In Washington, the little community of Birch Bay gained popularity for being a great location to savor the tranquil Northwest Pacific seas, thanks to its distinctive crescent shape.
Birch Bay provides a variety of outdoor leisure pursuits for everyone, including families, groups of friends, and lone travelers, because it is endowed with natural beauty.
Unlike other significant American cities, the proximity of Birch Bay to Canada is well known.
The town is around 35 miles from Vancouver, while Seattle is about 100 miles distant and is located a few miles from the international border between Canada and the United States.
A renowned botanist named Archibald Menzies found the region’s numerous trees of black birch, which is how Birch Bay got its historical name.
Birch Bay’s a renowned suburb neighborhood with a tranquil setting near nature.
It is popular with city dwellers seeking a break from the bustle because of its parks, picturesque bays, wildlife sanctuaries, and relaxed appeal.
Additionally, people stop here when traveling across the country to Canada.
They are drawn to remain a little longer by the area’s natural beauty, peace, and lively community, which welcomes tourists from both nations with open arms.
Want to learn more info on this location?
Below are some things to do in Birch Bay, Washington:
Things to Do in Birch Bay, Washington
1. Enjoy the Birch Bay State Park’s Stunning View
Credit: BirchBayStatePark / Facebook
Between Bellingham and Blaine lies a blue bay where Birch Bay’s State Park can be found.
This park is a great place to unwind and take in the tranquil surroundings outside of the bustle of the city because of its remote position.
Hiking along the rocky shoreline of Birch Bay’s State Park and shooting pictures of the stunning landscapes of the surrounding North Cascade Mountains and the Islands of the Canadian Gulf are two of the greatest ways to take in the splendor of the park.
Low tide shows Birch Bay State Park’s wealth of shellfish, crabs, and clams available for seasonally permitted collection.
To claim dive and other shellfish that you can prepare later, having a shovel and bucket will be ideal.
The state park waters are also suitable for swimming, and considering its location, they are surprisingly warm.
Perhaps you could windsurf or engage in other water-based activities instead of paddling your kayak.
Campgrounds and additional facilities are present across the entire 664-acre park.
Address: 5105 Helweg Rd, Blaine, WA 98230, United States
2. Observe Birch Bay Day
Credit: TheNorthernLight / thenorthernlight.com
For 40 years, residents have observed Birch Bay Day Every September.
The event serves as more of a method for the community to show appreciation for all it offers.
To that purpose, they dedicate a full weekend in September to various family-friendly events.
The Birch Bay Day, organized by the Chamber of Commerce in Birch Bay, has family-friendly activities like a cycle poker run, golf cart kids’ games, a duck derby, a crab derby, and a crab collecting competition.
You get the ideal opportunity to interact with the residents during this yearly celebration and make new acquaintances.
3. Therapeutic Massage at Blaine Healing Arts
Credit: BlaineHealingArtsMassageTherapy / Facebook
An establishment for therapeutic massage can be found in the heart of Blaine, Washington. By offering people of all ages a skilled, soothing, and therapeutic touch, Kari Hrutfiord and Laura Hedges, LMTs, provide massage services focused on the client.
They blend different massage treatments to ease tension, promote relaxation, and aid in healing from mishaps, wounds, and persistent pain.
Address: 366 H St, Blaine, WA 98230, United States
4. At CJ’s Beach House, Enjoy Delectable Comfort Food
Credit: CJ’sBeachHouse / Facebook
Due to its signage, many have thought this restaurant was called “Beach House” instead of CJ’s Beach House.
But there’s no denying that this beachfront eatery delivers delectable U.S. comfort cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
They offer beef, spaghetti, pizza, sandwiches, and hamburgers.
They also focus on seafood dishes such as salmon BLTs, prawns, lobster, oysters, cobb salad, clam chowder, and crab cakes.
Apart from the food, this restaurant is popular for its picturesque outside deck, which offers a wonderful bay view.
Address: 7878 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine, WA 98230, United States
5. At the Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve, connect with nature
Credit: PointWhitehornMarineReserve / Facebook
Both casual travelers and those who enjoy the outdoors should visit the Marine Reserve at Point Whitehorn.
The 54 acres of bluff, beach, and forest that make up the marine reserve are well-known for their birdwatching opportunities and hiking trails.
It has a stunning 3/4 mile hike with views of the Georgia Strait and the San Juan Islands.
The maritime reserve is populated by many bird species in the summer and spring.
Along with red-tailed hawks, bald eagles can be seen in its coastal woodlands and bluff regions.
Its tidepools, filled with different marine life at low tide, are accessible.
It offers a calm ambiance; the only sounds you’ll hear are birds chirping and the sound of waves breaking on the shore.
Address: 6899 Koehn Rd #6601, Blaine, WA 98230, United States
6. Appreciate Semiahmoo Beach’s Natural Beauty
Credit: SemiahmooBeach / Facebook
Another outdoor destination you should check out is Semiahmoo Beach, which is about ten minutes away from Birch Bay.
Semiahmoo Beach has a length of about a mile and has both rock and sand on its shores.
The picturesque backdrop of Northwest Pacific, Mount Baker, as well as the Twin Sisters’ Mountains is a top benefit of going to Semiahmoo Beach.
In light of this, you should discover your latent photographic talent and capture stunning pictures of the local scenery.
In addition, countless migratory birds frequent Semiahmoo Beach during spring and autumn as a popular spot for birdwatching.
Finally, you can come along with your fishing equipment to entice salmon in plentiful supply at the time.
7. Shop at Birch Bay Square
Credit: BirchBaySquare / Facebook
Birch Bay features a modest yet crowded shopping centre, Birch Bay Plaza, despite its size.
This shopping centre houses about 20 retail establishments, outlet stores, a variety of dollar shops, shops selling handmade items, fast-food outlets, grocery stores, and restaurants.
As a result, Birch Bay Square is a great place to visit if you need anything or intend to shop.
Check out reputable retailers like Bass & Co., Leggs, Hanes, and Betty Be Good.
If you are hungry and exhausted, many food options are available, including Bob’s Burger and Brew, Subway, and Jack In the Box, amongst others.
If you own a Tesla, you may recharge it at the mall’s charging point and pick it up when you’re finished treating yourself.
Address: 8115 Birch Bay Square St, Blaine, WA 98230, United States
8. Whimsy Art Glass Studio
Credit: WhimsyArtGlassStudio / Facebook
Locating a glass workshop of this magnitude anywhere, let alone in Custer’s “downtown,” especially one housed in a former bank, is incredible. Jenny produces an exquisite job, and her costs are fair.
This kind of work might easily cost twice as much or even more in Vancouver or Seattle, and British Columbia. There are items available in every price range, and Jenny also does bespoke work. Jennifer Reich’s work will completely blow your mind at Whimsy.
Creativity, color utilization, and a variety of designs, to name a few. You name it; Whimsy has anything, from lamps to tables to wall art. If you enjoy the art of glass, avoid missing this.
Address: 2911 Main St, Custer, WA 98240, United States
9. Find out more about the BP Walking and Biking Trails
Credit: BirchBayWashington / birchbaywa.org
Oil refinery company BP Cherry Point Refinery, headquartered in Birch Bay, gave the community property that would eventually become the BP Walking and Biking Trails.
This open-air leisure area used to be its buffer zone, dividing Birch Bay’s neighborhood from its plant.
Today, it is a popular location for folks to go hiking, biking, and engaging in other outside activities like hunting.
One of Birch Bay’s lush open spaces is the BP Biking & Walking Trails.
10. Relax at Bay Breeze Eatery and Bar
Credit: BayBreezeCafeBarandGrill / Facebook
Birch Bay, where Bay Breeze Eatery & Bar is located, has a breathtaking unimpeded sight of the Northwest Pacific.
The old pictures of the town that are displayed on the walls of the eatery/bar are one of its distinctive features. Each photograph tells a different tale concerning the city and its residents.
It’s the ideal method to kill time as you await your food or drink in the restaurant or bar to arrive. You won’t be dissatisfied with the meals or beverages at Bay Breeze Eatery & Bar.
They tout having Birch Bay’s greatest surf and turf salad, shrimp, steamed clams, and New England clam chowder.
Address: 7829 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine, WA 98230, United States
11. Unwind at Birch Bay Recreational Park
Credit: WashingtonStateParks / parks.wa.gov
Over 80 acres of land make up the Birch Bay Leisure Park, providing tourists with beautiful Pacific Northwest vistas and outside activities.
The park’s ideal for birdwatching and nature photography.
Animals, including bald eagles, otters, and waterfowl, are occasionally spotted nearby.
However, the park’s stunning vista of Lynden, White Rock, Mount Baker, and the bordering British Columbia is its best feature.
Birch Bay Recreation Park has clubhouses, saunas, game rooms, sports facilities, and swimming pools.
Although this park is owned privately, the general public is nonetheless welcome there.
To plan your visit, you might look at the location’s official webpage.
Address: 7704 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine, WA 98230, United States
12. Consider visiting Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club
Credit: SemiahmooGolf&CountryClub / Facebook
Arnold Palmer created the prestigious Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, a country club and golf course.
Even though the country club requires membership, guests are welcome to explore the golf course and marvel at the stunning surroundings.
The 7,005 yards of landscaped trees that make up the whole course allow players to take in nature’s splendor.
This 18-hole golf course’s 72-par overall is a must-visit location if you value the beauty of nature and its scenery. But it’s not just for golfers.
Once you’ve finished shooting pictures of the stunning course, take advantage of the delicious food available at the country club’s Great Blue Heron Grill.
Address: 8720 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine, WA 98230, United States
13. Do Horseback Riding at the Sunset Farm Park
Credit: FriendsofSunsetFarm / Facebook
Birch Bay’s centre has a 70-acre equestrian complex called Sunset Farm Park.
But there’s a problem. You will need to bring your horses with you if you desire to use the equestrian facility there.
However, Sunset Farm Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities you can enjoy with your family, including horseback riding.
There is a sizable green open area where you may have a picnic or go hiking on the beautiful pathways.
Currently, a nonprofit group called Sunset Farm Park’s Friends is in charge of running the park.
Visit their website to find out how to make the right plans to reserve your plans for their equestrian center.
Address: 7977 Blaine Rd, Blaine, WA 98230, United States
14. Pitch a tent at Birch Bay RV Campsite
Credit: BirchBayRVResort / Facebook
The Birch Bay RV Campground is frequently visited by cross-country tourists who stay there for the evening or even a few days.
If you’re taking an RV trip, it’s one of Birch Bay’s top suggestions for accommodations.
In addition to being handy, Birch Bay’s RV Campsite is close to all of Birch Bay’s top attractions.
This campground also offers a wide range of outdoor pursuits, including swimming, biking, and hiking.
Finding the ideal place to pitch your tent won’t be difficult because the campground’s 50 acres are all covered.
Therefore, you know where to go if you’re seeking a comfortable and practical area to pitch a tent.
Address: 8418 Harborview Rd, Blaine, WA 98230, United States
15. Have a Blast at Station 49
Credit: Station49 / Facebook
Birch Bay’s Station 49 is a good option if you’re looking for a family-welcoming destination that doesn’t only feature nature.
Due to its activities, games, and amenities, this attraction resembles a miniature theme park.
Birch Bay residents and guests have enjoyed the entertainment provided by Station 49 since 1950.
Its miniature golf course, indoor arcade, go-kart track, and 10-acre mini train trip provide fun for tourists of all ages.
As soon as you and your family have had enough fun playing and laughing, you can head to their family’s bar, where everyone can enjoy some delectable food and beverages.
Address: 1802 Old Dixie Hwy, Vero Beach, FL 32960, United States
16. Candles by the Bay offers Exciting Souvenirs to Take Home
Credit: CandlesByTheBay / Facebook
A small family-run company in Birch Bay called Candles by the Bay specializes in handcrafted candles with scents and other high-end goods.
Check out the Birch Bay store in town if you’re searching for a practical memento of your travels there.
Check out the large selection of soy wax melts, artisan soaps, bath & body items, and accessories at Candles by the Bay.
Additionally, they only use organic ingredients and local suppliers to create their products.
For a one-of-a-kind Birch Bay keepsake, go to Candles by the Bay, either where they’re located or on their official website.
17. Pour yourself a beer at Beach Cat Brewing
Credit: BeachCatBrewing / Facebook
Before leaving for Home, reward yourself with a well-earned craft beer from Beach Cat Brewing to round off your time in Birch Bay.
This recently built Birch Bay brewery offers craft beer brewed in the area on six taps.
Beach Cat Brewing is known for its excellent craft beer and a, beautiful terrace, and mouthwatering brief order menu.
Every afternoon, a beautiful sunset may be seen there.
Like any busy bar, Trivia nights are held at The Beach Cat Brewing and frequent live music events.
Address: 7876 Birch Bay Dr #101, Blaine, WA 98230, United States