Bainbridge Island is a small city in Washington that is known for its water views, ferry rides, and beautiful beaches. It is also very famous for the beautiful parks, huge forests, and scenic reserves which are all over the city! So, don’t forget to carry your camera because Bainbridge Island is beautiful and totally picturesque! Bainbridge Island is accessible from Seattle only by ferry, and that is what makes this small city so exquisite and exclusive. From visiting museums to having scenic picnics, there is so much for you to do here. Bainbridge Island is ideal for a vacation with your family, your friends or even a quiet and cosy vacation with your better half. In fact, Bainbridge Island is so family-friendly that you can even take your furry friends with you on vacation! You could stay in one of the hotels or Vrbo vacation rentals. To make your vacation even better, here is a list of the things to do in Bainbridge Island, Washington.
1. Browse through contemporary works by local artists at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is a modern and contemporary art museum which is known for its rotating exhibits. This museum features modern art exhibits, mainly by local artists. If you have an interest in art or an eye for modern art, then you’re going to love the exhibits here! Various exhibitions and events also take place at this museum so be sure to check out the upcoming events on their website. There is also a bistro at the museum which serves some good food so plan your museum tour accordingly.
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
Address: 550 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Website: Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Admire the beauty of nature at Bloedel Reserve
Bloedel Reserve is one of the 10 best botanical gardens in all of North America. This 150-acre (60.7 hectares) allows you to interact with nature, take in the beauty of nature and surround yourself by greenery. Try to spend at least two to three hours at this reserve, because there are 14 different landscapes for you to admire. No food or drinks are allowed at this reserve to prevent any damage to the landscapes. However, cameras and photography are always welcome.
Bloedel Reserve
Address: 7571 NE Dolphin Dr, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Website: Bloedel Reserve
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 6pm; Tue - Wed: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 6 - 17 USD
3. Learn a lesson from history at The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is actually made as a reminder to not let history repeat itself. During World War 2, over 120,000 Japenese (most of whom were American citizens) were banished from their homes, and the walls of this memorial honour the 276 Japanese-American citizens who were exiled from Bainbridge Island. Given its history and deep\message, The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial should definitely be on your list of things to do in Bainbridge Island.
The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
Address: 4195 Eagle Harbor Dr NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Website: The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Let out your inner wine connoisseur at the Eleven Winery (from USD 299.0)
Think of this as a luxurious historical cum wine tour of Bainbridge Island. The ferry leaves from Seattle, heads to the Bloedel Reserve where you get a private guided tour, and then you head to the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. After you’ve had your fill of history, you get to enjoy a gourmet picnic or a restaurant meal, wherein you visit all the finest wineries on the island! This is an all-inclusive tour so the ferry ride, the museums, the meal and the wine tasting are all included in the price.
Full-Day Small-Group Bainbridge Island Wine and History Tour
Duration: 9 hours
5. Dig deep into the history of the island at Bainbridge Island Historical Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Bainbridge Island Historical Museum is actually a museum which is located in a 1908 schoolhouse. This museum has artefacts, pictures, sculptures, and hands-on exhibits which are related to the history of Bainbridge Island – as the name suggests. Fun fact, this museum exhibits a WWII Japanese internment which is pretty rare. Various events and exhibitions take place at this museum so be sure to check the event calendar on the website.
Bainbridge Island Historical Museum
Address: 215 Ericksen Ave NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Website: Bainbridge Island Historical Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Stroll or bike across the scenic trails of Fort Ward Park
Fort Ward Park is actually a historic site since it is located on a former military base. It is a 137 acre (55.4 hectares) marine park with greenery, nature and land on one side and endless water on the other. This park also has an underwater section for scuba drivers! There are also 12 picnic tables which are free for the public to use on a first come first serve basis. But no matter what you do, you must visit this park for an evening stroll – it is a sight to behold and a must on your list of things to do in Bainbridge Island.
Fort Ward Park
Address: 2241 Pleasant Beach Dr NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Website: Fort Ward Park
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Let your kids have fun with interactive science at Kids Discovery Museum
Let your kids have fun with science at the Kids Discovery Museum. This hands-on museum allows kids to play and interact with interactive science exhibits. It is a fun way to let kids play while educating them alongside. You can actually enroll your child for summer camp at Kids Discovery Museum if you’re staying in Bainbridge Island for a while. Do take your kids to the pirate tree house exhibit here; it is a tree house which has a ‘no parents zone’–and which kid wouldn’t love that? Just like the pirate tree house, there are a few other exhibits which your kids will really enjoy.
Kids Discovery Museum
Address: 301 Ravine Ln NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Website: Kids Discovery Museum
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 4pm; Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm
Price: 8 USD
8. Get snapshots of the best regional art at The Art Project
The Art Project is basically an art gallery in the heart of Bainbridge Island. The Art Project is basically a non-profit art gallery which strives to give free art education to the community. At this gallery, you’ll see paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and all forms of art on display. The exhibits on display keep changing so make sure to check their exhibit calendar online. Since this is a non-profit art gallery, you can do your bit by buying a painting or art piece of your liking. Though, the items on display are so interesting and unique you will definitely end up picking up one or more!
The Art Project
Address: 151 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Website: The Art Project
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 5pm; Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm
Price: Free
9. Pamper your taste buds with American delicacies at the Harbour Public House
Harbour Public House is a famous bar and restaurant which boats of waterfront views. It is one of the most famous restaurants in Bainbridge Island, because of the beautiful view of the marina and the delicious food served here. This restaurant is actually a historic home which has now been renovated so it is a must-visit on your list of things to do in Bainbridge Island. Also, you have to try the fried calamari, the deep-fried oysters and the fish tacos served here - they are fresh, delicious, and cooked to perfection!
Harbour Public House
Address: 231 Parfitt Way SW, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Website: Harbour Public House
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 10pm; Mon - Sat: 11am - 11pm
Price: 11 - 30 USD
10. Enjoy a family picnic at Battle Point Park
Battle Point Park is a huge park which has two ponds, various sports fields like soccer grounds, softball fields, etc., a playground for the kids, and many trails to stroll around. This park is ideal for a family picnic – your kids can play by the pond, you and your family can go biking on the trails and you can even play fetch with your dog. All in all, this is a really great place for a fun day with the family.
Battle Point Park
Address: 11299 Arrow Point Dr NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Website: Battle Point Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
11. Catch a live show at the Bainbridge Performing Arts
Bainbridge Performing Arts is a performing art theatre which is a favourite among the locals. You can go here to watch plays, enjoy a chamber music performance, watch a comedy show, or a dance performance. To know about the events and schedule of the day, make sure to check their website! You must visit this performing theatre to watch some performances that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Bainbridge Performing Arts
Address: 200 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Website: Bainbridge Performing Arts
Opening hours: Depends on event
Price: Depends on event
12. Take a walk along the nature trails of Grand Forest
Grand Forest is a dense fir and cedar forest which is frequently visited for its walking trails and large beautiful creek. This 121 acre (50 hectares) forest is a great place to go for family picnics, especially since there are so many picnic tables available for public use. The walking trails are beautiful so make sure to have your walking shoes on when you head here! If your idea of a fun day is to spend time with your family and be surrounded by lush green nature, then this is one of the best things to do in Bainbridge Island.
Grand Forest
Address: 9752 Miller Rd NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Website: Grand Forest
13. Get a glimpse of heaven on earth at peaceful and unique Hall's Hill Labyrinth
Hall’s Hill Labyrinth, also known as The Labyrinth Mosaic, is a park in Bainbridge Island. It is a beautiful park with some cosy and quiet spots that overlook the harbour. If you’re into yoga and meditation, then you must come here for one meditation session. There is a sense of peace and calm that will take over when you step into the serene park! It is the perfect spot for getting in touch with your inner self.
Bainbridge Island
Address: NE Halls Hill Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Let's ferry on to Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is just a ferry ride away from Seattle so what are you waiting for? With so many things to do, so many places to see and so many hiking trails to walk through, Bainbridge Island should be your next holiday destination. And when you do plan your holiday, this list of things to do in Bainbridge Island will be rather helpful.
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