With summertime rapidly approaching, we are all beginning to plan our summer adventures. This year, I’m excited to explore the best islands near Seattle WA to visit and both of which are a short ferry ride away- Bainbridge Island and Whidbey Island. One of the most beautiful and underrated places to visit, Bainbridge Island is a small city in western Washington state. Whether you’re arriving via ferry from Seattle for a day trip, or driving over for a longer stay, Bainbridge Island is west of Seattle across Elliott Bay and the Puget Sound and is one of the best islands to visit near Seattle. Known for its gorgeous natural beauty, historical and cultural heritage, and stunning views, this is one place you need to add to your bucket list.

Whidbey Island is in Puget Sound, north of Seattle, WA. The island’s rugged terrain spans beaches, hills and farmland with it’s northernmost tip boasting Deception Pass State Park. The park offers clifftop views, miles of forest trails to hike and freshwater lakes to enjoy. The coastal towns of Oak Harbor, Coupeville and Langley have boutiques, cafes and galleries to stroll and several wineries to visit. Whidbey Island can either be reached by driving north from Bainbridge Island and taking the 30 minute ferry ride from Pt. Townsend or by heading north of Seattle to the Mukilteo ferry terminal, where it’s just a short 20-minute ferry ride.

The Best Islands Near Seattle WA to Visit

TRAVEL GUIDE TO BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WASHINGTON

SEE

When you first arrive, whether by ferry or car, you’ll want to head to downtown’s Winslow Way which is known for its cozy, cute little shops, art galleries and restaurants. One of the top attractions on the island is the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is on downtown Winslow Way. The museum, housed in an eco-friendly building, showcases rotating exhibitions by contemporary local artists in the Kitsap, Puget Sound and Olympic peninsula region. And the best thing – admission is free!

If you enjoy getting out in nature, the Eagle Harbor Waterfront Trail has both a 2-mile western loop, which winds through parks, marinas, and a few historical sites and a eastern loop which is 1.5 miles and leads to Hawley Cove beach where you can rent kayaks if you choose. Both trails are walkable within an hour and require no special training.

If you brought your car, head to the northern end of the island and make sure to visit the Bloedel Reserve – a 150 acres wildlife sanctuary and anterior estate with a Japanese Garden, a rhododendron glen and a wide garden with native plants and famous Northwest evergreens is another must-see while visiting Bainbridge Island. It’s simply gorgeous.

SIP

Of course, my favorite “sip” on the whole island was our visit to Pegasus Coffee, a short walk from the ferry landing on Bainbridge Island. The historic coffee shop is a popular stopping from point among visitors and locals alike and is most famously known for it’s location in an ivy-covered building. With a focus on high quality coffee, no trip to Bainbridge would be complete without a stop at Pegasus Coffee.

Though Bainbridge Island also has seven wineries, all offer tastings which makes it the perfect way to spend an afternoon, especially since three of these wineries have tasting rooms within walking distance of the ferry. Eleven Winery is a small winery dedicated to producing great wine from grapes sourced from some of the best regions in Washington. By far our favorite wine stop during our time on Bainbridge, Eleven Winery is a must-visit if you’re a wine lover. In addition, Fletcher Bay Winery offers white, red, fruit and dessert wines – something for everyone.  Eagle Harbor Wine Co. specializes in the red variety, with an intimate tasting room where you can enjoy a flight of 5 wines. Rolling Bay Winery is the logical next stop, with their Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Are you a wine lover, with a little spirit? Then make sure to plan a stop at Highside Distilling, a small family owned and operated craft distillery in the heart of the Bainbridge Island, making Single Malt Whiskey, Gin, and Amaro. This small, but mighty distillery’s mission is to provide a delicious and unique PNW experience by combining the time-honored craft of fermentation, distillation, and aging of spirits, with the local flavors found in the region. Our visit to Highside Distilling was one of the highlights of our trip, we first opted for the tasting of all their spirits and then enjoyed a few craft cocktails. I loved learning what made each spirit unique from the process to the ingredients, and I promise you will too.

STAY

Inn at Pleasant Beach is well-known to its guests for the most comfortable night’s sleep ever, featuring beautiful furnished suites with cozy sitting areas over-looking the water. It’s about 3 miles from the ferry landing, in a small waterfront shopping district and I promise you will absolutely love your stay here. With only 12 rooms, make sure to reserve your room way ahead of time!

The Eagle Harbor Inn is set in Winslow’s marina district, and is a polished property roughly a 14-minute walk from the ferry terminal and a short jaunt to the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum. Featuring only five rooms, this boutique inn sells out fast!

Marshall Suites is a casual, all-suite, no frills hotel. Offering complementary grab-and-go breakfast and beverages, this is a comfortable place to stay and is approximately 1.5 miles from the ferry landing.

EAT

There  are so many good restaurants on Bainbridge Island, seriously all of them are worth trying, and I can’t recommend any one place to eat…they are ALL good. However, I will help narrow it down for you! See below for my top recommendations.

BA|SA The sister restaurant to Pho T&N located in Poulsbo, Washington, this modern spot features a menu that showcases traditional Vietnamese dishes inspired by French techniques and the abundance of products found in the Pacific Northwest. Make sure you try the buns!

Joe’s Restaurant With casual views of the nearby water, this delicious spot offers up a simple menu of Italian-inspired dishes including fresh salads, house-made pastas, and artisan pizzas! Do not leave without trying at least two different options of their house-made pastas. YUM!

Mora Ice Cream If you still have room for dessert, make sure to pay a visit to this quaint little shop, it will easily be some of the best ice cream you’ve ever had in your life!

Bruciato We are so glad a local-Bainbridge resident recommended this spot that serves Neapolitan-style pizza, salads and rustic Italian fare! It was by far one of our favorite (and fun!) dining experiences…because where else outside of Italy do you cut your pizza with scissors?

 

TRAVEL GUIDE TO WHIDBEY ISLAND, WASHINGTON

SEE

Deception Pass State Park is a strait separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island, in the northwest part of Washington. It connects Skagit Bay, part of Puget Sound, with the Strait of Juan de Fuca and features a pair of bridges known collectively as Deception Pass Bridge cross Deception Pass.

Fort Casey State Park offers guests an enjoyable route along bluff and beach, with panoramic views of Puget Sound, the Cascades and Olympic peaks. With approximately 467-acres this camping park has a lighthouse and sweeping views of Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Fort Ebey State Park is a 645-acre camping park on Whidbey Island, which was originally built as a coastal defense fort in World War II and is now a popular spot for hang gliding, biking, and hiking.

STAY

Inn at Langley  For our trip to Whidbey Island, we decided to stay at the gorgeous Inn at Langley which is built into a bluff overlooking the Saratoga Passage and each guestroom offers a stunning view of the water from a private balcony. There is so much to love about this special place including the easy walk to the town of Langley, the views, and the delicious gourmet breakfast which is delivered to your room each morning and includes fresh squeezed orange juice, coffee and homemade pastries. Our stay also included snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi and luxury bath amenities. No children under 12 are allowed at the Inn, which was perfect for us as we do not have children but they did offer options for canine children, which was lovely.  We thoroughly loved our time at the Inn at Langley and cannot wait to return!

Saratoga Inn The Saratoga Inn is another wonderful place to stay in Langley on Whidbey Island. Overlooking Saratoga Passage with views to the Cascades, the inn provides the perfect escape. Hot breakfast, afternoon wine and cheese, and parking are complimentary while the homey rooms have flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and free WiFi, plus fireplaces and sitting areas. Some rooms also feature decks and/or water views.

Boatyard Inn The Boatyard Inn is uniquely suited for longer stays as the rooms are self-contained with private outdoor spaces, separated outside entries, equipped kitchens, comfortable living areas, free parking and safe walking paths to Langley.Decorated with modern furnishings and rustic-chic wood details, this Inn is a the perfect location to begin adventuring the island of Whidbey.

Captain Whidbey  Overlooking the ocean at Penn Cove, the Captain Whidbey inn was built in 1907 and features original timbered walls and ceilings. Since the beginning the Inn has been a locus of natural beauty, community gathering and quiet, exalted delight. A place where locals and visitors do things together — even if those things are simply eating, drinking, appreciating nature, looking out across the water, feeling alive, feeling grateful. With rooms reverent of the island’s many past lives, whether in the Historic Lodge, the idiosyncratic Cabins or the Lagoon Rooms, you’ll find intimate accommodations that are not just a respite, but an infinite opportunity for new and evocative human experience and meaningful communion.

SIP

Dancing Fish Vineyards  Located in a picturesque valley, Dancing Fish Vineyards captures the spirit of the island, the name inspired by salmon dancing across Whidbey Island inlets and bays. With delicious wines ranging from rosè to Cabernet, there is something for everyone at this delightful winery.

Spoiled Dog Winery  This family owned Vineyard, Winery and Tasting Room is located in Langley and the relationship between food and wine is evident during a wine tasting. Wine tastings include an offering of Pinot Noir with chocolate and a nibble of crackers with a savory cheese made using their wine. Offering everything from Sauv Blanc, Pinot Gris to Malbec and Pinot Noir, you’ll thoroughly enjoy your tasting experience.

Village Wine Shop and Tasting Room  Located in the town of Langley, Village Wine Shop and Tasting Room is an intimate place where you can gather with friends and discover the best offerings from around the Pacific Northwest, with special attention in selecting and selling small-production, handcrafted wines. Make sure you stop in for a unique menu of tastings that have been thoughtfully selected and sequenced. We loved our visit!

Ott & Hunter Wines  Located on the waterfront downtown Langley, this tasting room was a simple walk from our stay at the Inn at Langley. We headed over one lazy afternoon after gallery hopping to enjoy a glass of wine. Open daily for tastings, glass pours, and bottle sales, the tasting room boasts stunning views of the Saratoga Passage in a lively environment.

EAT

Before we took the ferry to Whidbey Island we enjoyed dinner with some long time friends of ours, one of which was born and raised on Whidbey Island. We quickly took notes on what some of the best restaurants were that we should not miss. Below is the list we were given, and a handful of the restaurants that we were able to visit. I’ll just say this – Whidbey Island is a foodie’s haven. You will not leave hungry, or disappointed. Enjoy!

Oystercatcher  If I could eat at one place, every day, for the rest of my life… The Oystercatcher would be it. Located in downtown Coupeville, The Oystercatcher serves innovative local farm-fresh and ocean-fresh food in a charming intimate space. They also own their own bakery, make their own bread, churn their own butter..you get the picture. Everything from beginning to finish is thoughtfully crafted and delicious.

Orchard Kitchen  Located on the southern end of the island, just outside Langley, the farm boasts apple, quince, cherry and pear trees. The Orchard Kitchen offers genuine farm-to-table experiences for its guests, and has quickly become one of the island’s most acclaimed restaurants. Offering three to seven-course menus depending on the night you select to visit, the menu is always based around what is freshest and ripest on that particular day. They are a self-proclaimed “omnivore’s paradise” and it’s definitely worth your visit!

Saltwater Fish House  This no-frills casual, rustic-cozy bistro offers guests Pacific Northwest seafood and fresh raw oysters, and is easily some of the best food on the island. Get there early as the restaurant does not take reservations and fills up quickly, but will definitely be worth your wait! Make sure to try the mussels, scallops and clams! YUM!

 

I hope you enjoyed this Travel Guide to the Best Islands Near Seattle WA to Visit!

XO,
M

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