Bainbridge Island – A Serene Escape in the Pacific Northwest

A quick ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island offers a serene escape from the city. Here, you’ll find picturesque parks, artisanal shops and galleries, and serene natural landscapes.

The visual climax of a visit to Bainbridge Island is the downtown Seattle view from the ferry at sunset. The skyline glows in westering light, and the alpenglow-pink dome of Mount Rainier adds a dramatic touch to this breathtaking scene.

Artisanal Shops & Galleries

With a thriving creative scene, Bainbridge Island is home to a large array of galleries and shops. Shop for locally made gifts or get your hands dirty by taking a class in one of the area studios.

Bainbridge Arts and Crafts is the region’s largest nonprofit gallery, supporting the livelihood of more than 200 local artists each year through free art education and outreach programs—both inside and outside its gallery space. The gallery exhibits contemporary indigenous art as well as paintings, prints and sculpture in wood, glass and ceramic.

The twice-yearly studio tour is another great way to meet local artisans and see their work. This self-guided event is free to attend and takes place in various locations throughout the island each spring and fall.

Bloedel Reserve

The lush 150-acre Bloedel Reserve showcases gardens and second-growth forest in a breathtaking nature sanctuary. The botanical garden includes the renowned Japanese, moss and reflection gardens as well as natural landscapes of trees, water, and flora.

Prentice Bloedel envisioned the Reserve as an experiential public garden that connects the soul to the environment. He used the placement of pathways and plants to evoke emotion as you walk through the garden’s 23 unique landscapes. Each garden transitions into the next seamlessly.

During your visit to Bainbridge Island, look out for Puget Sound wildlife, including harbor seals bobby-booing and bald eagles hunting in the skies. If you’re lucky, you may also spot the island’s elusive pod of orca whales while traveling across Puget Sound on the ferry.

Hiking Trails & Parks

Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, hiking trails and parks across Bainbridge Island are the perfect way to explore the island at your own pace. From verdant forests to serene meadows and pristine beaches, the island offers an abundance of scenic pathways to help you immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.

Among the best hikes on Bainbridge Island is the Grand Forest East-West Trail, which offers a picturesque experience with a diverse range of terrains that include forests, meadows and small streams. The trail also features a moderate incline and rocky sections that add to the challenge and excitement of this 2.5-mile-long trail.

Other top places to hike on Bainbridge Island include the Bloedel Reserve, a stunning 150-acre forest garden, and Pritchard Park, which is home to a powerful memorial that commemorates the 227 Japanese Americans who were exiled from the island during World War II. And if you’re looking for a place to grab a bite after your hike, the island has a wide selection of eateries and wineries.

Beaches

The beaches on Bainbridge Island are a mini-paradise, with stunning views of Puget Sound and Seattle. Strawberry Park is an especially beautiful spot to relax, picnic and soak up the sun (be sure to watch your step – creatures of all sizes hide under the rocks and sand).

The forested Bloedel Reserve offers trails and a botanical garden, while nearby coastal Fay Bainbridge Park features a beach that’s a mix of pebbles and rocks. And, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is a wonderful choice for exploring the works of contemporary local artists in an eco-friendly building.

A 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island offers a friendly atmosphere and access to a rich array of activities. Shops, restaurants, scenic vistas, hiking trails and the arts are all part of this vibrant community that’s ready to welcome you home.