We recently took a quick family getaway to Bellevue, Washington, and it might be one of my favorite nearby escapes so far. Between the great eats, clean and organized city feel, and a surprisingly painless border crossing—even during the BC Day long weekend—it checked all the boxes for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

🇨🇦 Seamless Border Crossing from Canada

Crossing into the US is always a bit of a gamble, especially on long weekends. But to our surprise, the experience this time was completely seamless. There were no lineups at all, and the US border agent just asked one simple question:

What did you do and how long were you there?”

That was it. No stress, no delays. For a BC Day weekend, it honestly couldn’t have gone smoother.

Why We Chose Bellevue

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Bellevue, and I would 100% book there again. It’s family-friendly, modern, and has a great indoor pool—a must when you’re traveling with kids. But what really stood out to me was the city itself: Bellevue is clean, organized, and just feels pleasant. It’s walkable and safe, with lots of cafés, parks, and shopping all within a short stroll.

Must-Do Activities

We squeezed in a few fun and unique experiences that I definitely recommend:

The Museum of Flight (Seattle) – This one is a true must-visit. It’s interactive, educational, and massive—great for both adults and kids. You’ll walk through actual aircraft, learn about aviation history, and even step inside a NASA shuttle trainer.

Seattle Children’s Museum (Bellevue) – To be honest, this felt more like a large indoor play zone than a true museum. Great for toddlers, but a bit underwhelming if you’re expecting exhibits or interactive learning experiences.

Starbucks Reserve SODO (Seattle HQ) – This is the original Starbucks Reserve located in their Seattle headquarters (SODO). If you’re a coffee lover or just curious about the craft side of Starbucks, it’s a cool stop. We tried the ube drinks (yes, really!) and the pea flower tea, which changes from blue to purple right in front of you—total sensory experience.

Where We Ate & Loved

Seattle and Bellevue definitely brought the food game. Here are some of our standout meals:

Fogo de Chão (Bellevue) – This Brazilian steakhouse was an experience. The service, the endless meat cuts, and the massive salad bar made it worth the price—and there’s a promo going on now if you’re planning to go.

Lady M (Bellevue) – Known worldwide for their signature mille crepe cakes, Lady M did not disappoint. We had the Dubai Chocolate Mille Crepe, and it was as luxurious and layered as you’d hope. Rich, soft, and worth every bite.

Aviv Hummus Bar (Capitol Hill, Seattle) – We made the drive into Capitol Hill to try Aviv, and it’s a Mediterranean dream. Their hummus bowls are creamy and packed with flavor, the pita is warm and fluffy, and the portions are generous.

Shake Shack (Bellevue) – You can never go wrong here. Reliable, delicious, and perfect for a quick stop after exploring with kids.

Farine Bakery & Café (Bellevue) – One of our favorite finds. This spot had amazing pastries, strong coffee, and a warm local vibe. Perfect for a slow morning or afternoon break.

🧳 Final Thoughts

Bellevue is that perfect balance—urban but relaxing, close to Seattle without the hustle, and full of family-friendly charm. Add in a smooth border crossing and no traffic headaches, and this trip ended up being low effort but high reward.

If you’re thinking of a quick road trip with kids (or even without), this is your sign. From ube lattes and chocolate crepes to museums and mellow city walks, this little escape had everything we needed—and nothing we didn’t.