Things to Do on Bainbridge Island: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Bainbridge Island is a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle, offering a relaxed island escape with forests, beaches and a charming small-town center. The walkable village of Winslow, the free Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, the gardens of Bloedel Reserve and the moving Japanese American Exclusion Memorial make it a perfect day trip or weekend.
This guide covers the best things to do on Bainbridge Island, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Bainbridge Island
Seattle–Bainbridge ferry
Scenic crossing of Puget Sound.
Winslow
Village with shops and cafés.
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
Free contemporary art.
Bloedel Reserve
Gardens and forest.
Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
WWII memorial.
Fay Bainbridge Park
Beach with Mount Rainier views.
Fort Ward Park
Trails and beach.
Wineries
Island tasting rooms.
Bainbridge Island in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Ferry and Winslow
Take the Washington State Ferry from Seattle, enjoying views of the skyline and Mount Rainier, and walk up to Winslow. Visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the shops on Winslow Way. Lunch at a café. In the afternoon, stroll the Waterfront Trail and taste wines at an island tasting room.
2Day 2 · Bloedel Reserve
Spend the morning at Bloedel Reserve, 150 acres of gardens, a Japanese garden, moss garden and reflection pool. Lunch nearby. In the afternoon, visit the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial at Pritchard Park, honoring the first Japanese Americans removed during World War II, and relax on the beach.
3Day 3 · Parks and beaches
Explore Fay Bainbridge Park for beachcombing and views of Mount Baker and Rainier, then hike in the Grand Forest or Gazzam Lake Preserve. Lunch in Winslow. In the evening, sunset at Fort Ward Park and dinner with local seafood.
Bainbridge Island in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Kayaking
Rent a kayak or paddleboard in Eagle Harbor and paddle past houseboats and herons. Lunch at the harbor. In the afternoon, visit the Kids Discovery Museum or the Bainbridge Historical Museum and browse the Eagle Harbor Book Company.
5Day 5 · Poulsbo
Drive across the Agate Pass Bridge to Poulsbo, the 'Little Norway' of Puget Sound, for Scandinavian bakeries and the waterfront. Lunch with Norwegian treats. Return through Suquamish to see Chief Seattle's grave. Poulsbo's Sluys Bakery and the Marine Science Center are popular stops for families.
Bainbridge Island in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Olympic Peninsula
Day trip to Port Townsend with Victorian architecture, or to the Hood Canal for oysters. Lunch on the way. Return by evening ferry. Port Townsend's Fort Worden State Park and its bunkers are a highlight for history lovers and kids alike.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Morning coffee and pastries in Winslow, a last walk along the waterfront and the ferry back to Seattle at sunset for a beautiful farewell view of the skyline. Grab a last treat at a Winslow bakery before boarding.
What to do in Bainbridge Island on a weekend
Things to do on Bainbridge Island on a weekend? Saturday: Winslow and the art museum. Sunday: Bloedel Reserve and beaches.
Summer Saturday farmers market in Winslow.
What to do in Bainbridge Island in the evening
In the evening, the sunset ferry to Seattle.
Wine bars in Winslow.
Bainbridge Island for couples
For couples, Bloedel Reserve, wine tasting and the sunset ferry.
Bainbridge Island with kids
With kids, the Kids Discovery Museum, beaches and kayaking.
What to eat in Bainbridge Island
Seafood chowder
Local.
Oysters
Puget Sound.
Wine
Island wineries.
Pastries
Bakeries.
Salmon
Pacific Northwest.
Where to stay in Bainbridge Island: best areas
Winslow
Walkable.
Island B&Bs
Quiet.
Poulsbo
Nearby.
Seattle
City base.
What to do in Bainbridge Island when it rains
Things to do on Bainbridge Island when it rains? Art museum, historical museum, bookstore and wine tasting.
How much does a trip to Bainbridge Island cost?
Expect $200–350 per night; the ferry is inexpensive for walk-ons.
Practical tips for Bainbridge Island
Best time to visit
May–September.
Getting around
Walk, bike or car; ferry from Seattle.
Our practical tips
- Walk on the ferry.
- Book Bloedel timed tickets.
- Bring a rain jacket.
- Bike the island.
- Sunset ferry.
- Farmers market.
Mistakes to avoid
- Car ferry lines on summer weekends.
- Expecting nightlife.
- Skipping the memorial.
- Hills by bike unprepared.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do on Bainbridge Island?
Winslow, Bloedel Reserve and beaches.
How long is the ferry?
About 35 minutes.
Is the art museum free?
Yes.
Best time?
Summer.