For an island, Bainbridge has a serious shortage of public beaches. Most of the shoreline is privately owned, and unlike Oregon, Washington lacks a shoreline public-access law. One solution is to look for the little posted paths at road ends approaching the Sound, but the access to these spots is sometimes awkward, the spaces are generally small, and there are no facilities provided.

The main exception is the beach at Fay Bainbridge State Park, on the northeast corner of the island on the north eeend of Sunshine Drive, facing Seattle. The beach is pebbly rather than sandy; but there are bathrooms, play equipment, camping spots, and picnic spots.

On this particular day, the waves were discolored a spectacular red, but normally the water looks fine. Note the cruise ship on its way to Alaska in the distance.