Downtown Seattle view from Washington Ferry

Seattle
2024/12/18 Edited to

... Read moreIf you're looking for the absolute best way to soak in the iconic Seattle skyline, trust me, a Washington State Ferry ride is an experience you simply can't miss! I recently took the ferry, and the views of downtown Seattle from the water were truly breathtaking. It’s not just a mode of transport; it’s a scenic tour in itself, offering a unique perspective you won't get from land. For dazzling Seattle skyline views from the water, I highly recommend the ferry route from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island. As you pull away from the dock, the entire city unfolds before your eyes – the Space Needle piercing the sky, the vibrant waterfront, and the majestic Olympic Mountains in the distance. I found myself snapping photos constantly, trying to capture every angle of that incredible panorama. Standing on the deck with the fresh Puget Sound breeze on my face, watching the city shrink into a postcard-perfect scene, was easily one of the highlights of my trip. It truly felt like the best ferry ride in Seattle for sightseeing. The journey to Bainbridge Island takes about 35 minutes, making it a perfect day trip from Seattle without a car. When you arrive, the charming town of Winslow is just a short walk from the ferry terminal. I spent a delightful afternoon exploring the local boutiques, art galleries, and grabbing a coffee at a cozy cafe. Don't forget to look back from the island – the views of Seattle from Bainbridge Island are equally stunning, especially as the sun begins to set. Seeing the city lights twinkle across the water is magical. To make the most of your ferry trip from Seattle, here are a few tips I picked up: Timing is everything: Go on a clear day for the best visibility. Early morning or late afternoon (for sunset views) offer incredible light for photos. Walk-on passenger: If you're not taking a car, just walk onto the ferry. It's straightforward and often cheaper. You can purchase tickets at the terminal. Find your spot: Head to the upper decks for unobstructed views. I loved leaning against the railing at the bow (front) or stern (back) for different perspectives. Dress in layers: Even on a sunny day, the wind on the water can be chilly, so bring a jacket! Bring a camera: You'll want to capture those unforgettable moments. This ferry adventure isn't just about getting from one place to another; it's an integral part of the sightseeing Seattle experience. Whether you're looking for a quick escape, a relaxing journey, or simply the most picturesque way to see the city, the Seattle to Bainbridge ferry skyline view delivers every time. It’s an ideal addition to a perfect weekend itinerary, offering both stunning scenery and a delightful island excursion. I can't recommend it enough for anyone visiting or living in the area!

12 comments

Alichia's images
Alichia

such an amazing view I always love taking the ferry downtown

Captain Lemon8's images
Captain Lemon8

Love your sharing 💛 Welcome:)

Related posts

Five women are smiling and posing in a clear lake, with houses and forested mountains in the background. Overlay text reads: "I PLANNED THE PERFECT GIRLS TRIP TO WASHINGTON STATE So you don't have to."
A scenic view of Leavenworth, a German-style town, nestled in a valley with mountains in the background, seen from a window with purple flowers. Overlay text describes Leavenworth as a fairytale German town.
People are hiking on a forest trail, with tall trees surrounding them. Overlay text provides tips for the Colchuck Hike, including parking, permits, trail length, and attire for the glacier lake.
🌲✨ Epic Girls' Trip to Washington State!
If you’re dreaming of a summer filled with breathtaking mountains, serene lakes, and charming towns, this trip is calling your name! Save this post for the ultimate getaway with your besties! Logistics: ✈️ Fly into Seattle and rent a car at the airport to explore all the amazing spots I’ve ma
Shannon Andersen

Shannon Andersen

1552 likes

A person stands on mossy rocks inside a cave with stairs leading up, showcasing Mount St. Helens, a weekend trip destination 4 hours from Seattle.
A dog wearing a life vest sits in a blue kayak on a clear turquoise lake, with mountains and a sunny sky in the background, representing North Cascades National Park, 3 hours from Seattle.
A person with long dark hair stands on a viewing platform, looking at a large waterfall cascading down a lush green cliffside, depicting Columbia River Gorge, 3-4 hours from Seattle.
✨best weekend trips from seattle, wa✨
these are my top 8 favorite weekend getaways within 4 hours of Seattle ! #travel #roadtrip #weekendgetaway #washingtonstate #pnw
Sydney Travels

Sydney Travels

114 likes

Ferry From Florida to The Bahamas
I took the Balearia ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, Bahamas and I still can’t believe how quick and easy it was to escape to crystal clear waters, island vibes, and total relaxation. Bahamas in under 2 hours? Sign me up again! #bahamas #bahamastravel #biminibahamas #bahamastrip #ferr
Dominique | Blogionista Travel

Dominique | Blogionista Travel

4944 likes

Two people, a man and a woman, smile while sitting in a car, buckled up, with text overlays "Things to do" and "Vashon Day Trip."
A building with the words "VASHON STRONG" in large white letters against a dark blue and green background, under a clear blue sky.
Three large, ridged seashells and a small gray rock rest on a white towel, likely collected from a beach during a Vashon day trip.
Vashon Day Trip
This weather said SUMMER IS HERE. Technically speaking PNW summers officially start weather wise after July 4. And she kicked the door down. The weather has been absolutely perfect - even if a bit hot for some. I do like it between 80-85. Anything hotter than that can get uncomfortable if you don
RobinJoelle

RobinJoelle

2 likes

⛴️✨McDreaming about this ferry ride, I get it now! Views from one ferry ride to Bainbridge Island and another one from Whidbey Island to Seattle, magical! #downtownseattle #seattlewashington #ferry
Ana - Bucket List Travel

Ana - Bucket List Travel

42 likes

Giant Rubber Duck in Seattle, WA 🐤
Got to meet Mama Duck, a 61ft inflatable rubber duck 🐤 on top of Lumen Field Center in Seattle, WA! I think she’s gone now but it was SO cute seeing her all week while driving into downtown Seattle 🥹🤗 #seattle #rubberduck #pnw #comewithme #adayinthelife
Soxysteph💋

Soxysteph💋

656 likes

A view of the Seattle Great Wheel and city skyscrapers against a blue sky with white clouds. Text overlay reads: "WHEN PEOPLE VISIT SEATTLE BUT SKIP PLACES LIKE THESE...".
A scenic overlook of Rattlesnake Ledge, showing a lake, dense evergreen forests, and mountains under a cloudy sky. Text overlay: "rattlesnake ledge 40 mins from seattle hiking and stunning views!".
A powerful waterfall, Snoqualmie Falls, cascading over a cliff into a pool, surrounded by rocky cliffs and green trees. A building is visible on the cliff top. Text overlay: "snoqualmie falls 50 mins from seattle easy walk to stunning waterfall views".
what you can’t miss near seattle
Yes, Seattle the city is wonderful and worth your time to explore, but IMO you can’t visit the pacific northwest without exploring some of the outdoors! These are all easy options that are close to Seattle - some you can even do in just a couple of hours 👀 📍Rattlesnake Ledge Rattlesnake Ridge
Marisa • Travel

Marisa • Travel

173 likes

A large wooden troll sculpture, known as Oscar the Bird King Troll, sits in a forest clearing on Vashon Island, highlighted as part of a Seattle day trip.
A scenic view of a vast body of water with snow-capped mountains in the hazy distance, seen from a ferry boat.
A three-tiered stand displays various pastries, including danishes with red fruit topping and coffee cake, inside a coffee shop.
Vashon Island Seattle Day Trip Via Ferry
Spend a day with me on Vashon Island ⛴️🕹️🍦🍕🧌 #seattledaytrip #vashonisland #seattlethingstodo 📍
Noël

Noël

9 likes

My time in Seattle pt1
This is from my first couple months! might post a vlog too! #seattle #seattlelifestyle #seattledaytrip #seattletravel #downtownseattle Pioneer Square Biscuit Bitch Belltown Glossier Seattle Easy Street Records & Cafe Gas Works Park
H o n e y☀️🐼

H o n e y☀️🐼

38 likes

Downtown New York City. Travel by Ferry🌸🍋🌸🍋🌸🍋🌸
Mujahid Bakht

Mujahid Bakht

11 likes

the Seattle sunset was insaneee from this rooftop omg #seattle #seattlewashington #spaceneedle #downtown #downtownseattle #seattletravel #seattlerooftop #rooftopviews #fyp #viral
Cassidy HT

Cassidy HT

26 likes

A large white and green ferry sails on the water with the Seattle skyline, including the Space Needle and Ferris wheel, in the background. The image asks where the 'Grey's Anatomy' ferry goes, hinting at a day trip from Seattle.
A large white and green ferry is docked in Seattle, with the city skyline and a Ferris wheel visible in the background. The text explains these ferries, known from 'Grey's Anatomy,' travel to destinations like Bainbridge Island for a day trip.
A serene harbor on Bainbridge Island features numerous boats docked at piers, surrounded by dense green trees. The text suggests activities for a summer visit, such as exploring Bloedel Reserve, visiting vineyards, kayaking, and enjoying pizza.
the perfect day trip from seattle
Yes, your very own little Meredith Grey moment! Summer is so special in Seattle, but if you want to get out of the hustle of the city and enjoy nature for a bit, this day trip to Bainbridge Island is for you! Directly from downtown Seattle, you can take the iconic ferries to a number of des
Marisa • Travel

Marisa • Travel

96 likes

Weekend recap in Seattle ⚓️🦪🌊🪽
Brinleec

Brinleec

97 likes

Iconic Seattle spots I’ll never stop visiting🌃
Seattle - Bainbridge Ferry -scenic 30 min ride with stunning skyline views -the island is perfect to relax by the water and to explore charming shops and cafes -quick escape from the city without leaving Seattle Pike Place Market -most iconic farmers market with so much fresh food and
Leigha

Leigha

22 likes

Seattle Skyline Views from Your Room?!
Want to wake up to one of the best skyline views in Seattle without leaving your hotel? This one is a must 👇 - 📍 Located in downtown Seattle, within walking distance to major attractions, with a safe and convenient area. 🗼 Some rooms offer direct views of the iconic Space Needle, giving you that
findhotelwithlindy

findhotelwithlindy

3 likes

Ferry seattle downtown
#seattlewaterfront #seattlewashington #seattle #downtownseattle
miki

miki

14 likes

A panoramic view of the Seattle skyline from the water, featuring numerous skyscrapers, the Great Wheel, and ferry docks under a clear sky, illustrating the starting point for a Bainbridge Island day trip.
The bustling interior of Bruciato restaurant, showcasing a high wooden ceiling, long communal tables, a bar area, and many patrons dining, reflecting the vibrant atmosphere of a recommended eatery.
A close-up of a wooden table in a restaurant setting, featuring two distinctive green glass vases with flowers, with blurred diners in the background, suggesting a pleasant dining experience.
Seattle Weekend Daytrip
Looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway? Bainbridge Island 🏝️ is one short ferry ride away from Downtown Seattle. Drive on with your vehicle or walk on pedestrian passengers will arrive on quaint town with unique stores and restaurants. 📍 City/Country:Bainbridge Island, Washington Bruci
LifeInSeattleEastside

LifeInSeattleEastside

3 likes

Ferry from Seattle
Bainbridge Island ferry from Seattle Washington #pnw #ferry ride
Washington _PNW

Washington _PNW

2 likes

A smiling couple takes a selfie at night in downtown Seattle, with the iconic red neon sign of Pike Place Market visible in the background. The image has text overlays "SWIPE" and "Afternoon trip to Downtown Seattle."
An elevated view of a bustling downtown Seattle street during the day, featuring tall buildings, including one with a prominent "NORDSTROM" sign. Cars are visible on the street, and trees with autumn foliage line the sidewalks.
A street-level view of downtown Seattle at dusk or night, showing tall buildings, including one with a "RIDER" sign. The street is wet, reflecting the city lights, and cars are parked along the curb.
Afternoon trip to Downtown Seattle
My boyfriend and I went to downtown Seattle for the afternoon. He actually met up with them earlier and hung out on the waterfront. I met up with them after work in Westlake. One of my favorite things about going to Seattle is taking the light rail there. They just built a new light rail station an
Nikki🎀

Nikki🎀

4 likes

😍😍✈️🚢@Marriott Bonvoy always has the best Hotels ! I enjoyed my time at the Marriott waterfront hotel in Seattle ! @Marriott Hotels 😍✈️ #TikTokPartner #casatiktok #creatorsearchinsights #HiddenGems #TikTokTravelCampaign #hiddengemshotel #LongFormGoodForm #creatorsearchinsights
Ismari

Ismari

6 likes

Downtown Seattle about to site see a bit
William Moses

William Moses

4 likes

Best Hotels in Downtown Seattle 🏙✨
Save this for your next trip 👇 - 📍 Warwick Seattle — $158/night Wake up to Space Needle views right from your window 👀 - 📍 Executive Hotel Pacific — $111/night A historic hotel next to the Seattle Public Library, great central location 📚 - 📍 Crowne Plaza Seattle-Downtown by IHG — $164/nig
findhotelwithlindy

findhotelwithlindy

11 likes

Going back via ferry from Downtown, NYC! 🌸🍋🌸🍋🌸🍋🌸
Mujahid Bakht

Mujahid Bakht

7 likes

A panoramic view of the Seattle skyline featuring the iconic Space Needle, surrounded by city buildings and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky, encouraging exploration of Washington.
A powerful waterfall, Snoqualmie Falls, cascades into a misty basin, framed by lush evergreen trees and a building on the cliff edge, highlighting a must-visit Washington natural attraction.
A person stands on Rattlesnake Ledge, a rocky outcrop, overlooking a serene blue-green lake nestled amidst dense forests and majestic mountains, showcasing the rewarding 4-mile hike.
Not your basic seattle guide😉 pt.1
Seattle Trip Highlights (Part 1): Rattlesnake Ledge Trail 📍 Cedar Falls Rd SE, North Bend, WA 98045 About 45 mins from Seattle 4-mile round-trip hike with amazing lake + mountain views. Easy trail and totally worth it. Glo's Café 📍 928 E Barbara Bailey Way, Seattle, WA 98122 Capitol
Cassidy Dainty

Cassidy Dainty

39 likes

A nighttime panoramic view of Downtown Seattle, Washington, showcasing the illuminated city skyline, waterfront, and boats docked in the marina. The image features text overlays 'Downtown Seattle Washington' and 'NIGHT ON THE CITY'.
A nighttime view of the Seattle skyline, featuring brightly lit buildings and a waterfront structure with prominent blue neon lighting. The dark sky is visible above the city lights.
A wide shot of the Seattle waterfront at night, showing a marina filled with boats, the illuminated Ferris wheel, and distant city lights across the water under a cloudy sky. The image includes the text 'LOVE IT!'.
Downtown Seattle Washington
Francod@dreams

Francod@dreams

4 likes

A nighttime view of the iconic Pike Place Market entrance in Seattle, featuring its prominent neon signs and bustling atmosphere, with a 'Seattle Travel Guide' overlay.
A stunning nighttime panoramic view of the Seattle skyline from Kerry Park, showcasing the illuminated Space Needle and downtown buildings against a dark sky.
An indoor view of the Museum of Pop Culture, featuring a towering sculpture made entirely of numerous guitars, with a 'Museum of Pop Culture' overlay.
Seattle Travel Guide
Pike Place Market - Although it’s a classic Seattle activity, Pike’s Place Market is a fantastic activity to check out. They have so many hand crafted objects, fresh produce, and beautiful flowers. You can also take in the gorgeous Puget Sound views from right outside the market. Kerry Park -
Kaitlin

Kaitlin

52 likes

Downtown Seattle✨
So many people talk so much crap about Seattle and I just can’t say the same .. You literally can be yourself! Others just don’t explore so much so they think there is nothing out here. I love my city🏙️ #seattlelifestyle #downtownseattle #washingtonian #citylife
Ky Sue👑

Ky Sue👑

50 likes

My Seattle/Bainbridge Recap
A trip I took earlier this year, just wanted to share! All we did was explore and eat and honestly, why not? The weather was perfect. Truly grateful for this experience #seattle #fishandchips #seattlethingstodo #pikeplacemarket #bainbridgeisland
damarissj

damarissj

8 likes

A close-up view of a large, layered deli sandwich, featuring various meats, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, likely the Stella combo from a Seattle deli.
Corner deli convenience shop in downtown seattle🔥
Stella combo 8/10! If you are ever in the Seattle area, give it a try! #hellolemon8
Nicole Eliu

Nicole Eliu

8 likes

Fast Ferry From Sint Maarten to Anguilla
The fast ferry from St. Maarten to Anguilla offers a quick and scenic ride between the islands, typically taking just 20–25 minutes. Departing from the ferry terminal in Marigot (French side of St. Martin), it’s a convenient and popular option for day trips or extended stays in Anguilla. Multiple d
Dominique | Blogionista Travel

Dominique | Blogionista Travel

129 likes

A stunning nighttime view of the Seattle skyline from Kerry Park, featuring the illuminated Space Needle, numerous downtown buildings with bright lights, and the Puget Sound in the distance, with dark trees in the foreground. Yellow text overlay reads 'Kerry Park Seattle, WA'.
Most Stunning Seattle Viewpoint
Kerry Park offers some of the best views in Seattle. The park is located in the Queen Anne neighborhood. From the park, you can see the whole downtown as well as the Puget Sound. It is beautiful in both the daytime and the nighttime, but I especially love to see the lights at night. The park
Kaitlin

Kaitlin

35 likes

Experience Island Living on Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is a cute island just a short ferry ride away from downtown Seattle. The island isn’t huge, but there is a lot to explore. Here was how we spend a day on the island. ♦️Proper Fish - This restaurant serves up authentic UK style fish and chips. The fish is super crispy and their
Kaitlin

Kaitlin

10 likes

See more