Sail away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Seattle with a getaway to Bainbridge Island. Explore the charming downtown core of Winslow, stroll forested trails, and take in views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the Seattle skyline. Walkable Winslow is conveniently located near the ferry terminal and offers ample dining and shopping, but be sure to get out and discover the rest of the island as well. Whether looking for local galleries or outdoor adventure on land and water, Bainbridge Island has you covered.
Things to do on Bainbridge Island
Outdoors and Nature
Bordered by Puget Sound and Port Orchard Bay, Bainbridge Island boasts 53 miles of shoreline characterized by tranquil bays, tidal flats, dunes, and bluffs. Get out on the water with Sail Bainbridge, where you can choose from a sunset sail, an excursion to Blake Island, or multi-day adventures. Or opt to explore the coastline by kayak or paddleboard with Exotic Aquatics, which provides rentals as well as guided tours.
If kicking back on a beach is more your style, head to scenic Fay Bainbridge Park for snow-capped mountain vistas and a beach scattered with bleached driftwood. The 17-acre parkland also offers camping in the summer.
For those looking for a longer hike, head to the Grand Forest in the center of the island. Around eight miles of trail wind and loop through fir, cedar, and maple forests. At the northern tip of the island, Bloedel Reserve delivers a more manicured experience within its 140-acre public garden and forest reserve. The two-mile hiking loop explores an arboretum, a Japanese garden, a pollinator meadow, and a moss garden, among other highlights.
Stop by nine-acre Sakai Park near Winslow to visit Pia the Peacekeeper, an 18-foot-tall troll created by artist Thomas Dambo from wood found within the park.
Art & Culture
Bainbridge Island’s downtown, known as Winslow, has a fantastic concentration of local shops, including Eagle Harbor Book Co., Salt House Mercantile, and Lively Olive Tasting Bar. As you stroll, don’t miss the numerous art galleries along the way, like JG Art Gallery for contemporary art and Kelly Johnson Art Gallery, which focuses on local landscapes. The beating heart of the art scene, however, is Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. Enjoy permanent and rotating collections featuring Puget Sound artists as well as films, lectures, concerts, and other special events.
History buffs should stop by the Bainbridge History Museum, where exhibits take a deep dive into the region’s past, from the area’s Japanese-American legacy to maritime transportation and the Suquamish Tribe. If youngsters are in tow, consider a trip to the Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu), a hotspot for early childhood learning complete with a Creation Station and educational arts and crafts.
On Saturdays in July and August, pack a picnic for free outdoor music in Winslow. The Bainbridge Pavilion Concerts are family-friendly and span genres, featuring everything from Brazilian jazz and folklore to big band swing. For free midweek music, check out the Sounds of Summer concert series at Battle Point Park.
Annual Events
For more than 50 years, cyclists have kicked off the biking season with the Chilly Hilly, a 33-mile organized bike ride around Bainbridge Island. In late February, this ride on the cusp of spring braves all weather, with hundreds of riders pedaling the island’s steep interior and soaking in the Seattle skyline from afar.
Come summer, the much-anticipated Grand Old 4th of July celebration brings together locals and visitors alike to enjoy homemade parade floats, vintage cars, foot races, a beer garden, and a lively street fair.
Every first Friday of the month, the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association throws a First Friday Art Walk in Winslow. Meander the charming streets, pop into local galleries, and savor food and drink from nearby eateries. Art lovers can also enjoy a Summer Art Market on five Sundays in July and August. Peruse booths, listen to live music, and find creative inspiration.
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Where to Eat
Near the Winslow marina, Pegasus Coffee has kept Bainbridge Island caffeinated for more than 40 years and roasts their own beans in small batches. For elevated Vietnamese dishes, head to Ba Sa in the heart of Winslow. This family-run restaurant blends traditional Vietnamese dishes with French techniques and locally sourced ingredients (think spicy truffle wontons, chili oil prawn noodles, and brisket fried rice). Their outdoor patio is the perfect spot to sip a craft cocktail on a sunny day. Next door, Café Hitchcock serves up everything from sandwiches and tartines to smoothies and house-made kombucha, while seafood-focused Seabird—also part of the Hitchcock Restaurant Group—sources shellfish from Hood Canal and vegetables from local farms.
For location, the Harbor Public House is hard to beat. This English-style pub has an idyllic patio overlooking a marina on Eagle Harbor, a perfect spot to swill Scottish ale and eat fish and chips served off newspaper.
Stop into Fletcher Bay Winery for a flight of locally made wines or visit their tasting room in Winslow. During the warmer months, head up to their expansive rooftop to enjoy small bites with a view. Beer lovers can pop into Bainbridge Brewing, while nearby Agate Restaurant serves up contemporary American cuisine featuring wild-caught seafood and ingredients from local purveyors.
Farther south, the Treehouse Cafe sits on Rich Passage and serves piping hot pizza and sandwiches. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a set of live music. North of Manitou Beach near the shores of Rolling Bay, Via Rose 11 is an adorable European-style market and counter-service eatery selling handmade pastas, homemade Italian sauces, and other nibbles like caprese salad that make for an excellent picnic.
Where to Stay
Right in the middle of the action, Eagle Harbor Inn is walking distance to shops, restaurants, and theaters, as well as the marina, ferry, and waterfront park. The unique rooms and townhouses are built around a peaceful, plant-filled veranda, making it a getaway unto itself.
On a calm waterfront along Rich Passage, the Inn at Pleasant Beach is a Tudor-style seaside resort within a condominium community. Rooms, which have balconies and fireplaces, enjoy dynamite views, including Olympic Mountain sunsets. During the summer, guests flock to its large pool and expansive dedicated kids’ pool.
Getting to Bainbridge Island
Visitors can reach Bainbridge Island by ferry, car, or private boat. If coming from Seattle, the easiest way to access the island is a scenic 35-minute ferry ride across Elliott Bay. You can walk, bike, or drive onto the ferry, which departs regularly from Colman Dock on the Seattle waterfront. Be sure to check the schedule and arrive ahead of your desired sailing time, as reservations are not accepted.
By car, you can reach the island from the Tacoma/Olympia area to the south and the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas to the north. Those with boats can dock for the day at various locations, while slip rentals are also available for longer stays.
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About the Author
Ellee Thalheimer is a freelance writer and guidebook author based in the Pacific Northwest who has contributed to publications like Lonely Planet Guidebooks, Alaska Airlines Magazine, and Adventure Cyclist Magazine. When she can’t get outside, she writes fiction, drinks local IPAs, and perfects her handstands.