Bainbridge Island is a beautiful island in the Cascade Mountains and is accessible by ferry from Seattle.
It has a variety of activities for people who love to get outside. There are several beaches, gardens, forest trails, parks, restaurants, and historical sites to explore.
Bainbridge Island is a great place to live or visit in Washington. Most of the residents own their homes and enjoy the suburban feel of the island.
In today’s article, we will look at some of the exciting and fun-filled things to do on Bainbridge Island, WA, whenever you’re in the town!
Where is Bainbridge Island?
Bainbridge Island is a city and an island in Kitsap County, located in the Puget Sound region of Washington, United States.
At the 2010 census, the island had a population of 23,025. In 2019, it had a population of 25,298, which makes it the second-largest city in the county.
Located in Puget Sound, this island measures around 10 miles long and 5 miles wide. It spans over 17,000 acres.
It’s also one of the largest islands in the area. It has an irregular coastline that measures around 53 miles long.
There are numerous inlets and bays on the island. It also has various coastal landforms.
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Fun Things to Do in Bainbridge Island, WA
As we previously opined, Bainbridge Island is filled with fun activities that leave you wanting more. These are some of the things to do on Bainbridge Island;
1. Bainbridge Island Historical Museum
The Historical Museum of Bainbridge Island is located in a former schoolhouse that dates back to 1908.
It features exhibits about local history, including a display of Japanese Americans during the internment era.
The museum also features a collection of photographs by Ansel Adams, which show Manzanar.
The museum also features displays about Native American history and the Port Blakely lumber mill.
It additionally features stories about the explorers who first explored the area and the people who lived near it during the 1800s.
The museum is kid-friendly and offers a variety of interactive exhibits.
Address: The Bainbridge Island Historical Museum 215 Ericksen Avenue NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
2. Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art features rotating exhibits focused on local artists. The museum’s website shows the artists that are featured each month.
If you want to know what’s happening in the museum, check out its website.
The museum also has a cafe that serves coffee, lunch, and wine. It also sells various items through its store. Some of these include jewelry, art, and home decor.
Address: The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is at 550 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
3. Bainbridge Gardens
The Bainbridge Gardens is a garden center and nursery owned by a family.
It features a large garden and a variety of trees, plants, and flowers. The facility also has a cafe that serves lunch and espresso drinks.
The gardens also have a play area for kids. If you’re planning on visiting the facility, you can buy souvenirs from your trip through its gift shop.
It also hosts events and classes designed to teach people how to properly care for their plants and flowers.
Address: The Bainbridge Gardens is at 9415 Miller Road NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
4. Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
A memorial for Japanese Americans who were incarcerated on Bainbridge Island is on an outdoor exhibit.
It was established to remember those who lived through the internment period.
Japanese immigrants arrived on the island during the 1800s and helped with the operations of its strawberry farms and sawmills.
Over 200 Japanese Americans were forced to leave the island during the Second World War.
Many of them were sent to Manzanar, California. The memorial features a cedar wall with the names of the incarcerated individuals.
Address: The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial 4195 Eagle Harbor Drive, NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
5. Suquamish Museum
The Suquamish Museum is on Port Madison Indian Reservation. It features various artifacts related to the Suquamish tribe.
Some of these include items from the Old Man House and the Baba’kwob site. The museum also has a gift shop and two galleries.
One of the galleries features a collection of pictures that show what life was like during the 1860s.
Another gallery features a permanent exhibit that’s entitled Ancient Shores.
It features various artifacts and artwork. It also features historical documents and modern and contemporary pieces.
Address: The Suquamish Museum is at 6861 NE South Street, Suquamish, WA 98392, United States.
6. Naval Undersea Museum
One of the official museums of the US Navy is the US Naval Undersea Museum.
It aims to collect, preserve, and display various artifacts related to the history of underwater operations.
This museum also seeks to educate the public about the role of the Navy in the world.
The museum has an extensive collection of underwater technologies and artifacts and holds the largest number of such items in the country.
It also features a display containing war patrol reports from the Second World War.
Address: The Naval Undersea Museum is at 1 Garnett Way, Keyport, WA 98345, United States.
7. Blake Island State Park
This park is known for its various activities, such as hiking trails and natural beaches. It also offers excellent views of Mount Rainier and the city.
Blake Island State Park is a vast park that can accommodate various people.
It features a variety of facilities and camping options. Unfortunately, the park is only accessible by private boats.
Address: The Blake Island State Park is in Manchester, WA 98353, United States.
8. Bruciato Pizzeria and Bar Bainbridge Island
Inspired by the traditional cooking methods of Naples, this restaurant serves authentic Italian pizza.
Their pizzas are made using ingredients such as Campana cheese and San Marzano tomatoes.
They also use a variety of hand-stretched dough and traditional ingredients.
The restaurant also hosts a monthly Trattoria Night, serving various types of food.
If you’re planning on visiting Bruciato, arrive early as they usually operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Address: The Bruciato is located at 236 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110, United States.
9. Tillicum Village
The Tillicum Village is a popular tourist destination located on Blake Island State Park in Puget Sound.
An excursion to the village can take around four hours. During this time, visitors can enjoy a visit to the village’s longhouse, where they can try local food prepared by staff members of the Northwest Coastal Native tribe.
Visitors can also enjoy a visit to the village’s longhouse, where they can try local food prepared by staff members of the Northwest Coastal Native tribe.
They can also watch a cooking demonstration. After a meal, they can watch a performance that features storytelling and dance performances by Native American dancers wearing masks.
Address: The Tillicum Village is at Blake Island, Port Orchard, WA 98366, United States.
10. The Harbour Public House
The Harbour Public House is a local restaurant that serves American food inside a historic building.
It has been recognized for its quality food and has appeared on various national television programs.
Some awards they have received include Best Fish and Chips, Best Burger, and Best Beer Selection.
The restaurant also hosts special dining events, such as a Sunday roast. In addition, their menu features a variety of seafood dishes and burgers.
Other popular items include quesadillas, oyster sliders, and fried calamari. After a meal, patrons can watch a performance by Native American dancers.
Address: The Harbor Public House is at 232 Parfitt Way SW, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
11. Illahee State Park
The Illahee State Park is a 75-acre facility located in Port Orchard Bay. This park features a prime beachfront area.
The park’s forests and beaches are covered with shells, which provides a natural feel to the area.
Besides being a popular tourist destination, the park also hosts various activities.
Some of these include kayaking, fishing, and swimming. It also has various facilities such as a playground, picnic shelters, and sports fields.
In addition, a veteran’s memorial was established in the park to honor two local men who served in the First World War.
Address: The Illahee State Park is at 3540 NE Sylvan Way, Bremerton, WA 98310, United States.
12. Heydey Farm
A historical farm located on Bainbridge Island is known as Heydey Farm.
It offers tours and farm experiences to the public. The farm also produces fresh food and sells its products.
The farm features various facilities such as a creamery, a farm kitchen, and gardens for its animals to graze.
It also has a store in Lynwood Center that sells its products. The farmhouse, on the other hand, is an inn that can accommodate overnight guests.
Address: The Heydey Farm 4370 Old Mill Road NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
13. Bloedel Reserve
Bloedel Reserve is a forest reserve that features 12 gardens that are designed to provide a peaceful and tranquil retreat.
Unlike other parks with signs and directions, the gardens at the Bloedel Reserve do not have any signs.
The gardens are designed to be as natural as possible, and visitors are not required to follow any specific directions.
The gardens at the Bloedel Reserve are open year-round, and visitors are encouraged to spend at least two hours in the area to experience the facility fully.
Aside from being a beautiful garden, the reserve also features a bird marsh and a large wildlife area.
Address: The Bloedel Reserve is located at 7571 N. Dolphin Drive, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
14. Fort Ward Park
Before it became a state park, Fort Ward Park was a military facility.
This park is on the southern end of Bainbridge Island and features over 130 acres of forest.
It’s also surrounded by thick underbrush and forest. Nevertheless, the view of the area is spectacular from the Olympic Mountains.
It also has a marine wildlife area that’s home to various activities such as fishing, swimming, and bird watching.
This park additionally has multiple trails that can be used for various activities.
Address: The Fort Ward Park is at 2241 Pleasant Beach Dr. NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
15. Fay Bainbridge Park
Fay Bainbridge Park is a recreational area and park that’s located on the island’s northeastern tip.
It features 17 acres of land, and it’s known for its various activities—some of the most popular activities that the park hosts are camping and spending time on the beach.
There are 15 tent camping sites available in the park, and it also has campsites that are dedicated to the use of kayakers. This facility is additionally a stop for the local marine trail.
Address: The Fay Bainbridge Park 15446 Sunrise Drive NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
16. Eleven Winery
Eleven Vineyard is a small wine producer focusing on producing various types of wine, such as Riesling, merlot, and cabernet franc.
The facility’s tasting room is located right off the ferry terminal.
The staff members at the winery are very knowledgeable about wine and are happy to help potential customers taste their products.
Address: The Eleven Winery is at 287 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
17. Bainbridge Island Brewing
Bainbridge Brewing is one of the local breweries known for its imaginative and original beers.
The facility features an on-site tap room that evokes a historical pub’s feel. It’s also pet-friendly.
The staff members at the brewery are very knowledgeable about their products and happy to help potential customers taste their creations.
Address: The Bainbridge Island Brewing is located at 9415 Coppertop Loop NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
18. Mora Iced Creamery
The staff members at the brewery are very knowledgeable about their products and happy to help potential customers taste their creations.
One of the local establishments known for its desserts is Mora Iced Creamery. This creamery has 48 different hand-churned flavors that are served each day.
Some famous creations include the marron glacé and the dulce de leche.
Address: The Mora Iced Creamery is at 139 Madrone Ln N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
19. Kids Discovery Museum
The Kids Discovery Museum is a children’s museum that provides interactive and hands-on exhibits related to the arts and science.
It features various interactive exhibits that are designed to stimulate the senses.
Some exhibits include a bank, a grocery store, and a mini town with electric cars.
Address: The Kids Discovery Museum is at 301 Ravine Lane NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
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20. Bainbridge Distillers
The owners of Bainbridge Organic Distillers are family-owned and have been in business since 2009.
They’re known for their organic vodka, gin, and whiskey, and they’re the first facility in Washington to produce such products that are USDA Certified.
Address: The Bainbridge Distillers is located at 9727 Coppertop Loop NE #101, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States.
21. Gazzam Lake Preserve
The park is mostly untouched by man, and it’s an excellent place for wildlife to live.
Various kinds of birds and animals can be found throughout the park, such as owls, deer, and coyotes.
The park also has a trail system designed to provide a quiet 2-mile walk along the side of Gazzam Lake.
Address: The Gazzam Lake Preserve is in Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110, United States.