Manitou Beach sits on the northeast shore of Bainbridge Island in Kitsap County with expansive views across Puget Sound toward Seattle's skyline and Mount Rainier rising to the southeast on clear days. The name Manitou derives from Algonquian origin meaning spirit or spiritual force, though the specific context for naming this Bainbridge Island location is not well documented in available historical records. The Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District maintains a small 0.90-acre park with 210 linear feet of shoreline providing public beach access and landing, while the surrounding Manitou Beach neighborhood developed as a private beachfront residential area. The beach location sits approximately three miles north of the Seattle-Bainbridge Island Ferry terminal, making it accessible to both island residents and visitors arriving by ferry.
Swimming in Puget Sound's waters attracts visitors during warm summer days when the protected shoreline provides calm conditions for wading and swimming, though water temperatures remain cool throughout the year requiring tolerance for Pacific Northwest marine waters. Kayaking and paddleboarding launch from the beach access with routes exploring Bainbridge Island's northeast shoreline, paddling toward Murden Cove's protected waters, and crossing toward the Seattle waterfront for experienced paddlers comfortable with open water crossings and boat traffic. Beachcombing along the shoreline reveals smooth stones polished by tidal action, driftwood deposited by Puget Sound currents, shells from marine life, and beach glass accumulated over decades of shoreline activity. Wildlife watching includes harbor seals hauling out on nearby rocks, bald eagles soaring overhead and perching in shoreline trees, great blue herons stalking shallow waters, and diverse seabirds including cormorants, gulls, and mergansers utilizing Puget Sound's marine ecosystem. The beach offers some of the finest views of Seattle's skyline across Elliott Bay with the Space Needle prominent among downtown buildings, ferries crossing between Seattle and Bainbridge Island, and Mount Rainier dominating the southern horizon when atmospheric conditions allow clear visibility.
Bainbridge Island waterfront dining offers excellent options near Manitou Beach and throughout the island. The Harbour Public House occupies a renovated historic home overlooking Eagle Harbor marina with locally sourced bar food including burgers, fish and chips, seafood dishes, and impressive beer selection served with picturesque waterfront views. Doc's Marina Grill features American cuisine focusing on seafood with a large four-season deck overlooking Eagle Harbor, known for delicious clam chowder, Caesar salad, fresh seafood dishes, and martini bar. Seabird brings Chef Brendan McGill's newest concept to Winslow Way with beautiful fresh seafood dishes including oysters on the half-shell, Dungeness crab, regional catches, wood-fired vegetables, and elegant cocktail and wine selection emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. Proper Fish serves British-style seafood featuring enormous filets of fried cod with minted peas and thick-cut fries. Amelia Wynn Winery and Bistro prepares award-winning wines and unique international cuisine with local seafood and farm-to-table share plates on a covered patio perfect for watching ferry arrivals.
