Bloedel Reserve Bainbridge Island
A 150-acre sanctuary on Bainbridge Island, offering a serene escape through diverse gardens, woodlands, and tranquil water features.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Rhododendrons in bloom
Bloedel Reserve Bainbridge Island
Best Time
Rhododendrons in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 150-acre sanctuary on Bainbridge Island, offering a serene escape through diverse gardens, woodlands, and tranquil water features.
"Bloedel Reserve is truly a fairytale space, and I hope to be available to host and plan more weddings there in the future."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Reservations are required! Secure your entry time in advance to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Japanese Garden
Various locations
A serene escape with meticulously maintained flora, tranquil water features, and peaceful pathways.
Reflection Pool
Central area
A stunning, still body of water mirroring the surrounding trees and sky, offering a moment of quiet contemplation.
Bloedel Mansion
Overlooking Puget Sound
An elegant historic residence offering a glimpse into the estate's past, with beautiful architecture and views.
Moss Garden
Shaded woodland areas
An enchanting, verdant wonderland where lush mosses carpet the ground and trees, creating a fairytale atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Entry
Allow Ample Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Reservations are required! Secure your entry time in advance to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must!
🗺️ Grab a Map
The reserve is large with many paths. A map helps you navigate and discover all the hidden gems.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warmer days. There are limited spots to refill.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Reservations are required! Secure your entry time in advance to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must!
🗺️ Grab a Map
The reserve is large with many paths. A map helps you navigate and discover all the hidden gems.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warmer days. There are limited spots to refill.
📸 Capture the Magic
The photo opportunities are endless! Don't forget your camera or phone.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bloedel Reserve for its magnificent, well-maintained grounds and serene atmosphere, calling it a fairytale space. The diverse landscapes, from Japanese gardens to moss-covered woodlands, are a major highlight. However, some find the admission price steep for the duration of the visit, especially if they don't spend several hours exploring.
"Beautifull, beautiful place!
Well maintained, calm, amazing landscape.
I especially liked the small lake.
It takes around 1 hour to walk around it.
Needs booking, 15 minute drive from the ferry docking point."
Dhiresh Jain
"A Magical Wedding at Bloedel Reserve
I had the absolute pleasure of helping execute a flawless, beautiful wedding at Bloedel Reserve, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The garden and organic spaces surrounding the couple created the perfect backdrop for the first-ever micro wedding at this stunning venue. The serene atmosphere and natural beauty of the Reserve were all that was needed to make the day truly magical.
I am deeply grateful for the incredible support and attention to detail that Sally provided throughout the planning process. Her thorough follow-through, expertise in hosting, and deep respect for preserving the pristine spaces made all the difference in creating a seamless event. Sally is not only highly knowledgeable about the venue, but she’s also an absolute joy to work with on the wedding day. Her calm demeanor and professionalism helped keep everything running smoothly, which was invaluable in bringing the couple’s vision to life.
Bloedel Reserve is truly a fairytale space, and I hope to be available to host and plan more weddings there in the future. It’s one of the most magical venues I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and I can’t wait to collaborate again. Thank you to Sally and the team for supporting in making the first micro wedding an unforgettable event!"
Sarah Buttacavoli
"Beautiful, magnificent, incredibly well-maintained. Grounds were phenomenal and I can only imagine how gorgeous it is in the spring when the rhododendrons are in bloom. Great for a stopping point on a Bainbridge excursion day, but would not pay $120 for 4 people again. We walked the whole grounds in under an hour and did not feel like the cost justified the experience."
Rachel Wenner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is to take a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, then drive or take a taxi/rideshare to the reserve. The ferry ride itself offers beautiful views of the Puget Sound.
Yes, there is ample parking available on-site for visitors.
While possible, it's more challenging. You can take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and then use local bus services or taxis, but having a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the island.
Ferry schedules vary, so it's best to check the Washington State Ferries website for the most up-to-date information on departure times and fares.
The ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island typically takes about 35 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, advance reservations are required for all visitors. You can book your tickets online through the Bloedel Reserve website.
Admission fees vary, but generally, adult tickets are around $22.00. Check the official website for current pricing and any discounts.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or children can be found on the Bloedel Reserve's official website. Children under 4 are typically free.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the Bloedel Reserve's official website for the most current operating hours before your visit.
No, reservations are mandatory. Walk-in admissions are not permitted to ensure a controlled and enjoyable experience for all guests.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours to fully explore the 150 acres and its diverse landscapes. It's a place to wander and relax, not to rush.
The reserve features well-maintained bark and gravel paths, making them generally accessible. However, some areas may have inclines or uneven terrain.
Don't miss the Japanese Garden, the Reflection Pool, the historic Bloedel Mansion, and the enchanting Moss Garden.
Absolutely! The diverse landscapes, stunning gardens, and natural beauty make it a photographer's paradise. 
Yes, restrooms are available on-site for visitor convenience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Currently, Bloedel Reserve does not have a cafe or restaurant on-site. It's recommended to bring your own snacks or plan to dine on Bainbridge Island before or after your visit.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy in designated areas. Picnics are a great way to extend your visit.
Bainbridge Island offers several charming restaurants and cafes, particularly in the town of Winslow, which is a short drive from the reserve.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography, creating beautiful shadows and soft illumination.
While personal photography is encouraged, please be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Respect the natural environment and refrain from disturbing plants or wildlife.
Professional photo shoots, wedding photography, and filming often require advance permission and may incur additional fees. Contact the reserve directly for details.
Its diverse landscapes, from manicured gardens to wild woodlands, make it ideal for landscape, nature, portrait, and even architectural photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for different plants, listen to the sounds of nature, and imagine themselves in a fairytale. While the reserve is generally accessible, some paths may have inclines. Bringing snacks and water is recommended, as there are no food services on-site. Consider a map to help younger explorers navigate and find their favorite spots. The open spaces and varied scenery can keep children engaged for a good portion of your visit.
couples
Consider packing a small picnic to enjoy amidst the tranquility, or plan a visit to a local Bainbridge Island cafe afterward. The reserve offers a chance to reconnect and enjoy each other's company in a truly magical environment.
Photography Enthusiasts
+1Experiment with different lighting conditions, especially during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon, to capture the magical ambiance. The diverse habitats provide opportunities for landscape, macro, and even portrait photography. Remember to check for any specific guidelines regarding commercial photography if you plan a professional shoot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Diverse Landscapes
Further exploration leads you to the enchanting Moss Garden, where a thick carpet of vibrant green moss covers the forest floor, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. Towering evergreens and ferns create a lush canopy, making it feel like stepping into another world. The Reflection Pool offers a moment of serene contemplation, its still waters perfectly mirroring the surrounding trees and sky, a popular spot for quiet reflection and photography.
Beyond these curated spaces, the reserve also features natural woodlands, open meadows, and wildflower gardens, showcasing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest's native flora. The Bloedel Mansion, a historic residence, adds a touch of architectural elegance and offers insights into the estate's past.
+1 The reserve's design encourages a slow, mindful exploration, allowing visitors to connect with nature on a deeper level.Planning Your Bainbridge Island Day Trip
Many visitors combine a trip to Bloedel Reserve with other attractions on Bainbridge Island. Consider exploring the charming town of Winslow, with its boutiques, galleries, and cafes, or visiting local wineries and farms. The island offers a relaxed pace, perfect for a leisurely day out.
For those looking to extend their visit, Bainbridge Island offers charming accommodations. However, for a day trip, planning your ferry times and your route to and from the reserve is key to maximizing your experience. The combination of natural beauty and island charm makes Bainbridge Island, and Bloedel Reserve in particular, a highly recommended escape.
The History and Design of Bloedel Reserve
The landscape architecture is a significant aspect of the reserve's appeal. Key figures like landscape architect Fujitaro Kubota and later Richard Haag contributed to its design, creating a tapestry of diverse environments. The goal was to blend the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with artful garden design, resulting in the 150 acres of woodlands, meadows, ponds, and distinct garden areas visitors can explore today.
Opened to the public in 1988, Bloedel Reserve has since been recognized for its exceptional beauty and horticultural significance. It's often cited among the top botanical gardens in the U.S., attracting visitors seeking peace, natural beauty, and inspiration. The ongoing stewardship ensures the preservation of its unique landscapes for future generations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit