Bainbridge Island with ferry and Seattle in the distance. ©Cascade Creatives/Shutterstock
Two Ways to explore the Charms of Bainbridge Island
Two Ways to explore the Charms of Bainbridge Island
by Jennifer Coleman
Sparkling water, lush gardens, dense forests and country roads crisscross as you make your way on Bainbridge Island, just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. Easy access from Seattle makes Bainbridge Island a perfect day trip option, but an overnight stay offers a way for visitors to truly experience and explore the charm of the island. Join us as we explore Bainbridge Island for both day trippers and overnighters!
The Day Tripper
Walk on the ferry in Seattle and walk off directly to the core of downtown Bainbridge Island at Winslow Way. Cheerful shops, restaurants, and a world-class free art museum are all within walking distance. The historic downtown area is comprised of museums, a performing arts center, an artisan resource center, monthly art walks, a farmers’ market and seasonal festivals.
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art has sustainable features which include geo-exchange energy, daylight controlled louvers, solar power, recycled materials, and green-labeled certified carpets and paints. ©Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
The 20,000 square foot building provides a place to celebrate the art and artists of the Puget Sound region. ©Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) curates an impressive display of art with a focus on artists and collections from the Puget Sound region. The sleek and modern building beckons to visitors from its location on the corner of Winslow Way and Olympic Drive. The striking exterior features daylight-controlled louvers that adjust position depending on the angle of the sun, protecting the artwork located just beyond the glass.
Be sure to stop in at the BIMA Bistro for a cup of coffee, or sample the rotating menu of artfully created and seasonally inspired Pacific Northwest Cuisine.
The nearby Waterfront Trail is just a few blocks away and gives off classic Pacific Northwest vibes with views of Puget Sound and the Seattle city skyline in the distance. The trail curves along the marina and back to the ferry terminal, a great place to wander and enjoy the sights of Puget Sound.
Looking for lunch? Head over to Bruciato on Winslow Way for authentic Neapolitan pizza, or Cafe Hitchcock for breakfast, brunch or lunch including delicious sandwiches, baked egg dishes, tartines, smoothies, grain bowls and market-inspired salads.
The Overnighter
For those looking to drive onto the ferry and spend some time exploring Bainbridge Island at a leisurely pace, your first stop should be the downtown core on Winslow Way. Grab an iced coffee and cookie from the Blackbird Bakery then head out to discover a special sculpture located about a mile from the Creative District at Sakai Park. Pia the Peacekeeper, one of 5 installments in Washington by Copenhagen-based artist Thomas Dambo, serenely sits tucked among the trees at the park. A short trail leads to a small clearing where Pia draws crowds seeking to witness the whimsy of Dambo’s recycled wood creations.
Next up on your visit should be the Japanese Exclusion Memorial. This significant and solemn site features a memorial wall that curves down to the historic Eagledale ferry dock landing site, the place where 272 Japanese Americans were uprooted from their homes and confined to concentration camps during World War II. The outdoor stone and cedar Memorial Wall, or Story Wall, includes the family surname and age of everyone who was removed from Bainbridge Island in 1942. The Wall spans 276 feet - one foot for every survivor - and lines the path that the islanders walked as they boarded the ferry for Seattle. Surrounded by carefully tended native plants, this memorial space includes the phrase “Nidoto Nai Yoni” which translates to “let it not happen again”.
The Japanese Exclusion Memorial stands as an unwavering testament to the events of March 30, 1942, serving as an important reminder of the past.
The Wall tells the story of Japanese Americans of Bainbridge Island through terra cotta artworks that capture and depict quotes from survivor oral histories.
Rest, Relax and Unwind
©Inn at Pleasant Beach
Enjoy unique and cozy accommodations at the Inn at Pleasant Beach. Situated on a hill overlooking the historic Lynwood Center neighborhood and Puget Sound’s Rich Passage on the south end of Bainbridge Island, the property was built on a site surrounding the original Tudor-style Manor House. Rooms at the Inn are individually furnished with your comfort in mind. Luxurious and cozy, some rooms have fireplaces, balconies and fantastic views of the gardens and Puget Sound in the distance. The expansive swimming pool is perfect for hot summer getaway, and a nearby fitness center is available as well.
Other island accommodations include many Airbnb's as well as the the Eagle Harbor Inn - the only downtown boutique hotel on Bainbridge Island, the Marshall Suites which is just a mile and a half from the ferry landing, and the Quality Inn and Suites.
Cozy accommodations await at Inn at Pleasant Beach.
Quality linens and attention to detail in each room at the Inn.
An easy walk down the steps near the manor house take you from the Inn property to Pleasant Drive where shops and cafes are a neighborhood gathering place. There is live music - depending on the day - as well as a wine bar, coffeehouse, restaurant and delicatessen available for guests to enjoy refreshments indoor or outdoor on a streetside patio.
Day 2 for the Overnighter
After a relaxing night on the island, plan to spend the next morning quietly immersed in nature at Bloedel Reserve. Located at the northern part of Bainbridge Island and 7 miles from the ferry landing, Bloedel Reserve is considered an “experiential public garden with a mixed tapestry of woodlands, meadows and landscaped gardens”. A series of trails wind throughout the reserve, taking you from open meadows, along a marsh teeming with bird life, past the original Bloedel family residence and into a magical woodland. The Rhododendron Glen bursts with color in early spring, some of the plants reaching over 10-feet tall. There is a Japanese Garden that combines plants, stones and water in carefully composed scenes.
Pond located in the center of Bloedel Reserve with the Bloedel family residence in the background.
Reflection pool provides a peaceful relationship with water and a soothing transition through dappled woods.
The Japanese Guest House is a stunning feature at Bloedel, its design a combination of Japanese temple architecture and Northwest Coastal Native American longhouses. The deck is a perfect place to rest while taking in the zen of the Japanese garden and the nearby reflection pool is quietly tucked within a border of Yew hedges and mowed turf, making it an interesting contrast to the otherwise natural structure of the gardens. Allow yourself a couple of hours to explore the gardens at Bloedel Reserve, it's a magical place in every season.
Before you make your way back to the ferry terminal, spend some time on the water at Fay Bainbridge Park located just 5 miles from Bloedel Reserve. This is a great place for a picnic, or to just enjoy the wide open views from the park's location on the Northeast corner of the island, which includes an easily accessible saltwater shoreline and sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound.
As the ferry carries you back to Seattle, the lights of Bainbridge Island fade in the distance, but its tranquil spirit stays with you. Whether you spent the day exploring art galleries, savoring local cuisine, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, Bainbridge leaves a lasting impression. From its charming downtown to its lush landscapes, this island retreat offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration just a short ferry ride away from the city. As you reflect on your overnight adventure, you realize that Bainbridge Island isn't just a destination—it's a serene escape waiting to be rediscovered time and again.
No matter your interests, escape comes naturally on Bainbridge Island. Eclectic boutiques, scenic vistas, welcoming accommodations, and outdoor adventures await. Click HERE for more information about visiting, and follow @VisitBainbridgeIsland on Facebook for all the latest info.