Bainbridge Island, Washington
September 1, 2019
October 26, 2019
The Washington State Ferry route from Seattle to Bainbridge Island has to be the most quintessential ferry route in the area. I say that because the Seattle ferry terminal is conveniently located right next to the touristy waterfront district. Accordingly, this route is a favorite of tourists seeking Seattle skyline/waterfront views as well as the quick experience of riding on a ferry and visiting a Pacific Northwest island.
When I moved to Seattle I was one such tourist. Bainbridge Island was the first island and first ferry route that I learned about. In fact, I met a woman from Bainbridge Island on my initial flight out to Seattle. I think I had asked her about public transportation and she mentioned that she lived on Bainbridge Island and commutes via the ferry from Bainbridge to Seattle. I remember thinking "wow, how cool". Of course I had no idea at the time, but I quickly managed to visit Bainbridge Island twice within my first three months in Seattle.
Once you arrive on Bainbridge, the small city center is easily accessible from the ferry terminal. There are a few streets that contain shops, restaurants, winery tasting rooms, and a brewery. Drive outside of the city center and the island becomes very quiet. As with any island, there is not much to do except to spend your visit exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest outdoors. For anyone who is a tourist or new to the area, I would highly recommend taking the ferry to Bainbridge as a day trip. It provides a great introduction to the Seattle area, to Washington State Ferries, and to Pacific Northwest island life. To read about other Washington ferry routes, check out my Have a Ferry Good Time blog post.
When I moved to Seattle I was one such tourist. Bainbridge Island was the first island and first ferry route that I learned about. In fact, I met a woman from Bainbridge Island on my initial flight out to Seattle. I think I had asked her about public transportation and she mentioned that she lived on Bainbridge Island and commutes via the ferry from Bainbridge to Seattle. I remember thinking "wow, how cool". Of course I had no idea at the time, but I quickly managed to visit Bainbridge Island twice within my first three months in Seattle.
Once you arrive on Bainbridge, the small city center is easily accessible from the ferry terminal. There are a few streets that contain shops, restaurants, winery tasting rooms, and a brewery. Drive outside of the city center and the island becomes very quiet. As with any island, there is not much to do except to spend your visit exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest outdoors. For anyone who is a tourist or new to the area, I would highly recommend taking the ferry to Bainbridge as a day trip. It provides a great introduction to the Seattle area, to Washington State Ferries, and to Pacific Northwest island life. To read about other Washington ferry routes, check out my Have a Ferry Good Time blog post.
September 1, 2019
On my first trip to Bainbridge Island - not to mention my first ferry ride and first island visit - I must have figured I'd go "all the way" on the experience. I rode my bicycle from my house, down to the terminal, and boarded the ferry (as opposed to simply driving my car). After disembarking the ferry on the island, I attempted to ride my bike around the island for several miles, but I quickly learned that Bainbridge Island is hilly! After getting a solid workout in, I returned to the city center area for a few cold beverages at Bainbridge Brewing Company and then bicycled back on the ferry to Seattle.
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October 26, 2019
Less than two months later, my mom flew out to Seattle to visit me and I knew exactly where I wanted to take her for the quick, tourist experience. I drove my car onto the ferry and we explored around Bainbridge Island for a couple hours. We returned to the island city center for lunch, shopping, and of course a last stop at Bainbridge Brewing Company before boarding the ferry back to Seattle. On the ride home we were treated with great views of Mount Rainier on the horizon.
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