Things to Do in Bellevue WA
City In A Park
Residents of Bellevue enjoy all of the natural beauty that the Pacific Northwest is known for. Citizens are passionate about their park system and the desire to preserve its natural beauty for generations to come.
Known among Washington’s municipalities as the “City In A Park,” Bellevue boasts an impressive:
- 1,894 acres of parks and open spaces
- More than 90 developed parks and community centers
- More than 50 miles of trails
The Bellevue Botanical Garden, is an exceptional example. Located about a mile east of Downtown, the Garden comprises 36 acres of dramatic display gardens, serene woodlands, meadows, and wetlands.
The South Bellevue Community Center (SBCC) is a 33,000-square-foot three-level recreation center serving all of Bellevue, especially residents south of I-90. Located within Eastgate Park, the Center is operated in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, and is surrounded by an expanded trail system, a challenge course, picnic area, children’s play area, and ballfield.
Bellevue Downtown Park, a 20-acre park in the heart of the commercial district, is the elegant centerpiece of the Bellevue parks system. The picturesque setting includes a 14-foot waterfall, one-acre reflecting pond and a walking/jogging track, convenient for residents of nearby high-rise condominiums and employees on their lunch hour.
Abundant Recreation
The area is a boon to outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy boating, golfing, hiking, skiing, and other types of active recreation. There are abundant championship-caliber golf courses in and around the Eastside. Fresh water lakes and the proximity of Puget Sound make Bellevue a haven for boaters.
The nearby Cascade Mountain range is a mecca for hikers and mountain bikers in some of the last old-growth forest accessible to the public. A variety of great camping destinations are just a short drive away. Nearby Woodiville and Eastern Washington boast fine wineries and vineyards that are earning national and international recognition.
Skiers and snowboarders can find a white haven less than an hour away during the winter months. Snow skiing and snowboarding are less than an hour away during the wintertime at Snoqualmie Pass or Crystal Mountain. With a slightly longer drive, snow lovers can enjoy the mile-long runs and rigorous cross-country trails at Stevens Pass or Mount Baker. The recreation areas in the Cascades also provide plenty of trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Climate and Geography
Like most of Western Washington, the weather in Bellevue is relatively mild year round. There are moderate fluctuations throughout four distinct seasons. A spectacular spectrum of colors comes out in the spring and fall, and summers feature days of beautiful blue skies with daytime temperatures hovering between the mid-70s and low-80s.