Bainbridge Island & Bremerton | Visit Seattle (2024)

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Two communities, each just ferry ride away from downtown—but they each feel like a whole other world.

Bainbridge Island & Bremerton | Visit Seattle (1) Courtesy Bloedel Reserve

Enjoy a relaxing ferry ride to visit this laid-back island with alluring eateries, wineries, boutiques, and parks.

Explore

You can drive, bike, or catch a bus to explore the quiet, pastoral side of the island, including serenely scenic Bloedel Reserve (7571 NE Dolphin Dr), which is especially lovely in the spring when its colorful gardens are abloom, and the moving Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial (4195 Eagle Harbor Dr NE), where signs and trails commemorate the tragic incarceration of nearly 300 island residents during World War II. Near the ferry terminal, you’ll find two excellent museums in the main village of Winslow, the touch-friendly Kids Discovery Museum (301 Ravine Ln NE) and the free Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (550 Winslow Way E).

Eat and Drink

Warm up on a cool day with wood-fired pizzas and a glass of local red wine at Bruciato (236 Winslow Way E), or refined Vietnamese cuisine at the trendy bistro Ba Sa (101 Winslow Way E). Head to the convivial Harbour Public House (231 Parfitt Way SW) for tasty gastropub fare and views of the water. Nearby Pegasus Coffee House (131 Parfitt Way SW) is a warmly inviting space with a fireplace and a nice selection of coffees and local beers. Sample island vino at the downtown tasting rooms of Eagle Harbor Wine Co (400 Winslow Way E) and Eleven Winery (287 Winslow Way E).

Shop

Indie retailers—including Salt House Mercantile (119 Winslow Way E), with its natural balms and body scrubs, and Danger (285 Winslow Way E), which carries mostly locally crafted art and furnishings—line the streets of charming Winslow. Pick up reading material for the ferry at Eagle Harbor Book Company (157 Winslow Way E) and outdoorsy apparel and hiking gear at Wildernest (310 Winslow Way E).

Bainbridge Island & Bremerton | Visit Seattle (2) Courtesy the Boat Shed

Getting to this friendly Navy town entails a picturesque half-hour ferry ride from Seattle.

Explore

From the ferry terminal, it’s a short walk to salt-aired Harborside Fountain Park (251 First St), with its whale-inspired copper fountains and waterside benches. There are two excellent places to learn about Bremerton’s storied military heritage: the Puget Sound Navy Museum (251 First St) and the USS Turner Joy (300 Washington Beach Ave), a 1950s naval destroyer that served in the Vietnam War and now operates as a waterfront museum. A few blocks inland, kids enjoy seeing the colorful exhibits at the Valentinetti Puppet Museum (280 Fourth St), and the 1940s Roxy Theatre (270 Fourth St) presents movies and occasional live music shows.

Eat and Drink

Bremerton has a pair of notable food hubs: The Manette neighborhood lies across Port Washington Narrows and is home to nationally acclaimed Saboteur Bakery (2110 E 11th St), which dispenses ethereal sweet and savory pastries; and the Boat Shed (101 Shore Dr), a casual seafooder with a wall of windows overlooking the water. Closer to downtown museums, you can dine on wood-fired pizzas at Evergreen Pizza Co. (1223 McKenzie Ave) and enjoy a pint of beer and occasional live music at friendly Dog Days Brewing (260 Fourth St).

Shop

You’ll find interesting shops in Bremerton’s historic downtown, among them the Bremerton Mercantile (402 Pacific Ave), a modern general store stocked with whimsical gifts and artwork, and Collective Visions Gallery (331 Pacific Ave), which showcases works by nearly two dozen regional artists. On Saturdays year-round, the Bremerton Vintage Flea (816 Pacific Ave) draws bargain hunters for antiques and retro treasures.­­

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Originally written for Visit Seattle's Official Visitors' Guide

Bainbridge/Bremerton Partners

Bainbridge/Bremerton

Kids Discovery Museum

  • Address 301 Ravine Ln NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
  • Phone (206) 855-4650
  • Connect

Bainbridge/Bremerton

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

  • Address 550 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
  • Phone (206) 842-4451
  • Connect

Bainbridge/Bremerton

Bloedel Reserve

  • Address 7571 NE Dolphin Dr, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
  • Phone (206) 842-7631
  • Connect

Bainbridge/Bremerton

USS Turner Joy DD-951 – Bremerton Historic Ships Association

  • Address 300 Washington Beach Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337
  • Phone (360) 792-2457
  • Connect

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Bainbridge Island & Bremerton | Visit Seattle (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth going to Bainbridge Island? ›

Bainbridge Island may be a ferry ride away from Seattle Southside, but I promise you it is definitely worth it to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city – there's no better place to do just that than on Bainbridge Island with its scenery, beaches, parks and trails, attractions and wineries!

Can you take a ferry from Bremerton to Bainbridge Island? ›

No, there is no direct ferry from Bremerton to Bainbridge Island. However, there are services departing from Bremerton Fast Ferry Dock and arriving at Bainbridge Island via Seattle. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 2h 5m.

How far is it from Bainbridge Island to Bremerton? ›

The distance between Bainbridge Island and Bremerton is 34 miles. The road distance is 31.5 miles.

How long is the ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge? ›

About 4.6 million people ride the Seattle / Bainbridge Island route each year. The trip from Seattle to Bainbridge Island via ferry boat (locals refer to it merely as “the boat”) is 35 minutes. The two Washington State Ferry boats on this route are over 400 feet long, and can carry up to 200 cars and 2,500 passengers.

What is the most beautiful island off Seattle? ›

Whidbey Island. The Whidbey island is one of the most beautiful and happening islands in Washington. Located to the north of Seattle in Puget Sound, Whidbey Island encompasses a beach, hills and farmland that is super fun. The cliff top views from this island are to die for.

What is special about Bainbridge Island? ›

This vibrant, diverse community, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, is ready for you to explore. Located 35 minutes by ferry from Seattle, the island enjoys a wonderful combination of farms, wineries, hiking trails, scenic vistas, and local arts.

How early should I get to Bremerton ferry? ›

How early should I get to Bremerton Ferry? Walk-on passengers should plan to arrive at least five minutes prior to departure.

Do we need a car on Bainbridge Island? ›

Things to Do on Bainbridge Island Without a Car. Bainbridge Island is a unique destination and one that is easy to visit without a car. In fact, the majority of shops and restaurants are located within an easy 15-minute walk from the ferry terminal, and the broader community is bike-friendly and easy to navigate.

Do you have to pay to walk on Bainbridge Island Ferry? ›

The ferry ride from Bainbridge Island to Seattle is free for pedestrians on foot, whereas the return trip from Seattle to Bainbridge Island requires paying. However, pedestrians crossing from Bainbridge to Seattle with a vehicle will have to pay both ways.

Is Bremerton, WA worth visiting? ›

It has many popular attractions, including Evergreen Rotary Park, Seefilm Cinemas, Lions Park, perfect for a trip! Bremerton is a city in Washington, United States. It has many popular attractions, including Evergreen Rotary Park, Seefilm Cinemas, Lions Park, perfect for a trip!

How expensive is Bainbridge Island? ›

The cost of living in Bainbridge Island is expensive, with a COLI 83.3% higher than the national average. The Economic Policy Institute recommends that a family of four have a household income of $93,879 to live comfortably. Click here to check out the calculator.

Can you get to Bainbridge Island without taking a ferry? ›

From the South Sound Tacoma/Olympia – Bainbridge may be an island but there is a bridge that connects the island to the Kitsap Peninsula on the north end. Visitors can drive from Tacoma over the Narrows Bridge on Highway 16 and follow Highway 3 from Bremerton to Poulsbo, where Highway 305 leads to Bainbridge Island.

How early should I show up for the Bainbridge ferry? ›

Vehicles. For most routes, you should plan to be in line at the tollbooth at least 20 minutes in advance of the sailing. If you have a vehicle reservation, you will need to arrive more than 20 minutes in advance.

Is the ferry from Bainbridge to Seattle free? ›

Tickets: Walk-on passengers only pay one way when boarding from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. No tickets are needed when you leave to take the ferry to Seattle from the island. Adult tickets cost around $10 (prices vary by season), and anyone under the age of 18 rides for free.

Is the Bainbridge ferry reliable? ›

WSDOT replaces canceled trips when possible, and strives to maintain at least 99% annual trip reliability.

Do I need my car on Bainbridge Island? ›

Much of Bainbridge Island is walkable, and when things get a little too far, there are always bikes available to rent. Once you start exploring, we don't think you'll want to stop.

What is the best island to take the ferry from Seattle? ›

Bainbridge Island, the charming neighbor of Seattle, WA, beckons commuters with its close proximity to the bustling city. A short and scenic ferry ride transports you from the island's tranquil shores to the heart of downtown Seattle, with stunning vistas of the iconic skyline and the majestic waters of Puget Sound.

Can you drive to Bainbridge Island without taking a ferry? ›

From the South Sound Tacoma/Olympia – Bainbridge may be an island but there is a bridge that connects the island to the Kitsap Peninsula on the north end. Visitors can drive from Tacoma over the Narrows Bridge on Highway 16 and follow Highway 3 from Bremerton to Poulsbo, where Highway 305 leads to Bainbridge Island.

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