What's New in Bellevue: Spring 2024

Bellevue, Washington (March 28, 2024) - There’s always something new in Bellevue, Washington, and springtime is full of blooming flowers and businesses.  

The culinary scene continues to expand with new openings such as DaeHo Kalbijjim, a traditional Korean restaurant serving hot sizzling plates of short rib with epic cheese pulls.

We’re patiently awaiting other big opening celebrations, such as the Michelin-rated Jiang Nan in April, Japanese cheesecake house LeTAO in June, and Gastón Acurio’s La Mar later this summer, among many others.  

In the meantime, here is the latest news to keep on your radar – attractions to enjoy, a new light rail in Bellevue, a floating sauna, and a stunning hotel guestroom renovation.  

Bellevue Zip Tours Reopens April 20 

The Bellevue Zip Tour is reopening for the 2024 season, starting April 20th  through October, and features 7 exhilarating zip lines as long as 458 feet and as high as 80 feet above the ground.

Zip through the old Maple and Douglas Fir Forest in Bellevue at up to 35 mph while soaking in views of Mt. Baker and Glacier Peak. It’ll feel like you’re deep in the wilderness, just in time for Earth Day!  

Address: 14509 Southeast Newport Way, Bellevue
Phone: 206-317-7768

Sound Transit Opens New 2 Line Light Rail Service on April 27 

Sound Transit will officially open the initial segment of the Link 2 Line to passenger service on April 27, 2024. The project is a 6.5-mile segment of the East Link Extension, offering six new stations in Bellevue, connecting to two new stations in Redmond.   

The new stations will connect riders throughout Bellevue and allow easy transportation to the city’s restaurants, parks, hotels, shopping centers, and vibrant nightlife. Additional transportation from the stations to businesses and attractions in Bellevue’s downtown core are serviced by BellHop, a free, point to point, on demand, electric shuttle service.

The 2 Line trains will run every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., seven days a week. Free parking is available at Redmond Technology, BelRed and South Bellevue stations. Bike parking is available at every station. Purchase an ORCA card, the Puget Sound’s transit fare system, to ride the new 2 Line. Riders 18 and younger ride free thanks to Move Ahead Washington, a statewide transportation funding package.  

The remainder of the East Link Extension will connect downtown Bellevue to Seattle, and SEA-TAC, and is expected to open in 2025. 

Website: Discover2Line Campaign Page 
Press Release: Sound Transit 2 Line Opening 
Media Kit: Assets 

Westin Bellevue Completes $24 Million Room Renovation 

Located within the Bellevue Collection, a 5.5 million square foot open-air center that includes Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Place, the Westin Bellevue’s 337 guestrooms and suites are debuting a multimillion-dollar renovation. The redesign was headed by HKS of Dallas, introducing brighter colors, modern decor, and upgraded amenities that celebrate the beauty and inspiration of the Northwest. The Westin, which opened in 2005, has a fitness studio with Peloton bikes, an indoor 25-meter lap pool, the full-service Truce Spa, and Cypress lounge and wine bar. Book the popular Shop & Stay Getaway for a $100 gift card to The Bellevue Collection.  

Address: 600 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue
Phone: 425-638-1000 

Weekend Tours at Bellevue Botanical Garden Begins April  

On Saturdays and Sundays from April through October, join the 1-hour guided tour of the Bellevue Botanical Garden, which meets at the historic Shorts House at noon.

Admission is always free, and the hours are from dawn to dusk. See why KING 5 Evening News has named it the Best Public Garden in their “Best Northwest Escapes” awards.

Check their events calendar for regularly scheduled classes, plant sales, paint and sips, and mindful meditation experiences.

The garden has many trails that lead you into the evergreen immersion of the Pacific Northwest and is a part of Bellevue’s Lake to Lake Trail, contributing to Bellevue’s identity as a “City in a Park.” 

Address: 12001 Main St, Bellevue
Phone: 425-452-2750 

Von Sauna Debuts on Lake Washington 

The first ever public floating sauna in the country has arrived.

Von Sauna sits on Carillion Point in nearby Kirkland, overseeing Lake Washington. Enjoy a deep heat with a private or social session, and maybe take a plunge in the lake for a refreshing cryotherapy experience.

Onboard, there's a changing room with individual lockers, a hot room with comfortable seating for 12, and a deck with ample space for the cool down.

Address: 1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland
Phone: 425-615-6163 

Bellevue Celebrates First Ever EarthFest at Bellevue Botanical Garden 

The City of Bellevue and Bellevue Botanical Garden will debut the first ever EarthFest event on April 20, 2024 at the garden. Drop in from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm for free sustainable fun, including educational nature-based programs, creative arts activities, and environmental resource booths.  

Address: 12001 Main St, Bellevue
Phone: 425-452-2829 

REI Boathouse at Meydenbauer Bay Park To Reopen 

Located in Meydenbauer Bay Park, REI’s Boathouse will reopen for the spring/summer season in May. Rentals will be available for paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes and are enjoyed on the beautiful waters of Lake Washington. On April 28 and May 12, REI is offering a First Light Kayak Tour launching from Meydenbauer Bay Beach in Bellevue, with views of the Issaquah Alps, Cascade Mountains, and Mt. Rainier. 

Address: 2 99th Ave NE, Bellevue
Phone: 425-300-3027 

For visitor information, please visit www.visitbellevuewa.com or look for Visit Bellevue’s mobile welcome center.  

About Visit Bellevue Washington 

Visit Bellevue Washington (VBW) is Bellevue’s official Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMMO), representing the city’s hotels, the Meydenbauer Convention Center, and the entire Bellevue hospitality community. A safe, walkable, and easily accessible city, Bellevue provides a vibrant fusion of welcoming hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, lively culture, outdoor recreation world-class shopping. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty with big-city amenities, Bellevue offers a wide variety of entertainment experiences and is home to innovative global corporations. www.visitbellevuewa.com   

Media Contact 
Anna Yan, Communications Manager 
Visit Bellevue Washington 
ayan@visitbellevuewa.com