It’s been called Washington’s “slightly less weird” version of Portland. It’s laid back, green, home to a university, and loaded with outdoor activities. If we had to award the title of Washington’s most hippie town to one location, we’d have to give it to Bellingham.

Despite whatever negative connotations you may have with the word “hippie,” you owe it to yourself to visit Bellingham. Here’s why.

First of all, we weren’t kidding about the outdoor adventures.

Ken L / alltrails.com This is one of the many amazing views from the 6 mile Oyster Dome Trail, which is located near Larabee State Park.

And you don’t even have to leave the city to see stunning natural scenery.

K2KK2 / TripAdvisor This is Whatcom Falls Park, and because this hippie town is the best, you can get there on public transit.

One thing is certain: You will not go hungry in Bellingham.

The Mount Bakery Facebook This is the Benedict at The Mount Bakery, which you can have served on a Belgian waffle.

When lunchtime rolls around, there’s no better place to go than Brotha Dudes.

Brotha Dudes Facebook As if the name wasn’t clever enough, their creations have names like “Cali Spliff,” “Dudes Blunt” and “Hippie Bowl.”

At farm-to-table restaurants like Brandywine Kitchen, you can enjoy a meal with ingredients sourced from local farms and vendors.

Brandywine Kitchen The team at Brandywine Kitchen calls it a “seed to plate” restaurant since it began as an heirloom tomato farm.

And then of course, there’s HomeSkillet.

HomeSkillet Facebook This tiny little eccentric eatery serves breakfast all day, and it’s amazing.

Exploring the historic Fairhaven district is an absolute must.

JDemaria / Flickr From shopping to dining to community events, this is where much of the magic happens.

With Bellingham’s population nearing 88,000, one might think if it as having more of a “big city” feel, but it maintains its small town charm.

Wklstoywife / TripAdvisor No wonder Western Washington University students are so happy.

Ready to visit Bellingham? Here are 12 other must-see spots in Washington to explore this year.

Ken L / alltrails.com

This is one of the many amazing views from the 6 mile Oyster Dome Trail, which is located near Larabee State Park.

K2KK2 / TripAdvisor

This is Whatcom Falls Park, and because this hippie town is the best, you can get there on public transit.

The Mount Bakery Facebook

This is the Benedict at The Mount Bakery, which you can have served on a Belgian waffle.

Brotha Dudes Facebook

As if the name wasn’t clever enough, their creations have names like “Cali Spliff,” “Dudes Blunt” and “Hippie Bowl.”

Brandywine Kitchen

The team at Brandywine Kitchen calls it a “seed to plate” restaurant since it began as an heirloom tomato farm.

HomeSkillet Facebook

This tiny little eccentric eatery serves breakfast all day, and it’s amazing.

JDemaria / Flickr

From shopping to dining to community events, this is where much of the magic happens.

Wklstoywife / TripAdvisor

No wonder Western Washington University students are so happy.

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