Bainbridge Island is full of fun outdoor activities, and there’s nothing like a sunny day spent enjoying the island life. Since we’re eager for warmer weather, we decided to share some of our favorite things to do here. While you can easily find touristy activities, getting the inside scoop from locals like us is even better.
Experience the Island by Water
Explore Bainbridge by water to really take a break from it all. Breathe in the fresh air and beautiful views, appreciate our marine life and make time to relax in nature.
Kayaking
Kayaking in Puget Sound is a great solo, couple, or small group activity. Exotic Aquatics has kayak rentals and guided tours at their kayak dock located at Waterfront Park. Also, Exotic Aquatics has kayaks for purchase at their store on Madison Avenue.
Sailing
Want to go on a chartered sailing adventure? Check out Sail Bainbridge or Dreamboat Adventure Sailing. If you have children, they can learn to sail, thanks to Bainbridge’s sailing summer camps. To learn more, check out the sailing section on Bainbridge Island Park’s website.
Low Tide Beachcombing
If you’re new to our area, you might not know we have incredible swing tides. The beaches expand, revealing many wonders often hidden by Puget Sound. You can find shiny shells and colorful sea glass.
Fishing and Crabbing
Summer on Bainbridge Island calls for a feast of crab and freshly caught fish. You can fish or crab with or without a boat – just make sure you have a license. Learn more about the best times and places to go.
Explore by Land
Bloedel Reserve
With 150 acres of meadows, forests, sculpted gardens, and stunning views, The Bloedel Reserve is unlike any other botanical garden. The staff’s mission is to “enrich people’s lives through a premier public garden of natural and designed Pacific Northwest landscapes.” Please note that timed tickets are currently required so book your tickets online in advance.
Fort Ward Park
If you want to stroll down a paved path without cars, Fort Ward Park is the perfect place to go. You’ll often see families pushing strollers, kids learning to ride their bikes, and friends meeting up for an afternoon walk. There are also old wartime bunkers there, which are fun to explore. Additionally, Fort Ward has a rocky beach and you just might see a crab or two.
The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial/Pritchard Park
A tribute to the first Japanese American families removed from their homes and put into camps in World War II, this memorial park is an important place to visit. We strongly believe in preserving and learning from our history. A peaceful place, many locals come here to have picnics and enjoy the sandy beach.
Activities for Kids
KiDiMu (Kids Discovery Museum)
Bainbridge Island’s museum for kids is so engaging and a wonderfully creative place. The Kids Discovery Museum aims to spark children’s curiosity through experiential learning. Activities are designed for children between 6 months and 8 years. KiDiMu incorporates the arts, sciences, and imaginary play into different activities and areas of the museum. They offer museum memberships, preschool, and summer camps.
Berry Picking
Not all outdoor activities can be delicious but blackberry picking definitely is. In the spring, there are many opportunities to pick berries on the island like the strawberry patches at Suyematsu Farms. If you love blueberries, visit Bainbridge Island Blueberry Company.
If you’re not from the Pacific Northwest, you might be shocked by the number of blackberry bushes you’ll find here. This summer, enjoy some free family fun by seeing who can pick the most. Then use them to make pies, cobbler, or jam.
Want to learn more about Bainbridge Island? Watch our local videos and view our free digital Guide to Bainbridge.
