How to Spend a Rainy Day on Bainbridge Island

The rain is touch and go while we slowly migrate into Fall. It’s going to get really hard to be outside soon, especially in the PNW. Let’s be real here, I’m not one to be cooped up inside. Never the less on my day off. So I packed a day-bag and hopped a ferry for a solo day trip to one of our islands. I thought it would be nice to share How to Spend a Rainy Day on Bainbridge Island, because I had to do some research myself. All-in-all, it was completely worth it. I had a fantastic time and I hope you will too!

View of Smith Tower from the Seattle Ferry // On the Trip Side Blog

There’s a lot of indoor activities in do in Bainbridge, when the world isn’t going through a pandemic. It’s minimal right now but I’ve got a little list of things to do below. First, let’s talk about how to get there!

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How to get to Bainbridge Island

If you’re coming from Seattle, hopping a ferry is the most logical way to get to Bainbridge. The other option, and I only recommend this if you miss the ferry home, is to drive all the way around the islands to Tacoma and back to Seattle.

The ferry is a 45 minute ride both ways. The drive back is roughly 2 hours to go around the islands.

For those who have never ridden a ferry, you can check the times on wsdot. You can either hop on as a walk on passenger or drive on with a car. Regardless of which option you decide, it’s best to get there 20 minutes before the ferry takes off. The gate closes 3 minutes before it’s scheduled to take off.

I drove on and, fair warning, you do need to pay both ways but, for a day trip, I thought it was worth it. Simply follow the other cars onto the ferry. Park, put on your e-brake, and then shut it off. You’re free to walk around the vessel but it’s advised to stay-in due to covid. It’s fairly easy to avoid others though and it’s definitely worth getting out for a quick picture of the city. There’s not a prettier sight, if you ask me!

How to Spend a Rainy Day on Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island Day Trip Wings // Allison of On the Trip Side Blog

Get Cultured with Contemporary Local Art

Honestly, I would recommend the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art even if it wasn’t raining. To start, this museum is free to the general public. How amazing is that?! They ask that you donate what you can, if you can. If not, no sweat, walk on in.

Right now, the museum has a capacity per exhibit room. If you go on a weekday, like I did, it was practically empty. I was one of, maybe, 15 people. Including the staff.

Speaking of, the staff is super attentive and knowledgeable, and not just about the art, about the island too. I felt like I got a mini tour of the museum before I stepped foot into the exhibit. They were kind enough to recommend a coffee stand downtown on my way out.

I really loved Anna Teiche‘s exhibit: Fragments. The pieces were so beautifully done and she has such a unique style of painting bright textile patterns.

Eleven Winery // How to Spend a Rainy Day on Bainbridge Island // On the Trip Side

Drop in for some Wine Tasting

Extra precautions and very limited space is available but all of the wine tasting rooms are open in downtown Bainbridge. That include most, if not all, of the wineries. If you’re traveling solo on this adventure, I recommend the tasting rooms below. They each have a lovely bar, and this way you can chat with an expert for a true one on one experience.

Honestly, these rooms are fantastic if you’re also traveling with a buddy but I would limit it to 3 people max just because most of the rooms are smaller. I did noticed that the wineries/vineyards have outdoor seating and many of them with covered areas. Depending on the day, and if you brought a warm coat, I’d recommend these local Washington State wineries!

Road to Nowhere // On the Trip Side Blog

Take a Drive around the Island

I absolutely love road trips. Plus, if you’re traveling solo, sometimes a nice drive through the windy island roads is just what you need! I always have a a podcast or an audible to keep me company on a day trip. I also bring a book, in case I want to find a view and park for a bit.

On this day trip, I found a beautiful windy road that led up to the Bainbridge country club. It had the most beautiful views of the city. With the leaves falling all around me, it was a lovely Autumn day.

If you’re worried about getting lost, it’s really hard to get lost on an island. However, the one thing I’ve noticed about Bainbridge is how kind everyone is. I drove through neighborhoods on accident and every single person I saw waved at me. It was SO refreshing.

How to Spend a Rainy Day on Bainbridge Island // On the Trip Side Blog

Shop for Local Goodies

Supporting local shops are super important right now. Many of the downtown Bainbridge shops are still open (again with a limited capacity and hand sanitizer at every entrance). Everyone was wearing a mask and most shops were selling them at the cash rep in case you forgot yours. I almost bought a mask that said “vote” in big letters across it. Love it!

A reminder that it’s never too early to start shopping for the Holiday season. This year, I’m trying to buy all local items gifts to support our city.

Here are some amazing local goodies to shop for in downtown Bainbridge:

Bainbridge Island Millstream for Ceramics
Salt House Mercantile for high quality Pantry Goods
Bainbridge Apothecary & Tea Shop for eco-friendly Loose Leaf Tea
Eagle Harbor Book co. for all your book needs

I hope you enjoyed this little day trip of mine! I’d love to hear your other Bainbridge rainy day suggestions, in the comment box below!

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Thanks for reading!

For other adventures check out:

5 Pumpkin Patches Near Seattle – for another day trip adventure!
Fall Trip Ideas – when you need help planning your next escape.
Why Overnight Camping Shouldn’t be Cancelled – if you need a pros and cons lists to sleeping outdoors during the pandemic.