma at W Bellevue; if you download the Vuefinder app and log enough of these delicious dishes, you’ll unlock unique prizes.
On the 31st floor of Lincoln Square South downtown, Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views west of the Cascades. It’s a fitting backdrop for outstanding flights of Wagyu beef from around the world, traditional or creative sushi and a wine program that balances scale and experience so perfectly it’s been honored with Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for years.
“The goal has always been to build a wine program that feels both world-class
Ascend Prime NYE
Ring in the New Year in style, or in the street. On the 31st floor of Lincoln Square South, the annual NYE soiree transforms Ascend Prime into one of Bellevue’s swankiest celebrations, with themed evenings like Havana Nights built on specialty cocktails, unlimited progressive dining and entertainment ranging from live bands to aerial artists and magicians.
Down below on Old Bellevue’s Main Street, the Ascend Hospitality Group Cares program, in collaboration with Amazon and community sponsors, hosts the Night Market, a festive street-style gathering with hot beverages, food, arts and crafts and live music for all. Two very different ways to welcome the new year. Both worth your night.
and deeply personal,” says Brandon Rastok, wine director and CMS Advanced Sommelier. “Our cellar emphasizes depth in benchmark regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, Tuscany, Napa Valley and Champagne, while also showcasing exceptional producers from Washington State and the broader Pacific Northwest.”
A thoughtful selection alone won’t elevate a wine program to international prominence, though. “Our collection is paired with an engaged sommelier team whose focus is to translate the list into memorable moments for our guests—whether that’s selecting the perfect bottle for a steak or introducing someone to a producer they’ve never encountered before,” Rastok says. “Ultimately, the award recognizes programs that treat wine not just as inventory, but as an integral part of hospitality.”
It’s just one of many transcendent experiences that await diners who journey along Bellevue’s Acclaimed Dining Trail.
Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi
HAUTE COUTURE
Global brands are choosing Bellevue for their U.S. debuts, and fashion lovers should follow their lead. BY HARRIET BASKAS
Bellevue has become the undisputed fashion mecca of Washington and the Pacific Northwest. That’s thanks in part to a growing concentration of upscale retailers, a swarm of shopping centers and the city’s active, easy-to-access urban core.
The Bellevue Collection is the city’s go-to spot for fashion shopping, whether it’s elevated, multipurpose athletic wear, a tailored formal or informal suit or a diamond necklace that you’re after. Located in the city center, the Bellevue Collection includes a trio of upscale shopping, dining and entertainment venues covering more than 5.5 million square feet. Of the more than 200 stores, you’ll discover that many are devoted to stocking the very latest in everything
from apparel and accessories to cosmetics and beauty supplies, footwear and jewelry. There are three interconnected sites that make up the Bellevue Collection: Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square and Bellevue Place. And armed with an interactive map or helpful directions from the Guest Services staff, fashion fans can easily spend all day—or several days—perusing offerings from local, national and international brands ranging from Aritzia, COS, ZARA, Camper, The North Face, Gorjana and Vuori. The recently updated three-story Nordstrom department store (a decades-long Bellevue Square anchor) offers an enhanced array of luxury designer boutiques and special services.
Through time and careful curation, the Bellevue Collection now offers the Pacific Northwest’s largest selection of upscale global fashion brands in one location. Increasingly, that means that both major established and emerging brands are choosing to make their U.S. or regional debut here, drawing from and leaning into a unique Pacific Northwest fashion aesthetic
Bellevue Square
that values comfort, practicality and value without compromising or skimping on style.
Vancouver-based waterproof footwear brand Vessi opened its first U.S. brick-andmortar location at Bellevue Square. And Japanese apparel retailer UNIQLO, the London-based minimalist fashion brand COS (Collection of Style) and athletic menswear brand State & Liberty made their Washington State debuts at Bellevue Square. As did Spanish fashion brand Mango and Asian beauty supply company Sukoshi.
To make the most of your fashion shopping trip, join Be. Rewarded , the
Bellevue Collections’s loyalty program, for advance notice of new store openings, runway shows and other pop-up fashion events. Download a VIP Passport from the Bellevue Collection website for discounts at shops and dining venues. The Bellevue Collection also offers Shop & Stay Getaway packages at its three downtown Bellevue hotels: the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, the Westin Bellevue and the W Bellevue. In addition to parking and late checkout, each night’s package includes a $100 Bellevue Gift Collection gift card to help kickstart successful shopping adventures.
Walking along Bellevue Way
BEAUTIFUL BELLEVUE
21. Mercer Slough Blueberry Farm 22. Mercer Slough Nature Park
BELLHOP AROUND TOWN
Ride smart, explore more
Bellhop is Bellevue’s complimentary, allelectric ride service—designed to get you where you’re going with ease. From point to point across downtown, it’s a smarter, more sustainable way to explore the city without the hassle of parking or rideshare fees. Simply download the Ride Circuit app, request a ride and go. Whether you’re heading to dinner, shopping at The Bellevue Collection or discovering something new, Bellhop keeps your plans moving.
It’s not just convenient—it’s cost-effective, too, leaving more room in your itinerary and your budget for the experiences that matter.
HOURS
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Learn more at visitbellevuewa.com/bellhop
FIND YOUR NEW VUE IN
Enter the Visit Bellevue Aspire Sweepstakes for a chance to discover a fresh perspective—where nature, culture and style come together effortlessly.
GRAND PRIZE INCLUDES:
$500 Alaska Airlines gift card *
2-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue *
$100 gift card to The Bellevue Collection *
Round-trip Bellevue Airport Shuttle service for one *
HOW TO ENTER
Subscribe to our Aspire newsletter and confirm your subscription via email.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
Open to legal residents of the continental U.S., 21+. One entry per person. Employees of sponsors/affiliates not eligible. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes runs (June 1, 2026 - December 15, 2026)
*Exclusions Apply: Sweepstakes open to legal residents of the continental U.S. age 21 or older. One entry per person. Employees of Visit Bellevue, Hyatt Regency Bellevue, Alaska Airlines, The Bellevue Collection, Bellevue Airport Shuttle, and their affiliates are not eligible. Prize is non-transferable, has no cash value, and may not be substituted. Taxes are the winner's responsibility. Travel dates subject to availability. Other restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Void where prohibited.
THE SEASON BELLEVUE WAS BUILT FOR
Ice rinks, gingerbread villages, candlelit concerts and half a million lights arrive in Bellevue all at once, and with unmistakable intention. BY SALLY
VERRANDO
Some cities tolerate winter. Bellevue celebrates it. From the first blade on the ice rink to the final performance of The Nutcracker, the city constructs a holiday season full of warmth and fun for all who participate.
BELLEVUE DOWNTOWN ICE RINK
Nov. 20-Jan. 18, 2027
Glide across more than 9,000 square feet of the area’s largest seasonal ice skating rink. Themed days, free lessons. Reservations online. Admission prices vary. Non-skaters are free.
BELLEVUEICERINK.COM
BELLEVUE FARMER’S HOLIDAY MARKET
Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Celebrate with artisan vendors, gifts, live music and fresh foods from area farmers. ADA-accessible in the Bellevue Presbyterian Church parking lot.
BELLEVUEFARMERSMARKET.ORG
SNOWFLAKE LANE
Nov. 27-Dec. 24, nightly parade, 7 p.m.
Between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square, streets transform into an enchanted wonderland of sparkling lights, snowfall, seasonal music and luminous floats. Photos with Santa at Bellevue Square Center Court.
BELLEVUECOLLECTION.COM/HOLIDAY
Snowflake Lane
BELLEVUE PLACE WINTERGARDEN TREE LIGHTING
Nov. 27
After the Snowflake Lane parade, gather round the 30-foot evergreen and help count down to the tree lighting. Stay for the music, holiday refreshments and photos with Santa.
BELLEVUECOLLECTION.COM/HOLIDAY
GINGERBREAD VILLAGE
Nov. 27-Dec. 26
Enjoy the intricate confections and meticulous construction of the Gingerbread Village, an annual holiday hamlet that’s tempting to eat.
KIDSQUESTMUSEUM.ORG
GARDEN D’LIGHTS
Nov. 28-Dec. 31 (closed Christmas Day) Immerse yourself in lite-brite illumination as half a million colored lights transform the verdant landscape into a vibrant whimsy of flowers, animals and birds. Photo opps at every turn. Tickets on sale Oct. 15.
BELLEVUEBOTANICAL.ORG
THE NUTCRACKER
December, times vary
Celebrate the season with International Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker at Meydenbauer Theatre, where dancers bring Clara’s magical journey to life. Elegant costumes, Tchaikovsky’s score and timeless choreography create an enchanting holiday tradition for audiences of all ages.
IBTBELLEVUE.COM/THE-NUTCRACKER-IN-BELLEVUE
A WINTER’S GLOW: MUSIC BY CANDLELIGHT
Dec. 12, 7 p.m.
Sustain Music Project invites people to relax and reflect in the warmth of candlelight with a classical trio of flute, violin and cello featuring familiar seasonal songs.
SUSTAINMUSIC.ORG/WINTERSGLOW Bellevue Downtown Association has more holiday events at BELLEVUEDOWNTOWN.COM/ EVENTS/CALENDAR.
THE MOUNTAINS DON’T CLOSE
From Crystal Mountain’s slopes to Hurricane Ridge’s hidden trails, winter transforms Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks into the Pacific Northwest’s greatest playground. BY
CRAI S. BOWER
The Pacific Northwest doesn’t hibernate. It transforms. Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks swap their summer greens for something altogether more dramatic in winter. Snow-blanketed ridgelines, hushed trails and vistas that stop you cold in your tracks, but not because of the temperature. Bellevue is your basecamp for all three.
At Mount Rainier, the White River Entrance closes for the season. That’s not a dead end but rather an invitation. Scenic Highway 410 becomes prime snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing terrain the moment the gate goes down. A left turn onto Crystal Mountain Boulevard delivers you to Washington State’s largest full-service ski and snowboard resort. It’s hard to have a bad day.
Year-round access through Rainier’s Nisqually Entrance opens the door to the Longmire and Paradise areas, and Paradise is where winter lives loudest.
“Paradise is the easiest location in the national park to find reliable snow,” says Park Ranger Terry Wildy. “Visitors might also consider joining our ranger-led weekend snowshoe walks.”
Paradise River Road stays closed all winter—which makes it one of the more serene, ungroomed routes in the park, tracing
the Paradise River past sweeping views of the Nisqually River Valley and Sawtooth Ridge. Rent cross-country ski or snowshoe gear at the National Park Inn. And if you packed a flying saucer, Paradise grooms a sledding slope most seasons. Do not skip this.
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park is the region’s snow playground, plain and simple. Nearly 20 miles of ungroomed trails await cross-country skiers and snowshoers, including two unplowed park roads that beg to be explored.
“One special winter activity is our rangerled snowshoe walks on Hurricane Ridge,” says Olympic National Park Ranger Jamie Shurnitski. “Offered on Saturdays, the program is completely free and includes snowshoes and instruction on how to use them. It’s also a great way to get off the beaten path, because the ranger will guide you off trail to discover some of the unique elements that make winter special.”
Young families, take note: The Children’s Snowplay Area is built for first-time sledders. The tubing park in the Hurricane Ridge Ski Area runs on purchased tickets and pure joy.
The views from the Hurricane Ridge parking lot alone are worth the drive, but Jack Soliday, senior gear specialist at REI Bellevue, issues a standing reminder before anyone heads up.
“Weather in the mountains changes fast,” he says. “Check forecasts often and always prepare for harsher conditions than predicted.”
Soliday skips the all-in-one jacket in favor of a system: moisture-wicking base layer, insulating midlayer and waterproof shell.
“Layering is essential in the Pacific Northwest,” he says. “This combination gives you the flexibility to stay warm and dry without overheating.”
Expect conditions to get serious in North Cascades National Park. That’s not a deterrent—it’s the draw. The 7.6-mile roundtrip Diablo Lake Trail and the 3.6-mile roundtrip Thunder Knob Trail both stay accessible at lower elevations, delivering quiet winter hiking and snowshoeing with wilderness views that justify every cold step.
“As with all times of year, it is important to plan ahead and be prepared,” says Yeva Cifor, park ranger in North Cascades National Park. “Always check the park website to learn what is accessible in winter.”
Whichever national park you choose on a day trip from Bellevue, you’ll find nature’s beauty and unbound adventure around every corner.
THE INSIDE OF BELLEVUE
When the clouds move in off Puget Sound, the city reveals a parallel world of bowling alleys, virtual reality, candlelit concerts and curious young minds. BY SALLY VERRANDO
There is a version of Bellevue that exists entirely under a roof. It runs parallel to the trails, the peaks and the waterfront promenade—quieter in some ways, louder in others, and just as deliberate in what it offers. Whether the clouds have moved in for the week or the sun is simply pointing somewhere else, the city’s indoor destinations make a compelling case that the adventure was never really about the weather.
FOR THE YOUNG’UNS
FUNTASTIC PLAYTORIUM
Active fun is the mission at one of the largest indoor playgrounds in the state for kids ages 1-10. Colorful padded floors with kidsize climbing and sliding plus ball pits and a separate toddler area.
FUNTASTICPLAYTORIUM.COM
KIDSQUEST CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) intersect through hands-on activities for children up to age 10. Lowsensory afternoons are on the third Thursday of each month. KIDSQUESTMUSEUM.ORG
TWINKLE LAND PLAY CAFÉ
Tots to preteens with boundless energy and imagination climb, slide and jump in this colorful indoor playground with an arcade, craft area and café for parents needing a breather. TWINKLELANDPLAYCAFE.COM
SNAPDOODLE TOYS & GAMES
This beloved local toy company brings curated, screen-free fun to kids and families of all ages. Stocked with quality games, puzzles and imaginative playthings spanning arts, science, music and the outdoors, it’s the kind of neighborhood shop that makes gift-giving memorable. SNAPDOODLETOYS.COM
ADRENALINE RUSH
K1 SPEED
Burn rubber go-karting—or glo-karting with neon LEDs. Switch gears to arcade games, billiards and the Seattle Paddock Lounge, the perfect pit stop to recharge.
K1SPEED.COM
MONSTER MINI GOLF
Monsters in blacklight kick up the fun factor. Choose mini golf, mini bowling, laser maze, arcade games and virtual reality for glow-inthe-dark adventures.
MONSTERMINIGOLF.COM
KidsQuest
Children’s Museum
K1 Speed
MOX BOARDING HOUSE
The Pacific Northwest’s tabletop culture finds its cathedral here. Browse more than 600 games from the free library, roll dice at Magic: The Gathering tournament or settle into the art deco dining room for house-made food, craft cocktails and local brews. Find the speakeasy behind the bookcase if you dare.
MOXBOARDINGHOUSE.COM
BELLEVUE PICKLEBALL CLUB
Smash, dink and volley on four signature pink courts, which happen to be the first indoor pink court design in the United States. Open daily 6 a.m. to midnight, no membership required. Paddle rentals and balls available. Wear your sneakers.
THEBELLEVUEPICKLEBALLCLUB.COM
LINCOLN SQUARE
MIRRA - SOCIAL
ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Immersive, high-energy team games (that turn into a nightclub with DJs and immersive visuals), food and fun abound. Fridays and Saturdays after 10 p.m. are 21-and-older only.
VISITMIRRA.COM
FORUM SOCIAL HOUSE
Hit “the ultimate playground” for enchanting mini golf, golf swing simulators and the Rockwell Sound Lounge. After 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, it’s 21-and-older only.
FORUMSOCIALHOUSE.COM
CINEMARK LINCOLN SQUARE
CINEMAS AND IMAX
Sixteen screens with comfy high-back rockers. On-screen captions for selected showings. Sensory immersion with IMAX, sometimes in 70 mm or 3D. Also check out Cinemark Reserve for luxury movie viewing with dinein and bar service for ages 21 and older.
CINEMARK.COM/THEATRES
LUCKY STRIKE BELLEVUE
Boutique bowling with 12 lanes, four VIP lanes and giant plasma screens. Test skills in the arcade then head to Lucky Lounge for meals and libations. DJs and dancing for ages 21 and older on Friday and Saturday nights after 8 p.m. LUCKYSTRIKEENT.COM
Mirra - Social Entertainment Venue
Mox Boarding House
Forum Social House
NO PASSPORT REQUIRED
See how Bellevue became one of America’s most authentically global dining destinations.
BY DAVID & SUSAN GREENBERG
International cuisine isn’t an exotic subset of Bellevue dining. It’s the default. It’s the city’s matter-of-course cuisine. This is not a city built on frozen waffles and ranch dressing.
The population is worldly and knows the difference between eating and dining: Sichuan, Japanese, Taiwanese, Gujarati— flavor profiles that would leave meatloaf and mashed potatoes blinking in confusion.
It’s no wonder so many restaurants, especially ones with Asian influences, are choosing Bellevue as their home. The city offers a deep reservoir of no-compromise culinary interest, and restaurateurs know it.
CROSSROADS BELLEVUE
At Crossroads Bellevue, South Asian restaurants bustle on a weeknight. Banaras, a vegetarian Indian eatery, sends out hot breads spherical as soccer balls that fragrantly collapse when torn. Ebullient families raise the
decibel level. Love is palpable. This is Indian food unfiltered—dishes rarely attempted in standard Indian restaurants, and even more rarely ordered. Nearby, in the Asian Family Market Food Court, Taste of Xi’an slings hand-pulled Biang Biang noodles slicked with chili oil and vinegar and studded with shards of pork that would hold their own in Xi’an itself. These restaurants do not dial down their food for timid palates. Appreciate the real thing or step aside. And the crowds, hungry and loyal, appreciate it.
DOWNTOWN BELLEVUE
In the bustling-yet-relaxed Downtown district, many ambitious restaurants have commissioned interior designers to express their vision. Peruvian La Mar Cocina Peruana Bellevue serves a ceviche of octopus, squid and shrimp in Tiger’s Milk, the Peruvian mother sauce of lime juice, chilis, cilantro, garlic and ginger. Their Plancheza La Mar is bronzed octopus, shrimp, halibut and potatoes served with an iridescent chimichurri. Japanese LeTao engineers precision desserts, including a mandarin orange cake made with Hokkaido cream cheese, encasing whole peeled mandarins. A slice looks like
Banaras
La Mar chef Kaoru Chang
modern art. Their Mont Blancs—sweetened, swirled seraphic strings of chestnut paste, rarely made stateside—are standouts.
The go-tos for predictably excellent handwrought dumplings are Din Tai Fung and Dough Zone, a Bellevue-founded dumpling house now found in four states. Bellevue is a preferred launching pad for foreignimport brands such as Sushi Tei (opening in September), Tendon Kohaku and Farzi Cafe. These eateries chose Bellevue to be their U.S. flagship, in part because the customer base already knows exactly how their dishes should taste. None of this food surprises its customers, it’s expected. They relish these dishes, and excellence is the lowest standard they will accept.
Asian supermarkets abound, including the massive T&T Supermarket and Uwajimaya, selling everything from Indian mango pickle to durian and stinky tofu—unknown to many Western taste buds. What’s more, Bellevue is potting soil for festivals. These markets supply Lunar New Year celebrations, Diwali gatherings and Bellevue’s International Festival of music, dance and food, as well as Holi, India Fest, the Ukrainian Festival and the Cultural Crossroads Festival.
Around here, authentic cuisine is not an alleyway adventure. It is the city’s everyday language, spoken fluently, and tasted everywhere.
Dumplings at Din Tai Fung
Dough Zone
Tendon Kohaku
A STREET WORTH FINDING
One Bellevue block is still doing things the old-fashioned way—and doing it right. BY
CRAI S. BOWER
With its glistening skyline and tech-hub reputation, Bellevue reads as a city of upstart energy that maintains the restless ambition of a place still figuring itself out. But the land beneath those glass towers has a much longer memory. Coast Salish Indigenous communities called this place home long before European settlers arrived in the 19th century to farm it. A floating bridge changed everything in 1940, and what locals call “modern” Bellevue took shape in 1970 with the completion of the 14-story Paccar Tower, the city’s first high rise.
History, if you know where to look, is everywhere.
In Chism Beach Park, the Burrows Cabin, built in 1883 by a Civil War veteran, still
Clock in Old Bellevue
Main Street
stands. At Mercer Slough, the land itself carries a more painful story: Japanese farmers once cultivated strawberries here before their forced removal to internment camps during World War II. Bellevue Library holds Emerging Radiance, an interactive art exhibit that reveals the untold stories of those farmers who followed the timber boom, cleared the stump-strewn land and built an agricultural foundation for the city that came after them.
Since Bellevue’s incorporation in 1953, Main Street has served as the bridge between what the city was and what it’s becoming. Running from 112th Ave. S.E. to Meydenbauer Bay, Old Bellevue has grown into one of the city’s most beloved pedestrian destinations: an unhurried and walkable Shangri-La.
Wine Bar and Browne Family Winery pour tastings alongside charcuterie worth lingering over.
“Bellevue has done a great job of being thoughtful in the expansion of the city,” says Randi Brazen, a real estate agent and board member of the Old Bellevue Merchants Association. “There is such a charm and quaintness along Old Main Street. We have long been known for our women-owned businesses, independent specialty boutiques, restaurants and wellness establishments that have shaped the neighborhood into a dynamic and welcoming environment.”
Brazen and her husband, Joseph, moved to Bellevue in 1993, drawn by its unhurried pace and outdoor beauty. Inspired by a visit to Temple Bar in Dublin, Joseph opened the family-friendly 520 Bar & Grill on Old Main Street in 2006. It has anchored the block ever since.
The dining scene around it has flourished. Monsoon draws loyal followings for its Vietnamese cuisine. Cantinetta Bellevue and Bobby Moore’s Bis on Main deliver fine Italian and Northwest fare, respectively.
“Don’t miss Gilbert’s on Main for breakfast,” Brazen says. “They also make great deli sandwiches for a picnic in Meydenbauer Bay Park.”
Old Main Street’s wide brick sidewalks set the pace—slow, browsable, easy. Restaurant terraces fill with conversation on warm evenings from spring through fall, and the bartenders here have a gift for making firsttimers feel like regulars.
The shopping holds its own. Hedge & Vine stocks gifts, specialty food and home goods with a careful eye for curation. Smith & Main offers clothing and accessories for those tired of wearing what everyone else is. Fran’s Chocolates brings luxury of the truffle variety. What stays with you, though, is the spirit of the place. Servers recommend dishes at the restaurant next door. Shop owners point you toward something better suited at the boutique down the block. On summer evenings, residents and visitors mix freely at 520 Bar & Grill’s patio for live music three nights a week. Old Bellevue pulls you into the fold.
Valentinas
Monsoon
ROOTS OF RENEWAL
Bellevue Botanical Garden has grown from a quiet bequest into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most-visited green spaces. BY CRAI S. BOWER
Bellevue’s growing season never really ends. Daphne perfumes the winter air. Rhododendrons frame spring in sweeps of color. Fuchsias blaze through summer, and dahlias and asters hold their ground well into fall. At Bellevue Botanical Garden, that perpetual bloom is the whole point—a living museum of more than 3,000 plant varieties cultivated to delight and inspire the gardener, or the garden dreamer, in all of us.
James Gagliardi knows that feeling well. The director of Bellevue Botanical Garden remembers his first visit to this vibrant 53-acre public garden and the sensation it stirred.
“Everywhere I went felt like a brochure photograph,” he says.
In 2022, Gagliardi left a decade of curating gardens at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and followed the rain west
to the Pacific Northwest. He says the joy hasn’t worn off.
“You get a great Pacific Northwest vibe when you visit us,” he says. “Visitors discover curated gardens with something always in bloom, big trees and an eight-story suspension bridge—all within a mile of downtown Bellevue. Folks can walk, drive or jump on the BellHop, Bellevue’s free on-demand shuttle service, to immerse themselves in our always-free botanical garden.”
The garden traces its roots to Cal and Harriet Shorts, avid gardeners who bequeathed their
land and home to the city of Bellevue in 1981. In 1992, the all-volunteer Bellevue Botanical Garden Society opened what has since grown into the city’s most-visited attraction, welcoming more than 500,000 guests each year.
Much of what makes it work comes down to people. More than 400 volunteers donated 17,500 hours last year alone, including tour guides and botanical exhibitions.
“Whether it’s a lichen or moss identification class, a ‘Journaling in the Garden’ workshop or Children’s Storytime, there is always a public event going on here,” Gagliardi says.
Out-of-town visitors can register online for mostly the free events. These events are also a natural way to connect with the
local gardening community, where visitors can pick up some regional knowledge and leave with a souvenir of their time in Bellevue. Complimentary docent tours run on weekends from spring through fall.
Accessibility has become a quiet point of pride. The garden recently earned certification from Wheel the World, and well-placed seating areas are scattered throughout the trails for those who wish to linger.
Gagliardi encourages visitors to let curiosity guide the route.
“Follow the stream to what attracts you,” he says. “The Tateuchi Loop Trail takes you through most of the gardens and leads to a cedar woodland that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest forest. The Yao Garden is an untraditional Japanese garden, blending inspiration from our sister city, Yao, Japan, with regional themes. Our plant identification app enables any visitor to replicate our plantings at home.”
There is always something worth pausing for—more than 80 fern species, robust perennial borders and the largest collection of trillium specimens found in any public garden in North America. Bellevue Botanical Garden offers more than 3,000 reasons to linger a little longer.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Bellevue Farmers Market
Thursdays, May 21-Oct. 1, 2026
1717 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, BELLEVUEFARMERSMARKET.ORG
Paws & Pride | Saturday, June 6, 2026
Bellevue Downtown Park
BELLEVUEDOWNTOWN.COM/PAWS-AND-PRIDEDOG-WALK
Bellevue Family 4th | July 4, 2026
Downtown Park
BELLEVUEDOWNTOWN.COM/BELLEVUE-FAMILY-4TH
Bellevue Arts Fair | July 24-26, 2026
Bellevue Square
BELLEVUEARTS.ORG/PUBLIC-PROGRAMS-ANDEVENTS/BELLEVUE-ARTS-FAIR-WEEKEND-2026
Seafair | July 31-Aug. 2, 2026
Genesee Park and Playfield
SEAFAIR.ORG/SEAFAIR-WEEKEND-FESTIVAL
Aire Craft: Paragliding & Street Arts Festival | Aug. 13-16, 2026 Issaquah, WA
BrickCon | Sept. 12-13, 2026
11100 NE 6th St., Bellevue, WA
BRICKCON.ORG
Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series
Oct. 7-11, 2026
BELLEVUEDOWNTOWN.COM
Salmon Days | Oct. 3-4, 2026
155 NW Gilman Blvd., Issaquah, WA
SALMONDAYS.ORG
Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink
Nov. 13, 2026-Jan. 18, 2027
100 100th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA
BELLEVUEICERINK.COM
Snowflake Lane | Nov. 27-Dec. 24, 2026
The Bellevue Collection, Bellevue, WA
MORE INFORMATION ON EVENTS, SCAN HERE.
The Nutcracker | Dec. 4-23, 2026
International Ballet Theatre 11211 Main St., Bellevue, WA
IBTBELLEVUE.COM
Garden d’Lights | Nov. 28-Dec. 31, 2026 12001 Main St., Bellevue, WA
BELLEVUEBOTANICAL.ORG
Wintergrass Festival | Feb. 18-21, 2027 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA
WINTERGRASS.COM
SPORTS
Sounders | Feb.-Oct. 2026
Mariners | March-Sept. 2026
Seahawks | Sept. 2026-Jan. 2027
Reign | March-November 2026
Kraken | Oct. 2026-April 2027
CULINARY WEEKS
�� Dumpling Week | Feb. 14-24, 2026
Ring in Lunar New Year with an entire week dedicated to dumplings in every form— steamed, fried, filled and folded with love.
�� Berry Week | July 18 - 26, 2026
Celebrate summer’s sweetest local harvest with farm-fresh delights, berry-infused dishes and refreshing treats that capture the taste of the season.
�� Crab Week | Aug. 14-23, 2026
Dive into the rich coastal flavors of the Pacific Northwest with crab specialties crafted by some of Bellevue’s top chefs.
�� Noodle Week | Nov. 11-22, 2026
Savor the ultimate comfort food. From hand-pulled ramen to wok-tossed stir-fries to classic Italian pasta, taste your way through global noodle traditions.
GETTING AROUND
Bellevue is built for movement, thoughtful, connected and effortlessly accessible. Whether you are heading across town or across the lake, getting there is part of the experience.
BY RAIL: THE 2 LINE CROSSLAKE CONNECTION
Now open, Sound Transit’s 2 Line Crosslake Connection links Bellevue directly to Seattle—no car required. Glide across Lake Washington on one of the region’s most scenic routes, with easy access to iconic attractions like Pike Place Market, the Seattle Waterfront and the Stadium District, home to Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park.
Fast, frequent and remarkably seamless, it’s the smartest way to experience both cities in one trip.
PUBLIC TRANSIT & LOCAL CONNECTIONS
Bellevue is served by King County Metro and Sound Transit bus lines, with convenient connections throughout the region. The Bellevue Transit Center acts as a central hub, linking downtown to surrounding neighborhoods and regional destinations.
For real-time routes, trip planning and service updates, transit apps and regional tools make navigating simple.
BELLHOP: BELLEVUE’S FREE ELECTRIC SHUTTLE
Downtown travel is even easier with Bellhop—Bellevue’s complimentary, allelectric, on-demand shuttle. Request a ride through the Ride Circuit app and enjoy point-to-point service to dining, shopping, hotels and more.
AIRPORT ACCESS
Getting to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is simple and stressfree. The Bellevue Airport Shuttle offers reliable, direct service between the airport and Bellevue hotels, making it one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to travel.
Advance reservations are recommended for a seamless arrival and departure experience. Rideshare, taxi and light rail connections are also available for flexible transit options.
PLAN YOUR RIDE
From rail and rideshare to Bellhop and beyond, Bellevue makes it easy to choose the best way to get around.
Scan to access the Transportation Toolkit, your all-in-one guide to routes, services and real-time options across the city and region.
