2026 Seattle Travel Guide for World Cup Fans
Traveling to Seattle in summer 2026 for the world’s biggest soccer (or football!) matches at the World Cup? Beyond the excitement in the Emerald City, the region is packed with world-class culture, outdoor adventures, food, and local charm—including the birthplace of pickleball just a quick ferry ride away. Bainbridge Island has become a destination for fans of the sport, with local shops carrying pickleball-inspired gear and gifts, the original founders’ court, and even a brand-new pickleball-only shop opening soon!
Art Lovers Unite: Visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
Caffeinated and ready to go, visit BIMA for a dose of inspiration from regional artists, and even take some local art home with you at the BIMA Store!
- Free admission and open daily: 10am-5pm
- Located steps from the ferry–no car needed!
- Showcases contemporary art from regional artists in the Puget Sound area
- Rotating exhibitions and family-friendly events
- Traveling with kids? Stop by the Kids Discovery Museum, right next to BIMA, for more learning opportunities
- Learn more about visiting BIMA here! (Español | Português Brasileiro | Deutsch)
Sail into Adventure: Take the Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Just a 35-minute ferry from Seattle’s waterfront lies the scenic, nature-filled Bainbridge Island. But the ferry itself is an adventure of its own!
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, and Olympic Mountains
- Ferries run frequently all day and night–check out the schedule here
- Walk-on fares from Seattle: free for kids; return to Seattle is free for all passengers; fares from Seattle to Bainbridge Island vary
Taste the City: A Coffee Tour
After a night at the pitch, keep that energy up by enjoying the local roasters and bakeries in downtown Bainbridge.
- Pegasus Coffee House – Historic, locally roasted coffee
- Blackbird Bakery – Pastries, toast, and espresso in a cozy setting
- Coquette Bake Shop – Sweet and savory treats in a charming bakery
Gifts from the Sound: Shopping on Winslow Way
Take a stroll up Winslow Way in downtown Bainbridge and explore the unique boutiques, artisan goods, homewares, and more.
- Eagle Harbor Book Co. – Local reads from PNW authors
- Danger – Eclectic jewelry and decor
- Island Life Artisan Gifts – Locally made keepsakes and apparel
- Bainbridge Arts & Crafts – Gallery and store featuring regional artists
- Backstreet Beat – Vintage records, books, and more
Soak Up the Natural Beauty: Outdoor Adventures
People flock to the Pacific Northwest for its unparalleled nature. Take some time away from the city and enjoy some of the parks on Bainbridge Island!
- Bloedel Reserve – 140 acres forest filled with trails
- Pritchard Park – Waterfront park with walking trails and peaceful views
- Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial – A reflective historical site
- Kayak the Sound with Exotic Aquatics – Rent a kayak for a hands-on water adventure
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