Vashon Island Day Trip from Seattle: Ferry Guide and Top Attractions
Seattle captivates visitors with iconic sights like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the quirky Gum Wall, vibrant hollyhocks and peonies, and charming neighborhoods such as Ballard, Fremont, and Pike/Pine. While these are must-sees, don't overlook Vashon Island—a serene escape just a short ferry ride away.
Nestled in Puget Sound on an island roughly the size of Manhattan and home to about 10,000 welcoming residents, Vashon offers the relaxed pace of 'island time.' Picture white picket fences, stables along quiet streets, babbling creeks, and wild sweet peas. Locals blend sophistication with unpretentious charm—coffee shops buzz with familiar faces, where the owner might dash across the street to the drugstore for seltzer. It's an ideal retreat from urban hustle, with crystalline waters and shaded lavender lemonades.
Vashon Island is as integral to Seattle's culture as the Space Needle or Pike Place's flying fish. Here's why—and how—to plan the perfect day trip by ferry from Seattle.
Getting There: Ferry or Water Taxi from Seattle
Pro Tip:
On weekdays, skip the ferry and opt for the King County Water Taxi from Seattle's waterfront (no need to drive to Fauntleroy). It's 10 minutes faster, mingles you with commuting locals, and offers stunning city skyline views on the return. Weekends require the ferry from Fauntleroy. Both cost around $5 one-way and take about 15-20 minutes.
King County Water Taxi returning to Seattle from Vashon Island.
Upon arrival, a bus awaits at the dock—it syncs with ferry schedules. Use the OneBusAway app for seamless phone payments. The ride climbs a hill into town, often accompanied by warm chats between the driver and locals about family or weekend plans. Friendliness is the island norm.
Ask the driver for stops—they know the hidden gems. Key spots are detailed below.
Top Things to Do on Vashon Island
Dining Highlights
Vashon's fresh produce stands evoke a simpler era. For lunch, exit at Vashon Highway's main drag, alive with locals shopping for groceries and herbs. Reserve ahead for dinner at The Hardware Restaurant, a community hub. Red Bicycle Bistro shines with sushi, live music, and casual lunches. Across the street, Sporty's Restaurant and Bar serves drinks and sports viewing with craft beers.
Best Sips
Ride to the last stop for Burton Coffee Stand, opposite a drugstore and flower stand—easy to miss at speed. Their warmed feta-spinach pastry is a standout.
Visit Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie, home of Heirloom® Coffee, in a historic old-growth fir building. Its Northern European vibe channels the island's pioneer roots.
Must-See Sights
Lavender Hill Farm is unmissable. From the last bus stop, grab tea at Burton Coffee Stand and follow signs uphill. Twenty lavender varieties bloom here; cut your own bunch ($10), sip lavender lemonade, and tie with pastel ribbons. Bunches travel well.
Rent cruisers ($20/day) from Vashon Island Bicycles to explore further. The Vashon Park District offers kayaks ($75/day) at Jensen Point near Burton Coffee. Nearby, a forest trail beckons for easy hikes—locals will point the way.
For downtime, browse Vashon Bookshop's new and used poetry, greeting cards, calendars, journals, and puzzles—ideal souvenirs.
