Bainbridge Island Is a Walkable Town in Washington Known for Its Gorgeous Parks and Gardens

For many, Washington's beauty is rooted in its grandiose mountains and misty green forests. But there's so much more to love beyond these well-known sights! You can easily travel from border to border in Washington and never feel the doldrums of repetitive sights, but we often forget there's a whole other world just off the coast: Washington's islands. Around 700 of them, actually!

Bainbridge Island may only be a 30-minute ferry ride across the Puget Sound from Seattle, but this island town and its neighborhood communities boast an incredible ecosystem unique from any other island in the state. Here, forests and wetlands blend seamlessly to create a beautiful, harmonious sanctuary for wildlife and native plants.

The town itself is lush, artistic, and undeniably charming, with smaller neighborhood communities each showcasing their own personality. Just a quick stroll through Winslow will take you to galleries, street art exhibits, and museums galore, while Fletcher Bay and North Bainbridge show off some seriously stunning farms and wineries. But whatever corner of Bainbridge Island you explore, the natural beauty even in the heart of town is on a whole other level, and wonderfully infused into every corner of the city and into every aspect of daily life.

Whether you're a gardening aficionado or sporting a set of black thumbs, you can't help but be taken aback by the sheer beauty of a lush botanical garden. Especially here in Washington, where everything is a little extra magical! But true to its vibrant cultural arts scene, Bainbridge Island is THE place to go for a quiet garden outing. The town is home to numerous parks and natural areas that are not only stunning but are worth visiting in every season.

Bloedel Reserve is one of the most treasured places to visit in Bainbridge and has been named as one of the top gardens in the U.S. for decades. Approximately 150 acres of beautifully manicured and lovingly tended gardens, trails, and ponds meander through the reserve, ranging from the quiet and reflective Japanese Garden to the dreamy Rhododendron Den to the Pollinator Meadow. Every corner feels straight out of a dream!

Sakai Park, which sits in the rolling hills in the center of the island, is a whimsical spot for all ages to visit. It's full of wide open spaces, picnic areas, and playgrounds ... plus a few surprises as well.

Intermingled with Bainbridge's many parks and gardens, you'll find some contemplative areas as well, including the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. This historical landmark remembers and pays tribute to the thousands of Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their homes and interred in camps off the island during WWII. There's a self-guided walking tour here that is both beautiful and touching.

The 240-acre Grand Forest is an absolute dream for those who prefer to put a little mileage under their boots as they enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Over seven miles of year-round trails crisscross under the forest's towering canopy and through multiple sections of the forest, including a few pretty creek crossings as well.

And you can't forget Gazzam Lake! This 13-acre nature reserve doesn't boast as many trails as Grand Forest, but the backbone of this gorgeous area is Gazzam Lake itself, which offers pretty wetland views and stunning sunsets.

And yet, there are still plenty more areas to explore in town and around the island! If you have kiddos in tow, Battle Point Park is a fun spot for a weekend picnic, or head to IslandWood for a more immersive experience. Manitou Beach Park, Lynwood Center Park, and numerous others all offer a little something different, plus gorgeous waterfront views everywhere you turn.

Washington solves the age-old question of mountains or ocean. The answer is both. Plus, desert canyons, towering cascades, coastal islands, and everything in between! From its urban jungles to its quiet, small towns, every corner of the Evergreen State has personality in spades, and Bainbridge Island just happens to have a little extra beauty to go along with it!