Things to do on Bainbridge Island
Most visitors start in Winslow, the town center a short walk from the ferry. From there the island splits into two kinds of days. A walking day stays near the water, with the Museum of Art, the History Museum, the waterfront and the shops. A driving day adds the Bloedel Reserve, the parks and the north end of the island.
Prices and hours below are those listed for 2026. They change, so check before you go. Two indoor options, the Museum of Art and the History Museum, are free.
Our picks: things to do on the island
A short guided drive, an e-bike ride with the ferry included and a tour with a whiskey tasting. The drive and the tasting both start at the ferry terminal.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator and GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
E-bike ride with the ferry included
- Ferry ticket included
- E-bike and helmet
- Bottled water
An e-bike tour that starts at Seattle's waterfront and takes the ferry across, with the ticket, bike and helmet included.
Check availability →
Island tour with a whiskey tasting
- Whiskey tasting
- Island sights
- Air-conditioned vehicle
The island tour with a whiskey tasting added, starting outside the ferry terminal. It is a whiskey tasting, not a wine tour, and the ferry from Seattle is extra.
Check availability →
Bainbridge Island discovery tour
- English-speaking guide
- Fees and taxes included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
A two-hour guided drive around the island that begins outside the ferry terminal. The ferry from Seattle is extra.
Check availability →Bainbridge Island tours and things to do
Day trips, wine tours, kayak outings and sightseeing from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, with live prices and availability.
Gardens: the Bloedel Reserve
The Bloedel Reserve covers 140 acres, about 56.7 hectares, with 23 described landscape rooms. The loop is about 2 miles, or 3.2 km, and the reserve asks you to allow at least 2 hours. The gardens include a Japanese Garden, a Moss Garden, a Reflection Pool, Rhododendron Glen and a Birch Garden. What blooms depends on the week you visit, so do not plan around a single flower.
An adult ticket is $22 from October to April and $26 from May to September. A time slot booked online is recommended, and tickets bought from other sellers are not valid. Details are on the Bloedel Reserve page.
Museums in and near Winslow
Hours and prices as listed for 2026.
| Museum | Address and walk | Hours | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bainbridge Island Museum of Art | 550 Winslow Way E, about 5 minutes from the ferry | Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Free |
| Bainbridge History Museum | 215 Ericksen Avenue NE, about 10 minutes from the ferry | Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free |
| Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) | 301 Ravine Lane NE, free parking | Varies, check the calendar | About $11 to $15 depending on age, check the current price |
The History Museum is closed on New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, 4 July, Thanksgiving (26 November 2026) and Christmas, and closes at noon on Christmas Eve. KiDiMu is aimed at ages 0 to 10, and children under 12 months are free. For most visitors without children, the Museum of Art and the History Museum are the two stops that fit on foot. Families with young children can swap the History Museum for KiDiMu.
Bainbridge Island farmers market
The Bainbridge Island farmers market takes place in the Town Square at City Hall, 280 Madison Ave N. The 2026 season runs from 4 April to 21 November, on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is a Saturday market and not a daily one, so a weekday visit will not find it.
Kayak, beaches and time on the water
Waterfront Park on Eagle Harbor, at 301 Shannon Drive SE, gives you access to the water and a play area. The park is for day use. There is no rental shop there, and not every stretch of shore is open to paddlers, so check the local rules and conditions first.
One rule matters for every kayaker and boater. Since 1 January 2025, vessels of all kinds, including kayaks, must stay at least 1,000 yards (914 m) from Southern Resident orcas. Inside that distance the speed limit is 7 knots, and within 400 yards you must put the engine out of gear. Feeding the animals is banned. A few legal exceptions exist.
For beaches and woods, see the island parks. Fay Bainbridge has 1,420 feet of saltwater shoreline on the northeast coast, Fort Ward has a rocky shore on Rich Passage, and Grand Forest has about 8 miles of trails.
More to explore
Pages for the other things on the island.
Things to do on Bainbridge Island: frequently asked questions
What can I do on Bainbridge Island without a car?
Plenty in Winslow. The Museum of Art is about a 5 minute walk from the ferry, the History Museum about 10 minutes, and Waterfront Park is in the same area. For the Bloedel Reserve or the parks, plan a bus or a car. See getting there.
Is there a free attraction on the island?
Yes. The Museum of Art and the History Museum both have free entry. The Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is also free, with the outdoor site open every day from dawn to dusk.
When is the farmers market open?
On Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from 4 April to 21 November 2026, in the Town Square at City Hall.
Can I rent a kayak?
Waterfront Park gives access to the water, but there is no rental there. Check availability with a local operator before you travel, and keep to the orca distance rules.
How much time should I plan?
A day covers the crossing, Winslow, one museum and the Bloedel Reserve if you have a car. A second day adds the parks, Suquamish and a tasting room.
Which museum suits young children?
The Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) at 301 Ravine Lane NE is aimed at ages 0 to 10, and children under 12 months are free. Parking is free. Entry depends on age, roughly $11 to $15, so check the current price.