A Day Trip to Bainbridge Island Without a Car

One of the first places you’ll see when you leave the ferry terminal grounds is a former service station with an inviting patio. That’s Hi Life, a poke restaurant that charmingly calls itself a “chopsticks stand.” Not to be mistaken for the defunct, similarly named Ballard brunch institution, and definitely not to be mistaken for the cafeteria-line fast-food versions of poke often perpetrated in Seattle, Hi Life crafts a more nuanced poke and is every bit as comfortably casual. A bite of their supple fish (say, ahi tuna or salmon) is basically transcendent. “Oh,” you might find yourself musing, “this is why people love poke.” 

It might be a little early in the day for a Toki Highball (or maybe it’s not!), but a refreshingly tart housemade yuzu soda or ginger ale could be just the ticket. Even if you intend to do more fancy snacking on Winslow Way later, Hi Life is the place to get started.

If you’re anything like us, the mini-exhibit of jazz album covers on BIMA’s first floor caused some record envy, so let’s stroll west into town on Winslow Way to Backstreet Beat, who provided those very records to BIMA. Their efficient selection of used (and a handful of new) vinyl always seems to contain a charming discovery. There are also plenty of used books to browse here, too, including first editions, hardcover fiction, and sometimes a display of oddities like antique postcards.

Afterward, continue your literary bent at Eagle Harbor Book Co., where you can browse an expansive selection of new/used fiction and nonfiction, plus find author events, book groups, periodicals, staff recommendations—the whole nine yards. Eagle Harbor’s been around for 50 years and is everything you want from a classic independent bookseller, right down to the shelves highlighting local authors and subjects. 

It might be a little early in the day for a Toki Highball (or maybe it’s not!), but a refreshingly tart housemade yuzu soda or ginger ale could be just the ticket. Even if you intend to do more fancy snacking on Winslow Way later, Hi Life is the place to get started.

Okay, it’s not really a hike per se, but continuing west on Winslow Way and turning left down Madison Ave. S. will bring you to Winslow Wharf Marina and Waterfront Trail. This part of Waterfront Trail is a short boardwalk along the harbor, and it’s so picturesque, raised above the calm water and ending around the historic circa-1881 Ambrose and Amanda Grow House/Harbor Public House.

A note: This segment of Waterfront Trail has uneven wooden slats that may be difficult for those with limited mobility. For an accessible and every bit as scenic trail toward the ferry, double back on Madison Ave S and head right on Bjune Dr SE to Eagle Harbor and Waterfront Park, which includes the smoothly paved Waterfront Trail, with wheelchair ramps in front of Waterfront Park Community Center.

From there, it’s easy to traverse the trail and gaze out at the harbor. When it’s time to head back to the ferry, you could continue east on Waterfront Trail, cross the grated bridge over the water, and follow the signs to the terminal. Or you can head north instead, bringing you back to Winslow Way and Olympic Drive/Ferry Dock—the way you came originally.

You may eventually have to retrieve your car and your cares, but your consolation is the stunning view of Seattle you’ll get as the ferry approaches Colman Dock, and the knowledge that you’re gonna do this trip again soon.