Need a serene Pacific Northwest escape just a ferry ride from Seattle? Head to Bainbridge Island! This island gem in Puget Sound offers scenic trails, cozy shops, water views, and top-notch dining. Whether you’re sipping wine, hiking forested paths, or browsing art galleries, Bainbridge is the perfect mix of natural beauty and small-town charm.

Bainbridge Island, WA Highlights:

  • Stroll Winslow’s Main Street: Explore indie bookstores, artisan shops, and waterfront restaurants in the heart of downtown.
  • Visit Bloedel Reserve: Wander serene gardens, meadows, and forests at this world-class botanical estate.
  • Walk the trails at Grand Forest: Enjoy peaceful hikes through mossy old-growth woods with gentle terrain and wildlife sightings.
  • Tour the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art: Free admission to rotating exhibits featuring Pacific Northwest artists.
  • Relax at Waterfront Park and City Dock: Ideal for picnics, harbor views, and watching the ferries come and go.

Best Time to Visit Bainbridge Island, WA

The best time to visit Bainbridge Island is from late spring through early fall (May to September). Expect mild weather perfect for hiking, kayaking, and al fresco dining. Summer offers the most sunshine and community events, while fall brings beautiful foliage and a cozy atmosphere.

How to Get to Bainbridge Island, WA

  • If you are traveling by ferry: Washington State Ferries operate from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island; the scenic ride takes about 35 minutes.
  • By car: Drive via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and WA-16 from the south or cross the Hood Canal Bridge from the north.
  • By bike or foot: The ferry is walk-on and bike-friendly, making for an easy car-free day trip from Seattle.

Where to Stay on Bainbridge Island, WA

  • The Inn at Pleasant Beach – Coastal-chic boutique inn with fireplaces, ocean views, and pool access.
  • The Eagle Harbor Inn – Stylish lodging in the heart of Winslow, just steps from restaurants and the ferry.
  • Abigail’s Garden Cottage – Private, cozy guesthouse ideal for romantic getaways or quiet retreats.

Best Things to Do on Bainbridge Island, WA

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art


Admire regional contemporary art and enjoy an easy, affordable cultural visit.

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

© Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is a contemporary art museum with rotating exhibits. The museum has a particular emphasis on local and area artists. The museum exhibits are constantly changing, so check out their website in advance if you want to know what artists are being featured.

They often host special events for the community, including family-friendly art-related events, so be on the lookout for that as well. The museum has a small bistro selling breakfast, lunch, coffee, and wine. There’s also a museum store on site, which sells a wide range of merchandise including jewelry, artwork, home decor, pottery, books, and toys.

550 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, Phone: 206-842-4451

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum


Explore local history and see island artifacts on a quick, educational family trip.

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum

© claraveritas/stock.adobe.com

The Bainbridge Island Historical Museum is an area history museum located in a schoolhouse dating from 1908. Exhibits at the museum are related to significant events in local history. Visitors can view unique objects, old tide and navigational charts, diaries of early explorers and settlers, postcards, steamer schedules, maps and photos. The exhibits at the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum provide a great way to learn about the area's history.

215 Ericksen Avenue NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, Phone: 206-842-2773

Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial


Walk a quiet path and reflect on a meaningful, unusual historical site.

Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial

© Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial

The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is an outdoor exhibit built to acknowledge and remember the internment of the Japanese American residents of Bainbridge Island. Japanese immigrants settled on Bainbridge Island in the late 1800s and were integral to the operation of sawmills and strawberry farms in the area. 227 Japanese American residents were forced to leave the island during World War II. Most of them were sent to internment camps in Manzanar, CA. The memorial has a cedar wall with the names of all of those incarcerated. The wall is also decorated with friezes that depict scenes of the events surrounding internment.

4195 Eagle Harbor Drive, NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, Phone: 206-855-9038

Attractions for Couples

Bainbridge Gardens


Stroll through vibrant nursery displays and shop plants on a peaceful retirement outing.

Bainbridge Gardens

© OceanProd/stock.adobe.com

Bainbridge Gardens is a family-owned nursery and garden center located on a historic property on Bainbridge Island. The nursery spans 6 acres and is well stocked with a variety of plants, trees, flowers, bonsai, flower pots, and art for the garden. There is a cafe on site that serves espresso beverages and lunch. There is also a fun play area for kids. If you are looking for souvenirs from your visit, the garden has a large gift shop where you are sure to find some interesting items. From time to time, the gardens offer special classes and events for those who wish to learn more about plants and flowers.

9415 Miller Road NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, Phone: 206-842-5888

Naval Undersea Museum


Learn about submarines and undersea tech during an exciting, kids-friendly visit.

Naval Undersea Museum

© Naval Undersea Museum

The United States Naval Undersea Museum is one of ten official museums of the US Navy located around the country. The purpose of the museum is to collect, preserve, and display items related to the history of naval undersea operations for the purpose of educating and benefiting the public as well as the U.S. Navy. The museum has displays related to naval history, marine science, and undersea technologies and has the largest collection of such items in the United States. There is also an interesting exhibit containing a complete set of war patrol reports from the second world war.

1 Garnett Way, Keyport, WA 98345, Phone: 360-396-4148

Suquamish Museum


Discover tribal heritage and explore exhibits on a thoughtful cultural trip.

Suquamish Museum

© Suquamish Museum

The Suquamish Museum is located within the Port Madison Indian Reservation and aims to preserve, protect, and display artifacts and documents related to the Suquamish Tribe. Important artifacts include those from the Baba’kwob site and the Old Man House. The museum has two galleries, an auditorium, and a gift shop. There is a large collection of photographs that show what tribal life was like from the 1860s up until now. The main gallery has a permanent exhibit that is called Ancient Shores – Changing Tides, which includes artwork, photographs and historic documents as well as modern and historic handicrafts and multimedia elements. The highlight of the exhibit is a carved canoe that is 300 years old.

6861 NE South Street, Suquamish, WA 98392, Phone: 360-394-8499

Where to Eat

The Harbour Public House


Enjoy local seafood and waterfront views on a fun, casual weekend outing.

The Harbour Public House

© The Harbour Public House

The Harbour Public House is a waterfront restaurant that serves locally sourced American food in a renovated historic home. The restaurant has won several accolades and has appeared on several national news outlets, including the Travel Channel. They have won awards for their hamburgers, beer selection, fish and chips, and more. They host several special dining events each week, including a Sunday roast in the traditional English style. Menu highlights include a selection of local seafood dishes, delicious burgers, and a range of bar food and appetizers such as tuna and oyster sliders, quesadillas, hummus with veggies, fried calamari, and nachos.

232 Parfitt Way SW, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, Phone: 206-842-0969

Bruciato


Savor wood-fired pizzas and sip craft cocktails on a cozy couples night out.

Bruciato

© Bruciato

Grab a bite of one the best pizzas in Washington at Bruciato . Faithfully following the Napolitan style of pizza cooking, visitors will get a taste of deliciously authentic Italian pizza. Their pizzas are made of traditional ingredients imported from Campana, strictly using type “00” flour, hand-stretched dough, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella—all, of course, cooked in a classic wood-burning oven. Bruciato also hosts a monthly trattoria night where they serve up family-style meals of steaks, chops, seafood, bakes pastas, and more. Make sure to come early as Bruciato operates on a first come, first served basis.

236 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110; Phone: 206-201-3462

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

Blake Island State Park


Hike forest trails and kayak along the coast during an adventurous summer trip.

Blake Island State Park

© Courtesy of David Webber - Fotolia.com

Blake Island State Park is a 475-acre park on Blake Island in the Puget Sound. The park is a popular recreational area with many activities and is primarily known as a destination for blue waters, natural beaches, peaceful hiking trails, and great views of both the city and Mount Rainier. There are both day-use facilities and campgrounds, so whether you want to come for a day or a week there are options for you. The island is accessible only by tour or private boat. The public marina has space for about 40 boats and offers overnight moorage.

Manchester, WA 98353, Phone: 360-731-8330

More Places to Eat on Bainbridge Island, WA

  • Hitchcock Restaurant – Elevated Pacific Northwest cuisine with a focus on local and foraged ingredients.
  • Streamliner Diner – Cozy all-day diner serving hearty breakfasts, fresh pastries, and comfort food favorites.

If you are interested in local events:

  • First Fridays Art Walk (Monthly) – Visit downtown galleries and enjoy live music, wine, and community vibes.
  • Bainbridge Island Summer Studio Tour (August) – Meet artists and view work in home studios across the island.
  • Grand Old 4th of July – Classic small-town celebration with a parade, street fair, music, and fireworks.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Bainbridge Island, Washington:

  • Seattle (35 min by ferry) – Explore Pike Place Market, museums, and the Space Needle just across the Sound.
  • Suquamish (20–25 min) – Visit the Chief Seattle gravesite and cultural museum on this historic tribal land.
  • Poulsbo (25–30 min) – Stroll the “Little Norway” waterfront town with bakeries, breweries, and galleries.
  • Fay Bainbridge Park (15 min) – Enjoy beachcombing, picnicking, and stunning views of Mount Rainier.
  • Battle Point Park (15 min) – Walk trails, visit the observatory, or let kids run wild on the play structures.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How can visitors reach Bainbridge Island?
    • Bainbridge Island is reachable by ferry from Seattle and is known for its beautiful nature, historical and cultural heritage, and stunning island views.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy on Bainbridge Island?
    • For those who enjoy getting out into the great outdoors, you will find plenty to do, with beaches, gardens, and forest trails all ripe for exploring.

Unique Attractions

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming gardens. The Marshall Suites – A boutique hotel with easy access to downtown. Visit the Bloedel Reserve – Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens and woodlands.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor activities. Island Country Inn – A cozy stay near the ferry terminal. Take a bike ride along the island – Enjoy scenic coastal views and charming neighborhoods.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and beautiful autumn foliage. The Eagle Harbor Inn – A charming waterfront stay with a rustic feel. Explore Bainbridge Island Museum of Art – Discover contemporary art exhibits from local artists.

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