Coming up with things to do in Blaine, WA was a challenge I took to heart. That’s because this tiny town is easy to miss on your way to British Columbia, yet it’s one of my favorite hidden gems in Washington.
Ask anyone what there is to do in Blaine and they’ll tell you it’s just a town to gas up before crossing the Canadian border. Being a frequent border-crosser, I can say that’s not true! There’s a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, plus shops and killer restaurants.
To help you plan your next road trip, I’ve come up with a roundup of activities worth adding to your Blaine, WA bucket list!
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11 Things to Do in Blaine, WA
Before getting into the nitty gritty about all the things to do in Blaine, WA, let me give you the lowdown on what to expect.
Where is Blaine, WA?
Blaine, Washington is located in Whatcom County, directly on the United States-Canadian border about two hours from Seattle and 1 hour from Vancouver, BC. The best way to get there is to head north from Seattle via I-5. Along the way, stop at more of my favorite small towns in Washington in Skagit and Whatcom County, as you’ll drive by a few other gems!
As for when to visit Blaine, your best bet for weather is mid-summer when the days are sunny and long and whale watching season is at its peak. If you can wait until late September/early October, you’ll be rewarded with a fraction of the crowds and more leaf peeping opportunities.
What to Do in Blaine, WA
Now let’s dive into the list of all there is to do in Blaine, Washington! Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll keep it updated with new finds!
Stroll downtown Blaine
Blaine’s downtown is small but mighty with quite a few shops in a small footprint. It’s the only town I’ve been to where you can find freshly baked sourdough in the town’s Chevron! Annie’s Bread in Blaine sells loaves and English muffins six days a week, so pick some up and let it fill your car with that warm, fresh-baked bread smell.
The Blaine Art Gallery is a curated studio filled with works from local artists along with a gift shop selling original prints and souvenirs. Or partake in this historic audio tour and learn how the city got its name from James G. Blaine, former Secretary of State turned presidential candidate.
Check out Blaine’s restaurant scene
I was pleasantly surprised the first time I stopped and ate in Blaine. The more I visited on my way to BC, the more amazing restaurants I discovered. Here are some favorites.
Drayton Harbor Oyster Company
website | get directions | best for: fresh oysters overlooking the water
Drayton Harbor Oyster Co. is a Blaine staple serving fresh oysters from their oyster farm alongside more land and sea fare. Visit for their waterfront view of Blaine’s Drayton Harbor, then stay for their craft beer selection and $2 oyster happy hour!
L&L Bakery
website | get directions | best for: macarons
Like any charming town, Blaine has a top-notch bakery. In addition to multi-tiered wedding cakes, they also have exceptional macarons, cinnamon rolls, and savory quiches.
The Railway Cafe
website | get directions | best for: breakfast sandwich
Aptly named for its red caboose design, the Railway Cafe is a tiny spot serving simple but hearty breakfast options. Their breakfast sandwiches are stuffed with fillings and their all-day lunch options are beloved by locals. Make sure to take your order out back to the patio overlooking the water!
The Vault Wine Bar
website | get directions | best for: local wines
The Vault is part wine bar, part event space. They boast an impressive wine list including a mix of local wines (as in, Washington and Canada) alongside international bottles from farther afield. The owners frequently host winemaker dinners to showcase popular and emerging regions like Uruguayan.
Edaleen Dairy
website | get directions | best for: local ice cream
Support the local dairy and stop by Edaleen. They make the freshest ice cream in town, and you can even add a scoop of edible cookie dough for a more decadent treat.
Visit a speakeasy
website | get directions | best for: cocktails in a hidden space
I’m always on the hunt for the best speakeasies in Seattle, but didn’t expect to find one in such a small town like Blaine. And this spot is a legit speakeasy. As in, one that was used during the Prohibition era.
Hidden beneath the Gateway 1890 Taphouse is the Smuggler’s Tunnel, an old mining shaft used to smuggle booze. Enter via the taphouse’s backyard beer garden. The speakeasy is through a door just to the right of the staircase leading up to the restaurant.
Pro tip: Check the website for the code word to access the secret bartender’s menu.
Check out the parks
One of my favorite things to do in Washington state is take in the sights from my nearest park, and Blaine is no exception. Here are the best parks in town.
Peace Arch Park
website | get directions | best for: two parks in two countries
Peace Arch Park is technically two parks in two countries. One park is owned by Washington state, and the other is owned by BC Provincial Parks. It’s best known for the International Peace Arch, a 67-foot dramatic arch towering over the flowering gardens.
Blaine Marine Park-Amphitheater
website | get directions | best for: bird watching
The Blaine Marine Park is considered a prime destination for bird watching, specifically waterfowl. There are walking trails along the waterfront and limited beach access. Kids can enjoy the nautical themed playground as you take in the view of the San Juan Islands.
Semiahmoo Park
website | get directions | best for: PNW views
With the Semiahmoo Bay on one side, the Drayton Harbor on the other, and Mount Baker in the distance, this park offers 360-degree views of the Pacific Northwest. It also marks the entrance to the Semiahmoo Spit, a popular birdwatching location come fall and springtime.
Birch Bay State Park
website | get directions | best for: secluded beach
Birch Bay is the local state park that’s great for families looking to camp or explore the beach unencumbered by crowds. Despite feeling a world away, urban life is just a few minutes down the road.
Take in the views at Jorgensen Pier
website | get directions | best for: relaxing on the water
Explore Blaine’s large marina with a walk down the Jorgensen Pier. There are picnic tables where you can sit and overlook the San Juan Islands or watch locals go fishing and crabbing.
Kayak Birch Bay
website | get directions | price: ~$35-90pp | best for: kayaking the bay
If you’re into kayaking or cycling on your vacation but prefer to rent equipment, Birch Bay Carts and Rentals has everything you’ll need. In addition to bikes, kayaks, and paddle boards, you can rent yard games or golf carts to get around town.
If you do the kayak route, you won’t have to venture far. The kayaks are located less than 300 feet from beach access.
Ride the Plover Passenger Ferry
website | get directions | price: ~$4-9pp | best for: historic ferry ride
Catching the ferry is an iconic PNW experience, but this takes it to another level. Hop aboard Washington’s oldest foot passenger ferry for a scenic ride along the Blaine Harbor Marina and watch for seals and blue herons.
Visit nearby farms
Blaine is a city best known for its connection to local farmers. Explore them by following these nine farm trails created by the nonprofit Sustainable Connections. Each one promises bountiful harvests from u-pick farms to local dairies and produce stands. Here are some of my favorite farms that accept visors:
- Bellewood Farms – Huge apple orchard, distillery, and farm store (Lynden)
- Oak Meadows Farm – Adorable farm store with their meats and goodies from friends (Ferndale)
- Widnor Farms – Adorable ranch store full of their meats and pantry items (Custer)
- Grace Harbor Farms – Dairy farm with yogurts, egg nog, and more (Custer)
If you visit the second weekend in September, don’t miss Sustainable Connection’s Whatcom County Farm Tour. It’s when even more area farms open their doors to guests for a day of tours, tastings, and family activities.
Go golfing
Catch another side of Blaine by playing a few rounds of golf at one of the town’s multiple courses. Loomis Trail Golf Course offers pristine grounds with water features and a well-stocked clubhouse. Or tee off at the Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club designed by Arnold Palmer.
Stay the night at Semiahmoo Resort
link to book | get directions | price: starts at ~$202/night | best for: pet-friendly resort
Semiahmoo Resort is one of the best resorts in the PNW. Staying here offers unfettered access to the Salish Sea and Semiahmoo Spit. There’s a golf course and spa on site along with private beach access. Rent a kayak, take a dip in the outdoor pool, then explore the onsite waterfront restaurant for a weekend of decadence.
Do a nearby day trip
Coming up with a list of things to do in Blaine is about as easy as finding things to do in Seabrook, WA. That’s because both towns may be small, but they make up for size by being close to popular spots for added day trips. I listed options in order of distance from Blaine and linked articles to help plan your scenic detour.
- Lynden (~25 minutes) – Dutch town lined with windmills and mountain views
- Bellingham (~30 minutes) – College town with craft brews and skiing
- Skagit Valley (~1 hour) – Farmland, produce, amazing restaurants, and a spring tulip festival
- Vancouver (~1 hour) – City life with restaurants and great places to stay
- Lummi Island (~1 hour 20 minutes) – Tiny island with no crowds and gorgeous views
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