Bainbridge Island, WA

Travel Guide
Bainbridge Island showing a river or creek and a house
Cycle, kayak or hike across this picturesque island in the middle of Puget Sound and see some of the amazing local wildlife or taste the fresh organic produce from its soil.

Escape the bustle of Seattle by catching the ferry to this tranquil island getaway. Situated in the heart of Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island is visible from Seattle but it will feel like you’re a hundred miles away. The island, and its small city, has a distinctly laid-back atmosphere.

Once a haven for writers and poets during the 1970s, today Bainbridge Island is now home to more than 20,000 residents who share a love for the beautiful landscape surrounding them. Begin your explorations by visiting the city that shares its name with the island. The main street boasts a range of establishments serving organic and local produce and freshly roasted coffee.

Bainbridge Island is also home to a range of cultural attractions. Join a walking tour to discover the work of local artists exhibited in the many independent galleries scattered throughout the town or make your way to the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum.

Cycle across the island’s rolling hills to enjoy sweeping views of the Seattle skyline and discover hidden bays and sandy coves. Throughout summer, bikes can be rented from an operator building next to the ferry terminal.

Head further out of town to explore the dense forest that the island is also loved for. Wildlife is abundant and it is not uncommon to come across deer, eagles or raccoons.

Sign up for a kayaking tour from one of the many operators in the town or rent a kayak and set out alone to see the island by sea. This is your chance to see the seals, sea lions and killer whales of Puget Sound up close. Even if you miss out on wildlife encounters, you can still enjoy the views across the sound to Seattle.

Bainbridge Island is about 35 minutes from Seattle by ferry. Ferries depart regularly and have spaces available for bikes and cars. Parking is available at the Seattle ferry terminal for those not wanting to drive on the island to fully enjoy the serenity of the place.

Where to stay in Bainbridge Island

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
The price is $142 per night from Oct 2 to Oct 3
$142
per night
Oct 2 - Oct 3
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seattle. Enjoy breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, and a flat-screen TV. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (951 reviews)
"THIS PLACE IS AWESOME"

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2023

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
The Paramount Hotel
The Paramount Hotel
3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St, Seattle, WA
The price is $146 per night from Oct 30 to Oct 31
$146
per night
Oct 30 - Oct 31
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the restaurant and the quiet ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,265 reviews)
"Quick in and out, but staff/room were very nice. Rooms a bit dated and Expedia advised breakfast was included, but it was not. Not a huge deal."

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2023

The Paramount Hotel
Hyatt Regency Seattle
Hyatt Regency Seattle
4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
The price is $224 per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$224
per night
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,683 reviews)
Recommend
"Loved the hotel. Room much bigger than I would have expected for a city hotel. Clean, bright, modern and a great location with so many places within walking distance, would definitely recommend."

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2023

Hyatt Regency Seattle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ballard's sweet suites
Ballard's sweet suites
3.5 out of 5
1458 NW 67th St, Seattle, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, a computer station, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Seattle Cruise Ship Terminal 91 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (89 reviews)
"Great choice. Super clean modern and perfect location in one of Seattles hottest spots. Communication with Vince was awesome, if it would have had a ten rating it would have been exceeded. Would stay here again. Pictures are exactly what you get."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2023

Ballard's sweet suites
Larkspur Landing Renton - An All-Suite Hotel
Larkspur Landing Renton - An All-Suite Hotel
3 out of 5
1701 E Valley Rd, Renton, WA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Renton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,118 reviews)
"Staff were excellent"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023

Larkspur Landing Renton - An All-Suite Hotel
Larkspur Landing Bellevue - An All-Suite Hotel
Larkspur Landing Bellevue - An All-Suite Hotel
3 out of 5
15805 SE 37th St, Bellevue, WA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Bellevue. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,644 reviews)
"Nice staff!"

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2023

Larkspur Landing Bellevue - An All-Suite Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Bainbridge Island

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
53
" "5 - Excellent 67.0886075949367%
4 - Good
22
" "4 - Good 27.848101265822784%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 3.7974683544303796%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 1.2658227848101267%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 24, 2020

There isn't much to do here. We are so worry about ferry traffic.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 4, 2020

My visit was about family time but really enjoyed the few places we went.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 24, 2019

Can’t wait to return

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 15, 2019

Such a beautiful and friendly island! I’ll be back to visit again.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Sep 8, 2019

We live in Seattle so we have done all of the tourist attractions It was a nice break for a few days. Point no point beach was great and nice having it close.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jul 12, 2019

This is a place for people that want to get away from everything. Not alot to see or do but relax and read. Some parks to walk or hike in.

Cities near Bainbridge Island