Even in the summer, the weather in the Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable: Seattle is already known for its rainy spells, but during my trip, I got caught in a nasty one right in the middle of August. Days of rain combined with a drastic drop in temperature made sightseeing in Seattle quite a challenge. But when the sun finally came out again, I spontaneously decided to take a day trip to Bainbridge Island—and this trip is now definitely one of my personal recommendations for Seattle.
The Crossing Itself Is a Highlight
The ferry to Bainbridge Island is part of the public transit system and carries hundreds of commuters and their cars to Seattle and back every day. But it’s also one of the most beautiful experiences Seattle has to offer. For just under $11 round-trip, you’ll spend 35 minutes cruising across Puget Sound while enjoying a view straight out of a movie.
The boat departs from Colman Dock, and within seconds, the entire Seattle skyline unfolds before you: You’ll see the Space Needle, the downtown skyline, the Ferris wheel on the waterfront, and on clear days, you can even make out Mount Rainier in the distance.
Slowly, the skyline begins to fade, and before you know it, the forested coastline of Bainbridge Island comes into view. It’s a complete change of pace—perfect if you want to briefly escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and enjoy the stunning natural scenery around Seattle.
Winslow: The Ultimate Vacation Vibe
Once you arrive, it’s a ten-minute walk to Winslow, the heart of Bainbridge Island. And somehow, I immediately thought: Winslow looks exactly like what you’d imagine a typical American small town on a trendy island to look like. Here you’ll find a main street lined with indie shops, galleries featuring local arts and crafts, charming restaurants, and a handful of cafes with a relaxed atmosphere.
Want to see even more of Bainbridge Island in the shortest amount of time? Then your best bet is to join a tour:
A Tour of Bainbridge Island
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Pickleball: A Popular Sport on Bainbridge Island
On Bainbridge Island, everything revolves around pickleball. In every souvenir shop, you’ll find everything from rackets, balls, T-shirts, and other gear—the sport is everywhere here. Pickleball was actually invented right here on Bainbridge Island in 1965, and the island is still proud of it today.
The story behind it is as simple as it is charming: On a rainy summer day, three fathers—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—were looking for something to do with their bored children. They found an old badminton court, but no suitable equipment. So they grabbed some table tennis paddles, a plastic ball with holes in it, and lowered the net. The kids had so much fun that the fathers joined in and began to establish official rules. Today, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. and has been Washington’s official state sport since 2022; the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum even has its own pickleball exhibit.
Tip: Battle Point Park has public pickleball courts that anyone can use for free. More info here.
My Tips for Strolling & Shopping
Eagle Harbor Book Co.
Bainbridge Island really does have that vacation vibe. I don’t know about you, but I quickly start feeling the urge to sit back and relax in a cafe somewhere and lose myself in an exciting book. Seattle is already very book- and culture-loving, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find a great indie bookstore here—Eagle Harbor Book Co.—right in the heart of Winslow. My tip if you’re looking for something to read.
La Mercerie
La Mercerie offers a fine selection of wool, craft supplies, and all kinds of DIY accessories. If you enjoy crafting, knitting, or sewing and are looking for a nice souvenir, you’re sure to find something here.
Conservatory Coastal Home
If you’d like to bring a bit of Bainbridge Island’s laid-back vibe into your home in the form of the North American Coastal Living style, you should check out Conservatory Coastal Home.
Dining on Bainbridge Island
Proper Fish
If you eat fish, you shouldn’t miss a stop at Proper Fish on this maritime-themed day. Here you can get fish & chips and fish tacos made with fresh, sustainably caught fish. I went with the fish tacos, and then it became clear to me why it wasn’t easy to find a seat here: crispy fish, fresh toppings, and the perfect sauce—absolutely delicious. Bring a little patience if you stop by during peak hours; it’s worth the wait.
Bruciato
Bruciato would have been my second choice: They serve Neapolitan pizza from a wood-fired oven and seasonal cuisine that’s also quite popular with the locals on Bainbridge Island. So if you’d prefer a fish-free option, this is the place for you.
Other Things to See on Bainbridge Island
I’ll admit it: I was only on Bainbridge Island for half a day (unfortunately!) and somehow just ended up hanging out in Winslow—it was just too nice to stroll around there. But Bainbridge Island has a lot more to offer if you have a little more time. For example, the following places were also on my research list:
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) is located right at the beginning of Winslow Way, the main street, as you come from the ferry terminal. The museum features contemporary art and crafts from the Puget Sound region, and the exhibitions change regularly. Admission is free.
Pia the Peacekeeper
In Sakai Park stands a 5.5-meter-tall troll sculpture made of recycled wood, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Pia the Peacekeeper is part of the installation “Way of the Bird King,” a series of six giant trolls in the Pacific Northwest. The park is located about a mile from the ferry terminal and is easily accessible on foot via the Sound-to-Olympics Trail.
Bloedel Reserve
If you love gardens as much as I do and have a little extra time, you should take a detour to the Bloedel Reserve. On this 57-hectare estate in the northern part of the island, you’ll find a Japanese garden, a moss garden, an arboretum, and many winding forest trails. However, it’s about a 15-minute drive from the ferry terminal, and Uber service on Bainbridge Island is rather limited. Alternatively, you can take a local taxi, or with a bit of luck, one of the 390 or 391 bus routes might be heading in that direction.
Where to Stay on Bainbridge Island
If you want to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway—and to be honest, I was tempted to do just that—you’ll find some really nice places to stay on Bainbridge Island.
The Eagle Harbor Inn is located in the heart of Winslow, just a few minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal, restaurants, and Winslow Way. This small boutique hotel features individually decorated rooms with great attention to detail, a cozy courtyard, and an atmosphere more reminiscent of a small Italian bed-and-breakfast than an American motel. It offers classic hotel rooms, larger suites, and even townhouses for families or longer stays.
If you prefer something a little more comfortable: The Inn at Pleasant Beach on the south side of the island is a boutique-style resort with a pool, spa, on-site restaurants, and views of Puget Sound. To get there, you’ll need a car or you can take the free hotel shuttle from the ferry terminal.
Practical Tips
How Do I Get to Bainbridge Island?
The Washington State Ferry runs regularly between Colman Dock at Pier 52 in downtown Seattle and the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal. The crossing takes about 35 minutes, and the ferry runs every 40 to 70 minutes, depending on the time of day. As a walk-on passenger, you only pay for the one-way trip from Seattle—currently about $11 for adults; the trip is completely free for passengers under 19. The return trip from Bainbridge to Seattle is free for pedestrians.
That makes the ferry one of the best budget tips for Seattle: For just a little money, you get a 35-minute boat ride with a stunning view of the skyline, and you end up on a charming island where you can wonderfully while away the time and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Tip: In Seattle, you can easily walk to the ferry terminal from Pike Place Market, which gives you the chance to take a stroll along the Seattle waterfront. You can find the current schedule on the Washington State Ferries website. You can buy tickets on-site at the ferry terminal.
By the way: You can also enjoy views of the Seattle skyline from the water on the Argosy Harbor Cruise, the classic one-hour harbor tour that’s included in the Seattle CityPASS, among other things.
What’s the Weather Like?
Seattle has a reputation for being pretty rainy at times, and I got hit right in the middle of it during my trip. Even though August is supposed to be warm and summery, I experienced several days of terrible rain and a massive drop in temperature. But that was very unusual.
Summer in Seattle (June through September) is usually mild and mostly dry. But the weather in the region is unpredictable, and a cold front can still move through. So be sure to pack an extra layer of clothing, especially for the ferry, so you can enjoy the ride on the outdoor deck without getting cold.
How Much Time Should You Set Aside for Bainbridge Island?
Half a day is more than enough time for Winslow and the ferry. I actually went there on a whim; I was even at the Space Needle that morning. However, I’d advise you to take the ferry first thing in the morning. The island is really beautiful, and I would have liked to spend a few more hours there. If you have a full day, you can also check out the Bloedel Reserve or the beaches in the north of the island, for example. Or you could just plan to stay overnight here.
Note: I was traveling in the Pacific Northwest on behalf of Travellers Insight, Munich Airport’s online travel magazine. Among other places, I explored Vancouver, Vancouver Island, including its capital Victoria, and Seattle—and along the way, I tested Lufthansa Business Class with its new Allegris cabin. Check it out—you’ll find lots more great tips there. Enjoy!
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