Coolcation, Anyone? Why Bellevue, Washington, Should Be Your Next Summer Escape

by Melissa Teutsch on June 16, 2025 in Travels,
A small electric boat with people onboard cruises on Lake Washington in front of Bellevue, WA's modern skyline under a partly cloudy sky.
Share
FacebookXLinkedInEmail

With triple digits already creeping in for many of us this summer, it’s officially time to embrace the coolest travel trend out there — coolcations. 

There’s no better place to cool off than Bellevue, Washington. Just across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue offers a more relaxed, upscale alternative to its big-city neighbor. It’s modern, green, and quietly sophisticated. Think high-end shopping, glimmering high-rises, and peaceful lakefront parks — all with views of the Cascades on one side and Mt. Rainier on the other. 

Top Things to Do in Bellevue, Washington

Chase Waterfalls

A view of Snoqualmie Falls cascading into a river, surrounded by lush green trees and moss-covered rocks on a cloudy day.
You don’t have to go far to find waterfalls — Snoqualmie Falls is just 30 minutes from downtown and makes for an easy morning or afternoon escape. Photo Melissa Teutsch.

Bellevue is the perfect base for exploring the natural beauty the Pacific Northwest is famous for — especially if, like me, you believe that every hike should come with a reward at the end (preferably a dramatic waterfall or a jaw-dropping view). Good news: this region has more waterfalls than anywhere else in North America, and they absolutely live up to the hype.

I kicked off my trip with a visit to Snoqualmie Falls, just a 30-minute drive from downtown Bellevue. At 270 feet tall, it’s an iconic sight — especially for fans of Twin Peaks, who might recognize it from the show’s opening credits. But this place is more than just a pretty view. Snoqualmie Falls is sacred to the Snoqualmie Tribe, who’ve called this region home for thousands of years. In 1898, the falls were blasted to create a hydroelectric plant that brought electricity to Seattle — and the Tribe lost its stewardship of the land. After more than a century of advocacy, the Snoqualmie finally gained ownership of the land above the falls in 2019.

A gravel walking trail winding through a lush, green forest with moss-covered trees and dense underbrush.
The trail to the base of Snoqualmie Falls is full of lush greenery and moss. Photo Melissa Teutsch.

When you visit, make the short hike down to the base of the falls. The view is clearer (mist permitting), and the trail feels like something out of a fairytale — thick green moss, towering trees, and that cool, quiet forest hush that makes you feel like a woodland creature could pop out and say hello at any moment.

Go Troll Hunting (and Learn a Little Salmon Science)

A large troll made of recycled materials, mostly wood in nature, wearing a birdhouse necklace.
Jakob Two Trees is one of six trolls hiding in the forests around the Seattle area. Photo Melissa Teutsch.

Speaking of woodland creatures . . . there’s an actual troll nearby. Just up the road in Issaquah, you’ll find Jakob Two Trees, one of six massive trolls built from recycled materials by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and hidden around the Seattle area. Each one is whimsical, artistic, and worth the hunt if you’re exploring other areas around Bellevue. (Fun fact: Texans can also find one of Thomas’s trolls, Malin’s Fountain, in Austin at Pease Park.) 

While you’re troll hunting, stop by the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery — the most visited hatchery in the state. Salmon is king in Issaquah and it’s treated as such . . . it even has its own festival during spawning season in October. The hatchery is open every day, free to explore, and especially fun from late August through November, when Chinook and Coho salmon return to spawn. You can see them jumping up the fish ladder or swimming in the creek right from the bridges and decks. 

Eat All the Things

Two sushi rolls made of smoked salmon, Dungeness crab, and Granny Smith apples sitting on a decorative leaf on a small white plate.
The Washington Sushi Rolls at Seastar are made of smoked salmon, Dungeness crab, and Granny Smith apple. Photo Melissa Teutsch.

Bellevue is one of the most diverse cities in Washington State, with a “majority-minority” population — meaning that more than half of its residents identify as a minority. This diversity is especially visible in the city’s vibrant food scene. With 400+ restaurants to choose from, the best way to get a taste is on the Bites of Bellevue Tour. It’s a 2.5-hour guided walking tour that includes six stops and a fun look at Bellevue’s evolving culinary landscape. For someone like me — raised on Southern comfort food — it was the perfect way to push past my usual picks. My favorites of the tour were the Washington Sushi Rolls at Seastar, the Grand Marnier Prawns at BIS on Main, and the dark chocolate sea salt caramels at Fran’s Chocolates. 

Another culinary must-do is brunch at Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi, an elevated dining experience — both literally (on the 31st floor with views of the Seattle skyline) and figuratively. This is brunch reimagined — a total departure from your usual eggs and toast. I tried the Chicharron Chicken & Waffles, Spicy Tuna Prosciutto Pizza, Wagyu Tenderloin with a quail egg, and my favorites, Caviar, Salmon & Eggs and Japanese Milk Bread Pudding Souffle. It’s a mix of wow-worthy flavors and a visual feast, too. 

Four Caviar, Salmon, and Eggs consisting of smoked salmon crostino, creamy scrambled organic eggs, osetra caviar, and creme fraiche, sitting on a rectangular white plate.
The Caviar, Salmon, and Eggs from Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi is made of smoked salmon crostino, creamy scrambled organic eggs, osetra caviar, and creme fraiche. Photo Melissa Teutsch.

And you can’t visit the Pacific Northwest without diving into some fresh seafood. Duke’s Seafood is a solid choice. Try the mini chowder sampler (because decisions are hard), split the (Un)Chopped Seafood Salad, and if you’re hungry, go big with the Stuffed Wild Salmon — crab, prawns, and cheese all tucked inside. It’s indulgent in the best way.

Shop Like It’s a Sport

Malls may be fading elsewhere, but in Bellevue, they’re thriving — and The Bellevue Collection proves it. This isn’t just a mall — it’s practically its own city, made up of three connected areas: Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Place. With 200+ stores, 50+ restaurants, a movie theater, spas, and even hotels and apartments, it’s a one-stop shop for everything. And since it’s all connected by skybridges, you never have to worry about dodging raindrops. You could easily spend an entire afternoon here and still not see it all. 

Get Lost In Beauty — on Land and Water

A lush garden scene at Bellevue Botanical Garden featuring colorful foliage with bright red and orange shrubs in the foreground, purple flowering plants, chartreuse-colored foliage, and mature trees creating a canopy overhead. A wooden bench is visible in the mid-ground among the varied plantings.
Vibrant colors come alive at Bellevue Botanical Garden, where visitors can explore 53 acres of display gardens showcasing the Pacific Northwest’s diverse plant life throughout the changing seasons. Photo Melissa Teutsch.

If you need a quiet moment between meals and shopping sprees, head to the Bellevue Botanical Garden. This peaceful 53-acre space is just minutes from downtown and totally free to visit. The gardens are a mix of colorful plants and flowers and natural forest trails that feel like a little escape from city life. One of the coolest features is a suspension bridge that stretches across a ravine. Whether you’re a plant lover or just need a breath of fresh air, it’s a great place to unwind. 

Whatever you do, don’t leave Bellevue without getting out on Lake Washington. You can paddleboard or kayak if you’re feeling sporty, but for a more relaxing option, book a cruise with Bellevue Lake Cruises. Their 90-minute, electric boat tours depart from Meydenbauer Bay Park and offer postcard-worthy views of lakefront mansions (yes, even that one belonging to Bill Gates), both city skylines, and — on a clear day — the majestic Mt. Rainier. Bring your own snacks and drinks (wine is encouraged), and opt for the sunset cruise if you want a little extra magic. It’s peaceful, scenic, and just the right amount of fancy.

So, if you’re looking to escape the heat without giving up amazing food, lush green beauty, or a touch of luxury, Bellevue should be at the top of your list. Come for the cooler temps, stay for the culture, cuisine, and calming vibes — and leave feeling relaxed, recharged, and just a little more enchanted (and full!) than when you arrived. 

Know Before You Go:

  • Getting there: If you’re staying local, skip the rental car and use the Bellevue Airport Shuttle for an affordable hassle-free ride to the Bellevue downtown hotels.
  • Where to stay: The Hyatt Regency Bellevue is a smart pick. It’s part of The Bellevue Collection (connected by skywalks), and if you ask for a high-floor room facing Seattle, you might just catch a glimpse of the Seattle skyline.
  • Getting around: For short trips around downtown, download the BellHop app — a free, local ride service that makes exploring super easy.
  • What to pack: Even in the summer, the Pacific Northwest is known for the occasional drizzle. A light rain jacket is a must.
  • More to explore: This list only scratches the surface. Head to VisitBellevueWA.com for even more ways to cool off, dine well, and enjoy everything the city and surrounding Pacific Northwest has to offer.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cover photo courtesy Visit Bellevue

A native of Louisiana, Melissa Teutsch enjoys hiking, reading, baking, dabbling in home improvement on her 106-year-old home, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two kids. When she’s not working full-time in the publishing industry, she’s planning trips to new places for her family or taking day trips to explore the North Georgia and North Carolina mountains.