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Blaine, Washington: Where Fun Never Takes a Break – Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

Blaine sits on the Canadian border. Most of the town is flat and walkable. Peace Arch Historical State Park straddles the line, so you can stand in two countries at once, and the gardens and museum are on the American side. Semiahmoo Spit is a sand walk and nothing more demanding. Blaine Marine Park has the forest trails and the rocky beach. Loomis Trail Golf Club runs 18 holes designed by Arnold Palmer, and Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club has two more courses.

Welcome to Blaine, Washington, a coastal town in Whatcom County. Local or tourist, there is plenty to do here. Outdoor time through to art and culture, Blaine covers a broad range.

Outdoor enthusiasts are in the right place. Blaine runs hiking, biking, fishing and kayaking across some genuinely strong landscape. Work through Birch Bay State Park, Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Spit, with the Strait of Georgia in view.

Golfing in Blaine is also popular, with several strong courses in the area. Water travel is the other option, with ferries and water taxis running scenic tours. On food and dining, Blaine covers seafood through to international cooking. A romantic getaway or a family vacation, this town handles both.

Key Takeaways

• Blaine, Washington offers a wide range of fun activities and attractions for locals and tourists alike.
• Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and more in the beautiful natural surroundings of Blaine.
• Golfing, water travel, and dining are just a few of the many other options available in Blaine, making it the perfect destination for any type of traveler.

Welcome to Blaine, Washington

Blaine, Washington: the land of peace, landscape and things to do. Visiting for a weekend or staying longer, you will find plenty in this town.

First, the weather. Blaine is known for mild temperatures, so the entire winter wardrobe can stay at home. Pack sunscreen too, because the sun does show up here.

Now the town itself. Blaine is small and it carries more than its size suggests. The locals are friendly, the streets are worth walking, and the pace is slow enough to settle into. Do not let the size fool you.

Nature lovers do well here. Blaine is home to several parks, Peace Arch State Park among them, which looks out over the water and the surrounding mountains. Birch Bay State Park is the other, with a beach and plenty of hiking trails.

For something more active, head to Birch Bay Waterslides, a water park that has been running for over 30 years. For something more adventurous, kayaking, paddleboarding or whale watching.

And no trip to Blaine is complete without the food. Seafood, burgers or something more exotic, the options are here. Try the local beer or wine while you are at it.

That is Blaine, Washington. Get out there and explore.

Outdoor Adventures

For outdoor time, Blaine has it covered. Beaches through to forests, the range is a real one.

Start at the Peace Arch State Park. The park is a symbol of peace and friendship between the United States and Canada. Take a stroll around it and look at the gardens. You can also walk across the border into Canada if you have a passport with you.

For beach time, head to Birch Bay State Park. The park covers a full day in the sun. Swim in the ocean, walk the sandy beaches, or work through the tidal pools. You can also rent kayaks and get out onto the Strait of Georgia.

For a quieter beach, check out Semiahmoo Spit. The sandy beach takes a romantic walk or a picnic. Watch for seals and other marine life.

For a harder walk, head to the Blaine Marine Park. The park runs several trails winding through forest and along the rocky beach. Bird-watching happens there too.

For a leisurely stroll, head to the Blaine Harbor Boardwalk. The boardwalk looks out over the Pacific Northwest and it is where to be at sunset.

Whatever kind of outdoor day you are after, Blaine has it. Grab the hiking boots, pack a picnic and go.

Golfing in Blaine

For a slow afternoon in the landscape, golf. Blaine is home to some of the finest courses in the state, the Loomis Trail Golf Club among them, designed by Arnold Palmer.

At Loomis Trail you get 18 holes of challenging golf, with bunkers and water hazards to keep you honest. The fairways are forgiving, so a wayward ball still leaves you a shot at par. After a long day on the greens, head over to the Great Blue Heron Grill.

Loomis Trail is not the only course in town. Blaine is also home to the Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club, which looks out over the nearby mountains and water. With two courses to choose from, you can fill a whole day.

Beginners are covered too. Birch Bay Golf Course is where to start, with a nine-hole course built for learning. The rates are reasonable, so getting going does not cost much.

Grab the clubs and hit the links in Blaine. Seasoned player or beginner, the golf here holds up.

Water Travel

For an unusual way to see the water around Blaine, take a ride on the Historic Plover Ferry. The little boat has been in operation for over a century and it is a genuine piece of local history. Get on board and take a leisurely cruise around the harbor.

For something more adventurous, rent a kayak and explore the waters around Blaine Harbor Marina. It gets you close to the local wildlife, seals, otters and a range of birds. The marina also runs a foot passenger ferry to Semiahmoo Spit.

To sit and look at it instead, take a stroll along the waterfront. Blaine’s marina is where to start, with shops and restaurants along it. A quick bite or a long dinner with a view, both are available.

History, adventure or a slow day on the water, Blaine covers all three. Work through this town properly.

Art and Culture

Blaine is a small town and it takes art and culture seriously. Sculptures through to art installations, there is plenty to look at.

The “Peace Arch” at the border crossing between Blaine and Surrey, British Columbia is the most notable installation here. The monument was built to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. The arch stands as a symbol of peace.

History readers should know that Blaine has several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The H Street House, the Blaine Public Library and the Blaine United Methodist Church are among them. Take a stroll through downtown Blaine and look at them.

Blaine is also close to some strong art galleries, the Jansen Art Center in nearby Lynden among them. The center shows the work of local artists and runs regular exhibitions and events. With luck you catch a live performance or a workshop.

For a different kind of evening, head to the Silver Reef Casino Resort. The complex runs everything from slot machines to live music, and the Reno-style entertainment is the draw.

Sculptures or slot machines, Blaine covers both. Get out there and explore.

Food and Dining

Blaine has strong food options, so arrive hungry. Seafood or Mexican, both are covered.

Seafood people should not miss Drayton Harbor Oyster Co. The place sits in a small shed overlooking the water and it is easy to walk past. The oysters are as fresh as any you will eat, and the humble exterior is part of the appeal.

For a more upscale dinner, check out Packers Kitchen + Bar. The room works, with dim lighting and cozy booths. The menu is broad and the steak is the standout, cooked properly. The cocktails are serious too; try the Old Fashioned.

For Mexican food, head to Paso Del Norte. The family-owned restaurant serves traditional Mexican-style cooking that will put you in Mexico for an hour. The breakfast burrito is the order, filled with eggs, cheese and your choice of meat in a warm tortilla.

Whatever kind of cooking you are after, Blaine has it. Grab a fork and dig in.

Summer is the season Blaine comes into its own. The Birch Bay Waterslides open, the farmers market runs every Saturday from May to October, and the Strait of Georgia is warm enough to get a kayak onto. Winter here is mostly rain. That is when the Silver Reef Casino Resort, the museums and the Santa Train earn their place on the list. Peace Arch Historical State Park and the golf courses stay open year-round. So does the border crossing.

Fun for the Family

Blaine, Washington takes families well. Outdoor activities or indoor entertainment, both are covered. These are the family-friendly things to do in Blaine:

Birch Bay Waterslides

For a wet afternoon, the Birch Bay Waterslides. The small amusement park has been a summer staple in Blaine for over 30 years and it covers every age. Take the slides or float the lazy river. It handles the heat and the family at once.

Go Karts

For something faster, the go-karts. Blaine has several tracks built for families. Race each other or just drive. It fills an afternoon.

Miniature Golf

Miniature golf never dates. Blaine has several courses built for families. Putt through the obstacles with the scenery around you. It handles a leisurely afternoon.

Resort

For somewhere to stay, Blaine has several resorts built for families. The scenery and the amenities, swimming pools and hot tubs among them, cover the rest. It works for a slow few days together.

Blaine, Washington takes a family trip well. Outdoor activities or indoor entertainment, both are here. Pack the bags and come down to Blaine.

Historical Sites

For a look at the past, Blaine, Washington has the historical sites. These are the places to visit:

Peace Arch Historical State Park

You cannot visit Blaine without the Peace Arch Historical State Park. The park is an international monument to amity and it straddles the United States-Canada border. It is where you take the photo standing in two countries at once. The gardens and the museum covering the park’s creation are the other reason to go.

Historic Plover Ferry

History readers should check out the Historic Plover Ferry. The ferry was built in 1944 and carried people and goods between Blaine and the Lummi Nation. It is a museum now, showing what life on the ferry was like in the 1940s. It is an unusual stop and worth the time.

Those are the historical sites in Blaine, Washington. International monuments, waterfront parks or historic ferries, this town covers all three.

Events and Festivals

Blaine runs plenty of events and festivals through the year. Anyone who takes food seriously, music lovers and everyone else are all covered.

The farmers market is the popular event in Blaine. Held every Saturday from May to October, it covers fresh produce, artisanal cheeses and handmade crafts. There is live music, cooking demonstrations and plenty for children.

For a summer evening, check out the Summer Slide Night. The event runs at the Birch Bay Waterslides with live music, food trucks and the slides. It handles a hot night with friends and family.

For the end of the year, get aboard the Santa Train. The ride runs through the countryside around Blaine and includes a visit from Santa. Hot cocoa, cookies and caroling come with it. It works for the whole family.

Whatever time of year you visit Blaine, something is running. Grab the friends and family and go.

Accommodation Options

You have decided to visit Blaine, Washington and you need somewhere to stay. Blaine has a range of accommodation options.

For a home away from home, vacation rentals work. You get your own space and the comforts of home. Cooking your own meals instead of eating out every night also saves money. Airbnb and Vrbo carry the listings.

For something more luxurious, Semiahmoo Resort. The resort looks out over the water and covers everything you need for a slow stay. Golfing through to spa treatments and fine dining, it is all there.

Whatever the budget or the preference, Blaine has an accommodation option. Book the stay and settle in.

Nearby Locations and Day Trips

Blaine, Washington rewards a visit, and for a change of scenery there are plenty of nearby locations and day trips. These are the ones to start with:

San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands belong on any visit to Blaine. A short ferry ride away, the islands are known for their landscape and their wildlife. Go kayaking, whale watching, or sit on the beach. There are plenty of restaurants and shops there too.

British Columbia, Canada

For something more adventurous, cross the border and visit the neighbors to the north. British Columbia is a short drive away and carries a great deal, from Vancouver to the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. Bring a passport.

Surrey

Surrey is where to go for a change of pace. The city is known for its shopping, dining and entertainment, along with its parks and gardens. Take a stroll through the historic downtown area, or head to one of the city’s museums or galleries.

Bellingham

Bellingham is the other nearby city worth a visit. The college town carries a real arts and culture scene along with its parks and open spaces. Take a hike in the nearby Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, or work through the shops and restaurants.

Wherever you go, there are plenty of nearby locations and day trips from Blaine, Washington. Pack the bags and hit the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the weather like in Blaine, WA?

It is not tropical. Blaine sits in the Pacific Northwest, which means a lot of rain, especially in the winter months. The summers are mild and pleasant, which is when the outdoors is worth the time.

Can you recommend some must-see places in Blaine?

Yes. For outdoor time, check out Peace Arch State Park, which looks out over the surrounding area. History readers should visit the Blaine Historical Society Museum. And there is the Semiahmoo Spit, which takes a walk and an hour in the sun.

What’s the housing market like in Blaine, Washington?

It is not cheap and it is not outrageous either. The housing market in Blaine is competitive, so start the search early. There are plenty of homes and apartments available and something will fit the budget.

What’s the most interesting thing about Blaine, WA?

That is a hard one. There is a lot to say about Blaine and if it came down to one thing it would be the people. Blaine is home to some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you will meet. For a community that makes you feel at home quickly, Blaine is the answer.

Is living in Blaine, WA worth the hype?

Yes. Blaine is a strong place to live, work and spend time. Outdoor adventure, cultural stops or a friendly community, it covers all three. Anyone considering a move to the Pacific Northwest should put Blaine on the list.

Where exactly is Blaine, Washington located?

Blaine sits in the far northwest corner of Washington state, right on the border with Canada. It is about a two-hour drive from Seattle and a one-hour drive from Vancouver, BC. For a small town close to big-city amenities, Blaine is well placed.

Frequently asked questions about Blaine, Washington

What is Peace Arch Historical State Park in Blaine, Washington?

An international monument to amity that straddles the United States-Canada border. You can photograph yourself standing in two countries at once, and the gardens and the museum on the creation of the park are worth staying for. Bring a passport if you intend to walk across.

How old is the Historic Plover Ferry?

It was built in 1944 and carried people and goods between Blaine and the Lummi Nation. It is a museum now, covering what life on the ferry was like in the 1940s. Take the cruise.

Which golf course or resort should you play in Blaine?

Loomis Trail Golf Club if you want the challenge, 18 holes designed by Arnold Palmer, with bunkers, water hazards and forgiving fairways. Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club if you want two courses and the mountain and water views. Birch Bay Golf Course if you are starting out, at nine holes.

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