Major city · United States
Bainbridge Island
Go as a day trip from Seattle or one relaxed night: 35-min ferry, walk Winslow, then a garden or a park. Two nights only if you want Bloedel Reserve and trails.
Bainbridge Island is a wooded, low-rise island town 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Seattle, with a walkable main street at Winslow and the ferry terminal as its transport hub. Most visitors come for a half-day or a day; a single night buys you the Bloedel Reserve, the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial and quiet trails without the Seattle crowds.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep; clear, mild and long daylight
- avoid Nov–Feb (grey, wet, short days); peak summer weekends for the ferry
- Airport
- Seattle–Tacoma International (SEA)
- Nights
- 1
About Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is an island city in Puget Sound, Washington, reached from the Kitsap Peninsula by the Agate Pass Bridge and from downtown Seattle by a ferry crossing that takes 35 minutes. The ferry terminal serves as the transport hub, and Winslow, the main shopping district, is a short walk from it. The island has gardens, museums and parks open to the public, and its arts scene includes venues such as the Lynwood Theatre and the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center.
In the 1970s and 1980s the island drew West Coast artists, poets and musicians, and cultural events and organizations remain. Retirees are settling there as the island becomes more gentrified, and an alternative scene for people over 40 involves yoga, martial arts and social activism. The island is also the birthplace of pickleball.
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
See
What is worth your time in Bainbridge Island.
- Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial — It marks the Eagledale ferry dock where 227 Japanese Americans were removed in 1942, and tours are available daily with advance notice.
- Bloedel Reserve — A 150-acre forest garden with a Japanese garden, a Zen garden, a moss garden and a rhododendron glen, plus a Visitor Center in the Bloedels' French Chateau-style home.
- Bainbridge Island Museum of Art — A free museum of contemporary art and craft of the Puget Sound region, a short walk from the ferry terminal toward town.
- Bainbridge History Museum — A free local museum housed in a 1908 schoolhouse.
- Fay Bainbridge Park — A 16.84-acre park with 1,420 feet of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound.
Eat and drink
Specialities of this place.
- Pegasus Coffee — Named as a perennial favorite spot on the island.
- The Harbour Pub — Named as a perennial favorite spot on the island.
Customs
- The island was a poets' commune in the 1970s and 1980s, when West Coast artists, poets and musicians converged there.
- Artistic and cultural events and organizations still abound, including an improv comedy troupe at the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center.
- An alternative scene for people over 40 involves yoga, martial arts and social activism.
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bainbridge Island911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bainbridge Island, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a US town; the real risks are wet, dark roads with no shoulders…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSEA Seattle–Tacoma International (Link light rail to downtown Seattle, then walk to Pier 52 for the ferry; total about 1.5–2 h).
- Getting aroundThe ferry terminal is the hub: cabs and buses meet most sailings, and Winslow is a short walk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–7
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner mainTipping 18–22% is expected.$20–35
- Street or quick mealCafé lunch or sandwich$12–20
- BeerCraft beer or glass of wine$7–14
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across the islandcheck$15–30
- Museum or sight ticketBainbridge History Museum entrycheck$4 adult
- Budget bedHostel or budget motel bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedInn or hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$200
- High-end bedInn or hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$380
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$130 · High US$250
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International (Link light rail to downtown Seattle, then walk to Pier 52 for the ferry; total about 1.5–2 h)
Map of Bainbridge Island
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Bainbridge Island
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Brownsville · 6.0 km straight line
- Keyport, Washington · 8.2 km straight line
- Suquamish · 8.7 km straight line
- Silverdale · 11 km straight line
- Indianola, Washington · 11 km straight line
- Manchester · 12 km straight line
- Bremerton · 12 km straight line
- Poulsbo · 12 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Dec (19 rain days), driest Jul (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bainbridge Island: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
15 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
17 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
14 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
15 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
18 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
19 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The ferry terminal is the hub: cabs and buses meet most sailings, and Winslow is a short walk. Kitsap Transit buses (route 390 daily; 93–99 and 106 on weekday commuter runs) plus the BI Ride visitor shuttle cover the island; full fare is about $2 and part of the ORCA network. A car makes the gardens and parks much easier.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
Washington State Ferries from the Bainbridge terminal to Pier 52, 35 min
Walk-on is easiest; the ferry runs roughly every 40–65 min.
Poulsbo
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Kitsap Transit 390 from the ferry terminal to North Viking Transit Center
Small waterfront town; good half-day with a car or bus.
Kingston, Washington
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive via SR-305 and SR-3, or bus connections through Poulsbo
Better with a car; ferry links to Edmonds.
Bremerton
cautionDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Kitsap Transit via Poulsbo or Silverdale, or drive via SR-3
Bus transfers are slow; drive if you can.
Port Orchard
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive via SR-3 and SR-16, or bus connections through Bremerton
Waterfront town; pair with Bremerton.
Gig Harbor
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive via SR-16 across the Tacoma Narrows
Harbour town with food and views; needs a car.
Manchester, Washington
skipDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive via SR-3 and SR-16
Little to justify the drive from the island.
Hansville, Washington
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive via SR-305 and SR-3 to the north Kitsap tip
Point No Point lighthouse; a long half-day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Winslow
Walkable from the ferry: shops, cafés, the art museum and most lodging. Best for a car-free night.
Lynwood Center
South end, about 10 min by car; quieter, near the historic Lynwood Theatre.
Agate Point / north end
Closest to Bloedel Reserve and Fay Bainbridge Park; you need a car or taxi.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–120 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–220 excl. bed
- High
- $220+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Inn or hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$200 | US$200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$130 | US$260 |
| Ferry, Seattle–Bainbridge, walk-on round trip2 × US$20 · check | US$40 |
| Ferry, car and driver round trip1 × US$60 · check | US$60 |
| Kitsap Transit single fare2 × US$2 | US$4 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$59 |
| Trip total≈ US$327 per person per day, bed included | US$653 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–7 |
| Café lunch or sandwich | $12–20 |
| Sit-down dinner mainTipping 18–22% is expected. | $20–35 |
| Craft beer or glass of wine | $7–14 |
| Bloedel Reserve adult ticketcheck; reservations sometimes required | $17 |
| Bainbridge History Museum entrycheck | $4 adult |
| Bainbridge Island Museum of Art | Free |
| Taxi across the islandcheck | $15–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ferry queues for cars fill on summer weekends and holidays: arrive early or walk on.
- Island roads are narrow with no shoulders in places; cyclists and walkers share them.
- Many restaurants and shops close early; check hours before a late dinner.
- Cell coverage is fine, but rural trailheads have limited parking.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Bainbridge IslandBainbridge Island
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies on the island; consulates are in Seattle. US visitors: 911 for emergencies.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Seattle → Bainbridge ferry, walk-on: about $10 one way, 35 min (check)
- Seattle → Bainbridge ferry, car and driver: about $30 one way (check)
- Kitsap Transit bus: about $2, ORCA network
Walk-on ferry is the cheapest and fastest way to arrive; leave the car in Seattle if you only plan to see Winslow.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bainbridge Island. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep; clear, mild and long daylight · avoid Nov–Feb (grey, wet, short days); peak summer weekends for the ferry · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry-to-bed contract for the Bainbridge terminal: last sailings, walk-on vs car queue, taxi fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Winslow, the ferry terminal, Lynwood Center, Agate Point.
- Place pages with verified hours (Bloedel Reserve, the Exclusion Memorial, the art museum, Fay Bainbridge Park) and eat pages with last orders.
- Hostile-weather and full-ferry fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Bainbridge Island
- officialWashington State Ferries
- officialKitsap Transit
- officialBloedel Reserve
- officialBainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
- officialBainbridge Island Museum of Art
- secondaryWikivoyage: Bainbridge Island, revision 5300480 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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