11 Hidden Gems Even Locals Miss

Bellevue rewards wandering. Here are 11 places we send out-of-towners to — most of them tucked into strip malls or off the main drag.

1. Facing East — Taiwanese dumplings, no signage, perfect.
2. Coal Creek Natural Area — waterfalls 10 minutes from downtown.
3. Mercer Slough Canoe Trail — paddle a wetland in the middle of the city.
4. Belle Pastry — a real French pastry case in Old Bellevue.
5. Newport Hills Coffee — the quintessential neighborhood drip.
6. Crossroads food court — 20+ cuisines, all good.
7. Bridle Trails State Park — 28 miles of forested trails.
8. Wilburton Hill Park — connected to the Botanical Garden, fewer people.
9. Pho Thanh Binh — the only pho you need in East Bellevue.
10. Old Bellevue Wine — Friday night tastings.
11. Newcastle Beach Park — a real swimming beach on Lake Washington.