A practical day trip from 1 Hotel Seattle: Bainbridge Island ferry
Take the Seattle-Bainbridge Island car ferry from the downtown ferry terminal for a roughly 35-minute crossing to Winslow; from 1 Hotel Seattle you can walk or take a short rideshare to the ferry terminal and enjoy skyline and mountain views aboard. Plan for at least a half-day—board a morning ferry, explore Winslow on foot, have lunch, then return on an afternoon ferry.
In this guide
- Why Bainbridge Island is a practical day trip from 1 Hotel Seattle
- Getting to the downtown ferry terminal from 1 Hotel Seattle
- What to expect on the ferry crossing
- Winslow village: walking, galleries and light exploring
- Food and drink recommendations
- Timing, practical tips and what to pack
- Returning to Seattle and logistics after the trip
Why Bainbridge Island is a practical day trip from 1 Hotel Seattle
Bainbridge Island is a common half-day or full-day excursion from downtown Seattle because the Washington State Ferries run a direct route from the downtown terminal to Winslow. The crossing is about 35 minutes and offers good views of the Seattle skyline and, on clear days, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.
1 Hotel Seattle sits in South Lake Union, close to downtown attractions like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, making the ferry an easy addition to a Seattle itinerary. If you prefer extra comfort before or after the ferry, many room types at 1 Hotel Seattle—such as City Room or City Junior Suite with Sofa Bed—offer space to refresh and store purchases.
- Ferry crossing: about 35 minutes (downtown Seattle to Winslow)
- Good for: scenic ride, walking Winslow village, cafes, galleries, light hiking nearby
- Ideal trip length: half-day to full day depending on activities
| From 1 Hotel Seattle | Why it works as a day trip |
|---|---|
| Short travel into downtown Seattle ferry terminal | Fast ferry crossing with scenic views |
| Walkable hotel location near downtown attractions | Combine ferry with Pike Place Market or Space Needle visits |
| Hotel amenities before/after outing (in-room dining, fitness center) | Store bags, change, or refresh in your room |
Getting to the downtown ferry terminal from 1 Hotel Seattle
1 Hotel Seattle is at 2125 Terry Avenue in South Lake Union. The downtown Seattle ferry terminal (Colman Dock / Washington State Ferries terminal) is reachable by a short rideshare, taxi, or a longer walk through downtown; public transit and local buses also serve the area.
The hotel concierge can help with directions or rideshare arrangements; if you prefer to minimize walking after a ferry, plan your mode of transport ahead and allow extra time for Seattle traffic or ferry boarding lines.
- Options: rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taxi, public transit, or walking if you’re comfortable with a longer downtown walk
- Ask concierge at 1 Hotel Seattle for current transit suggestions or timing
- Bring a jacket—waterfront breeze can be cool even on warm days
| Transport | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rideshare / Taxi | Fastest door-to-terminal option; use hotel concierge if you want help |
| Public transit / Bus | Lower cost but allow extra time; check schedules |
| Walk | Possible from downtown hotels but longer from South Lake Union |
What to expect on the ferry crossing
The Washington State Ferries crossing to Bainbridge Island lasts about 35 minutes and is a chance to see the Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, and on clear days the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. Ferries have indoor seating and outdoor decks if you want photographs or fresh air.
Ferries are frequent but schedules can vary; check the Washington State Ferries schedule on the day you travel and arrive early for weekend or holiday sailings. Bring a small bag with layers, sunscreen, and any snacks you want for the ride.
- Duration: roughly 35 minutes one-way
- Seating: indoor and outdoor deck options
- Amenities: typical ferry facilities (seating, restrooms, snack options onboard may vary)
| On-board | Tip |
|---|---|
| Outdoor deck seating | Best for photos and skyline views |
| Indoor seating and restrooms | Good if it’s rainy or windy |
| Limited snacks on some sailings | Buy food in Winslow or pack snacks |
Winslow village: walking, galleries and light exploring
The ferry lands in Winslow, Bainbridge Island’s main commercial area; Winslow is compact and walkable with shops, galleries, and cafes clustered near the ferry terminal. This makes it easy to plan a short walking loop after you arrive without needing a car.
If you want a longer outing, there are nearby parks and waterfront paths to explore; check local maps and signs when you arrive for walking-route options. Keep in mind that off-island places beyond Winslow require additional local transport.
- Typical activities in Winslow: browsing shops, visiting galleries, waterfront strolls
- Plan for 1–3 hours in Winslow for a relaxed visit with lunch or coffee
- Off-island attractions require additional transport (no road access from the island to other places)
| Activity | Why do it |
|---|---|
| Browse local shops and galleries | Winslow is compact and mostly walkable |
| Waterfront stroll | Short paths near the ferry landing with views of Elliott Bay |
| Grab lunch or coffee | Local cafes and restaurants are clustered near the terminal |
Food and drink recommendations
Winslow has several casual cafes and restaurants suitable for lunch or an early dinner; since 1 Hotel Seattle’s Drift serves all-day café fare and La Loba serves dinner and Sunday brunch, you can also plan meals before or after your trip depending on ferry times. In-room dining at 1 Hotel Seattle is available for guests who prefer to eat in their room.
If you want to return to the hotel for a later evening meal, note La Loba’s published dinner hours (4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.) and Drift’s breakfast and all-day hours (6:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m., with later Friday–Saturday hours listed). Check current restaurant hours or make reservations where needed.
- Pack snacks if you want flexibility during the ferry or while exploring
- La Loba: dinner nightly (4pm–10pm) and Sunday brunch (10am–2pm) — reservations via OpenTable/SevenRooms are possible
- Drift: breakfast and all-day café fare (typical hours 6:30am–10pm; later on some weekend listings)
| Option | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Eat in Winslow | Lunch or coffee after arrival; many casual options |
| Return to 1 Hotel Seattle | Dinner at La Loba or drinks at Drift after your day trip |
| In-room dining | If you prefer to relax at the end of your outing |
Timing, practical tips and what to pack
Aim to arrive at the downtown terminal at least 15 minutes before your desired sailing and check the Washington State Ferries schedule that morning; weekends and holidays are busier. If you want a less-crowded experience, consider an early weekday ferry.
Weather on Elliott Bay can be breezy and changeable—pack a light waterproof layer and a warm top even in summer. If you’re carrying purchases, the hotel offers luggage storage and valet services when you return.
- Arrive early for busy sailings; check the WSF schedule same day
- Dress in layers and bring a windproof jacket for the ferry deck
- Use hotel services (luggage storage, in-room dining) if you want hands-free exploring after checkout
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Light waterproof jacket | Blocks wind and drizzle on the ferry deck |
| Comfortable walking shoes | Winslow is compact and best explored on foot |
| Phone camera and charger | For skyline and mountain views during the crossing |
Returning to Seattle and logistics after the trip
Ferries run regularly between Winslow and downtown Seattle; check departure times for return sailings so you can plan lunch or a short walk without rushing. Allow time for boarding queues during peak times.
Back in Seattle, 1 Hotel Seattle is easy to reach by a short rideshare or taxi from the downtown terminal. Use the hotel’s valet and concierge services for assistance with pickups, luggage, or later evening plans.
- Check return ferry times in advance and arrive for boarding early on busy days
- Use hotel concierge for rideshare or taxi arrangements after you return to Seattle
- If you plan to return to La Loba for dinner, remember its published dinner hours (4pm–10pm)
| After arrival at Colman Dock | Options to get back to 1 Hotel Seattle |
|---|---|
| Rideshare / Taxi | Fastest door-to-door option |
| Short local transit or bus | Lower cost; check current routes and timing |
| Walk (longer) | Possible if you’re up for a longer downtown walk from the terminal |
