1. Introduction
Bainbridge Island is a beautiful destination located just east of the Kitsap Peninsula, across the water from Seattle, Washington. This larger island in Puget Sound boasts thousands of acres of parks and preserved land, making it an ideal green getaway. With its proximity to both Seattle and Portland, Bainbridge Island offers a perfect escape for couples seeking intimate restaurants and cozy lodgings or families eager to explore public parks and play spaces.
2. Fun Things to Do on Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island Historical Museum
This small museum focuses on the history of Bainbridge Island. Exhibits highlight the island’s early Japanese population as well as its shipbuilding and lumber heritage. The exhibit on the internment of the island’s Japanese people during World War II is particularly compelling.
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
This modern facility showcases fine art and crafts from the Puget Sound region, emphasizing contemporary works. In addition to impressive gallery spaces, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art features a gift store and an on-site bistro.
IslandWood
IslandWood spans over 250 acres of wooded land and primarily aims to provide environmental education to schoolchildren. However, they also offer programs accessible to everyone, including summer camps for kids and weekend adventure camps for families. IslandWood hosts various public events throughout the year, including tours and festivals.
3. Parks on Bainbridge Island
There are numerous parks on Bainbridge Island, including state parks and metro parks. These places provide ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation, with most parks offering walking trails, picnic areas, and waterfront access for boaters and kayakers.
Fort Ward State Park
Located on the south end of the island, Fort Ward State Park is ideal for exploration, featuring beaches and historic gun batteries. Facilities include picnic areas, a boat launch, and restrooms, plus campsites suitable for kayakers. Scuba divers also frequent this park.
Blakely Harbor Park
Trails winding through the wetlands adjacent to the harbor offer a chance to enjoy nature. Visitors can walk the beach and view the graffiti-covered ruins of the old Blakely Mill.
Waterfront Park
This family-friendly park features a variety of playground equipment and a network of walking paths that overlook Eagle Harbor and the ferries.
Hawley Cove Park
This wooded park is accessible via a trailhead along Wing Point Way, leading you downhill to a boardwalk through wetlands, which ultimately guides you to a rocky beach.
Battle Point Park
The highlight of this city park is the Kids Up Community Playground, a creative play complex that stimulates a child’s imagination while providing activities for energetic little bodies. Additional amenities include an observatory, sports fields, and picnic areas.
4. Gardens on Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island features gardens that range from stately and manicured to wild and natural. There’s something for every gardening enthusiast here.
The Bloedel Reserve
The Bloedel Reserve merges natural Northwest landscapes with manicured gardens. Its well-maintained paths wind through woods, wetlands, and meadows, offering visitors the chance to encounter water features, a Japanese garden, a reflecting pool, and a moss garden. The visitor center is housed in the former residence of the Bloedel family, a stately European-style home, making it an inspiring destination for garden lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Bainbridge Gardens
This family-owned nursery, located on the site of the original family gardens established in 1908, features a wide array of plants and nature trails that visitors can explore. The nursery is known for its beautiful assortment of flowers and water features, making it a charming stop.
Bainbridge in Bloom Garden Tour
The annual Bainbridge in Bloom garden tour, held each July, allows visitors to explore stunning gardens firsthand.
5. Shops and Galleries on Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island Farmers’ Market
Open on Saturdays from mid-April through mid-October, this farmers market takes place in Bainbridge Town Square, offering fresh produce and local goods.
The Traveler
265 Winslow Way East
This shop specializes in a fine selection of luggage, travel gadgets, clothing, and accessories.
Bainbridge Arts and Crafts: The Gallery
151 Winslow Way East
The Gallery showcases and sells an extensive array of art and fine crafts, predominantly by local artists.
Heart
181 Winslow Way East
This boutique features distinctive apparel alongside a great selection of scarves, hats, and accessories.
Bon Bon Confections
123 Bjune Drive Suite 103
Bon Bon Confections delights with an array of fresh fudge and special candies, all available from their online store as well.
6. Dining on Bainbridge Island
Pegasus Coffee House
131 Parfitt Way SW
In addition to coffee and pastries, Pegasus offers delicious breakfast and lunch panini—highly recommended for any visitor.
Restaurant Marche
150 Madrone Lane
This acclaimed restaurant features updated bistro menu items crafted from locally sourced produce, meats, and cheeses.
Mora Iced Creamery
12685 Miller Rd NE
Mora serves an irresistible selection of ice cream flavors, from classic to creative. Their chocolate peanut butter flavor is especially smooth and decadent.
Treehouse Café
4569 Lynwood Center Rd.
This casual, pub-style café offers a diverse menu with traditional favorites as well as Greek, Thai, and other creative takes on salads, sandwiches, and pizzas.
Harbor Public House
233 Parfitt Way SW
This cozy pub serves delicious pub food and a variety of draft beers, all with a beautiful view of Eagle Harbor Marina.
Streamliner Diner
397 Winslow Way East
Known for its hearty breakfasts, particularly the biscuits and jam, Streamliner Diner also serves lunch and dinner on select nights.
7. Lodging on Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island features several small hotels, B&Bs, and rental cottages to choose from.
The Eagle Harbor Inn
Located in Winslow, The Eagle Harbor Inn provides guests with luxuriously appointed suites and fully furnished townhomes, each individually decorated. Guests can enjoy a lovely garden courtyard overlooking Eagle Harbor, and the Inn is conveniently situated within walking distance to fine shops and restaurants.
8. How to Get to Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is accessible via both water and car.
By Ferry
The Washington State Ferry route runs from the main Seattle terminal at Pier 52 to Eagle Harbor on the island. Pay attention to the various ferry vessels at dock as you pass the maintenance facility near the terminal.
By Car
Access to Bainbridge Island via car is possible through a bridge connecting the Kitsap Peninsula to the northern tip of the island via Highway 305. To reach the Kitsap Peninsula from Interstate 5, follow Highway 16, driving across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and proceeding north through Bremerton. Note that there is a toll for vehicles using the Tacoma Narrows Bridge heading towards Tacoma.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with discounted or complimentary accommodations, meals, and/or recreation for the purpose of reviewing those services. While this has not influenced this review, GoTravelDaily believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
