15 Fun Things To Do in Bainbridge Island Seattle (2024)

Just a short ferry ride away from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island is a gem in the Puget Sound region, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a local looking for a day trip or a visitor exploring the Pacific Northwest, Bainbridge Island has a plethora of activities to make your visit memorable.

What is Bainbridge Island known for?

Bainbridge Island, located in Washington State’s Puget Sound, is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and rich history.

Is Bainbridge Island worth visiting?

We’ll argue that Bainbridge Island is one of the best day trips you can take from Seattle…especially if you enjoy scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and exploring charming communities. And let’s be honest – who doesn’t enjoy those things?

How long is the ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge?

Getting from Seattle to Bainbridge is a short 35-minute ferry ride from the Seattle Ferry Terminal in the Downtown Area. The ferries accept both passengers in cars and walk-on passengers. You may even see Mount Rainier!

For more information on how to use the Washington State Ferries to get from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, check out this article!

Do you pay both ways on the Bainbridge Island Ferry?

If you’re on foot, you pay from Seattle to Bainbridge, but not from Bainbridge to Seattle. If you have a car, you pay both ways.

How often does the ferry run from Bainbridge to Seattle?

The ferry runs every 50-55 minutes, Monday through Friday. Check out the full ferry schedule here!

Now that you’ve learned a little bit more about what Bainbridge Island is known for and how to get there, let’s get into enjoying it! So, without further ado, here are 15 fun things to do in Bainbridge Island Seattle:

1. Walk Down Winslow Way

First things first. Some of you may be wondering:

Does Bainbridge Island have a downtown?

Well, the answer is yes! Downtown Winslow is the beating heart of Bainbridge Island, and Winslow Way is its main drag, lined with shops, galleries, and eateries.

Right when you get off the ferry, you’ll make your first left upon exiting and will be right on Winslow Way! From there, you’re only about a five minute walk away from Downtown Winslow Way by foot.

Explore local art and find unique souvenirs at the various shops along the street. Winslow Way is the perfect place to pick up gifts or mementos to remember your Bainbridge Island adventure.

The PNW Report Tip

Looking for a gift shop? Check out Plum, Millstream Bainbridge Island, or Island Life Artisan Gifts.

2. Visit the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum

For those interested in Bainbridge Island’s history, a visit to the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum is an absolute must. Located in a charming schoolhouse built in 1908, this museum has free admission for all…and there’s nothing better than free!

Discover the island’s rich heritage by touring through a variety of exhibits perfectly curated to showcase the Bainbridge Island Experience. As of May 2024, those exhibits are:

“A Bite Out of History”
“Posted”
“Our Community: Past to Present”

The PNW Report Tip

Did you know that pickleball originated at Bainbridge Island? Learn more about it during your trip to the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum!

3. Enjoy the Lush Greenery and Tranquility at Bloedel Reserve

Need some R&R on your visit to Bainbridge Island? Bloedel Reserve is the perfect place to do just that. Located on 150 acres, Bloedel Reserve is a public Japanese garden that offers gorgeous views and lush greenery. Explore walking trails, admire seasonal flowers, and relax in the peaceful surroundings.

Bloedel Garden reflects the principles of Japanese garden design. This oasis features traditional Japanese Garden elements, including a water feature and carefully manicured landscapes, creating a serene environment for contemplation and appreciation of nature.

The PNW Report Tip

Bloedel Reserve has timed ticketing, so make sure you plan ahead if you want to visit on your trip to Bainbridge Island!

4. Partake in Some Outdoor Adventure at Fort Ward Park

Looking for some outdoor adventure on Bainbridge Island? Look no further than Fort Ward Park.

Made up of 137 acres, Fort Ward Park is a former military fort that has been turned into a park for fun-seekers of all ages. There is just over 4,000 feet of shoreline to stroll along, and there is also an underwater park geared towards scuba divers. Pack your wetsuit!

5. Take a Scenic Stroll at the Waterfront Trail

Enjoy breathtaking views along the Waterfront Trail in Eagle Harbor, a pleasant walk that showcases the beauty of Bainbridge Island’s shoreline. The trail offers glimpses of the Seattle waterfront and the Cascade Mountains on clear days, making it a popular place for a relaxing stroll or a jog.

The PNW Report Tip

This trail is only 0.6 miles out and back, so it’s a great option for parents with young children or family members who have a harder time walking.

6. Enjoy Some Coastal Charm at Winslow Waterfront Park

Winslow Waterfront Park is another popular place for locals and visitors alike. With its proximity to the ferry dock, this park provides a great vantage point for watching ferries come and go. It’s also an excellent spot for a picnic – you’ll get gorgeous views of the Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline!

Waterfront Park is one of the most popular civic and social gathering places for island residents and visitors. Waterfront Park regularly hosts festivals, summer performances, special events, picnics, music performances, and more. It provides sunny lawn areas for play and relaxation and easy access to the water’s edge for boating and tranquil views of Eagle Harbor.

7. Enjoy Bainbridge’s Culinary Delights

Indulge your taste buds with the culinary delights of Bainbridge Island. Winslow Way is dotted with fantastic restaurants like Proper Fish and Streamliner Diner, serving up delicious meals with seasonal ingredients.

For a delightful dining experience by the water, head to Harbour Public House. This restaurant offers a menu filled with delicious options, from fresh seafood (oysters and razor clams, anyone?) to hearty pub fare. Enjoy your meal on the outdoor patio while taking in the scenic views of Eagle Harbor.

8. Winery Tour: Sipping and Relaxing

Wine tasting? Wine not?!

Bainbridge Island is home to several wineries, offering a delightful wine-tasting experience for those who like to partake. Here are some of the wineries we recommend checking out when you’re visiting Bainbridge:

Eleven Winery
📍7671 NE Day Rd W, Bainbridge Island

Eleven Winery prides itself on featuring “offbeat” wine varieties, so if unique wine is your thing, you may want to take a gander at this winery on your day trip to Bainbridge Island. Oh, and this tasting room is only a ten-minute walk away from the ferry, so you may even be tempted to make this your first stop!

Perennial Vintners
📍 8840 NE Lovgreen Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Don’t let the intimate setting scare you away! This charming vineyard is run by owner Mike Lempriere, who will undoubtedly be able to answer any and all questions you have about wine or the winemaking process. We highly recommend giving the Lemberger 2019 a try…you won’t regret it!

Bainbridge Vineyards
📍8989 NE Day Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Head to Bainbridge Vineyards for some lovely outdoor seating, stay for the incredible wine! We’re partial to the Raspberry Desert Wine, but that’s just us…

Bonus: Bainbridge Vineyards is family and dog friendly.

Rolling Bay Winery
📍11272 Sunrise Drive NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Rolling Bay Winery owner Alphonse de Klerk is a former photographer turned winemaker…and let us tell you, the artistry shows! From the wine to the overall tasting experience, your entire visit to Rolling Bay Winery will resemble a work of art.

Eagle Harbor Winery
📍8897 Three Tree Lane, Bainbridge Island, WA

Are you a fan of earthy dry red wines? Then, Eagle Harbor Winery is the place for you! Not to mention the cozy tasting room and the expertly-curated playlist…sounds like a day of heaven!

Fletcher Bay Winery
📍9415 Coppertop Loop NE UNIT 102, Bainbridge Island, WA

Grab a flight and spend the day relaxing at this boutique winery. This is the best way to try the phenomenal artisan wines that Fletcher Bay offers its patrons.

The PNW Report Tip

If wine isn’t so much your thing, hit up Bainbridge Organic Distillery for a taste of locally crafted spirits or head to the tasting room at Bainbridge Brewing for a selection of craft beers.

9. Battle Point Park

Check out this decommissioned naval radio station for a day full of family fun. Based on 90 acres, Battle Point Park offers a disc golf course, soccer fields, softball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, a jogging trail, and a large playground for children.

10. Get Caffeinated at Pegasus Coffee House

Pegasus Coffee House is a Bainbridge institution that you absolutely cannot miss. Known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent coffee, Pegasus is the ideal spot to relax with a book, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy the vibrant culture of the island.

Pegasus Coffee prides itself on working with local artists and proudly displays art on its walls in addition to hosting musicians and poets in its front window stage. So if you like good coffee, art, and cozy atmospheres…this is a welcome place to stop for a cuppa joe.

The PNW Report Tip

If you’re looking to get your Pegasus fix elsewhere on the island, there is also a location inside the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

11. Release Your Inner Child at the Kids Discovery Museum

Traveling to Bainbridge Island with kids? Make a stop at the Kids Discovery Museum (AKA KiDiMu). KiDiMu is a great place offers hands-on exhibits and activities designed to engage young minds and spark creativity.

Oh, and another bonus…it might help your kids burn off some energy! Nothing wrong with that, right?

The PNW Report Tip

KiDiMu is designed for children between the ages of 6 months and 10 years old, though, really, the entire family will have fun here!

12. Enjoy Some Beachfront Bliss at Fay Bainbridge Park

Want some good, old-fashioned beachfront relaxation? Check out Fay Bainbridge Park. Enjoy a day by the water, explore the 1400 feet of shoreline, and take in the stunning views of Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains on clear days.

13. Get Cultured at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

Like art? You’re in luck! The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) has free admission for all thanks to generous donors and sponsors.

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is a community hub for Bainbridge Island residents, and it is easy to see why. BIMA changes exhibits three times every year, and they’re constantly hosting events for the community such as: concerts, workshops, films, lectures, and tours.

If you need a space to rest, enjoy some beautiful art, and feel like you’re a Bainbridge Island local…this is the place for you.

14. Get Bookish at Eagle Harbor Book Co.

Eagle Harbor Book Co. is a popular tourist attraction…and for a good reason! This charming book store is located in a cozy space with stunning wood floors and sofas to encourage on-site reading.

Located on Winslow Way, this 4500+ square foot bookstore has over 15,000 books on-site for you to peruse. Eagle Harbor Book Co. also has the largest selection from Bainbridge Island authors, so if you’re wanting to read a book written by a local, this is the spot!

15. Bike Barn Rentals

Want to explore the island by bike? Honestly, there’s no better way! If you’re arriving to Bainbridge Island on foot, you can head right on over to Bike Barn Rentals, located next to the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal.

You can rent a bike by the hour, or by the day…whatever is easiest for you! Your bike rental will include a helmet and lock for each person who rents a bike, so you can cruise safely throughout the island. You will also be provided with a map of Bainbridge Island so you know where you are going!

The PNW Report Tip

Bike Barn Rentals opens up for the summer season on Memorial Day of each year.

So, there you have it! Before or after your trip to Bainbridge, you can always check out Pike Place Market. There’s a lot to do in the Seattle area, so you may as well make a day trip out of your day trip!