As the most convenient suburb of Seattle, Washington, Bellevue is direct to the east of the city, located on the other side of scenic Lake Washington. Bellevue is the perfect home base for any trip to the Seattle metropolitan area. Its vibrant and upscale downtown area and convenient location make it the ideal place to begin your Washington adventure. Here are four reasons why you should choose Bellevue for your next family vacation:

Expansive Dining and Shopping Opportunities

As the center of retail and dining in the entire Seattle-Tacoma region, downtown Bellevue is a shopper's paradise. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, the luxurious Shops at the Braven offer some of the world's most premium designers, including Gucci, Jimmy Choo, and Louis Vuitton. Just down the street, shoppers will find the exclusive Bellevue Collection mall network, boasting a wide variety of retailers to fit any budget. Tying all of these retailers together is a cornucopia of dining establishments, guaranteed to satisfy any personal taste.

Abundant Hotel Options

One of the biggest benefits of choosing Bellevue as your jumping off point are all of the hotels near Seattle that the suburb provides. The downtown area features a number of hotels in a variety of price ranges. For a more exclusive experience, consider the grandeur of the Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle's East Side. This hotel is located smack dab in the middle of the action of downtown Bellevue, boasting walking access to the shops at the Bellevue Collection as well as many restaurants and entertainment options. Check out their page to find out more.

Family Friendly Fun

Regardless of the weather, Bellevue features a variety of activities that will please people of all ages and interests. Families will delight in visiting Kelsey Creek Farm and its children's petting zoo and fun playground. Rainy days can be passed at the KidsQuest Children’s Museum, located downtown adjacent to the Bellevue Library. If it is an educational experience that you are looking for, head down the street to the expansive Bellevue Arts Museum.

On warm and sunny summer days, you will want to make Enatai Beach Park your home. This three-acre wonderland comes equipped with a swimming area, boat dock, playground, picnic shelter, and more. A lifeguard on duty during the summer will give parents much-needed peace of mind.


Natural Beauty

With some of the best views of Mt. Rainier towering in the distance, Bellevue boasts a variety of scenic viewing opportunities. Located on the eastern shores of Lake Washington, a trip to Bellevue also delivers multiple chances to get out on the water. Whether it be swimming, kayaking, or boating, the lake offers a multitude of options to experience the beauty of the region.

The Mercer Slough Nature Park provides kayak and canoe rentals for your enjoyment on the water. Be sure to take advantage of all of the outdoor recreational opportunities afforded by this moderate climate and idyllic lush paradise. Whether it be boating or hiking or snow skiing, everything is within an arm's reach of Bellevue.

It is no wonder that so many vacationers to the Pacific Northwest choose Bellevue as their home for the trip!