Nestled just across Elliott Bay, with stunning views of the downtown Seattle skyline that complement its charming towns and pastoral setting, Bainbridge Island has long been a quintessential Northwest destination. But if you think you know this backyard favorite like the back of your hand, it’s time for a revisit—as the tides of summer tourists recede and those coveted ferry, dining, and moorage reservations open up more readily, autumn on Bainbridge provides an island of opportunity. Featuring walkable excursions, woodland treasures, and wondrous gardens, plus the hyper-local fare found at nationally renowned eateries, this classic haunt might prove to be your new favorite fall jaunt.
Sip + Sample: A Feast for the Senses
Situated just a block from the ferry terminal in downtown Winslow, Bainbridge Brewing Alehouse provides a snug spot for craft beer enthusiasts to enjoy a pint or two. Stellar seasonal options for fall include: the Anniversary ale made annually at the brewers’ whim, and thus changes each year, as well as a fresh hops IPA, both available on tap through the end of this month. Located nearby and just one door down from the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Fletcher Bay Winery offers both a swank tasting room on the ground level to while away a fall storm, or a fun rooftop wine garden to enjoy on sunny days. Both are fit for savoring a glass of the house wine made from grapes grown in Washington’s finest vineyards. (Fun fact: Both of the aforementioned establishments have secondary locations in the Coppertop Business Park, a burgeoning district about two and a half miles away from the ferry terminal off Highway 305. There, you’ll also find the appetizing and appealing Bainbridge Distillers, Storyville Coffee Roasters, Sweet Dahlia Baking, and That’s A Some Pizza.)
When dinner time rolls around, the hottest seat in town is at Seabird. Named one of Bon Appetit magazine’s Best New Restaurants in 2023, the posh eatery is a heartfelt tribute to island-based seafood, with a menu that changes frequently but lately featured such standouts as: house-baked seaweed focaccia (trust us, it’s an umami bomb!), albacore tuna crudo, fresh mussels served atop a fragrant corn curry, and sugar kelp wrapped king salmon. The sweet little spot is often packed, so reservations are a good idea or plan to belly up to the bar for the afternoon oyster happy hours that feature many of the same menu items, plus an array of locally sourced briny bivalves. The menu is crafted under the direction of chef-owner Brendan McGill, who also runs the neighboring Hitchcock, an all-day cafe and bar that is an island standby for sandwiches, baked egg dishes, tartines, smoothies, grain bowls, and market-inspired salads.
Bruciato is your go-to spot for pizza. Crafted in the traditional Neapolitan style—type “00” flour, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, hand-stretched dough, and a very hot wood-burning oven—the perfectly charred pizzas are topped with seasonally inspired ingredients in addition to the Italian classics. (The ‘Fungi’ with foraged mushrooms, garlic, and fresh thyme is an autumn delight!)
Seafood lovers won’t want to miss Proper Fish, where traditional fish and chips are elevated to an art form, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with a view. And if you’re in the mood for something a bit more adventurous, the family-owned Ba Sa offers a creative twist on Vietnamese cuisine, all served up by very friendly and accommodating staffers. Need something sweet to top it all off? Look no further than Blackbird Bakery in downtown Winslow and do yourself a favor by ordering up a slice of whatever tart they have in the bakery case that day.
If you’re yearning for a fully immersive dining experience, Hey Day Farm is your haven. This working farm offers a unique blend of rustic charm and comfort; the weekly Community Dinners are a coveted reservation that are easier to snag come October when diners cozy up in the charming farmhouse together. Served family-style, the fare is grown, cultivated, or raised on site and sings with the flavors of the harvest season.
Explore More: Adventure for All Ages
Bainbridge Island is a playground for the adventurous at heart. Start your day with a peaceful stroll through the expansive Bloedel Reserve, where lush gardens and tranquil ponds provide a perfect escape into nature’s beauty. It’s more than worth the 15-minute drive from Winslow to take in the views of changing leaves that wash the landscape in vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. On the south shore of the island, take a moment to reflect on history by visiting the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, an outdoor exhibit dedicated to the local Japanese Americans that were interned during World War II.
Don’t forget to also visit Pia the Peacekeeper, Bainbridge’s own troll sculpture, a whimsical and quirky landmark that embodies the island’s artistic spirit. One of six trolls crafted by artist Thomas Dambo from recycled materials, she sits secreted amongst the trees in Sekai Park. For a true taste of fall, a visit to Suyematsu Farms is also in order. There you can find beautiful fresh fall wreaths, ornamental corn, corn stalks, and some truly unique and unusual heritage variety pumpkins and gourds.
Bainbridge also can lay claim as the birthplace of pickleball, so if you’re more into active pursuits, head over to the fittingly named Founders Pickleball Courts for a friendly game or two. And should you be in need of a wind-down afterwards, contact the fine folks at Fire + Floe to book a Camp Sauna experience. Here, you’ll flow between the heat of a private Finnish sauna and the cold salt waters of the Puget Sound as you reap in the benefits of contrast therapy, which include lower inflammation, improved metabolism, and more.
If you’ve been yearning for a sojourn to nearby Blake Island, but would rather not take on captaining duties, you’re in luck: Sailbainbridge offers unforgettable sailing excursions, including rides to Blake Island, where you can enjoy stunning views of the skyline (and perhaps even spot a pod of orcas if you’re lucky!). For those who prefer to stay on dry land, the Farmer’s Market runs until November and is a treasure trove of local produce and handmade goods. It’s the perfect place to pick up some fare for the galley and is located just a short walk away from the ferry terminal. Downtown Winslow, is also a shopper’s paradise, with a plethora of boutiques, but nothing suits a drizzly afternoon quite like perusing the stacks at Eagle Harbor Books.
Stay + Play: Rest Easy in Island Luxury
After a day of exploring, you’ll need a place to rest your sea legs. If you’d like to relax on your own aft deck, there is moorage available at The Harbour Marina and Winslow Wharf Marina on the Winslow side of the harbor,and at Bainbridge Island Marina located across the inlet; all require advance reservations, so give them a call before setting out. For spur-of-the-moment larks, the Waterfront Park & City Dock offers slips on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For those seeking a touch of luxury on land, the dog-friendly Pleasant Beach Village and Inn at Pleasant Beach Village offers exceedingly charming accommodations with sweeping views of the water. The village’s historic look and modern amenities make it a lovely jumping off point for enjoying the simpler joys of island life that come with the fall.
