Seattle Day Trips: Bainbridge Island

To get to Bainbridge Island from Seattle, go to Pier 52 to catch the ferry then sit back and relax for a scenic 35-minute ferry ride. Unless you want to explore the entire island by car, you don't really need to bring your vehicle on the ferry. Downtown Bainbridge Island is about a five minute walk from the ferry terminal and most of the things to do and see are within walking distance. The walk from the ferry terminal to downtown is uphill, but is not at all steep. I'm completely out of shape and made it just fine. And, the plus is you get to go downhill when you head back to the ferry after a long day (or weekend) of enjoying everything that Bainbridge Island has to offer.

However, if you do decide to bring your car and it happens to run on bio-diesel, you're in luck - there is a station right up the street from the ferry terminal where you can fill up before tooling around the island or heading back to Seattle.

For walkers and bicyclists, be sure to pick up the Walker & Bicyclist Maps brochure at the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal. The brochure contains two maps, one of the Winslow area and one of the entire island, and includes markings to show easy, flat walks, trails, steep hills, and parks, which allow you to plan your walking or biking route with ease.

Another great map brochure to pick up is the Downtown Bainbridge Island Walkabout Guide published by the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association. This one is also available at the ferry station and lists most of the shops, eateries and attractions that you won't want to miss. This brochure also has a convenient ferry schedule on the back so you can make sure you don't miss your ride back to Seattle. By the way, there is no charge to take the ferry back to Seattle, so that gives you a few extra dollars to spend while on the island.