A practical day trip from Hyatt Regency Seattle: Bainbridge Island by ferry
From Hyatt Regency Seattle (808 Howell St) take a short walk to the downtown ferry terminal and board the Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge Island for a straightforward, car-free day trip. The ferry ride offers Puget Sound views, a small waterfront downtown to explore, and easy return to the hotel the same day.
In this guide
Getting from Hyatt Regency Seattle to the ferry
Hyatt Regency Seattle sits at 808 Howell Street in downtown Seattle, two short blocks from the Washington State Convention Center. The downtown ferry terminal (Seattle Ferry Terminal / Colman Dock) is within reasonable walking distance from the hotel; guests can also take a short taxi, rideshare, or public transit if preferred.
You do not need a car for the Bainbridge Island day trip — the Washington State Ferries passenger service connects downtown Seattle directly with Bainbridge Island. Check the ferry schedule the morning you travel for departure times and any service alerts.
- Walk from the hotel through downtown toward the waterfront; allow extra time if you want to stop at Pike Place Market en route.
- Bring a jacket — the ferry deck can be breezy even on warm days.
- Tickets for walk-on passengers are purchased at the ferry terminal; check WSDOT Ferries for fares and schedules.
| From Hyatt Regency Seattle | Typical action |
|---|---|
| Walk (downtown) | Head toward Colman Dock / Seattle Ferry Terminal |
| Taxi / rideshare | Drop-off at Colman Dock curbside |
| Public transit | Use nearby stops to reach Westlake Ave / waterfront; check local routes |
Onboard the ferry: what to expect
Washington State Ferries operate the Seattle–Bainbridge route with indoor seating and outdoor decks. The crossing provides consistent views of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay and the Kitsap Peninsula shoreline.
Ferries allow walk-on passengers; seating is first-come, first-served. Food and drink availability varies by vessel and season, so bring water or snacks if you prefer a specific item.
- Indoor lounges and outdoor decks for viewing
- Restrooms available onboard
- No car required for a walk-on passenger trip
| Feature | Practical tip |
|---|---|
| Outdoor deck | Best for photos and fresh-air views |
| Indoor seating | Sheltered option on cool or rainy days |
| Restrooms | Available on most ferries |
Exploring Bainbridge Island on a day trip
Bainbridge Island's downtown (Winslow) sits a short walk from the ferry landing. Expect a compact waterfront neighborhood with shops, galleries, cafés, and places to eat where you can spend a few hours strolling.
Plan your time around a few priorities — a waterfront walk, visiting a local café or market, and browsing shops or a gallery. If you want more active options, check current listings for local bike or kayak rentals; availability changes seasonally.
- Waterfront walk and sculpture installations
- Local cafés and bakeries for lunch
- Independent shops, galleries, and small local museums
| Typical stop | Why go |
|---|---|
| Winslow Avenue East | Main street shopping and dining |
| Bainbridge Island Museum or galleries | Local history and art (check open hours) |
| Waterfront Park | Short walk with views back to Seattle |
Timing your return and the ferry schedule
Ferries run frequently on the Seattle–Bainbridge route, but exact departure times vary by day and season. Review the Washington State Ferries schedule the day you travel so you can plan shore time and avoid long waits.
Allow time to queue for the return ferry, especially on summer weekends and holidays when the route is busier. If you prefer a less-crowded experience, consider a midweek visit or an earlier/later crossing.
- Check WSDOT Ferries online for current departure times and service alerts
- Arrive at the terminal early if you want indoor seating or a spot on the outdoor deck
- Plan to be back at the terminal at least 15–20 minutes before your chosen departure
| When to go | Notes |
|---|---|
| Weekday mornings or late afternoons | Often less crowded than peak midday times |
| Weekend mid-days | Busiest; expect lines |
| Off-season (fall/winter) | Fewer tourists, cooler temperatures |
Food and drink: dining options on Bainbridge and back at the hotel
Winslow has a range of cafés, bakeries and restaurants for lunch — from casual sandwiches and seafood to sit-down meals. Hours and menus vary; check established listings if you have a particular place in mind.
When you return to Hyatt Regency Seattle, you have on-site choices: Andare Kitchen & Bar (Italian, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner), Daniel's Broiler (steakhouse on the second floor), and The Market (grab-and-go on Level 2).
- Andare Kitchen & Bar — breakfast, lunch, dinner; check daily hours
- Daniel's Broiler — dinner service; independently operated (Hyatt room charges/dining credits may not apply)
- Market — grab-and-go items and coffee on Level 2 for quick arrivals or late snacks
| Hotel dining | When it fits |
|---|---|
| Andare Kitchen & Bar | Breakfast, lunch, dinner; Italian-focused menu |
| Daniel's Broiler | Dinner; steakhouse (reservations recommended) |
| Market | Grab-and-go and coffee; Level 2 |
Practical tips and what to pack
Pack layered clothing and a light waterproof layer — Puget Sound weather can be cool and breezy even in summer. Comfortable walking shoes make exploring Winslow easy.
Bring any medications, a refillable water bottle, and a small daypack. Ferry terminals have limited shelter and seating during peak times, so a comfortable plan for waiting is useful.
- Layered jacket or windbreaker
- Camera or phone for waterfront and skyline photos
- Cash or card for small purchases (many places accept cards)
- Check weather and ferry service alerts before you leave
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Layered clothing | Warmth on deck and in breezy conditions |
| Water bottle | Refillable and saves stops for bottled drinks |
| Comfortable shoes | Walking around Winslow and waterfront paths |
