Top Attractions for…
When it comes to attractions, Bellevue has something for every crowd. We’ve rounded up some of the must-see hot spots based on your crew’s vibe.
Families
With its interactive exhibits and wide open spaces, the Bellevue Downtown Park is a surefire hit for families. This 20-acre oasis features a drift creek water maze, beautiful gardens, and plenty of lush green areas for picnicking. The park also hosts special events like outdoor movie nights during the summer. The KidQuest Children’s Museum is an award-winning museum where kids can explore everything from the human body to world music through hands-on exhibits. Don’t worry, there are plenty of shaded areas and benches for parents to take a break while the little ones run wild. For a unique adventure, check out Bellevue Indoor Playground—an epic playground facility loaded with bounce houses, climbing walls, and endless physical challenges to burn off that endless kid energy.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
With over 2,500 acres of parks and nearly 100 miles of trails, there’s no shortage of fresh-air fun in Bellevue. Hikers can traverse the trails of Lakemont Highlands Open Space or Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Seattle, Lake Washington, and the Olympic Mountains. For a more low-key nature escape, spend an afternoon at the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Wander through tranquil landscapes of flowering trees, restored woodlands, and cultivated gardens. Water lovers should head straight to Meydenbauer Beach Park to soak up some sun. Enjoy activities like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and even a new public beach house complete with showers and changing rooms. Downtown Park also has an awesome waterfront along the scenic Meydenbauer Bay.
Shopping Addicts
They don’t call it the “Shopping Capital of the Northwest” for nothing! Bellevue boasts three upscale shopping destinations that’ll have any shopaholic squealing with delight: The Shops at The Bravern – Bellevue’s take on an open-air luxury shopping village. Score must-have designers like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Anthropologie, and more surrounded by twinkling lights and European-inspired architecture. Don’t forget to grab some gourmet goodies at The Foodie for a luxe picnic. The Bellevue Collection – Not one, but two separate malls comprising over 250 retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Hunt for the latest styles then refuel with handmade pastas at Canaletto or Hawaiian-fusion fare at Gaslamp 5. Lincoln Square – An urban-chic vertical shopping complex boasting retailers like Nordstrom, Apple, Coach, and Williams Sonoma. Need a break? Catch a blockbuster at the 30-screen AMC Theatre or sip creative cocktails by Jose Andres at The Bazaar.
Arts & Culture Buffs
Don’t miss Bellevue’s strong arts and culture scene during your visit. First up, the Bellevue Arts Museum is a must for its unique craft and design exhibits by Northwest artisans. The sleek, modern space of the museum alone is worth a visit. Head over to the beautifully diverse Bellwether Art Galleries to discover local mixed media talent. Or for some seriously avant-garde works, check out the Bellevue Sculpture Exhibition for outdoor art instillations sprinkled throughout the downtown area. For live entertainment, make your way to the Meydenbauer Center Theatre to catch anything from classical music and dance performances to thought-provoking plays. Or soak in the latest art-house films, classes, and events at the WSCC Eastside Film Center located within the Bellevue College campus.
Foodies
An eclectic array of cuisine awaits hungry visitors in Bellevue. Start your culinary adventure at The Lakehouse, an elegant farmhouse bistro on the shores of Lake Washington featuring hyper-seasonal Pacific Northwest fare and creative craft cocktails. Then head over to Peony Ruby for modern Chinese specialties with sophisticated culinary twists. For something casual yet mouthwatering, recently-opened taco spots Adi’s Taco Truck and Onda Taco are local favorites. Don’t leave without grabbing a slice of their famous cinnamon roll pie at 13 Coins—after all, this retro 24/7 diner has been a Bellevue institution since 1967. If you’re looking to sample multiple spots, monthly neighborhood food walks are the way to go. These guided tours give you the inside scoop on Bellevue’s best eats along with chef meet-and-greets and behind-the-scenes kitchen tours. Your taste buds will thank you.
Nightlife Lovers
Sure, Bellevue may not be Vegas, but you’ll still find plenty of hot spots to let loose and celebrate. Those seeking an upbeat, club-like environment will love lounges like Suite 181, Ruby and Parlor Live, The Local Brew, and Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar. Expect craft cocktails, live music, and maybe even a drag show depending on the evening. For more low-key vibes, there are a ton of cozy wine bars and beer-centric pubs scattered throughout downtown. Beloved local haunts include The Bake’s Place, Frankie’s Sports Bar, and Brown Bear Car Wash (seriously). Those looking to catch the game can find delicious bar food accompanied by beer on tap and local sports action at spots like Sailfish Brewpub and Lot No. 3. When the night is winding down, dancing queens tend to gather at Parlor Live for late-night salsa sessions and eclectic beats.
How to Get Around Bellevue
Once you’ve figured out which neighborhoods and attractions made your must-see list, it’s time to plan how to get around Bellevue. While it is possible to explore the super walkable downtown district on foot, you’ll want some other means of transportation to reach and travel between attractions spread out around the city. Public transit is an option, and most hotels also offer private shuttles that take guests to popular spots around Bellevue. However, the most convenient and hassle-free transportation for bigger groups is to rent a private bus. A charter bus or party bus rental allows you to travel comfortably as a group while avoiding parking chaos, frustrating schedules, and separating into multiple vehicles. Let’s check out your transportation choices:
Public Transportation
Bellevue has a reliable public transit system connecting key points throughout the downtown area and eastside neighborhoods. The bus system is fairly easy to navigate, with most of the main routes centered around the Bellevue Transit Center downtown. Major routes to know include the RapidRide B Line for quick transport between Bellevue and Redmond’s Overlake area. The 550 route connects Bellevue to Seattle and the 271 route goes between Issaquah and the U-District in Seattle. For rail, Bellevue has one stop on the East Link light rail extension at the East Main station. This rail connects to Seattle and the airport area. While decent for individual travelers, the bus and rail systems can get tricky for larger groups due to differing schedules, transfer points, and limited service on weekends/holidays.
Taxis and Rideshares
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft can be lifesavers for solo travelers and small groups in Bellevue, especially when public transit routes don’t match your schedule. However, things can get hairy when more than 3-4 people need a ride. Apps often have a limited number of larger vehicles, resulting in your group getting split across multiple cars. Traditional taxis are plentiful but have the same issue when it comes to larger groups. Unless you call a special company that offers shuttle van service, most taxis and rideshare vehicles aren’t accommodating for groups bigger than 6 people. These private cars and vans also come at a premium cost, especially during peak times or when events are going on in Downtown Bellevue. Prices can surge drastically, making multiple rideshares unreasonably expensive for groups.
Charter Buses
For hassle-free group transportation around Bellevue, your best bet is to book a private charter bus through a company like Party Bus Bellevue. Whether you need a compact 18-passenger minibus or a full-sized 56-passenger motorcoach, we’ll provide your ideal bus rental equipped with premium amenities. With a private bus, your entire group can travel together while avoiding frustrating public transit schedules, astronomical rideshare costs, and separating across multiple vehicles. Best of all? Zero stress about navigating Bellevue roads or finding available parking. Party Bus Bellevue offers buses featuring all the comforts like plush seating, air conditioning, TVs, aux capabilities, and more. Talk about taking your Bellevue vacation to the next level in style.
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you’ve had a chance to explore Bellevue’s endless attractions and convenient transportation options, are you feeling inspired to experience this captivating city for yourself? We don’t blame you! Bellevue offers an amazing intersection of upscale shopping, mouthwatering dining, outdoor adventures, and arts/culture that’s hard to match. The only thing left is to book your ideal travel crew a luxurious party bus rental with Party Bus Bellevue. Our reservation specialists will have you rolling through downtown in a premium bus with all the bells and whistles. We’ll handle all the transportation logistics so your group can sit back and properly indulge in Bellevue’s endless dining, nightlife, and attractions. Ready to get your Bellevue adventure started? Pick up the phone and call us at 425-201-4749 today!