A short 35-minute ferry ride across Puget Sound, the pace of life noticeably slows down. As Seattle fades into the background, the gentle waves whisper beneath the boat and majestic Mount Rainier rises in the distance. When the ferry arrives, it’s time to explore scenic hiking trails, discover museums, browse unique shops, and indulge in diverse dining experiences. There’s so many ways to enjoy a Memorable Day on Bainbridge Island, WA.
During a long weekend visit with a friend who lives in Seattle, we decided to take a day trip to Bainbridge Island, one of many islands off the coast. Although Bainbridge is a lovely tourist destination, it’s also considered a suburb of Seattle. The ferry is a common mode of transportation between the islands and the mainland, and it’s a fun experience. (See video below)
Hiking, Biking, and Sports
Exiting the ferry, we joined the masses trudging the short walk uphill just behind the visitors with motorcycles, scooters. The island is fairly flat so whether you’re walking or riding, it’s easy to get around. As we reached the top, a low stone wall greeted us with a cheery welcome to the wonderful town of Bainbridge.
As an East Coaster, I always notice the local vegetation. It’s so different in the Pacific Northwest – more tall, dark pine trees contrasted by lush flowering vegetation that reminds me of Hawaii.
Along the edge of the road, I noticed a sign for a quiet trail through the woods. Another sign farther along indicated many more places to hike on the island. We would later learn that there were many outdoor activities to enjoy.
Pickleball Was Invented on Bainbridge Island
Back in 1965, cries of boredom spurred one father into a moment of creativity and later, sports history.
It all began when three friends (Joe Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum) and their families were vacationing on Bainbridge Island. To stop the children’s complaints, Pritchard proposed inventing a new game using the sport materials within reach.
They included a badminton net and court, ping pong paddles and a wiffle ball. After months of experimentation, they established the rules to accommodate players of all ages and abilities. That new sport became Pickleball!
Thriving Arts Community
The Creative Arts District is one of the first areas you’ll find downtown. Bainbridge Island is home to a diverse community of visual artists, writers, performing artists and craftspeople.
The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art features contemporary art & craft of the Puget Sound Region. You’ll find the museum is free and a welcome respite in hot weather.
Only a block away, the Bainbridge History Museum showcases the unique history of Bainbridge Island with artifacts and cultural materials ranging from the indigenous Suquamish people to the Japanese internment, through to current day photographs of mask-clad Bainbridge residents enduring the Covid pandemic.
Shopping Along Winslow Way
I love a town that has a whimsical atmosphere. From this giant fork with a strawberry to the witty signs outside of the cute shops, it was a pleasure to wander in and out all afternoon on Bainbridge Island. I haven’t sewn anything since 7th grade but I did agree with the sign outside of Esther’s Fabrics. Two of my favorites shops were Eagle Harbor Books and B.I. Barkery.
I really enjoy independent bookstores but they are few and far between where I live. Barnes and Noble seems to have taken away the business from all the local brick and mortar stores, and online giant Amazon probably finished off all the other small booksellers.
So it was wonderful to find The Eagle Harbor Book Company. While their sign outdoors certainly caught my attention and drew me in, it was the wide array of books that kept me browsing. There were quite a number of interesting titles that caught my eye.
B.I. Barkery: for Dogs and People Who Love Dogs
What’s not to love about a store that knows exactly how to attract its ideal audience? I proudly count myself as one of the People Who Love Dogs. I’ve had dogs my whole life and I admit to spoiling my Australian Shepherd rescue at times.
From bandannas, leashes, clothing, signs, buttons and food, B.I. Barkery was a treat for the eyes and the heart. I could’ve spent a fortune but I managed to narrow it down to just one item.
Lunch at the Harbour Public House
After a morning of strolling around town, it was time to find a place to sit down and enjoy some great island food. My friend had polled her co-workers a few days earlier, and Harbour Public House was well recommended as the best spot for waterfront dining.
With a menu fashioned like an old newspaper on the front, Harbour Public House had a delicious range of pub food. All the seafood favorites you’d expect: oysters, mussels, chowder, crab, salmon, cod and even a vegan kelp sandwich. For meat eaters, they had beef barbecue, burgers and hot dogs and plenty of fries. We each ordered a drink to toast the day.
Since it was a stunning blue sky day in the low 80s, we leisurely enjoyed our meal outdoors on the back deck. Overlooking a marina, it was clearly a convenient eatery and very popular. I was surprised how crowded it was during our late afternoon lunch visit. Service was very good and friendly.
Although it would’ve been a healthy choice after eating, we didn’t follow the suggestion on the sign outside the restaurant to go for a hike along the waterfront trails.
Instead we spent another few hours wandering along the streets and peeking into a few more stores. There were some wonderful antique shops and a huge local grocery with bright flowers outside. Town and Country Markets looked like a cross between Trader Joe’s and Wegmans.
Dessert at Island Cool
Our time was dwindling, and as we were slowly strolling back towards the ferry, two people passed us with ice cream cones. Like a siren song, we seemed to be subconsciously called to a popular small store. People of all ages were happily enjoying the perfect afternoon treat from Island Cool .
With over 20 different flavors, it was hard to choose. I ended up with a scoop of salted caramel and my friend had pistachio. Other choices included sundaes, floats, and kids cones.
A Winery Called Eleven
Our time was dwindling, and as we were slowly strolling back towards the ferry, we saw a shop named Eleven with wine bottles nicely displayed in the window. Of course, as wine lovers, we had to peek inside and have a glass.
Did you know that Washington state is the second largest wine producer in the US? They have over 1,050 wineries and 60,000 acres of vineyards, producing more than 17 million cases of wine annually.
With over 70 grape varieties grown in different climates and soils, red wines are a specialty of the state, making up almost two-thirds of its wine production. Among the best known are Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Farewell Bainbridge Island
Back on the ferry, we were sad to see Bainbridge Island fading in the distance, but as the boat neared the skyline of Seattle, we realized there was so much more to explore on the mainland.
What You Need to Know About Riding the Ferry to Bainbridge Island
The Washington State Department of Transportation runs the ferry system. Did you know it’s the largest public ferry system in the US? No wonder it’s featured in so many movies! (Remember Sleepless in Seattle?)
Where do I catch the ferry?
To ride the ferry to Bainbridge Island, you’ll need to go to the Seattle Ferry Terminal in downtown Seattle. You can board at Colman Dock on Pier 52. The address is: 801 Alaskan Way between Marion and Columbia Streets.
How long does the ferry take?
The ride to Bainbridge Island is approximately 35 minutes. Find current ferry schedules here.
How much does the ferry cost?
There are multiple fares for the ferry. They are based upon these categories: single riders, vehicles and drivers, motorcycles and drivers, and bicycles and drivers. Find current Bainbridge ferry rates here.
Do I need a reservation for the ferry?
There are no reservations but since most ferries are loaded on a first come-first serve basis, buying tickets online is recommended if you want to drive a vehicle on the island. Individual riders can save time and buy their tickets online as well, or if you arrive more than 15 minutes before departure, walk-on riders can buy them at the terminal.
Taking the ferry across Puget Sound to explore one of the islands outside of Seattle was an unexpected part of my trip to Washington state. After visiting, I can tell you I would love to live on Bainbridge Island. Rich in natural beauty, it has a diverse community full of artists, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, amazing eateries and a relaxed, Pacific Northwest vibe.
It was a wonderful way to enjoy a Memorable Day Trip to Bainbridge Island, WA.
