From parks to beaches, painted rocks to spray painted walls, Bainbridge Island has so much to offer. Not sure where to begin? Get started with these top outdoor activities and experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Get the Wiggles Out at Battle Point Park
There’s something for everyone at the 90.3 acre Battle Point Park. With largely open space, two ponds, 1.6 mile jogging/bicycling trail, two soccer fields, three softball fields, horse area, picnic shelter, two tennis courts (which convert to six pickleball courts), play areas, two basketball courts shared with a roller hockey court, a large children’s play structure, a BMX pump track, garden plots, and disc golf course, you can literally find anything you want to do in this one area. 🎈
Best Beach on the Island
All the locals love Lytle Beach, and for good reason. With no-bank, gradually sloped, sandy/gravel beach, you can thoroughly enjoy Rich Passage (one of the warmest bodies of water surrounding the island), as well as views of Mt. Rainier, sea lions on the Coast Guard buoy, and Washington State Ferries heading to and from Bremerton (with the occasional aircraft carrier or submarine heading into or out of the Bremerton Naval Base). Bring the family/friends and some food/drink…you’ll find barbecues, paddle boards, swimming, beach combing, sea life viewing on low tides, sun bathing, kite flying, dog walking (on leash), and the Annual Polar Bear Plunge (January 1st at noon). 🏖
Get Lost in the Labyrinth
Many believe labyrinths are useful for healing and meditation. In the Middle Ages, walking a cathedral labyrinth became a devotional activity used as a walking meditation to focus the mind. Whether you believe or not, you must visit the beautiful park called Halls Hill Labyrinth to become more grounded, to become more energized, and to become more connected to yourself, others and the planet. 🙏
Cuter than a Button, er Frog & Ladybug
There’s always one must-do, photo opportunity in every city. In Seattle, it’s the Gum Wall at 1428 Post Alley. In Fremont, it’s the Troll under the bridge on Troll Ave N. And on Bainbridge Island, the one Instagrammable spot is Frog Rock. Why Lady Bug Rock doesn’t get equal attention is beyond us, but we digress. 📸
Gritty Urban Art on the Water
Blakely Harbor Park is a 40-acre park is on the former site of Port Blakely Mill, one of the world’s largest sawmills in the late 1800s. While the park has been developed for passive recreational use such as picnicking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, you will also find a crumbling, graffiti-covered building exploding with spray-paint and color.
In a former life, this building housed a power generator for the lumber mill. Today, the building is a regional draw for graffiti artists regularly hop the ferry or drive onto island to make their mark, and photographers who want a diverse background for their landscape or portrait sessions. 👩🏾🎨
Pia the Troll
The Bainbridge Island Troll — named “Pia the Peacekeeper” — is an 18-foot-tall art installation awaiting discovery at Sakai Park, located at 1560 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA, 98110.
This enigmatic creature hides in the woods and invites residents to capture unforgettable selfies and immerse themselves in its whimsical world. 🧌
Kindred Spirit Mailbox
Up for a 3.35 mile easy-to-medium level hike in the woods? Then here’s your opportunity!
In the serene embrace of Upper Fort Ward Park, a new symbol of community and shared human experience has taken root: the Kindred Spirit Mailbox.
The Bainbridge Island Kindred Spirit Mailbox, inspired by the original on Bird Island, North Carolina, invites visitors to share their innermost thoughts and connect with others in a deeply personal way. 📬
