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Bainbridge Island: A Puget Sound Gem

Discover Bainbridge Island: A scenic escape just a ferry ride away from Seattle, blending natural beauty, history, and small-town charm.

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Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, offers a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and charming small-town appeal. From its stunning waterfront views to its lush forests and vibrant arts scene, the island provides a diverse range of experiences for visitors [11].

A brief summary to Bainbridge Island

  • Bainbridge Island, Washington, US

Local tips

  • Walk on the ferry for a car-free experience and enjoy the stunning views of the Seattle skyline [11].
  • Explore Winslow's shops and restaurants, just a short walk from the ferry terminal [11, 21].
  • Visit the Bloedel Reserve for a tranquil escape into nature [11, 21].
  • Check the ferry schedule in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid delays [8].
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Getting There

  • Ferry

    The most common way to arrive is via the Washington State Ferry from Seattle [5, 16]. The ferry departs from Colman Dock (801 Alaskan Way, Seattle) and arrives at the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal [8]. Purchase tickets at the terminal or online [6]. The crossing takes approximately 35 minutes [8, 16]. Adult fares are around $10, with youth under 18 riding free [4, 8, 10, 13]. Note that fares are collected only when departing Seattle [8, 13]. Check the Washington State Ferries website for the most up-to-date schedule [8].

  • Walking

    From the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal, downtown Winslow is easily accessible on foot [11]. Simply follow Winslow Way, the main street, which begins directly in front of the terminal [6]. The walk is short and offers views of Eagle Harbor [9, 12].

  • Parking

    If driving onto the island, parking is available in Winslow [2, 17]. There are several lots within a few blocks of the ferry terminal [6, 15, 19]. Daily rates range from $11-$15 [6, 15]. The WSF terminal parking lot, operated by U-Park System, has hourly and daily rates [6, 15, 19]. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak season [2, 13].

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Discover more about Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island, a verdant oasis in Puget Sound, beckons with its captivating blend of natural splendor and rich history [11]. A mere 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle transports you to a world away, where the pace slows and the air is filled with the scent of pine and saltwater [16]. For millennia, the Suquamish people have called this island home, establishing villages and living in harmony with the land and sea [3, 5]. In 1792, European exploration arrived with Captain George Vancouver, followed by the mapping and naming of the island in 1841 by U.S. Navy Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, who honored Commodore William Bainbridge [3, 5, 12]. The island's history is etched in its landscapes, from the remnants of once-booming logging and shipbuilding industries to the poignant Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, a reminder of the unjust internment of Japanese-American residents during World War II [3, 5]. Today, Bainbridge Island is a vibrant community that embraces its past while looking towards the future. Winslow, the island's main town, offers a delightful array of shops, restaurants, and art galleries [11, 21]. Explore the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, stroll along the waterfront, or discover the Bloedel Reserve's serene beauty [11, 21]. Whether you seek outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful escape, Bainbridge Island promises an unforgettable experience [20].

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