Birch Bay
,Birch Bay is a charming coastal community located in Washington state, near the Canadian border. The area is known for its picturesque beaches, including Birch Bay State Park, which offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and clamming. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the bay and surrounding islands, as well as explore nearby attractions such as the Semiahmoo Resort and Peace Arch State Park.
Birch Bay is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to relax and unwind in a beautiful seaside setting.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Beach Fun and Relaxation
morning
:Start your day with a stroll along Birch Bay's beautiful shoreline, soaking in the fresh sea air. Enjoy breakfast at a local café with ocean views.
afternoon
:Spend the afternoon building sandcastles or playing beach volleyball. Don't forget to take a dip in the refreshing waters of Birch Bay.
evening
:Grab dinner at a waterfront restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood. Wind down with a sunset walk along the beach.
Bike Adventures By the Bay
morning
:Rent a bike and explore the scenic 8-mile Birch Bay Loop Trail. Morning rides are the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the area.
afternoon
:Stop for a picnic lunch at one of the many parks along the trail. Afterwards, continue your bike adventure and take in the stunning views.
evening
:Return your bike and enjoy dinner at a local pizzeria. Cap off the day by relaxing at your accommodation and planning for tomorrow.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful natural scenery and beachfront access.
- A relaxing atmosphere, ideal for family vacations and retreats.
- Variety of outdoor recreational activities, including kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching.
- Close-knit community with local events and festivals.
- Proximity to larger cities like Bellingham and Vancouver for additional amenities.
Bad
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options.
- Potentially high cost of living, especially for waterfront properties.
- Can be crowded during peak tourist season.
- Limited employment opportunities in the area.
- Weather can be overcast and rainy, particularly in the winter months.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Beachcombing
Explore the sandy shores of Birch Bay, searching for unique shells, driftwood, and sea glass along the tide line.
Kayaking
Rent a kayak and paddle through the calm waters of Birch Bay, enjoying views of the surrounding landscapes and marine life.
Biking on Birch Bay Drive
Take a scenic bike ride along Birch Bay Drive, which offers stunning views of the bay and easy access to local attractions.
Whale Watching
Join a guided tour during whale migration season to spot orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales in the nearby waters.
Birdwatching
Visit the nearby wetlands and marshes to observe a variety of bird species, especially during migration periods.
Golfing
Play a round of golf at one of the nearby courses, enjoying the beautiful landscape and challenging holes.
Picnicking
Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal in one of the many parks or beach areas, taking in the scenic views and fresh air.
Fishing
Try your luck fishing from the shore or on a boat in the bay, as Birch Bay is known for its diverse fish population.
Hiking at Semiahmoo Park
Explore the trails of Semiahmoo Park, where you can enjoy nature walks and beautiful vistas of the ocean.
Sunset Viewing
End your day by watching the stunning sunset over the waters of Birch Bay, a perfect way to relax and unwind.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Birch Bay with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Birch Bay State Park
A beautiful park offering stunning views of the bay and access to scenic nature trails, making it ideal for photography during sunrise and sunset.
Birch Bay Beach
This sandy beach provides sweeping views of the water, perfect for capturing sunsets and wildlife photography, including birds and marine life.
Drayton Harbor
The harbor offers picturesque views of boats and the surrounding landscape, a great spot for coastal photography and capturing reflective water scenes.
Terrell Creek Park
A community park with walking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints, ideal for capturing lush greenery along with sightings of local wildlife.
Semiahmoo Park
Offering panoramic views of the Semiahmoo Bay and beyond, this park is perfect for landscape photography, especially during clear days.
Birch Bay Waterfront Trail
This trail provides numerous vantage points along the water, perfect for capturing a variety of scenes, including beach activities and scenic views.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh Seafood Platter
Must-try local dish consisting of freshly caught fish, crab, and oysters, showcasing the best flavors of Birch Bay's coastal offerings. Recommended at The C Shop, famous for its seafood platters.
Must-Try!
Pacific Northwest Chowder
A creamy and rich chowder made with local clams, smoked salmon, and potatoes, highlighting the region's culinary heritage. Available at The Beach at Birch Bay, a popular dining spot with scenic ocean views.
Birch Bay Blueberry Pie
Delicious local dessert made with ripe blueberries, encased in a flaky crust, and served a la mode. Indulge in this delectable treat at CJ's Beach House, a cozy restaurant known for its homemade pies.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Birch Bay better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Birch Bay Farmer's Market
A charming market offering an array of local produce, artisanal goods, and freshly prepared street food. Noteworthy vendors include Fresh Catch Fish Co. serving delectable seafood items and Blueberry Bliss with delightful blueberry-inspired treats.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect Local Wildlife
Birch Bay is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds and marine life. It's important to observe them from a distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitats. Respectful behavior includes not littering and following local guidelines for wildlife interactions.
Engage with the Community
Birch Bay has a close-knit community. Engaging respectfully with locals can enhance your experience. This includes being polite, greeting residents, and showing appreciation for local customs and events.
Follow Beach Etiquette
When visiting the beach in Birch Bay, adhere to common beach etiquette such as keeping noise levels down, respecting personal space, and cleaning up after yourself. This ensures a pleasant environment for everyone.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Birch Bay with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Birch Bay, as in much of the United States, tipping is customary in the service industry. Generally, tips range from 15% to 20% of the total bill in restaurants, with higher tips often given for exceptional service. Bartenders and taxi drivers also commonly receive tips, usually between $1 to $2 per drink or around 10-15% of the fare, respectively.
Payment
Payment methods in Birch Bay are diverse, including cash, credit cards, and digital payment options. Many businesses accept major credit cards, and mobile payment apps are increasingly popular. Local shops and restaurants may still accept cash, but card payments are widely preferred for convenience.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Birch Bay.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Birch Bay, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Expect outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching, as well as fewer crowds compared to summer.
Summer
Summer is peak tourist season in Birch Bay. Expect warm weather, sunny days, and a vibrant beach atmosphere. Activities include swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the local events and festivals. Be prepared for larger crowds.
Fall
Fall brings cooler temperatures and stunning autumn foliage. This season is ideal for those looking to enjoy a quieter experience, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and local harvest festivals. It's a great time for photography.
Winter
Winter in Birch Bay is characterized by cooler temperatures and potential for rain. While beach activities may not be as common, this season offers a peaceful retreat, and opportunities for holiday events and cozy indoor experiences.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Birch Bay State Park
A beautiful park offering hiking trails with scenic views of the bay, forest, and wildlife.
Semiahmoo Park
Features coastal trails with beach access, ideal for hiking and enjoying views of the ocean.
Lynden Trail
A multi-use trail that runs through Lynden, providing a great hiking experience with views of the countryside.
Bay Horizon Park
A park with trails that offer a mix of forested areas and views of Birch Bay, great for casual hiking.
Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve
A scenic area with trails leading to the coastline, providing an opportunity for hiking and enjoying marine life.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Birch Bay through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Birch Bay by plane.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Located approximately 120 miles south of Birch Bay, SEA is the primary airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Situated about 40 miles north of Birch Bay across the Canadian border, YVR is the main airport serving Vancouver, British Columbia.
Bellingham International Airport (BLI)
Located roughly 30 miles south of Birch Bay, BLI serves regional flights and some international destinations.
Paine Field (PAE)
Approximately 100 miles south of Birch Bay, PAE is a regional airport serving Snohomish County with commercial flights.
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Located around 225 miles south of Birch Bay, PDX serves the Portland area and offers a wide range of international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
White
The majority demographic group in Birch Bay, representing a significant percentage of the population.
Hispanic or Latino
A growing demographic group in Birch Bay, reflecting increasing diversity in the area.
Asian
A smaller but notable demographic group, contributing to the cultural diversity of Birch Bay.
Black or African American
A demographic group that is present but represents a smaller portion of the overall population.
Native American
A historically significant group in the region, though they make up a minor percentage of the current population.
Other races
Includes individuals from various other racial backgrounds, contributing to the multicultural landscape of Birch Bay.
The Soul of Birch Bay
Discover the essence of Birch Bay through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer
A popular sport among locals, with many youth leagues and community events held throughout the year.
Basketball
Often played in community centers and schools, basketball is a favorite pastime for residents of all ages.
Beach Volleyball
With Birch Bay's coastline, beach volleyball is a trendy sport during the summer months, attracting both players and spectators.
Kayaking
Many residents and visitors enjoy kayaking in the bay, taking advantage of the scenic waters for recreation and exploration.
Biking
Biking is popular with many trails available around Birch Bay, providing both leisurely rides and more challenging courses.
Fishing
Fishing in Birch Bay is enjoyed by many, with the area known for its rich marine life and beautiful waterfront.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While seafood takes center stage in Birch Bay, many establishments provide vegetarian and vegan dishes marked by locally sourced produce and creative preparations, ensuring a delightful experience for non-meat eaters.
Gluten-free Choices
Birch Bay's culinary scene acknowledges the need for gluten-free options, with several restaurants and cafes offering dedicated menus or accommodating customizations to cater to patrons with gluten sensitivities.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Birch Bay with these cultural adventures.
