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.

Spend the day wandering through charming downtown Winslow, where local boutiques, cafés, and art galleries line the streets. Explore scenic trails, sip your way through local wineries, or relax along the island’s peaceful shoreline before catching the ferry back with postcard-worthy sunset views of Seattle.

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.

Unterhaltsame Aktivitäten auf 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 Attraktionen

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)

Spaziergang durch die Innenstadt von 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.

Fortbewegung auf 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 mag zwar eine Fährfahrt von Seattle Southside entfernt sein, aber ich verspreche Ihnen, dass es sich auf jeden Fall lohnt, eine Pause von der Hektik der Stadt zu machen - es gibt keinen besseren Ort dafür als Bainbridge Island mit seiner Landschaft, seinen Stränden, Parks und Wanderwegen, Attraktionen und Weingütern!

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Bainbridge Island Questions & Answers

Was sind die wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten auf Bainbridge Island?

Zu den wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten auf Bainbridge Island gehören: Bloedel Reserve, das Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, The Grand Forest und die Geschäfte, Weinkellereien, Brennereien und Restaurants von Winslow, dem Stadtzentrum von Bainbridge Island.

Können Sie nach Bainbridge Island fahren?

Ja. Sie können entweder die lange Strecke nehmen, eine 2-stündige, landschaftlich schöne Fahrt, oder die kurze Strecke mit der Fähre vom Hafen von Seattle aus. Sie können entweder mit Ihrem Auto auf die Fähre fahren oder auf einem Parkplatz parken und zu Fuß auf die Fähre gehen. Wenn Sie erst einmal dort sind, werden Sie feststellen, dass Bainbridge so klein ist, dass Sie nicht wirklich ein Auto brauchen, um sich fortzubewegen und alles zu genießen.

Was sind die besten Tipps für einen Besuch auf Bainbridge Island?

Um von Seattle nach Bainbridge Island zu gelangen, können Sie eine Washington State Ferry vom Stadtzentrum Seattles aus nehmen. Den Fahrplan für die Fährfahrten finden Sie auf der Website WSDOT.com. Dort angekommen, können Sie ein Fahrrad mieten oder durch die Parks schlendern, die malerischen Geschäfte besuchen und einen Kaffee trinken und etwas essen.

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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