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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Bainbridge Island
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming island escape just a scenic ferry ride from Seattle, offering gardens, shops, and delicious food.
"The ferry ride itself is worth the trip, offering stunning views and a perfect prelude to island charm."
🚢 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Downtown Winslow
Near ferry terminal
Charming shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants line the streets, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

The Ferry Ride
Puget Sound
Enjoy iconic Seattle skyline views and the crisp Pacific Northwest air on this short, scenic journey.

Local Eateries
Various locations
Savor fresh poke at Hi Life, delicious fish and chips at Proper Fish, or baked goods from Blackbird Bakery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ferry Journey
Island Pace & Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 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.
☕ Cafe & Bakery Stops
Start your day with treats from Blackbird Bakery or Pegasus Coffee.
🌳 Nature Escapes
Bloedel Reserve requires reservations; Fay Bainbridge Park offers beach access.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 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.
☕ Cafe & Bakery Stops
Start your day with treats from Blackbird Bakery or Pegasus Coffee.
🌳 Nature Escapes
Bloedel Reserve requires reservations; Fay Bainbridge Park offers beach access.
📍 Downtown Walkability
Many shops, galleries, and restaurants are easily accessible on foot from the ferry.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
The ferry journey from Seattle to Bainbridge Island is approximately 35 minutes, offering a scenic and relatively quick transit.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
While many areas like downtown Winslow and parks are free, specific attractions like the Bloedel Reserve require an admission fee and often advance reservations.
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.
Ferry tickets for walk-on passengers are typically purchased at the terminal before boarding. For vehicles, you can also purchase at the terminal.
Fay Bainbridge Park is generally free to enter, offering public access to its beach and picnic areas.
🎫 📍 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.
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.
You can enjoy hiking in the Grand Forest, explore trails at Bloedel Reserve, or even play pickleball at Founders Courts.
Absolutely! The ferry ride offers iconic Seattle skyline shots. Bloedel Reserve provides stunning natural beauty, and the charming streets of Winslow are picturesque.
The Japanese American Exclusion Memorial offers a poignant look at a significant part of history. The island also has a rich maritime heritage.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Pegasus Coffee is a local favorite, offering a great spot to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.
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.
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.
Yes, places like Proper Fish and Hi Life offer excellent casual dining. Many cafes also provide lighter fare and snacks.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
Drone usage is generally restricted in public parks and sensitive natural areas like Bloedel Reserve. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Chill Explorers
For a truly tranquil experience, dedicate a few hours to the Bloedel Reserve, where you can wander through beautiful gardens at your own pace. 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.
🍽️ Foodie Day-Trippers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Bainbridge Ferry Experience
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.
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.
Exploring Bainbridge Island's Culinary Scene
Beyond seafood, the island offers a range of flavors. BA|SA is noted for its Asian fusion cuisine, making it a popular lunch spot. For those with a sweet tooth or looking for a morning pick-me-up, Blackbird Bakery and Pegasus Coffee are highly recommended. These spots are perfect for grabbing a pastry, a hearty breakfast, or a quality cup of coffee to fuel your island explorations.
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.
Nature and Tranquility at Bloedel Reserve
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit