Get to the Blooms!

Springtime in Bellevue and the Puget Sound area offers a vibrant display of floral beauty, with destinations like the Bellevue Botanical Garden, the University of Washington's cherry blossoms, and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival showcasing nature's splendor. Even better, these breathtaking locations can be enjoyed without the stress of driving, parking, and paying for gas!

Bellevue Botanical Garden

📍 12001 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005

Nestled in the heart of Bellevue, the Bellevue Botanical Garden is a tranquil oasis where nature and artistry come together in breathtaking harmony. As you wander through its 53 acres of vibrant landscapes, you’ll encounter a diverse collection of gardens, from the serene Japanese-inspired Yao Garden to the colorful Perennial Border bursting with seasonal blooms. In spring, rhododendrons, azaleas, and cherry blossoms put on a dazzling display, making every turn a picture-perfect moment. The Suspension Bridge offers a thrilling walk over a lush ravine, adding a touch of adventure to your visit. Whether you're a plant enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this hidden gem is a must-see!

How to get there: 

Check your travel planning app to find the best bus route to take, or try out the BellHop!

University of Washington Cherry Blossoms (The Quad)

📍 University of Washington Quad, Seattle, WA 98195

For a truly magical springtime experience, there’s nothing quite like the cherry blossoms at the University of Washington's Quad. Each year, around late March to early April, the 30 Yoshino cherry trees burst into full bloom, transforming the Quad into a dreamy sea of soft pink petals. As you stroll beneath the branches, delicate blossoms drift down like a natural snowfall, creating a serene and unforgettable atmosphere. It’s an iconic Seattle tradition, perfect for photographers, students, and visitors alike. Arrive early to beat the crowds and soak in the beauty of these 80-year-old trees, a gift that continues to captivate generation after generation.

How to get there: 

Check your travel planning app for the best bus route to take from Bellevue.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

📍 Main Office: 311 W Kincaid St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (Various tulip field locations)

Step into a storybook landscape at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, where millions of tulips paint the fields in vibrant shades of red, yellow, pink, and purple as far as the eye can see. Held every April, this world-famous festival transforms Mount Vernon and La Conner into a blooming paradise, drawing flower lovers from all over. You’ll have the chance to walk among endless rows of tulips, visit spectacular display gardens at Roozengaarde and Tulip Town, and capture stunning photos straight out of a postcard. With local markets, food vendors, and charming nearby towns, this festival is the ultimate springtime escape!

How to get there: 

By guided tour bus: Several companies offer guided tours from the Seattle area to the festival. Hop on a King County Metro bus to one of these tour companies: 

• Shutter Tours, which offers comfortable bus tours that include visits to tulip fields and a stop in the charming town of La Conner. Seattle hotel pickups are available. For more details, call (425) 516-8838.
• Skagit Guided Adventures: Provides tours with insights into the tulip industry and festival history, led by knowledgeable local guides. Tours run daily at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Contact them at (360) 474-7479. 

By public transit: 

Step 1: Take Sound Transit Express Route 550 from Bellevue Transit Center to Seattle's International District/Chinatown Station. Step 2: Walk to King Street Station and board the Amtrak Cascades train to Mount Vernon. Note: This service requires advance reservations. Step 3: From Mount Vernon Station, Skagit Transit Route 615 operates along McLean Road from Monday to Saturday. Disembark at Beaver Marsh Road, the closest stop to the tulip fields and gardens. Be prepared for a walk (.5-1.5 miles) to reach the fields from the bus stop.

Leave the car at home and help the environment, your pocketbook, and your mood by using sustainable transportation modes such as the bus, train, walking or biking!  

Don’t forget to log your sustainable trips on our website at ChooseYourWayBellevue.org to earn rewards including $50 gift cards!