Our Road Trip Experience from Vancouver to Coupeville, Washington
At the campsite in Bay View State Park
Embarking on a road trip is about more than just reaching your destination; it's about the journey itself and the unique experiences that unfold along the way.
Our recent road trip from Vancouver to Coupeville, Washington, was filled with moments that captured the essence of adventure, from charming small towns to stunning coastal drives and unexpected challenges.
Whether you're drawn to history, scenic beauty, or spontaneous escapades, this route through Fairhaven, along Chuckanut Drive, and into Coupeville offers it all.
Join us as we relive the highlights of our trip, from exploring quaint neighborhoods and picturesque waterfronts to overcoming a night of camping drama and savoring local flavors in Bellingham.
Buckle up and get inspired for your next Pacific Northwest getaway!
Our Road Trip to Coupeville, Washington – 5 Key Highlights
1. Exploring Fairhaven
Our first stop after crossing the border was Fairhaven, a quaint and charming neighborhood in Bellingham. Known for its rich history dating back to 1883, Fairhaven retains a 19th-century architectural style that adds to its allure.
We enjoyed breakfast at Avenue Bread, a beloved local café serving incredible bread and coffee. Walking through the town, we admired its historic buildings and independent shops while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and views of Bellingham Bay.
This picturesque neighborhood was a perfect start to our journey.
Avenue Bread & Cafe in Fairhaven
2. Scenic Chuckanut Drive
Heading south from Fairhaven, we took the renowned Chuckanut Drive (State Route 11), a winding coastal road known for its stunning views of the Pacific Northwest.
The drive offered breathtaking sights of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands, with occasional stops for photo opportunities and tranquil lookouts.
As we navigated the narrow, forest-lined road, we passed oyster farms and quaint seafood restaurants.
The combination of rugged coastline and lush greenery made this part of the trip truly memorable.
A view point on Chuckanut Drive
3. Coupeville’s Coastal Charm
Arriving in Coupeville felt like stepping back in time. Nestled on Whidbey Island, this historic town is one of Washington’s oldest and exudes a cozy, small-town charm.
Its main street, lined with independent shops and century-old buildings, overlooked the glistening waters with Mount Baker in the distance.
We explored the Seabreeze Yarn store, enjoyed the stunning views, and marveled at the colorful, weathered facades. Coupeville’s unique waterfront setting, complete with buildings on stilts and the wharf’s lively atmosphere, made it a standout highlight of our trip.
The view from the center of Coupeville
4. The Camping Drama
Our quest for a campsite proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions.
After failed attempts at Rhododendron Campground, Fort Casey State Park, and Deception Pass State Park, hope seemed lost.
With night approaching and nowhere to stay, we made one last effort at Bayview State Park. Just as we thought we’d have to head back to Vancouver, luck struck: two last-minute cancellations saved us.
Thanks to the kind camp host, Becky, who accepted our IOU for $10, we settled in for the night and enjoyed a peaceful evening under a mesmerizing sunset—one of the most memorable moments of our trip.
Sunset at Bay View State Park
5. A Morning in Bellingham
The next morning, we revisited Bellingham under sunny skies, contrasting our rainy experience from the previous year.
We indulged in brunch at Little Cheerful, known for its hearty meals and welcoming staff.
The day continued with a visit to a modern café by Hammerhead Coffee Roasters, where we sipped rich Americanos surrounded by the lively hum of morning conversations.
The perfect way to conclude our road trip before heading back to Vancouver, this stop reaffirmed Bellingham’s status as a hidden gem worth exploring.
Blaine is worth skipping next to the Canadian border.
Blaine was an unexpected contrast to the vibrant stops we made earlier on our trip.
Situated just before the Canadian border, this small town felt somewhat forgotten, with empty streets and boarded-up windows giving it a desolate atmosphere. It conjured images of a place that once thrived but now stood in quiet decline.
While some travelers might find charm in its stillness, for me, it felt like a stark reminder of how towns can ebb and flow with time. Unlike the lively, welcoming vibe of Fairhaven or the historic warmth of Coupeville, Blaine felt detached and subdued.
It was a brief stop that left me with a sense of melancholy, urging me to appreciate the more bustling, lively places we'd visited.
My immersive audio episode on this trip
Itinerary Overview
Day 1:
Depart Vancouver at 8:00 a.m., cross the Peace Arch border.
Breakfast and explore Fairhaven (Avenue Bread Café).
Scenic drive down Chuckanut Drive.
Lunch at Sunshine Drip Café in Coupeville.
Explore Coupeville’s main street and waterfront.
Attempt camping at various sites; settle at Bayview State Park.
Day 2:
Morning coffee and pastries at Bayview State Park.
Drive to Bellingham, brunch at Little Cheerful.
Coffee at Hammerhead Coffee Roasters.
Return drive to Vancouver, passing through Blaine.
This road trip was packed with adventure, scenic landscapes, and rich local experiences—perfect for any Pacific Northwest explorer. If you’re planning a weekend escape, this route comes highly recommended!
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Summary
In this blog, we shared the story of our road trip from Vancouver to Coupeville, Washington—a journey filled with scenic routes, charming towns, and a bit of unexpected drama. We started with an early morning departure, crossing the Peace Arch border and arriving in the historic neighborhood of Fairhaven for breakfast and exploration. From there, we embarked on the breathtaking Chuckanut Drive, a coastal route with stunning views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands.
Coupeville was our next highlight, with its waterfront charm, historic buildings, and views of Mount Baker. The day took a turn as we struggled to find an open campsite, bouncing between multiple parks before finally landing at Bayview State Park after a stroke of luck and the kindness of a camp host. Our evening there was serene, capped by a beautiful sunset and a cozy campervan dinner.
The next morning, we woke refreshed and spent some time in Bellingham, enjoying brunch and coffee in the sunshine before heading back to Vancouver. A brief, somber visit to Blaine added a contemplative note to our journey. The episode encapsulated a weekend filled with exploration, scenic drives, local experiences, and the lessons learned from a bit of camping chaos.
You can watch this road trip on my YouTube channel here, or you can listen to an audio-immersive episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast apps.
Enjoy!
Coupeville, Washington State