20 Best Things To Do in Bainbridge Island

1. Stroll Around The Beautiful Bloedel Reserve

Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island is the perfect destination for people who enjoy spending time in nature and for those, who need some peace and quiet. There is an ideal combination of natural and landscaped gardens in Bloedel.

While taking the about two-mile trail you get to cross charming and beautiful meadows and forests and abundant wetlands and also get to see some of the wild animals. The most prestigious is the Bloedel Residence located in Seattle with the marvelous Japanese Garden and picturesque view of the Puget Sound.

2. Explore The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

A short distance from the Bainbridge Island ferry port is the striking Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. The Puget Sound region's permanent art collection is housed in this LEED Gold-certified building. The good this is there is no admission fee and the public is free to access its depository.

Additionally, the museum hosts frequently changing exhibitions, so each time you visit, you can see something new. The two floors of artwork should take you anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to browse. Also located on the premises is the well-known BIMA Bistro, which serves espresso and dishes sourced locally.

3. Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial

The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is dramatic and significant and it helps bring to light a very disturbing aspect of American history.

Located on the very dock where, in 1942, 227 Japanese Americans residing in Terminal Island were evicted from their homes and shipped off to concentration camps, the memorial symbolizes the spirit of the people as well as the oppression they were subjected to.

The highlight of the site is the Story Wall, a huge cedar panel with inscriptions of people’s names and stories integrated into the structure and in which millions of people come to experience meaningful reflections about civil liberties and remembering.

4. Visit Bainbridge History Museum

A visit to the historical museum will be an enriching experience that will highlight the historical background of Bainbridge Island.

Situated close to the ferry terminal, free of charge, the main exhibit is known as An Island Story, which tells the story of the island through the various eras starting with the native Indians known as Squamish people and other local communities, the logging industry, the Second World War, etc.

However, it also maintains and explores the community, which is crucial for a nation, such as the birthplace of pickleball in 1965. Through an array of objects, photographs, and creative exhibits, the museum offers a rich but concise overview of Bainbridge Island’s history.

5. Find Something Fresh at Heyday Farm

Less than fifteen minutes by car from the ferry terminal is the family-run farm, restaurant, and event venue Heyday Farm, located in the southern part of the island. Restored from the island's initial heyday of agriculture, this 25-acre property features a fully restored early 1900s Pederson farmhouse.

Heyday Farm provides several opportunities to savor its abundance. Thursday and Friday Community Dinners are one of the most well-liked events. These well-known gatherings include weekly rotating cuisines that are inspired by the bounty of the farm. While visiting this farm you can expect expertly prepared meals and good dining.

6. Explore Fay Bainbridge Park & Campground

Fay Bainbridge Park & Campground is a stunning park featuring grounds of 17 acres that is situated in the northeastern part of Bainbridge Island. It also presents a number of attractions and panoramic views and is ideal for a one-day trip or even overnight camping.

It boasts a beautiful sandy beach with pieces of driftwood and provides clear views of Mount Rainier and Mount Baker on clear days. Not to mention, there is a playground for children, picnic areas, a restroom, and even a boat ramp for water sports.

There are tent- and RV sites, as well as bike- and kayak-friendly sites, some with ocean views or sites in the park.

7. Hike The Grand Forest

The Grand Forest is the best location on Bainbridge Island for hiking. This primary park of the same name spans three lots and more than 240 acres. Grand Forest East and Grand Forest West are the two most visited places.

There are about three miles of paths to explore on Grand Forest East and Grand Forest West, with the 0.7-mile Hilltop Trail linking the two. Either property offers a rich, second-growth woodland that feels far from the outside world.

The majority of trailheads have maps accessible, and useful checkpoints line the pathways to make navigating the winding, interconnected trails easier.

8. Discover The Hall's Hill Lookout and Labyrinth

On the south side of the island, visit Hall's Hill Lookout and Labyrinth for a peaceful time of reflection during the day. This little public area, which has benches, walking trails, and a stone mosaic labyrinth created by a Portland-based garden architect, looks out over Blakely Harbour.

It is requested that guests behave politely and quietly during their stay. Additionally, the scenery encourages reflective travel because of the tranquil outlook and the neighboring waters. If you're looking to clear your head, think about taking a step-by-step, cautious stroll through the stone labyrinth. There isn't much parking at the park.

9. Walk By The Fort Ward Park

Located close to the southernmost point of the island, Fort Ward Park offers a well-liked location for strolls or bike rides alongside Puget Sound. Fort Ward, a seaside fort that served as a radio station and training school during World War II, is now part of the 137-acre park. There are still remnants of this military past scattered around the area.

The main recreational path at Fort Ward Park is a two-mile looped hiking trail. While the top section of the walk meanders along a dirt path, the section that parallels the shoreline is paved. Except for the two hills connecting the top and lower trails, the entire route has very little height increase.

10. Learn About Conservation In Islandwood

Islandwood on Bainbridge is a fascinating place to visit if one is interested in conservation and nature especially. Islandwood is not a resort, but rather a rustic learning center that provides a secluded escape from civilization, only a ferry ride away from Seattle.

There is a lot of outdoor space, with many miles of easy trails and scenic overlooks. It is best suited for educational events, team-building, and even occasions like weddings and other social events. The staff is polite and supportive, the food is always fresh and, in some cases, even locally grown on the grounds of the facility.

Islandwood is such a wonderful place where one needs to go to learn about the environment and conservation in a serene environment.

11. Visit The Bainbridge Arts & Crafts

Bainbridge Arts and Crafts is a nonprofit gallery in Kitsap County, WA that helps support artists and provides free art instruction to the community. Established in 1948, it is one of the longest-serving and most recognized visiting arts organizations in Bainbridge Island.

It offers a wide range of insightful collections from more than 200 artists from the Northwest. Additionally, Bainbridge Arts and Crafts is an active presenting organization, offering more than 100 free programs each year to approximately 10,000 people of all ages.

A visit here is not only a chance to get acquainted with the creativity of locals but also to contribute to the further development of art.

12. Organic Whiskey Tasting At Bainbridge Distillers

Organic whiskey tasting at Bainbridge Distillers company is another great idea when in Bainbridge Island. Sited at other nearby central attractions, this distillery provides an endearing experience. You can taste organic whiskey, gin, vodka, and their unique oaked gin which has won the hearts and, as well as the main food.

The employees are knowledgeable and passionate, and indeed you can taste whiskey barrel-aged maple syrup. The environment is entertaining and it was also quite insightful to be given a tour of how this distillery company operates.

Bainbridge Distillers is easy to find and there are no parking fees which makes it an even more comfortable place to visit.

13. Explore The Scenic Bainbridge Vineyards

When traveling to Bainbridge Island, a visit to Bainbridge Vineyards is highly advisable because the vineyard is unique and quite picturesque. The vineyard only offers natural wines with a flavor that can only be compared to wines from France and Germany.

People enjoy the calmness and are happy to taste wines on a lovely patio with vines and sometimes horses nearby. The staff is friendly and this makes it even more interesting for all those that will get the chance to be part of it. Whether with colleagues, friends, or your significant other, it is a great place to visit.

14. Take Kids To The Kids Discovery Museum

The Kids Discovery Museum is wonderful for children, especially those up to the age of 18 months to 6 years. Despite its size, it is full of interesting and entertaining things that can teach a child something. The learning experiences include a mini bank, store, mini-hospital, and physics model that makes learning through play.

There are no crowds that fill the more well-known museums, and there is also no charge for parking, which is a plus. If your children or grandchildren come to visit often, it is money well spent to buy an annual pass. There are also morning camps in the museum, something that will come in handy during the Summer vacations.

15. Stop By The Battle Point Park

Battle Point Park, on the western side of the island, is a well-liked outdoor recreation area. It covers about ninety acres of land that was formerly a naval radio station. Currently, a 1.6-mile walkway connects the park's numerous visitor destinations and activities.

The Next Generation of Play playground The Kids Up! is one of the main attractions at Battle Point Park. This inventive play structure is far more advanced than your typical monkey bars and slides. It has several climbable and explorable-themed attractions, such as a 47-foot-long ferry, octopuses, and orcas.

Throughout the week, people use baseball diamonds, roller hockey rinks, tennis courts, and basketball courts. There are pickleball courts in the park as well.

16. Wander Through Bainbridge Gardens

Bainbridge Gardens is a hidden treasure that is not just a nursery, but a place that has been in the family, and it is deeply rooted in history. Started in 1908 by a Japanese immigrant, it has a history connected to the history of Hawaiians especially during the Second World War when the family was interned.

As of now, it is a quiet, country atmosphere where people can learn about healthy plants, and gifts, and pay a visit to the Founder’s Garden reflecting on the founder’s contributions. The staff is lenient and friendly and would make your experience enjoyable regardless of the weather regardless of the conditions in other areas.

Each visitor is assured of an opportunity to indulge in a nice store, pick gifts on the island, and at the same time, appreciate an old but lovely piece of history.

17. Discover The Bainbridge Island Downtown

The downtown area of Bainbridge Island is quite packed and very walkable, a great spot for a day trip from Seattle. The downtown is only a short ferry ride away and is blocks away from the ferry terminal and has shops, galleries, cafes, and a wine-tasting room.

It is a perfect place to shop, do some eating as well, and catch up on the warm and casual demeanor of the people. The trip by water could be very beautiful and interesting; the ferry is always entertainment in itself. Even though there might be a lesser number of shops open during weekdays, it remains a good place to take a stroll and get a glimpse of relaxation from the world of work.

18. Walk Through The Main Street

Winslow Way is the Main Street of Bainbridge Island and is perfect for shopping and dining. This lovely place is only a few minutes away from the ferry, and both sides of the street are lined with small cafés, bookstores, and gear shops.

Places such as Streamliner Diner are always alive with individuals waiting outside to grab a seat inside the diner. Other favorites are Blackbird Bakery and Coquette Bake Shop. The atmosphere is laid back, almost like a Saturday afternoon where one can stroll from one shop to another or sit on a bench to capture the view while taking a cup of coffee and croissant.

19. Visit The Rolling Bay Community

A beautiful illustration of Bainbridge Island living can be found by visiting the Rolling Bay region. The iconic Bay Hay and Feed shop, which was first constructed in 1919, is what makes this quaint neighborhood unique. It is a store where one may get anything from souvenirs to gardening tools.

Have a cup of coffee at the Rolling Bay Café or any other café you choose, they have a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. A walking tour would be ideal in this region because it is home to several small galleries and businesses. Talking about how welcome and cozy the island is with its warm-hearted people is ideal when discussing Rolling Bay.

20. Hike The Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve

Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve offers serene and pleasurable hiking. Walking or running on these mainly level, shaded, and peaceful trails is a great way to unwind. It's a lush and beautiful place, ideal for getting away from the heat.

There are several trails that connect, so you can explore different areas of the preserve, albeit there aren't many opportunities to see the lake. For families seeking a leisurely walk or sporadic hikers, it's an excellent location. There's a mountain bike section as well as well-maintained paths. Overall, it's a delightful outdoor escape.