Day Trip: Things to do in Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island, located just a short ferry ride from Seattle, is known for its natural beauty, quaint shops and eateries, and spectacular views of Puget Sound.

How to Get to Bainbridge Island

Getting to Bainbridge Island by ferry is half the fun! You'll feel like you're on a mini cruise as you stroll around the decks and admire the view of the downtown skyline, the sea, and Mt. Rainier. While you can drive onto the ferry, it's also easy enough to walk on and navigate the island without a car.

To catch the ferry, head to Pier 52 on the Seattle Waterfront. If you're staying in Seattle Southside, downtown Seattle is easily accessible via the Link Light Rail. Board at one of three stops in SeaTac and Tukwila and ride it to the Pioneer Square stop. Then walk about 10 minutes downhill to the waterfront. It's important to check the ferry schedule before heading out so you can be sure to arrive on time. The ferries tend to fill up fast, especially on weekends and when traveling by car. If you're walking on, arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled departure should be enough time to line up at the ticket counter to buy a ticket.

Fun Things to Do on Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island Ferry

The crossing time to Bainbridge lasts about 35 minutes and offers a spectacular view of Seattle’s skyline across Elliott Bay. Passengers can choose to sit in one of the many seats inside and enjoy something from the café or head out on the deck to catch the Puget Sound breeze and views of the Space Needle and downtown Seattle. As you approach the island, admire the forested coastline and beaches.

Once the ferry docks, it's time to start your journey! You can head straight into town, or explore the Hawley Cove Trail, which starts from the waterfront park close to the ferry terminal. Choose between a 2-mile-long western loop and a 1.5-mile eastern route. The eastern route takes hikers alongside the beach and the woods, while the western trail offers parks, restaurants, and historical sites. Both trails are walkable within an hour and relatively easy. Picnic areas and benches can be found along the trail if you prefer to pack your lunch.

Bainbridge Island Attractions

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art showcases contemporary art from local artists in the Kitsap, Puget Sound, and Olympic Peninsula region. The best part: admission is free!

Bainbridge is also a popular place to visit wineries, and there are several within walking distance from the ferry. Stop in for a tasting or to sample some of the best wine in the region. (Photo Credit: Dave Curran)

Wander Around Downtown Bainbridge Island

Downtown Winslow is known for its cute, cozy shops and restaurants. Sweet Dahlia Baking is a popular spot with both sweet and savory offerings, including paninis, soups, and homemade cookies and baked goods. We also love Pegasus Coffee House, a quaint cafe that roasts its own small-batch coffee, and the Harbour Public House, locally famous for its hamburgers and fish and chips. On your way out, visit Bon Bon Confections for high-quality sweets to take home.

Getting Around Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge is very easy to navigate by car, but there are great alternative modes of transportation. If you're interested in biking, check out Bike Barn Rentals near the ferry terminal, which offers rentals of e-bikes, hybrids, and performance road bikes. There are many popular biking trails and smooth routes around the island.

You can also check out the Bi-Ride, which operates on two routes, beginning at the ferry terminal, and costs only $2! The North Loop bus takes you through downtown Winslow, the Bloedel Reserve - a 150-acre wildlife sanctuary and antique estate with a Japanese Garden, a rhododendron glen, and a vast garden with native plants and famous Northwest evergreens. Another stop is at Fay Bainbridge Park, a 17-acre park with camping, boating, fishing facilities, and a great view of Seattle and Puget Sound. The last stop is the Rolling Bay Neighborhood Service Center, which features a nursery, gift shop, bakery, and coffee shop.

The South Loop brings you past Coppertop, a distillery, brewery, winery, and café, followed by Bainbridge Gardens nursery and garden center, the Grand Forest, and Battle Point Park, which offers picnic areas, a playground, and a running track. Additional stops include the Island Center, Pleasant Beach Village, Fort Ward Park, and the Bainbridge Island Japanese Memorial.

Bainbridge Island may be a ferry ride away from Seattle Southside, but I promise you it is definitely worth it to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city – there’s no better place to do just that than on Bainbridge Island with its scenery, beaches, parks and trails, attractions and wineries!

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Bainbridge Island Questions & Answers

What are the top sights on Bainbridge Island?

Top sights on Bainbridge Island include: Bloedel Reserve, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, The Grand Forest, and exploring the shops, wineries, distilleries, and restaurants of Winslow, the downtown area of the city of Bainbridge Island.

Can you drive to Bainbridge Island?

Yes. You can either take the long route; a 2-hour beautiful scenic drive, or the short route by ferry from the Seattle waterfront. You can either drive your vehicle on the ferry, or park in a lot and walk onto the ferry. Once you get there, you'll see that Bainbridge is so small that don’t really need a car to get around and enjoy it all.

What are the best tips for visiting Bainbridge Island?

To get from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, you can take a Washington State Ferry from downtown Seattle. You can find the schedule for ferry trips at the WSDOT.com website. Once there, you can rent a bike or stroll through the parks, visit the quaint shops, and pick a place for cup of coffee and a bite to eat.

How long is the ferry ride to Bainbridge Island from Pier 52 in Seattle?

The ferry ride from Colman Dock (Pier 52) in Seattle to Bainbridge Island typically takes about 35 minutes. The ferry departure schedule can be found here.

What can you do on Bainbridge Island without a car?

  • Stroll along the waterfront in the town of Winslow (right near the ferry terminal) and enjoy the harbor and skyline views.
  • Visit The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) is just a short walk from the ferry.
  • Grab a bite, coffee or treat from one of many cafés, dessert spots and bakeries.
  • Rent a bike or go for a walk on one of island's many paved paths.
  • The Bloedel Reserve is a well-known garden/nature preserve on the island.

You can easily spend 4 to 6 hours exploring Bainbridge Island so be sure to arrive early-ish via the ferry to maximize your time, wear comfortable shoes, and focus your visit around the ferry terminal + Winslow Way area for maximum ease.

Is Bainbridge Island worth visiting on a day trip?

Yes — Bainbridge Island is absolutely worth visiting on a day-trip from Seattle. It’s close, relaxing, and offers enough variety to make a full-day outing feel meaningful. For many, the trip itself (the ferry ride) is part of the fun. Aim for an early departure so you make the most of your time on the island. The return time matters. If you do have a car, or plan to explore remote parts of the island, factor in extra driving. But you don’t need a car just for a worthwhile day trip.

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