Planning a trip to Vashon Island, Washington, you must read this guide first!
This beautiful island is a paradise for nature lovers and has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for relaxation and tranquility or want to explore the local shops and restaurants, this guide has everything you need to know. I’ve got you covered, from the best things to do on Vashon Island to the best places to hike and the best places to eat.
“Vashon Island was named one of the top 10 best places in America to live by Forbes.”
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Where is Vashon Island?
Vashon Island is a small island located about 12 miles from Seattle. It’s a small but very pretty island with some great beaches and amazing views of Puget Sound.
It’s just 19 miles from the downtown part of our city, and it’s only about a 20-25-minute drive for those coming from pretty much anywhere else on the east side (like Renton). If you want to get away without going far, this might be your best choice with tons of Vashon Island activities.
Why should you go on a vacation to Vashon Island?
If you’re like me and love your city but need an escape from Pugetopolis, this might just be the perfect place for you! It is home to Loew Beach State Park. This means it has four beach areas that are privately owned as well, and people can drive their cars onto the beaches (but please don’t). You also get amazing views of downtown Seattle across Elliott Bay by sticking around the Discovery Park area of Vashon Island. 35 minutes to downtown Seattle and 20 minutes in a car is not that bad of an escape!
Is Vashon Island Worth Visiting?
Vashon Island is a small island with all its charm. You should visit this place at least once in your lifetime! The beaches here are spectacular and very private as well (like Loew Beach, which we talked about above). And of course, there are the awesome historic areas on Vashon: like Chihuly at Pike Place, Mark Anderson’s studio where he creates many sculptures along the Seattle waterfront, etc. There is plenty to see and do here; it is worth a visit!
Best Things to Do on Vashon Island
In this guide, I am going to share with you some of the best and coolest things to do on Vashon Island. Check it out and make this one on your bucket list.
Nature and Outdoor Activities:
Visit Maury Island Marine Park
Maury Island Marine Park is the perfect place to be for a nature walk. The tall trees create a dense canopy that makes it easy to see wildlife and enjoy the sounds of birds chirping everywhere while taking in great views of both Puget Sound & Kenmore Bay. Once you’re done, check out our beautiful Hibiscus Gardens right by Maury Island Light! one of the hidden activities to do on Vashon Island.
Relax at Lisabuela Park
If you’re on Vashon, then making the trip over to Lisabuela Park and soaking in those moments of quiet is pretty much a must! The lush green land serves as an oasis where even wild, undisturbed animals will show up at any given time.
With a beautiful pond that never sees rain, lovely trees, and shrubs enough to make any nature lover’s eyes light up, one of the best things to do on Vashon Island.
Kayaking at Jensen Point (Burton Acres Park)
Launch straight into Quartermaster Harbor from Jensen Point and paddle your way into the quiet. Seals pop up if you’re lucky. Some days the water’s glassy, other times you’ll fight a headwind back – either way, it’s worth it. Rentals are easy to find, or bring your own if you’re geared up. Early mornings are golden – barely anyone out, just light bouncing off the water.
Hike Through Shinglemill Creek Preserve
Another great place for a beginner-friendly hike on Vashon is the Shingle Mill Nature Preserve. This beautiful trek leads through lush trees and bamboo thickets, eventually giving way to an open field with views of both Green Lake & Jones Bay. Overlooking the preserve from above are majestic Douglas Fir trees that create countless handholds throughout this trail.
Check Out Frog Holler Forest
Rent a bike and explore the trails at Frog Holler Forest. Vashon offers numerous miles of stunning mountain biking trails, so why not mix in some fat tire with your route? Or perhaps you’d like to do both while learning how to grease up one of our cycle-specific mechanics. Either way, there’s plenty here for beginners and folks who just want to get out on two wheels!
Arts, Culture, and History:
Visit an Art Gallery
Looking for something other than hiking to do with your family? Take in a wave of art at one of Vashon’s galleries. From the most famous, Mille Collines Gallery, to brand new additions like Providence Art Salvage Co-op, where we’ve got plenty you’ll love!
Explore Mukai Farm And Gardens
A quiet slice of history tucked into the island. The old farmhouse and Japanese garden tell a story most people don’t know – about immigration, resilience, and strawberries. It’s small but worth walking slowly. The garden is peaceful in that kind of way that makes you want to leave your phone in the car. Events pop up here too – film nights, open-air concerts. Worth checking.
Breathe Deep at the Lavender Hill Farm
In summer, the place smells calm. Lavender rows roll across a little hillside, and bees do their thing without bothering anyone. You can cut your bundle or just lie back and stare at the clouds. Locals swing by for oils, soaps, and strong iced lavender lemonade. Bring a hat – it’s sunnier than you think.
Enjoy the Vashon Island Strawberry Festival
The strawberry festival is one of the largest and most wonderful events on Vashon Island. The historic Strawberry Festival lasts from mid-May to the beginning of June each year. There are so many things to do while you are at the festival.
In addition to a massive strawberry breakfast, you can enjoy live bands at numerous outdoor concerts around the island and visit art & craft booths.
Unique Shops and Local Finds:
Visit the Lighthouse at Point Robinson
Point Robinson feels like the edge of everything. There’s the old lighthouse (still standing), beach walks that stretch long and wide, and Mount Rainier off in the distance like it’s posing. You can climb up on certain days, or just sit with your feet in the driftwood and feel small in a good way. Parking fills up fast on sunny days – come early.
Fishing on Vashon Island
There are so many places where you can go fishing with your friends and family. Make a tent on the beach and try to catch some fish for your lunch. This is a fun thing to do on Vashon Island.
Take A Whale Watching Tour
To see the whales on the island, visit Yelcho Cove – this is an absolutely beautiful spot to watch for whales (it’s as close as you can get and still be alive).
Go and Visit The Farmers’ Market
It’s not fancy, but that’s kind of the point. Local greens, handmade pottery, bread still warm in the bag. You’ll see the same faces every week, and probably hear a folk band cover Fleetwood Mac. Open-air and open-hearted. Most stands are cash or Venmo, and they close up when they sell out.
Hidden Gems and Local Secrets
Shopping on Vashon Island:
Shopping is the most popular activity when you are on vacation. Vashon Island has so many things to offer when you are shopping around. You can find so much handmade jewelry and fine clothes for you and your family.
Taste Fine wines on Vashon Island
Vashon might not scream wine country, but don’t skip it. There are a few little tasting rooms – family-run, low-key, and proud of it. You’ll sip next to the person who grew the grapes or bottled the blend. Whites tend to shine here, but reds aren’t bad either. Most close early, so start in the afternoon and bring a snack.
Ride On Horseback And Explore The Woods
There’s something wild about trotting through cedar groves and across old meadows on horseback. A few local stables offer short trail rides and beginner lessons – nothing too polished, just you and a horse that probably knows the trail better than you do. It’s quiet in a different way, and oddly grounding.
Hopping on Beaches
Vashon Island has many lovely beaches and places to swim, whether it’s on the South Beach or along the East Side. Visit the East Side of Poulsbo Beach and the surrounding area, which is the best location to find Vashon’s finest beaches. In order of quality, they are Maury Island Regional Park, Fern Cove, and KVI Beach is the only sand beach on the island.
Camping on Vashon Island
Camping is the most fun and popular thing to do on Vashon Island. The Vashon Island camping experience allows you to connect with nature and yourself. There are so many campgrounds on the island where you can relax and picnic with your family and friends.
You can choose your best types of camping like….
Tent Camping
Car Camping
Rv Camping
Bike Camping
Glamping
Hammock Camping
Learn How To Make Pottery on Vashon Island
Vashon Island is home to many fine artists. If you are looking for unique and best things to do on Vashon Island, then take part in pottery lessons. Where professionals will teach you or your kids how to make amazing pottery. This can be one of the most fun and unique experiences on the island.
Explore the Island by E-Bike
Once you park your car, hop back on your bike and head up Madison Rd.. for a fast ride around Starr Point Park (opposite side of the parking lot). Visit an enclosed garden where you can do gardening activities with native plants from Puget Sound! There is also great wildlife viewing at this park!
Play Golf
In case you love golf and sports, then the Vashon Island Golf and Country Club is a great place to do fun activities on Vashon Island. It provides a relaxing atmosphere while you are having a great time playing golf. Visitor amenities include a swimming pool, a bar, and a restaurant.
Best Time to Visit Vashon Island
Overall, Vashon Island is a great place to visit all year round. However, the best time to come is spring and fall when the weather is milder.
Where to Stay On Vashon Island
I always stay at the Vashon Bay Townhouses when I am on Vashon Island. It’s such a quiet, peaceful place to relax and unwind! They are accommodations for 2 (2 queens or 1 King bed) that overlook Westcott Beach with access to their hot tub deck.
If you are staying on Vashon Island, be sure to check out these amazing places! These locations make a great family getaway.
Vashon Park Resort. The options here at Vashon Park Resort are endless. You can stay inside or step out onto their private waterfront pier to take in stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic mountain range, watch for whales nearby, and know that your children will be safe beyond compare.
Mermaid’s Club Hotel:There is no doubt that you will get more than a hotel experience from this place; this 1848 Victorian house looks more like a true Oyster Bay. Rooms can be booked using private cottage beds or the lovely cottages by the water, which come complete with private patios and bathrooms. The place is perfect for quiet relaxation, surrounded by beautiful loveliness on one of Washington State’s most famous beaches!
Vashon Airstay Inn:This historic property offers six different accommodations at three distinct locations: The Lodge (lower building); Hacienda (upper building), and Deer Run (carriage house and tents on the property). You can choose an overnight stay, or if you want to spend more time at the property, rent a cabin that gives guests access to trails around the historic estate’s land.
Vason Island Campground
If you’re the kind of person who sleeps better with tree branches overhead and a fire crackling nearby, Vashon’s got you. There are a few small, no-frills campgrounds – just you, your tent, and maybe the sound of owls.
Most spots are close to the water, so morning coffee with a shoreline view is kind of standard. Pack layers; island nights dip fast even in July. Locals know the best sites book up early, especially on weekends.
Where to Eat & Drink on Vashon Island
Raja’s Dream Garden, you won’t be disappointed! It is just a short walk from the Vashon Ferry, and if you aren’t feeling too spendy, then stop in for coffee or tea at Coconut Cup on W. Bay Blvd, which is about 5-10 minutes away (they have both delicious drinks, though).
There is the Vashon Island McMenamins on W. Bay Blvd downtown for $4 to get a “local” drink, or go inside and enjoy their private bar where you can have some appetizers with your beer; this was one of my favorite experiences of all time because I got to make yummy things like seafood sauces! They also own multiple pubs around Seattle.
May Kitchen and Bar:
This popular South Hill restaurant serves delicious food and has a nice brick fireplace where you can enjoy a perfect fall day. This is one of my favorite places in all of the Puget Sound area! It is also very close to downtown Tacoma. The outdoor seating for May Kitchen & Bar serves coffee, pastries, lunch items, and sandwich options with a delectable view of Puget Sound. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual yet quaint -just like the name says: “It’s Your Kitchen”
This menu is different, and the food tastes amazing – just all-around great taste! The place has a friendly vibe, but you want to be off the strip so it’s not too packed. This restaurant also serves some traditional Middle Eastern dishes- like falafel or shawarma, hummus & tahini (both are my absolute favorite foods), and baklava!
Snapdragon:This restaurant offers a wide variety of vegetarian food. It is named after the two-colored flower that thrives in certain areas of South Puget Sound. I personally would recommend getting the grilled veggie pizza topped with eggplant, black beans, and one other kind of vegetable you like! The people who work there are super friendly too, so go to Snapdragon for a great meal (the daily specials twice weekly are really delicious!!)
Glass Bottle Creamery:This is a nice restaurant that serves reasonably priced pastries and other desserts. They offer drinks, coffee, espresso martinis, or baked goods with the same dairy-free ingredients used by First Ave Market in Tacoma (the little shop on Broadway just north of downtown). The interior design is very simple as well: white walls/white ceiling/black tables.
The Rock Island Pizza: The Rock Island Pizza is famous for its delicious pizzas and sandwiches. The pizza toppings change daily and can be made with gluten-containing flour or wheat. Our favorite time to go there is during their “special days” (like the Children’s Festival), if they have different types of houses, and we try all four combinations.
What is the one thing I must do while on Vashon Island?
Discovery Park is a state park. The kids will love it, and you can spend hours there! It has all sorts of wildlife (not just birds) to encounter, too, for sure! And don’t forget about family camp: delicious homemade meals over an open fire- everything from hot dogs to cheeseburgers with marshmallows, sugar cookies, fry bread. Making s’mores (and they are delicious) can only be done there!
There are two ways to travel to Vashon Island. The first is by ferry from Seattle. The Washington State Ferry system has a regular route that takes you to Vashon Island, and they have an express route as well. If you want to save money and reduce your time on the ferry system, then you could use the Vashon Island Express. This will cut down your travel times by approximately 75%! Both ferries are available during most seasons except winter, which is when they close due to weather conditions.
To learn the schedule from Seattle to Vashon Island, check the official website of Washington State Ferries.
The second way that people get to Vashon Island is through the Kitsap County SeaTac Airport in Tacoma, Washington, or SeaTac, Washington. It’s fairly cheap to fly.
Getting Around on Vashon Island: Do You Need a Car on Vashon Island?
There are so many options for getting around while you are on Vashon Island. If you don’t want to bring your car with you, no problem; you can rent a car or bike to explore the island.
Vashon Island is a perfect place for a short vacation or a weekend getaway. If you are planning your trip, then this guide will help to choose your routes perfectly. Bring your kids and have a wonderful time.
