The Enchanting Washington Island Samantha Brown Thinks Is Worth The Ferry Ride

Get ready to pop some motion sickness pills, for today's adventure takes us aboard a ferry to a beautiful island just off the coast of a top-rated tourist destination in the Pacific Northwest. There are lots of free things to do in Seattle and tons of neighborhoods to explore, but it is also a great place to base yourself for some epic day trips outside of the city. One in particular is Bainbridge Island — a quaint locale where the ferry ride alone is worth the trip. Even travel guru Samantha Brown would have to agree, as she states on her website that "the view from the back of the ferry ride looking toward the city is well worth the ticket price." 

Enchanting ferry ride aside, this island has been attracting visitors to its shores for years, as both a delightful day trip and a longer weekend stay. Nestled in Puget Sound, this lush, forested island offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, small-town charm, and Pacific Northwest culture. Strolling off the ferry, visitors are immediately greeted by breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline across the water, contrasted with the island's slower, more relaxed rhythm. An eclectic mix of activities awaits those who arrive on the island, from delicious restaurants to quaint wineries and coffee shops, beautiful hiking trails, and historical sites. Whether you're sipping pinot noir at a local winery, hiking through lush woodlands, or simply strolling along the shore as the sun sets, Bainbridge Island feels like a hidden slice of Pacific Northwest paradise within arm's reach of the city.

The great thing about Bainbridge is that, unlike most islands off the coast of Washington that require a car to explore, there are activities here you can reach on foot. The downtown area is only two blocks from the ferry terminal, and its walkable streets are filled with bookstores, record shops, coffeehouses, art galleries, and cute boutiques. The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is free to visitors and highlights work by local artists. For a bit of nature and history combined, pay a visit to Pritchard Park, a 50-acre area home to the sobering Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. Afterwards, head to Bainbridge Brewing for a delicious craft beer, or to one of the many tasting rooms downtown to try some local wines. If your trip to the island happens to fall on a Saturday, be sure to check out the small farmers' market for local produce and crafts.

While the downtown area can be explored on foot, unfortunately, to explore the rest of the island, you will likely need a car (or be really into cycling). With a car, visitors can make their way towards Bloedel Reserve, a 140-acre wonderland of gardens, meadows, ponds, and old-growth forest that feels like you've stepped into a living painting. Each trail leads you to a beautifully designed landscape, from an orchid trail to fairytale-like moss gardens, making it one of the island's must-see stops. The Grand Forest is a wonderful place to go to explore the natural beauty of the island, as it stretches 240 acres and has 8 miles of hiking trails to enjoy. A few other honorable mentions are Fort Ward Park and Fay Bainbridge Park, which has beautiful views of Puget Sound.

While there is a bridge connecting the mainland to the island, it's much more enjoyable and less time-consuming to access Bainbridge via ferry. If you do decide to drive across, however, the approximate drive time from Seattle is about an hour and 45 minutes. To access the island via ferry, you'll hop aboard the Bainbridge Island Ferry from the Washington State Ferry Terminal, which leaves almost every hour. The ride itself is approximately 30 minutes long, and tickets work on a first come, first served basis — you can buy tickets online in advance, but you can't make a booking to guarantee your spot. The pricing system is a bit unique: Everyone traveling from Seattle to Bainbridge pays a fare (about $10 to $25 depending on whether you're on foot or bringing your vehicle), but the return trip back to the city is free for cyclists and pedestrians. On clear days, you can take in panoramic views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline.

For a cozy and romantic getaway, Eagle Harbor Inn offers boutique suites in the center of Winslow. Families or larger groups may prefer renting a cabin or waterfront vacation home to wake up to stunning views of Puget Sound. For something more rustic, Fay Bainbridge Park is one of the best West Coast spots for beach camping. Dining is another highlight, and foodies will find Bainbridge punches above its weight for its size. Fresh, local ingredients star on menus at restaurants like Ba Sa, known for its creative Vietnamese dishes, and HeyDay Farm, a farm-to-table favorite. For casual bites, Harbour Public House serves seafood and craft beer with sweeping harbor views. From its scenic ferry ride to its wild coastal trails, it's no wonder Samantha Brown recommends the adventure.