Home to the #1 cruise homeport on the U.S. West Coast, the Port of Seattle is celebrating the largest season in history this year. With 330 vessel calls and 2.1 million revenue passengers, this marks a historic milestone for North America's primary gateway to Alaska for cruisers. Before or after setting sail, many travelers are discovering a more relaxed and luxurious place to anchor their vacation: Bellevue, Washington.

With easy access to the cruise port and the rest of the region, Bellevue's clean and walkable downtown and access to outdoor experiences has major appeal for an enriching getaway. From waterfront parks and chef-driven restaurants to luxury hotels and cruise-friendly packages, Bellevue makes it easy to ease into vacation mode before or after setting sail from Seattle's cruise ports.

Here's a guide for those putting together a pre- or post-cruise stay, so that you can explore the best of the Pacific Northwest and properly pose with the Space Needle, go to a Mariners game or see a World Cup match, ride a historic light rail connection across Lake Washington on a floating bridge, and taste the global flavors in how Bellevue Eats. 

Convenient Access to Cruise Terminals and Airport

Bellevue is conveniently located 11 miles from the Seattle Cruise terminal and 16 miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Bellevue’s central location allows visitors to transition smoothly between the airport, cruise terminals, and regional attractions while enjoying a more relaxed overnight stay with luxury amenities.

Access to Seattle Cruise Terminals

Bellevue is located approximately 20 to 35 minutes from Seattle’s two primary cruise terminals, depending on traffic and departure times. Travelers staying in Bellevue can easily access the cruise terminals through rideshare services, hotel transportation options, taxis, or the Bellevue Cruise Shuttle. Seattle cruise terminals include:

• Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66: Located along Seattle’s downtown waterfront, Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 offers convenient access to Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, and other popular downtown attractions
• Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91: Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 is located north of downtown Seattle. Because Pier 91 is less walkable than downtown Seattle’s waterfront terminal, many cruise travelers prefer staying in Bellevue for easier parking, hotel access, dining options, and pre-cruise relaxation before heading to the port.

Close to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

For visitors flying into the Pacific Northwest, Bellevue’s location near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) makes travel logistics significantly easier. Many travelers choose to arrive one or two days before embarkation to avoid flight delays, adjust to time changes, and explore the region before boarding their cruise.

For those looking for a good deal, Bellevue Airport Shuttle offers rides from SEA starting at $30 to downtown Bellevue hotels every hour. Rideshares like Lyft and Uber have designated lots at SEA and are readily available in the area. The Crosslake Connection opened this year, connecting Bellevue to Seattle by light rail across a floating bridge on Lake Washington - a historic engineering feat. You can take the 1 Line from SEA and transfer to the 2 Line at International District/Chinatown Station to get to Bellevue, and the stunning views of Mount Rainier and the second largest lake in the state are well worth the trip.

Best Things to Do in Bellevue Before Your Cruise

From outdoor recreation and scenic parks to luxury shopping and award-winning dining, Bellevue offers travelers a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty unique to the Pacific Northwest. 

Shopping & Wine Tasting in Bellevue

Known as the Pacific Northwest’s fashion mecca, Bellevue is the land of the most beautiful wares and coveted threads around. Pre-cruise splurge at the best shops in the region for a brand-new bathing suit, awesome shades, and new outdoor gear. From top luxury and designer brands to unique boutiques and homegrown specialty stores, explore The Bellevue Collection, The Shops at The Bravern, and Old Bellevue's Main Street, where there are plenty of places to taste some wine. Bis on Main has a Champagne doorbell at their entrance, and if you push it.. word on the street is that bubbles will appear. At Browne Family Vineyards, taste some local Washington wines or see if you can drop in on a Burgundy class or bingo night. At Valentina's Wine Bar, the flatbreads and charcuterie are as delectable as the wine list. 

Cruise travelers can spend an afternoon browsing designer brands, enjoying rooftop cocktails, catching a movie, or dining at acclaimed restaurants before embarking on their Alaska adventure. The walkable locations near many downtown Bellevue hotels and the downtown light rail station also makes it especially convenient for visitors without rental cars.

Discover Bellevue's Dining Scene

Bellevue’s culinary scene reflects the city’s global influences and Pacific Northwest location. Travelers will find everything from fresh seafood and sushi to upscale steakhouses, wine bars, dim sum spots, brunch cafés, hot pot restaurants, table grilling barbecue joints, and chef-driven tasting menus throughout downtown Bellevue. Explore how Bellevue Eats with our Acclaimed Culinary Trail, Bellevue Culinary Weeks, and our Instagram. For a guided experience, Savor Cities' Bites of Bellevue Walking Food Tour connects visitors with restaurants and cafes in Old Bellevue, offering exclusive tastings with the makers themselves. 

Visitors looking for pre-cruise dining experiences can find restaurants with panoramic views like Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi on the 31st floor, craft cocktail lounges like Civility & Unrest, and restaurants serving authentic international flavors like La Mar,  Baron's and Farzi Cafe all within minutes of Bellevue hotels.

Get on the Lake

As locals often say, “the second it gets warm, everyone’s at the lake.” During the summer months, long daylight hours and mild evenings turn Bellevue’s waterfront into a daily gathering place for paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and relaxing by the water. Add a kayaking adventure or learn to paddleboard on Lake Washington to your trip at Best Kayak Rentals, located at the boathouse on Meydenbauer Bay Park and Enatai Beach Park. For the more adventurous, rent a jetski from Ohana Kai Watersports and let her rip on the lake!

Relax in Bellevue's Luxurious Spa & Wellness Scene

Newly minted as one of the luxe biohacking capitals, Bellevue is a destination with rejuvenating wellness, spa, and physical therapy experiences that rival the best in the world. Spots like Upgrade Labs offer high-tech recovery and performance-focused wellness, such as cryotherapy, lymphatic drainage, red light therapy, and advanced recovery treatments designed around energy and optimization. For a more traditional reset, go full PNW and revel in the region's Nordic roots at Vihta Sauna on Lake Sammamish - where the lake is your cold plunge. For a more luxe experience, Yuan Spa is known for its hydrotherapy circuit, where visitors move between hot soaking pools, a cold bath, and a eucalyptus steam room for full-body relaxation. 

The salon scene in Bellevue is pretty unmatched, with downtown spots like Chromatique and House of Hebe turning out looks left and right. For a more scientific approach head to Joon by Joe Bae, a luxury head spa experience that analyzes your scalp for an in depth treatment. Whether you’re looking for a quick reset or a full afternoon of recovery, Bellevue makes it easy to build wellness into your stay.

Explore the Pacific Northwest's Great Outdoors

With proximity to three phenomenal National Parks, the stunning wildflower season on Mount Rainier beckons. Here are some other things you can do to experience everything the region has to offer: 

• Take off on a seaplane from Lake Washington to explore the region from up above.
• Paraglide off Tiger Mountain and glide through the clouds.
• Rise above in a hot air balloon tour.
• Mountain Biking Adventure
• Visit the Northwest Trolls.

For more fun things to do check out our bucket list.

Explore Bellevue's Parks & Gardens

Dubbed a "City in a Park," the City of Bellevue is home to over 100 parks, 14 miles of waterfront between two lakes, and 2,800 acres of open space -- ideal for travelers looking to fully immerse in Pacific Northwest's abundant lushness before or after a cruise vacation. Popular parks and outdoor attractions include: 

• Bellevue Downtown Park: A meticulously designed circular park in the heart of downtown Bellevue, blending open space with water features and skyline views
• Bellevue Botanical Garden: A free, 53-acre, public botanical garden with walking paths, native foliage, a Japanese garden, a suspension bridge, and more
• Mercer Slough Nature Park: A sprawling wetland oasis full of boardwalks, forested trails, and wildlife immersion
• Kelsey Creek Farm: A peaceful green space featuring wooded trails and open fields, anchored by a small working farm with resident animals
• Coal Creek Nature Park: A lush and forested nature park that tells the history of Bellevue's coal mining past
• Bellevue Adventures: An adventure park with zip tours and aerial courses, including adaptive recreation options

Cruise-Friendly Hotels in Bellevue

Bellevue offers a variety of cruise-friendly hotels ranging from luxury downtown accommodations to family-friendly extended-stay options that provide convenient access to Seattle cruise terminals while surrounding guests with dining, shopping, and outdoor experiences.

InterContinental Seattle Bellevue currently offers some luxury cruise packages, combining overnight accommodations with transportation concierge assistance to Seattle’s cruise terminals.

The Hyatt Regency Seattle Bellevue, W Bellevue, and Westin Bellevue offer a Special Weekender package that includes a $100 Bellevue Collection gift card and late check out. 

Planning Your Visit to The Pacific Northwest

Located just across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue is easy to reach. Our free electric shuttle, BellHop operates year round in our downtown core, and there are plenty of transportation options. Explore seasonal events, restaurant guides, and more at VisitBellevueWA.com, order a free visitor guide or culinary guide, and follow @VisitBellevue on social for the latest itineraries and travel inspiration.