With the start of the fresh New Year and a long Valentine’s Day weekend on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to start planning a getaway with your sweetheart. Thankfully, there are so many romantic things to do on Bainbridge Island for a restful retreat in the heart of Puget Sound. Whether you’re coming from out of state to explore the Northwest or you just need a quick getaway from Seattle, the island is the perfect peaceful place to reconnect and refresh.
For starters, there are not many destinations that begin with a beautiful ferry ride. The 35-minute ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge is one of the best ways to soak up the absolute pristine beauty of the Northwest: emerald glassy green waters, snowcapped mountains off in the distance at every angle, and lush forests and rocky shorelines, welcoming visitors. You can start your trip on the top deck with a selfie and the Seattle skyline behind you.
Whether you’re traveling by bike or car, when you stay in downtown Winslow you’ll have little need for transportation other than your own two feet. As a guest at our Bainbridge Island Hotel, we offer free, on-site parking, and many of our guests have little need for their car during their stay, as we’re within walking distance to most of the romantic things to do on Bainbridge Island. If you do decide to head out to the other areas on the island, nothing is more than a ten-minute drive, on average. Start planning and book your room today!
Romantic Things to do on Bainbridge Island for Couples
After you’ve decided where to go and stay on your next getaway in the Northwest, the fun part can begin: planning your itinerary! And there are so many romantic things to do on Bainbridge Island. Whether you enjoy hiking together and beachcombing or exploring local museums or boutique shops, there’s something for every couple in our cozy island town.
Here are the most romantic things to do on Bainbridge Island on your next visit:
- Stroll the Waterfront Trail along Eagle Harbor: Just steps from our Inn, you’ll find a lovely trail system that traverses the edge of Eagle Harbor. The marina is picturesque with sailboats and the calm waters. Continue along to the Waterfront Park, an ideal space for a picnic and a community gathering place in the warmer months for events and live music.
- A Morning Coffee & Treat at Pegasus: Our favorite local coffee shop is just a block from the Inn. The old, ivy-covered brick building evokes rom-com scenes where the young characters bump into each other. One of the most romantic things to do on Bainbridge Island is order a latte and a sweet treat and find a cozy spot on the outdoor patio.
- Head out to Bloedel Reserve: Always one of the most popular attractions on Bainbridge, this nature preserve and garden offers pretty walking trails, a traditional Japanese tea house, and a historic manor house open for tours.
- Hike in the Grand Forest: For a more rustic hike, the Grand Forest spans the central part of the island and offers locals and visitors alike miles and miles of trails through classic Northwest old-growth forests.
- A Romantic Lunch at Ba Sa on Bainbridge: There are plenty of great lunch spots on Bainbridge, but one of our favorites for a date is the modern Vietnamese spot, Ba Sa on the corner of Winslow Way and Madison. They have flavorful Bahn Mi, curry dishes, and noodle soups.
- Explore Winslow Way Shopping: After lunch, head down the main downtown drag and check out the local Eagle Harbor Books, boutique shops with women’s apparel and housewares, and so much more. During the warmer months, don’t miss the farmers market on Saturday mornings.
- Wine Tasting in Downtown Winslow: There are three fantastic places for wine tasting within less than a mile of one another in downtown Winslow. If you want to do the winery crawl, start at Eleven Winery, head to the Eagle Harbor Wine‘s tasting room, and wrap up at Fletcher Bay Winery.
- Head to the Bainbridge Island Art Museum: Now that you’ve enjoyed some local Washington wines, the Bainbridge Island Art Museum is the perfect next stop. This modern museum is free for all, and showcases talented artists from all over the globe.
- A Romantic Dinner at Agate Restaurant: Next door to the museum, you’ll find a local restaurant that was recently voted the most romantic on the island by the Best of Bainbridge. Make a reservation for a cozy table for two and enjoy Northwest cuisine with seasonal and local ingredients.
- Dinner & a Movie at Lynwood Center: About ten minutes from our Hotel on the south end, you’ll find a popular mid-island retail and restaurant space called Lynwood Center, ideal for date night. There’s wine tasting and a local independent movie theater showing indie films and more. Dinner and a movie is always one of the most romantic things to do on Bainbridge Island!
One of the Best Bainbridge Island Hotels for Romance
When you’re booking your next couple’s getaway, one of the most romantic things to do on Bainbridge Island will be staying at our boutique hotel! Our charming Inn has been hosting out-of-towners for more than 20 years, and we’re the only hotel within walking distance of the Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry terminal. You’ll be minutes away from the best restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions on the island.
Our romantic Bainbridge Island hotel offers a boutique lodging experience with five elegant guest rooms and two spacious townhouses, each designed to provide a cozy and luxurious retreat. The guest rooms are uniquely appointed with stylish decor, private baths, and thoughtful amenities, making them perfect for couples or solo travelers. For larger groups or extended stays, the townhouses provide the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, featuring full kitchens, living spaces, and multiple bedrooms.
We offer a few special amenities to make your trip even more comfortable. We have day passes for our guests to the local Island Fitness gym, offering state-of-the-art equipment and group classes. Each morning, you’ll find freshly brewed coffee from our neighborhood coffee shop, Pegasus Coffee, and in February, you’ll be delighted by a sweet treat from our local candy shop, Bon Bon. We can’t wait to host you, start filling your itineray with all of the best things to do on Bainbridge Island, and book your lodging today!
