Bainbridge Island

Who knew that a 35-minute ferry ride could transport you to a whole different place?

Bainbridge Island is a world away from the urban Seattle landscape – and the perfect destination for a day-trip during your stay. Rich with culture, history, heritage, and natural beauty, there’s something for everyone on this island oasis.

BLOEDEL RESERVE

Bloedel Reserve is one of the most renown public gardens in the nation, and the majesty of this relaxing retreat is certain to recharge your batteries.  Although open year ’round, Spring is a wonderful time to visit! 

Enjoy a breathtaking view from atop a bluff overlooking Puget Sound, and sit quietly beside the reflecting pool in the Japanese Garden. Sun-dappled paths, flowers, greenery, and an array of ever-changing events make it a vibrant center of growth throughout the year.  Plan your visit at Bloedel Reserve.  There is 150 acres to explore, and they recommend to allow two hours for the best experience.  It is located about six miles from the ferry terminal and IS served by Kitsap Transit, the local bus system.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND MUSEUM OF ART

Peruse the collection at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and enjoy one of the most well-curated small museums around. It is a small museum, an hour is a perfect visit, but unlike larger museums, each piece on display truly illistrates the love these curators have for their art and this space. From modern to classic, with a strong emphasis on Asian art – you’ll find a wide array of eye-candy. The rooftop garden is the perfect finish to your visit.  Walking distance from the ferry dock.

JAPANESE AMERICAN MEMORIAL

Image courtesy of BIJAC

History isn’t always beautiful, but beauty and reverence can come from any event, as demonstrated in the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. A collection of artifacts, photos, and recorded accounts memorialize the place where the first group of Japanese-American internees were taken after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. This is a somber look into humanity and civil rights and is a relevant, important piece of history.  This is about 3.5 miles from the ferry terminal, and bus service is spotty, so I would recommend the only taxi service on Bainbridge Island, if you don’t have a car.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Along with the Memorial, you can learn about the rich history of the island at the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum. Thousands of artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia weave together the story of the past, bringing it vividly into the present. Homed in a quaint antique schoolhouse, the museum may be diminutive in size, but it packs a wealth of information into the space.  Walking distance from the ferry dock.

KIDS DISCOVERY MUSEUM

From Tuesday Tunes to Math Wednesday and on to ABC Thursday, the Kids Discovery Museum is the perfect retreat for families. Kids can sail the seven seas of imagination in the Pirate Tree House, dressing up and steering the “pirate ship” into worlds unknown. The realistic trunk doubles as the perfect hiding place. Our Town features an imaginary ride in a real electric car, a grocery store, and financial center so little ones can go out on the town just like Mom and Dad. Science Hall and the Art Studio are certain to get their gears turning, providing them with creative problem solving and imaginative play.  Walking distance from the ferry terminal. 

This is just a sampling of what Bainbridge Island has to offer.  Spend some time exploring!  Grab a bite, and check out some of their unqiue shops along the Winslow Main Street. Book at Seattle Oasis Vacations today, and enjoy a true Seattle experience.

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