By Adam Foley | Bainbridge Island Real Estate Broker & Lifelong Local
For a closer look at downtown Winslow, watch my complete walking tour on YouTube.
Just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island feels like a world away from the city. And at the heart of the island is Winslow, a charming, walkable downtown filled with independent shops, restaurants, art galleries, museums, and beautiful waterfront views.
One of my favorite things about Winslow is how much there is to discover within such a small area. You can arrive on foot from Seattle, spend an entire afternoon exploring, and never need a car.
I grew up on Bainbridge Island and now raise my own family here. While the island has evolved over the years, downtown Winslow has maintained much of the small-town character that makes it special.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Seattle, visiting Bainbridge Island for the first time, or considering moving here, here’s my local guide to exploring downtown Winslow.
Getting to Downtown Winslow from Seattle
One of the best things about visiting Bainbridge Island is that you don’t need a car.
The Washington State Ferry connects downtown Seattle’s Colman Dock with Bainbridge Island, arriving just a short walk from Winslow’s main shopping and dining district.
Once you leave the ferry terminal, follow the pedestrian path toward Winslow Way, the main street through downtown.
Along the way, you’ll find museums, coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, and waterfront parks. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Seattle for anyone wanting to experience a quieter side of the Pacific Northwest.
Start at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
One of the first major landmarks you’ll encounter walking into town is the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, commonly called BIMA.
This beautiful contemporary art museum features rotating exhibitions showcasing artists from Bainbridge Island and the broader Puget Sound region.
Admission is free, making it an easy addition to any visit.
Inside, you’ll also find a museum store and café. Just nearby is KiDiMu, the Kids Discovery Museum, an especially fun destination for families with younger children.
Another local favorite in this area is Calico Toy Shoppe, a wonderful independent toy store featuring games, toys, and interesting finds for all ages.
Explore the Shops Along Winslow Way
As you continue along Winslow Way, you’ll discover what I think makes downtown Bainbridge Island so appealing: independent businesses with genuine personality.
You’ll find everything from art galleries and clothing boutiques to specialty food shops, bookstores, and locally inspired gifts.
A few favorites worth exploring include:
Island Life: A fun stop for Bainbridge Island souvenirs, artwork, and locally inspired gifts.
Millstream: A lovely shop featuring Pacific Northwest-inspired art, jewelry, gifts, and decorative pieces.
Bon Bon: A longtime favorite for chocolates, homemade fudge, and sweets. It’s difficult to leave without picking up a little something.
Eagle Harbor Book Co.: One of my favorite independent bookstores, with a wonderful selection of books, local authors, and children’s literature. I’ve been visiting since I was a kid, and it still has that unmistakable bookstore charm.
You’ll also notice plenty of pickleball-themed merchandise throughout town. That’s because pickleball was invented right here on Bainbridge Island in 1965, a little piece of local history we’re understandably proud of.
Where to Eat in Downtown Winslow
For a relatively small community, Bainbridge Island has an impressive dining scene. Downtown Winslow offers everything from casual breakfasts and pastries to seafood, international cuisine, and waterfront dining.
Some of my personal favorites include:
Streamliner Diner
A longtime local breakfast institution, Streamliner Diner is the kind of classic, cozy place that feels right at home in a small town.
It’s especially popular on weekends, so don’t be surprised to find a wait.
Blackbird Bakery
One of downtown’s most beloved bakeries, Blackbird is a wonderful stop for coffee, pastries, and something sweet while exploring Winslow Way.
Café Hitchcock
A downtown favorite known for its creative approach to food and its inviting atmosphere.
Emmy’s Vege House
A longstanding local favorite serving vegan Vietnamese dishes. It’s a particularly good option if you’re looking for something casual and plant-based.
Proper Fish
If you’re craving fish and chips, Proper Fish is one of the places to know. It’s become a favorite among residents and visitors alike.
Coquette Bake Shop
Near Winslow Green, Coquette offers French-inspired pastries and treats. Pick something up and enjoy it outside on a nice day.
Of course, this is only a sampling of Winslow’s restaurants. Part of the fun is discovering a place you haven’t tried before.
Discover Winslow’s Hidden Corners
One of the things I’ve always appreciated about Winslow is that not everything worth seeing is directly on Winslow Way.
Take a little detour up Ericksen Avenue to explore an antique shop filled with treasures and interesting finds. Nearby, the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum offers a fascinating look at the island’s history, including its early communities and maritime heritage.
Another great stop is Winslow Green, a lovely open area surrounded by shops and cafés. It’s the perfect place to relax with coffee, enjoy a pastry, or simply take in the atmosphere.
Just nearby is Winslow’s Town & Country Market.
Founded on Bainbridge Island, this family-owned grocery business has become an important part of the community. The downtown market remains a gathering place for residents, and it’s a convenient stop for snacks, lunch, or picnic supplies.
These are the little places that make downtown feel like a neighborhood rather than simply a shopping district.
Walk Down to the Winslow Wharf & Marina
For some of the most beautiful views in downtown Bainbridge Island, turn toward the waterfront and make your way down Madison Avenue.
This area is home to Winslow Wharf and the marina, where you’ll find sailboats, waterfront restaurants, and some wonderful places to enjoy Eagle Harbor.
A couple of local landmarks are especially worth visiting.
Doc’s Marina Grill offers waterfront dining and beautiful views across the harbor. On a sunny day, the outdoor seating is hard to beat.
Pegasus Coffee House is a true Bainbridge Island institution. With its ivy-covered exterior and welcoming atmosphere, it’s one of those places that feels unmistakably local.
I particularly love this part of Winslow because it captures the relationship between our little downtown and the water surrounding the island.
Relax at Waterfront Park
Before heading back to the ferry, make your way to Waterfront Park along Eagle Harbor.
This is one of my favorite peaceful places near downtown.
Depending on the day, you might spot harbor seals, great blue herons, bald eagles, and boats coming and going.
It’s also a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the view after exploring the shops and restaurants.
Here’s a local tip: If you arrived as a walk-on passenger from Seattle, you can follow the waterfront trail back toward the ferry terminal rather than retracing your entire route through downtown.
It’s a lovely way to finish a visit.
What Is It Like Living Near Downtown Winslow?
For people considering moving to Bainbridge Island, Winslow offers a lifestyle that’s quite different from some of the island’s more rural neighborhoods.
Much of Bainbridge Island is characterized by wooded properties, winding roads, and homes tucked away among the trees. Winslow, however, offers something a little more connected.
Depending on the neighborhood, residents may be able to walk or bike to coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, community amenities, and the Seattle ferry.
That convenience is especially appealing to people who commute to Seattle or simply prefer a neighborhood where they can leave the car at home.
You’ll find a variety of housing options around downtown, including condominiums, townhomes, established residential neighborhoods, and newer developments.
If walkability and neighborhood connection are priorities, Winslow is definitely an area worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downtown Winslow
Can you walk to downtown Winslow from the Bainbridge Island ferry?
Yes. The ferry terminal is within walking distance of downtown Winslow, including Winslow Way, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, restaurants, shops, and waterfront attractions. You don’t need a car to explore the downtown area.
Is Bainbridge Island worth visiting without a car?
Absolutely. Downtown Winslow is particularly well suited for a car-free day trip from Seattle. You can visit museums, enjoy restaurants and cafés, browse local shops, and explore the waterfront entirely on foot.
What are the best things to do in downtown Bainbridge Island?
Some of the most popular activities include visiting the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, shopping along Winslow Way, browsing Eagle Harbor Book Co., eating at local restaurants, and walking through Waterfront Park and the marina area.
Is downtown Winslow a good place to live?
Winslow can be an excellent choice for buyers who value walkability, convenient ferry access, nearby amenities, and a more connected neighborhood atmosphere. Housing styles and walkability vary by location, so exploring the surrounding neighborhoods is worthwhile.
How far is downtown Winslow from Seattle?
The Seattle–Bainbridge Island ferry crossing typically takes approximately 35 minutes. From the Bainbridge ferry terminal, downtown Winslow is a short walk away.
Discover Life on Bainbridge Island
What makes Winslow special isn’t simply the collection of restaurants, shops, or waterfront views. It’s the way those places bring people together.
You bump into familiar faces at the grocery store, run into neighbors while getting coffee, and gradually become part of the rhythm of a small island community.
Having grown up here and now raising my own family on Bainbridge Island, I’ve seen how much this place means to the people who call it home.
If you’re considering moving to Bainbridge Island or exploring homes in Winslow and the surrounding neighborhoods, I’d be happy to share more about the community and help you find the right fit.
Adam Foley
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
Bainbridge Island Real Estate Broker
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