Bainbridge Island Day Trip: Complete Island Day Itinerary
Bainbridge Island is one of the easiest — and most rewarding — Seattle summer day trips you can do without a car-heavy itinerary. With a scenic ferry ride, walkable town, world‑class gardens, and standout food, Bainbridge offers a full, relaxing day that feels far removed from the city — even though it’s just a short ferry ride away.
This itinerary is designed for a classic summer day, paced so you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
🎥 This stop is part of a larger story: We also created a video series at Bloedel Reserve, capturing its gardens, forest paths, and seasonal beauty in motion. If you love seeing places come to life before visiting, this Bainbridge day pairs perfectly with that series.
Drive Onto the Bainbridge Ferry from Downtown Seattle ⛴️
Start your day by driving onto the Washington State Ferry at the Seattle Waterfront and heading to Bainbridge Island. The crossing takes about 35 minutes and is one of the most iconic ferry rides in the region.
As you pull away from downtown Seattle, you’ll get skyline views, fresh Puget Sound air, and a slow transition into island time. Once you dock, everything on this itinerary flows naturally from the ferry terminal.
Pro tip: Grab a coffee onboard if you’re early — but save room for what’s next.
Coffee & Breakfast at Pegasus Coffee House ☕️🥐
After disembarking, head to Pegasus Coffee House, a longtime Bainbridge favorite just a short walk from the ferry.
Pegasus is known for its cozy atmosphere, strong coffee, and reliable breakfast options. It’s an ideal first stop to ease into the day, watch the island wake up, and plan your route before heading out.
This stop sets the tone: relaxed, local, and unhurried.
Spend the Late Morning at Bloedel Reserve 🌲🌸
From Winslow, make your way to the Bloedel Reserve, one of the most beautiful and serene places in the Puget Sound region.
This 150‑acre public garden and forest preserve is designed for quiet exploration. Winding paths, curated landscapes, open meadows, and reflective water features encourage you to slow down and experience nature intentionally.
Plan to spend at least 1.5–2 hours here. This is the heart of the day — peaceful, immersive, and unforgettable.
🎟️ Ticket info: Bloedel Reserve tickets typically cost around $22 for adults, with reduced pricing for seniors and youth. Timed-entry reservations are required, so it’s best to book in advance, especially on summer weekends.
Browse the Shops on Winslow Way East 🛍️🌊
After Bloedel, return to Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island’s charming main street.
Here you’ll find:
- Independent boutiques
- Art galleries and local makers
- Bookshops, gifts, and specialty stores
Everything is walkable, making this the perfect stretch to wander, browse, and pick up something uniquely Bainbridge.
Lunch at Proper Fish 🐟🍟
For lunch, stop at Proper Fish, a must‑visit for classic fish and chips done right.
Known for high‑quality seafood and a casual, waterfront‑friendly vibe, Proper Fish is a go‑to for both locals and visitors. Grab your order and enjoy it nearby while soaking in the slower pace of island life.
This is an essential Bainbridge lunch stop.
Ice Cream at Island Cool 🍦
No summer day trip is complete without dessert. Head to Island Cool Ice Cream for a scoop (or two).
With creative flavors and classic favorites, Island Cool is a fun, easy stop that fits perfectly into a warm afternoon stroll through Winslow.
This is your reward before heading back to the ferry.
Ferry Back to Seattle at Golden Hour ⛴️🌇
Wrap up your day by catching the ferry back to Seattle. If you time it right, the return trip often lines up with golden hour, offering glowing water, distant mountain silhouettes, and a calm end to the day.
By the time you dock, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a true getaway — without ever leaving the region.
Why Bainbridge Island Is a Perfect Seattle Summer Day Trip
Bainbridge Island delivers everything you want in a summer escape: water views, nature, walkable streets, and great food — all within easy reach of downtown Seattle.
📌 Save this itinerary for your next sunny day, visiting friends, or whenever you need a reset that doesn’t require a long drive.
Sometimes the best trips are the simplest ones.
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