Seattle is one of my favourite American cities. Im fact, it reminds me of Edinburgh in the UK in a lot of ways. Not in terms of the architecture or anything else fairly obvious, more in terms of the vibe of being in a city. It’s big enough that you don’t feel claustrophobic, yet small enough to be intimate.
Anyway, I’m totally digressing, whilst exploring some of the best things to do in Seattle, we took the ferry over to the stunning Bainbridge Island.
Bainbridge Island is a little island next to Seattle which is so much smaller than Seattle in terms of how many people live here. In fact, I think it’s about twenty thousand, or so. Plus, Bainbridge Island was also voted one of the best places in the USA to live, so it was an easy decision to go and visit.
Now, I didn’t know quite what to expect but I absolutely fell in love with it as soon as I arrived. I’m not even kidding or exaggerating here, it was just so blissful and laidback.
This is the first place in the US I fell in love and I would LOVE to live here. It’s the most picturesque little suburban island with a nice house and white picket fences and I was taken with it as soon as I arrived.
Plus, the people are totally friendly and there is a real sense of community on the island. You could sense it as soon as you landed ashore.
Honestly, if you’re ever visiting Seattle, even if it’s just for a day, try to spend an hour or two on a mini-tour of the island.
It’s definitely worth it!
How To Get To Bainbridge Island
You can get there on a ferry from Seattle for just $7.85 though if you’re a commuter the price does go down considerably (yes, I checked the commuter price too! 🙂 I already started daydreaming of owning a place there).
It’s really easy to find and you can walk to the ferry port (on the harbourfront) from Pike Place Market, itself. Now. the travel time is 35 minutes and you can take your car, bicycle or other vehicles with you on the ferry. Yay! 🙂
Tips For Visiting Bainbridge Island
1.) See the sites
Visit the local grocers and boutique little shops, there’s usually something going on and there are lots of little stores to take a wander through. Plus, you can head across to Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum.
2.) Take a stroll around Bainbridge Island
For me, this was one of the best things to do on Bainbridge Island. Be prepared to walk around and follow the shoreline, too. Head across Fort Ward Park, see the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial and explore the Bloedel Reserve
Honestly, Bainbridge Island is best explored on foot.
3.) Gorge on Bainbridge Island
Staying for lunch is a must on Bainbridge Island!
Once you’re here, make sure to try Via Rosa 11 for the best fresh pasta, gorge on fish and chips at the Harbour Public House and make sure to visit Hitchcock for some fresh seafood or chowder. Honestly, you’ll leave Bainbridge Island totally stuffed.
Read more: Best things to do in Seattle
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