Things To Do
Bainbridge Island
When you disembark from the ferry, you'll be on beautiful Bainbridge Island! Truly the jewel of Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island has something for everyone. Eclectic boutiques, scenic vistas, welcoming accommodations, and outdoor adventures await. From fine food to the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Best of all, we’re only a short ferry ride away from the bustling metropolis of Seattle. Tip: You can see the infamous Mount Ranier from Bainbridge Island. Go to NE South Beach Drive for unobstructed views of Mount Rainier with the Bremerton ferry in the foreground.
Poulsbo
This delightful town is the location of our wedding! Affectionately as “Little Norway,” Poulsbo is one of the few places in the US where you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to storybook Europe. Casually explore the charming downtown historic district and enjoy museums, galleries, boutiques, restaurants & cafes – all in a picturesque Norwegian setting. If the outdoors is more your cup of tea, you can book a guided kayak tour or take advantage of the many hiking options in Poulsbo. Visit Poulsbo offers more information at https://www.visitpoulsbo.com/ The State of Washington Tourism featured Poulsbo in the attached article, offering some great recommendations.
Downtown Seattle
Welcome to the Emerald City! Traveling from Bainbridge Island to downtown Seattle takes about 35 minutes via ferry, followed by a short drive or public transport to the city center. Once in Seattle, you can explore iconic attractions like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum and the Museum of Pop Culture. Don't miss the waterfront and vibrant neighborhoods, offering a variety of dining and shopping options. Enjoy your time in the city we currently call home!
Port Angeles
Port Angeles, WA, is a charming coastal town and the gateway to Olympic National Park, located about 1.5 hours by car from Bainbridge Island. Known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities, Port Angeles offers access to breathtaking landscapes, panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and is ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Lake Crescent
Part of Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent, is approximately 18 miles west of Port Angeles and about 95 miles from Bainbridge Island. It’s one of our favorite spots in Washington. Crescent is a glacier-carved lake, with pristine waters and amazing scenic views. It's perfect for swimming and enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Outdoor adventurers can hike up Spruce Road Trail or Barnes Creek Trail (two of the lake’s most popular treks) go kayaking or simply take in the beautiful surroundings.
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
Olympic National Park on Washington's Olympic Peninsula sprawls across several different ecosystems, from the dramatic peaks of the Olympic Mountains to old-growth forests. Various hiking and backpacking trails cut through the park's rainforests and along its Pacific coastline. Top attractions include the amazing Hoh Rain Forest, Hurricane Ridge, Kalaloch and Ruby Beach and Lake Crescent (see above).
MOUNT RANIER NATIONAL PARK
Mount Ranier National Park is approximately 98 miles from Bainbridge Island. Visitors can skirt the edge of glaciers that remain year-round and take in the beautiful surrounding environment, including alpine meadows, a glacier-fed river, waterfalls and majestic forests. Top attractions include Paradise Valley, Narada Falls and Myrtle Falls.
SAN JUAN ISLANDS
The San Juan Islands are made up of more than 172 named islands and reefs. The most frequently visited islands, accessible via ferry service, are Lopez, Orcas, San Juan (with the county seat, Friday Harbor) and Shaw. One of world’s best whale-watching destinations, the San Juan Islands have their fair share of attractions on land, too, with peaceful beaches and meadows to explore on bike or foot, and numerous art galleries to meander through.