Apartments and Airbnb in Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island pairs artistic sensibilities with the rugged beauty of the Puget Sound. Travelers can kayak along quiet coves, browse local galleries, or sip wine at boutique tasting rooms. Evergreen trails and sweeping bay views enhance the island’s sense of calm and discovery. Each neighborhood offers its own flavor, encouraging exploration and reflection in Bainbridge Island.

Top areas to stay at in Bainbridge Island

Winslow

Winslow serves as the island’s main hub, filled with shops, restaurants, and access to the Seattle ferry terminal. Airbnbs in Bainbridge Island’s Winslow neighborhood are ideal for those who want walkability and urban convenience within a peaceful island setting. Visitors can stroll along Winslow Way, visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and dine at local bistros. The central location makes it easy to explore the rest of the island by car, bike, or foot.

Lynwood Center

Lynwood Center offers a charming village feel with a historic movie theater, a handful of eateries, and scenic shoreline access. Guests staying in vacation rentals in Bainbridge Island’s Lynwood Center area can enjoy quiet beach walks and a strong sense of community. The area appeals to travelers seeking both serenity and local flavor. Unique boutiques and wine bars add a sophisticated flair to this cozy pocket.

Rolling Bay

Located on the island’s east side, Rolling Bay is a relaxed and residential area ideal for those craving a local experience. Rentals in Bainbridge Island’s Rolling Bay neighborhood offer privacy and access to neighborhood markets and gardens. Visitors can explore Fay Bainbridge Park nearby, which features beaches and dramatic views of Puget Sound. This part of the island feels untouched and deeply rooted in island life.

Fort Ward

Formerly a military outpost, Fort Ward is now a quiet, forested area with waterfront trails and historic remains. Vacation rentals in Bainbridge Island’s Fort Ward community often come with views of Rich Passage and forested surroundings. Guests can hike the park trails or paddle along the shoreline in a peaceful, protected inlet. The area's natural beauty and low-key vibe make it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.

Manzanita Bay

Manzanita Bay is known for its upscale homes, tranquil waters, and west-facing views perfect for sunset watching. Airbnbs in Bainbridge Island’s Manzanita Bay area are often luxurious and feature private docks or water access. Visitors enjoy boating, kayaking, and relaxing amid scenic elegance. This neighborhood caters to travelers looking for high-end comfort and pristine landscapes.

What to do if you spend a vacation in Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

This free-admission museum focuses on contemporary works by artists from the Puget Sound region. The sleek, modern building near the ferry terminal hosts rotating exhibits, lectures, and events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy inspiring visual arts while learning about the local creative community. The museum is an ideal stop to start or end a visit to Bainbridge Island.

Bloedel Reserve

A world-renowned public garden, Bloedel Reserve spans over 150 acres of carefully curated landscapes and native forests. Guests can explore trails that lead through Japanese gardens, meadows, and a reflective house overlooking a pond. The experience is meditative and deeply tied to the Northwest’s natural elegance. Each season offers new textures and tones to appreciate in Bainbridge Island.

Fay Bainbridge Park

Fay Bainbridge Park features beachfront access, tidepools, and incredible views of Mount Rainier across Puget Sound. Visitors can camp, picnic, or simply relax on the rocky beach while watching for passing ships and bald eagles. The park provides a mix of rugged nature and family-friendly facilities. It remains one of the most scenic open spaces in Bainbridge Island.

Battle Point Park

Spanning over 90 acres, Battle Point Park includes open fields, tennis courts, a pond, and a planetarium. Families can enjoy the large playground and network of trails ideal for biking or walking. The park hosts seasonal events and recreational programs that connect visitors with the local community. Outdoor fun and open skies define the experience in Bainbridge Island.

Eleven Winery

This boutique winery offers tastings, events, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for wine lovers. The venue supports local artists and musicians while serving handcrafted red and white varietals. Guests can sip and socialize indoors or on the sunny patio surrounded by nature. Eleven Winery reflects the island’s love of good taste and community spirit.

IslandWood

IslandWood is a unique environmental learning center offering nature trails, treehouse-style structures, and eco-focused programming. Though typically used for educational retreats, certain events and days welcome the public to explore its trails. The forested setting offers opportunities to reflect and reconnect with nature. Visitors find quiet adventure and inspiration in this hidden corner of Bainbridge Island.

Waterfront Park and City Dock

This centrally located park provides a calm place to view the harbor, enjoy a picnic, or access the marina. Public art installations and seasonal events make it a gathering spot for locals and guests alike. The adjacent city dock welcomes boaters and adds a nautical feel to the landscape. The park offers a relaxed entrance to downtown Bainbridge Island.

Earth & Vine Wine Bar and Art Gallery

This hybrid venue combines fine wines with rotating exhibitions of regional art. Guests can enjoy curated wine flights while browsing original works in a cozy atmosphere. The gallery invites casual conversation and cultural exploration. This venue adds a creative and intimate layer to evenings in Bainbridge Island.

Where to find a vacation rental near Bainbridge Island

Seattle, Washington

Just a 35-minute ferry ride east, Seattle is a vibrant city of iconic sights, global cuisine, and dynamic neighborhoods. Staying in a vacation rental in Seattle allows quick access to the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and cultural gems like the Chihuly Garden and Glass. It brings urban energy and architectural drama to contrast Bainbridge Island’s serene beauty.

Port Townsend, Washington

About an hour and a half northwest, Port Townsend offers cobblestone streets, Victorian charm, and maritime history. Booking a house in Port Townsend places visitors near waterfront cafés, art galleries, and the historic Rose Theatre. With its artistic soul and sea breezes, the town echoes Bainbridge’s values while adding historic depth.

Olympia, Washington

Roughly 90 minutes south, Olympia blends political heritage with creative culture in a compact, walkable capital. Choosing an apartment in Olympia means proximity to the farmer’s market, the capitol grounds, and indie bookstores. It’s a thoughtful, artful extension to a Bainbridge itinerary, rooted in civic pride and coastal character.

Bellingham, Washington

Around three hours north, Bellingham combines bay views, college-town culture, and forested trails. With a vacation rental in Bellingham, travelers enjoy sunset walks along Boulevard Park or kayaking near Lummi Island. Bellingham offers a bolder, more outdoorsy expression of the same Pacific Northwest ethos found on Bainbridge.

Gig Harbor, Washington

Just an hour southwest, Gig Harbor is a scenic marina town with a historic waterfront and laid-back luxury. Staying in a house in Gig Harbor provides a base near maritime museums, seafood restaurants, and tranquil boat docks. Its nautical charm and relaxed tempo form a seamless twin to Bainbridge Island’s island lifestyle.