Location: Bainbridge Island
Top Things to do in Bainbridge Island
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10 Things to Do in Bainbridge Island That You Shouldn't Miss
Although it's just 35 minutes by ferry from Seattle, Bainbridge Island is a totally different world. Travelers who enjoy the outdoors can hike, bike or walk in the Bloedel Reserve or Fort Ward State Park. The island feels rural, and local agriculture is a source of pride for residents (check out what's in season at the farmers' market). Bainbridge Island is also known for its strong visual and performing arts culture, and there's good shopping in Winslow.
Restaurants in Bainbridge Island
1. Bloedel Reserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 459 reviews
Reviewed By MissIppiSwagman - Mississippi
This fun adventure began with a wonderful, windy ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island from Seattle. Once there, the staff of the Reserve could not have been more pleasant and helpful about how I could best enjoy the space. Those people were worth the price of admission. Things got better from there. Now, to be fair, don't go with the expectation of a carnival. It's a Reserve, and a great one.
2. Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is an educational institution whose mission is to engage a diverse population with the art and craft of our region and our time.Open daily 10am-6pmGeneral admission is FREE thanks to our Sponsors & Members
Reviewed By Carol B - Bainbridge Island, Washington
Wonderful award winning LEEDS architectural space to view art. It changes often and spotlights different collections every 3-4 months. A fabulous Bistro for light lunches with excellent savory tarts and soups. The gift shop is a bonus and well as the narrated Tuesday night movie series. There is NO admission fee so art is accessible to all who want to visit.
3. Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
A unique National Historic Site inspired to represent the waves of time passing, the sinuous, curving Memorial Wall is built on the historic Eagledale Ferry dock landing site where the first of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans - two/thirds of them U.S. citizens - were banished from their West Coast homes and placed in concentration camps during World War II.On March 30, 1942 - with only six days notice and only allowed to bring what they could carry or wear - 227 Bainbridge Island men, women and children were forcibly removed by bayonet-armed U.S. Army soldiers. They were the first mass community to arrive at the Manzanar concentration camp in California and later most were assigned to the last barracks at the Minidoka concentration camp in Idaho, becoming the emblematic bookends of the Japanese American incarceration story.The 276-foot long contemplative Memorial Wall of old-growth red cedar, granite and basalt honors the names of all 276 Japanese Americans at the start of WWII who were exiled from Bainbridge Island by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 and Civilian Exclusion Order No. 1. It also honors the unique legacy of a community that stood by their friends and neighbors and welcomed them home. Five large terra cotta friezes along the Memorial wall movingly illustrate this American story of perseverance, patriotism and courage.Guided tours - some with living survivors of the forced removal - are available with a minimum of three weeks notice. Please indicate the size of your group, date, time and expected duration of your visit. As a fully volunteer organization, we will do our best to accommodate requests. The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association (BIJAEMA) is a private non-profit organization that designed and supports the maintenance and operation of the memorial. The memorial is a satellite unit of the Minidoka National Historic Site located at the west end of Pritchard Park co-owned by the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park and Recreation District and the City of Bainbridge Island. These organizations, along with the Bainbridge island Historical Museum, cooperate in partnership with the BIJAEMA in the management of the site.
Reviewed By MouseDance - Frederick
This small outdoor memorial is beautifully done and well worth the short walk along the path that the Bainbridge Islanders of Japanese descent were forced to take. It's beautifully designed, includes brief statements from Bainbridge Islanders, and provides and excellent place to ponder this shameful event and aspirations for freedom.
4. Fay Bainbridge Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By Xmaslvn
In the top corner of BI there's a park with camping, a playground, and bathrooms. At Fay Bainbridge Park-there seems to be an endless amount enjoyment. I've come here alone and enjoyed the ships passing or an afternoon and enjoyed the sailboats. There are lots of logs that separate the rocky beach and the parking. During low tide, you can dig in the sand and find lots of sea critters
5. Bainbridge Island Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By Cheryl M - Spokane, Washington
Granted, the museum is tiny. It's a former school house turned museum. But it's truly amazing how every square inch of the museum and it's grounds are utilized. There's a lot of information in a very small space.
You really get a great sense of Bainbridge Island history. This tiny museum covered the imprisonment of Japanese Americans better than any I've ever seen before. Bainbridge Island had a very integrated Japanese and white American community before the US entered WWII. The exhibits followed individual Japanese Americans from before their internment, during their internment and in many cases up until their deaths or present day.
Our docent, Elinor was a gem. She was so friendly and well informed. Her husband had been a flyer in WWII.
6. Heyday Farm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 40 reviews
Our farm, four-bedroom farmhouse and farm kitchen allow guests to learn about local food and to be nourished on a working farmstead nestled within a picturesque and small island community on the Puget Sound. Whether a weekend with friends or family, for a reunion or golden anniversary, we can help you plan an unforgettable experience. We offer tailored cooking classes based on the season and your group's interest. Our meals are painstakingly executed with great attention to the food and the experience. We also honor the connections between people and food to create a special experience to help you, your family and friends celebrate life's milestones. Our farmhouse bedrooms are simple, tasteful and extremely comfortable, designed for restful sleep after a stimulating day. Our four guest rooms can sleep up to 10 people (2 with private baths, 2 with in-room wash basins and shared hallway bath). Each room features a comfortable bed with luxurious bedding, rustic artisan furniture and wireless internet service. In addition to our guest rooms, overnight guests have access to our shared spaces, including the living room, dining room and outdoor seating areas. Our kitchen is a working part of the farm and is only available to Heyday staff.
Reviewed By Airbear777 - Bainbridge Island, Washington
I did the Tuesday night dinner. We showed up early and still had to come back for the 2nd seating. We were lucky enough to get a table outside and it was just lovely. Everything is pretty much farm to table and/or local or WA state. The staff was so gracious, accommodating and welcoming. Also very knowledgeable about the food and drinks. The setting is next to lavender fields and forest. A definite repeat!!!! Love this place!
7. Battle Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Flowbleu - Bainbridge Island, Washington
All 3 generations of our family love this park! The children (ages 2,4, and 6) enjoy all the creative equipment decorated with regional images (orcas, Indian symbols, and salmon running the river). Their parents appreciate the variety of activities including the courts, walking trails, etc. Finally, Nana. I enjoy the extensive walking trail, beautiful landscape, and community garden.
8. Fort Ward State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Flowbleu - Bainbridge Island, Washington
After struggling to find the park, the trek was worth the effort! You can skirt the coast and enjoy wonderful scenery including the passing ferries, mountains in the distance, and the occasional eagle or even an orca. Go for the scenery or the exercise. The 'historic' building of Ft. Ward weren't that many or that impressive.
Another visitor alerted me to an orca sighting north of us so I kept my eye on the open water and was lucky to have my first orca sighting! Amazing!
Tip: Follow Orca Network on FB or Twitter to get updates of local sightings.
9. Bainbridge Island Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Beth S - Winter Springs, FL
I'll set the scene, big ole' friendly black lab greets you before you even get in, an elderly gentleman sitting at the bar telling great stories, friendly bartender more than willing to share her recommendations (which turned out perfect), brew master comes out for a quick hello - all with some of the best beer we had while in Seattle. So, if you're going in for just the beer, you'll be thrilled, if you're going in for a friendly local experience, you'll be twice as happy.
10. Hall's Hill Labyrinth
Overall Ratings
5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By David P - Vancouver, Washington
This not a labyrinth in the corn-maze sense, but (as I understand it) modeled after religious reflection labyrinths in some of the great cathedrals of Europe. Like much of Bainbridge experience outside of Winslow, this is meant as a quiet reflective walk under the woods, above the water, with perhaps a slight nod to the fact that many folks allow the concept of a higher power to be part of their lives. Just a gravel parking space off the road marks this classy spot. The concept is that you walk the complex path of cemented colored pebbles and glass beads slowly, reflecting on their symbology (there's a guide to this in an adjoining box - put it back when you're done) and your life. And, you know, it's worth it. You come out calmer, and with an additional perspective on life, like so many Bainibridge attractions.
Notes: Follow you smartphone's directions to the address and then look for the nicely graveled pull out on the side of the road. There is a non-descript sign but you can easily miss it. There's an adjoining walking area with a himalayan prayer wheel you can visit if other people are walking the maze. If you are with a group, separate yourselves by a minute or two so you don't conflict at some of the curves. Walk slowly, pretend the great trees are columns in a cathedral and just be.
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