Bainbridge Island - a dock with boats on it
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Bainbridge Island

4.6
·491k reviews·Bainbridge Island, United States

A charming island escape just a scenic ferry ride from Seattle, offering gardens, shops, and delicious food.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Bainbridge Island - a dock with boats on it

Bainbridge Island

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming island escape just a scenic ferry ride from Seattle, offering gardens, shops, and delicious food.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The ferry ride itself is worth the trip, offering stunning views and a perfect prelude to island charm."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Ferry is Key

Walk-on passengers pay one-way fare from Seattle. Enjoy the views!

🚗 Car Rental Recommended

For exploring beyond Winslow, a car offers the most flexibility.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bloedel Reserve

Bloedel Reserve

Winslow

A breathtaking 150-acre garden sanctuary with diverse landscapes and tranquil walking paths. Reservations often required.

TikTokInstagram
Downtown Winslow

Downtown Winslow

Near ferry terminal

Charming shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants line the streets, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Instagram+1
The Ferry Ride

The Ferry Ride

Puget Sound

Enjoy iconic Seattle skyline views and the crisp Pacific Northwest air on this short, scenic journey.

TikTok+1
Local Eateries

Local Eateries

Various locations

Savor fresh poke at Hi Life, delicious fish and chips at Proper Fish, or baked goods from Blackbird Bakery.

TikTokInstagram+2
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Ferry Journey

The Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry is more than just transport; it's a scenic prelude to your adventure. Enjoy stunning skyline views and fresh sea air. Walk-on passengers save money and avoid parking hassles on the island. TikTok+1

Island Pace & Exploration

Bainbridge Island offers a relaxed vibe, perfect for a day trip. Prioritize a few key spots like Bloedel Reserve or downtown Winslow. Renting a car provides flexibility, but many attractions are walkable from the ferry terminal. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Best weather for outdoor activities
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Dine and enjoy local ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you’re looking for a perfect day trip from Seattle then you need to head over to Bainbridge Island! It’s just a short ferry trip from Seattle which is nice and scenic and you can drive or walk on ⛴️ On our last visit we stopped by Hi Life and enjoyed their poke bento box. It had a nice variety of fish and was so fresh and good 😍 Pegasus Coffee is cute and cozy coffee shop right by the water and...
@seattle.food.diva
35K likes • 531.8K views

🚢 Ferry is Key

Walk-on passengers pay one-way fare from Seattle. Enjoy the views! TikTok+1

🚗 Car Rental Recommended

For exploring beyond Winslow, a car offers the most flexibility. Reddit

Save this for your next Seattle adventure whether you leave here or are visiting! ⛴️ #seattle #seattletravel #bainbridgeisland #creatorsearchinsights #seattlethingstodo #seattlewashington
@biancaandnoah
28.1K likes • 311.5K views
FIVE THINGS TO DO ON BAINBRIDGE ISLAND 🛥️ I spend a lot of time on bainbridge island, and here’s some of my favorite ways to spend it! From gorgeous parks to great restaurants, bainbridge is the perfect seattle getaway! 👉🏼 BOOKMARK & SEND this video to someone you’d go with! ✨ #bainbridgeisland #bainbridge #downtownbainbridge #bainbridgeferry #seattle #seattleactivities #bestfoodseattle #thing...
seattle.grub
1.5K likes • 49.4K views

☕ Cafe & Bakery Stops

Start your day with treats from Blackbird Bakery or Pegasus Coffee. TikTokInstagram+1

🌳 Nature Escapes

Bloedel Reserve requires reservations; Fay Bainbridge Park offers beach access. TikTokInstagram

Welcome back to Seattle in 60 Seconds: let’s go on a day trip to Bainbridge Island ⛴️🌊✨ Hop on the Bainbridge Island Ferry for a 35-minute ride across Puget Sound. The ferry ride and day trip to Bainbridge Island offer stunning views, small-town charm, and plenty of local adventure.🚢🌲 ☀️Ferry Tips: • Walk-on passengers: ~$10.25 • Driving a car on board? ~$20–25+ (depends on vehicle length and...
emmasedition
917 likes • 34.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Ferry is Key

Walk-on passengers pay one-way fare from Seattle. Enjoy the views! TikTok+1

🚗 Car Rental Recommended

For exploring beyond Winslow, a car offers the most flexibility. Reddit

☕ Cafe & Bakery Stops

Start your day with treats from Blackbird Bakery or Pegasus Coffee. TikTokInstagram+1

🌳 Nature Escapes

Bloedel Reserve requires reservations; Fay Bainbridge Park offers beach access. TikTokInstagram

📍 Downtown Walkability

Many shops, galleries, and restaurants are easily accessible on foot from the ferry. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Bainbridge Island as a delightful and scenic day trip from Seattle, highlighting the beautiful ferry ride and the island's charming atmosphere. Many enjoy the natural beauty of Bloedel Reserve and the culinary offerings in Winslow. Some find that a car is necessary for full exploration beyond the main town.

What People Like

Scenic ferry ride
Tranquil Bloedel Reserve
Charming downtown Winslow

What People Dislike

Need for car for some areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most popular way is by the Washington State Ferry from Pier 52 in Seattle to Bainbridge Island. The ride takes about 35 minutes and offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline. Walk-on passengers pay a fare, while vehicles have a separate fee. TikTokInstagram+3

For walk-on passengers, the ferry fare is quite affordable, typically around $10.25 round trip from Seattle. Driving a car on the ferry will incur a higher cost. TikTokInstagram

No reservations are needed for walk-on passengers or for driving a vehicle onto the ferry. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. TikTok

The ferry journey from Seattle to Bainbridge Island is approximately 35 minutes, offering a scenic and relatively quick transit. TikTokInstagram

Once on Bainbridge Island, Kitsap Transit operates local bus routes that can take you to various points of interest, though a car offers more freedom. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You do not need tickets to visit Bainbridge Island itself. Tickets are only required for the ferry ride to and from the island. TikTok

While many areas like downtown Winslow and parks are free, specific attractions like the Bloedel Reserve require an admission fee and often advance reservations. TikTokInstagram

Bloedel Reserve typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's essential to check their official website for current hours and to book your timed entry tickets in advance, as they can sell out. TikTok

Ferry tickets for walk-on passengers are typically purchased at the terminal before boarding. For vehicles, you can also purchase at the terminal. TikTok

Fay Bainbridge Park is generally free to enter, offering public access to its beach and picnic areas. TikTok

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Key attractions include the tranquil Bloedel Reserve, the charming shops and eateries in downtown Winslow, and scenic spots like Fay Bainbridge Park. Don't miss the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial for historical context. TikTokInstagram+1

Downtown Winslow, near the ferry terminal, is very walkable with shops, restaurants, and galleries. For attractions further afield like Bloedel Reserve, a car or local bus is recommended. Instagram

You can enjoy hiking in the Grand Forest, explore trails at Bloedel Reserve, or even play pickleball at Founders Courts. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The ferry ride offers iconic Seattle skyline shots. Bloedel Reserve provides stunning natural beauty, and the charming streets of Winslow are picturesque. TikTokInstagram

The Japanese American Exclusion Memorial offers a poignant look at a significant part of history. The island also has a rich maritime heritage. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Popular spots include Hi Life for poke, Proper Fish for fish and chips, BA|SA for Asian fusion, and Blackbird Bakery for delicious pastries. TikTokInstagram+4

Pegasus Coffee is a local favorite, offering a great spot to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. TikTokInstagram+1

Many restaurants offer diverse menus. It's best to check individual restaurant menus online or call ahead, but options like poke bowls can often be customized. TikTok+1

While not a single 'specialty,' the island is known for its fresh seafood, particularly fish and chips and poke, as well as artisanal baked goods. TikTok+2

Yes, places like Proper Fish and Hi Life offer excellent casual dining. Many cafes also provide lighter fare and snacks. TikTok+2

📸 📸 Photography

The ferry ride provides iconic Seattle skyline shots. Bloedel Reserve offers stunning garden landscapes, and the charming streets of Winslow are perfect for street photography. TikTokInstagram

While not guaranteed, Fay Bainbridge Park can offer opportunities to photograph seabirds and marine life. Keep an eye out during your ferry ride for marine mammals. TikTok

Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers beautiful light for landscapes and cityscapes. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Winslow. TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in public parks and sensitive natural areas like Bloedel Reserve. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and street scenes. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive views from the ferry, and a macro lens can be useful in the gardens. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bainbridge Island is a fantastic family-friendly day trip from Seattle. The ferry ride itself is an adventure for kids, offering open decks and great views. TikTok Once on the island, Fay Bainbridge Park is a hit with its beach access, perfect for sandcastle building and exploring tide pools. TikTok Many families also enjoy the charming downtown Winslow area for a casual lunch and browsing unique shops. Consider packing snacks and drinks, though cafes and eateries are plentiful. Instagram

For a more structured activity, check if the Bloedel Reserve has family-friendly programming or if its walking paths are suitable for strollers (confirm accessibility beforehand). The Pia the Peacekeeper Troll is also a fun, quirky find for younger explorers. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Chill Explorers

Bainbridge Island is ideal for solo travelers seeking a peaceful escape. The ferry ride offers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery without the pressure of driving. TikTok+1 Once ashore, downtown Winslow is perfect for a leisurely stroll, popping into bookstores like Eagle Harbor Books, art galleries, and enjoying a quiet coffee at Pegasus Coffee. TikTokInstagram

For a truly tranquil experience, dedicate a few hours to the Bloedel Reserve, where you can wander through beautiful gardens at your own pace. TikTokInstagram A car can be helpful for reaching spots like Fay Bainbridge Park for some quiet time by the water, but many core attractions are accessible via walking or local transit. Reddit

🍽️ Foodie Day-Trippers

If your primary goal is to explore the culinary delights, Bainbridge Island won't disappoint. Start your day with artisanal pastries from Blackbird Bakery or a coffee from Pegasus Coffee. TikTok+1 For lunch, you have excellent choices: Hi Life for their renowned poke sampler,TikTok+1 Proper Fish for top-tier fish and chips,TikTok or BA|SA for innovative Asian fusion. TikTokInstagram

Many foodies enjoy combining a ferry trip with a culinary tour of the island. Consider planning your stops to sample a variety of offerings, from casual bites to more refined dishes. Checking restaurant hours and making reservations for popular spots is a good strategy to maximize your tasting experience. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Bainbridge Ferry Experience

The ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island is a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience and a highlight for many visitors. It's not just a mode of transport; it's a scenic journey offering unparalleled views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, and the surrounding Olympic Mountains. For walk-on passengers, it's an incredibly affordable way to enjoy these vistas, costing significantly less than a dedicated harbor cruise. TikTokInstagram+2

Inside the ferry, you'll find ample seating, both indoors and outdoors, allowing you to soak in the fresh sea air and the panoramic views. Keep an eye out for marine life like seals or even whales during certain seasons. The 35-minute trip provides ample time to relax, take photos, and transition into the island's more tranquil atmosphere. TikTokInstagram

Pro-tip: Arrive at the Seattle terminal a bit before departure, especially on weekends, to ensure a good spot on the ferry and maximize your viewing opportunities. The return trip at sunset can be particularly magical. TikTok

Exploring Bainbridge Island's Culinary Scene

Bainbridge Island boasts a surprisingly diverse and high-quality culinary scene, with many eateries focusing on fresh, local ingredients. For seafood lovers, Hi Life is a must-visit for its generous poke sampler plates, praised for freshness and variety. TikTok+1 Proper Fish has earned a reputation for its excellent fish and chips, a testament to their origins as a food truck. TikTokInstagram

Beyond seafood, the island offers a range of flavors. BA|SA is noted for its Asian fusion cuisine, making it a popular lunch spot. TikTokInstagram+1 For those with a sweet tooth or looking for a morning pick-me-up, Blackbird Bakery and Pegasus Coffee are highly recommended. TikTokInstagram+1 These spots are perfect for grabbing a pastry, a hearty breakfast, or a quality cup of coffee to fuel your island explorations. Instagram

Many visitors find that exploring the food scene is a significant part of the Bainbridge Island experience. Whether you're looking for a quick, delicious bite or a more leisurely meal, the island offers plenty of satisfying options. TikTokInstagram+2

Nature and Tranquility at Bloedel Reserve

The Bloedel Reserve is a crown jewel of Bainbridge Island, offering a serene escape into meticulously curated natural beauty. This 150-acre garden sanctuary features a variety of distinct landscapes, from moss-draped forests to tranquil meadows and reflective pools, providing a deeply peaceful experience for visitors. TikTokInstagram

Visitors often describe the reserve as breathtaking and a must-visit for nature lovers. The walking paths are well-maintained, inviting exploration and quiet contemplation. It's important to note that reservations are required for entry, and it's advisable to book your timed tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as they can sell out. TikTokInstagram

While the reserve is a place of natural beauty, it also offers a sense of artistic design and horticultural mastery. The experience is often described as restorative and a perfect counterpoint to the bustle of city life. Instagram

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