5 Things You Must Do on Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island is an adorable island just a short ferry ride away from downtown Seattle. It is full of wonderful shops, delicious restaurants, and fun activities. It was one of our favorite things we did while in the Seattle area.

How to get to Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island can be accessed by a ferry leaving from downtown Seattle. The ferry usually leaves approximately every hour from Seattle and from Bainbridge. The current schedule can be found here.

The ferry is currently costs $9.05 from Seattle to Bainbridge and is free from Bainbridge from Seattle. You can also drive your car onto the ferry for an additional price. The ferry has plenty of seating both outdoors and indoors, which is great for both rainy and sunny days. The ride is around 35 minutes long each way. A main highlight of riding the boat is the views of Seattle.

If you have ever seen the TV show Grey’s Anatomy, this ride lets you feel like Derek riding the ferry into the city to work at Seattle Grace Hospital. Even if you’re not a Grey’s Anatomy fan, the views are gorgeous. On a clear day, you can also see the Olympic Mountains to the Northwest and Mount Rainier to the Southeast.

When you get off the ferry at Bainbridge Island, there are signs pointing the way up the hill to the town of Bainbridge Island.

5 things you must do on Bainbridge Island

1. Wander the Shops on Main Street

There are so many cute shops in the town of Bainbridge Island. Some of my favorite shops were Bainbridge Mercantile, Dana’s Showhouse, Eagle Harbor Book Co., and Wildernest Outdoor Store. Dana’s Showhouse and Eagle Harbor Book Co. had wonderful mementos of Bainbridge Island and Washington that we were able to get for friends back home. These are just a few of the wonderful shops on this street.

2. Get Ice Cream at Mora Iced Creamery

This was the one thing to do that kept on popping up every time I searched for things to do on Bainbridge Island. I can totally see why everyone recommends this place. Mora means blackberry in Italian and hence the creamery’s signature ice cream is their blackberry ice cream that is absolutely delectable. Their website states that they have over 70 flavors. More information on their brand can be found here. I tried the blackberry and green tea flavors which were both so good. I would go back to Bainbridge Island just for their ice cream if I could.

3. Visit Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is one of the first pieces of town you will see when walking up the hill from the ferry. It is a beautiful modern wooden and cement building on the street corner. Currently the museum is free to visitors. They are often changing their exhibitions. While we were there, they were showing paintings based on natural scenes within Washington. We enjoyed this little stop while in the town. Info on future exhibitions can be found here.

4. Wander Through Waterfront Park

Near the ferry terminal on Bainbridge Island, there is a park called Waterfront Park. It is very convenient to rest while you enjoy a cup of coffee (or wait for the next ferry). The park is filled with pines and many benches to rest on. There is view of the water and the marina. When you’re ready to head back to the ferry, you can walk on the Waterfront Trail to connect to the road beside the ferry terminal.

5. Soak in the skyline of Seattle as you ride the ferry

After a beautiful day on the island, sit on the top floor of the boat to get the best views of the city skyline! If it is a cold day, you could sit inside and step outside as you get closer to the city, but the views are definitely best outside. See the skyline of Seattle and dream about your next adventure to Bainbridge Island.