I'm Ashley, a commercial photographer from Seattle, Washington. Traveling, taking photos, and getting outdoors are all hobbies of mine that continually energize and inspire me.
Let’s talk about the 20 best things to do on Vashon Island! As much as I love road trips and flying to a destination, sometimes all I need to satisfy my wanderlust is a good day trip from Seattle to a small town in Washington. One of my goals is to do more solo travel and for my first solo trip I decided to visit Vashon Island. It was the perfect day to grab local coffee, eat pastries, hike to beaches, and try neighborhood cuisines!
Read Next:
Note: There are affiliate links in this post. If you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Table of Contents
Vashon Island is the largest island in the Puget Sound, connecting West Seattle and Tacoma. It’s 80.8 quare miles in size and there are about 10,000 residents on the island. To preserve its isolation, there’s no bridge to get you onto the island so you’ll have to take a ferry, but that’s all a part of the experience. Maury Island is on the east side of Vashon Island and is connected by an isthmus, which is a narrow strip of land. Prior to building the isthmus in 1913, you could only access Maury Island during low tide. There is plenty to do on Vashon Island and Maury Island so let’s get started!
The only way to get to Vashon Island is by ferry so you’ll want to bring your car on the ferry or rent one for this trip! Taking a ferry is a Washington state experience you don’t want to miss. The views from the water are incredible and there’s always a chance of seeing whales or a seal. It can get busy in the summer with long wait times so plan your trip accordingly. For ferry terminals and times, check out the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website. Here are the ferry schedules for the two Vashon Island ferry terminals: Point Defiance Ferry Terminal and the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal.
If you don’t bring a vehicle (assuming you have another mode of transportation once you get onto the island) then you can walk onto the ferry for a fraction of the price. There are Ubers on the island, but there aren’t many drivers so it can be unreliable at times. If you’d like to take the bus you can find the schedule here. All in all, I highly recommend bringing your own vehicle to the island.
You can visit Vashon Island year round! I visited at the end of January on an overcast day and it was perfect. I did wear a rain jacket and waterproof boots during my trip in January because it can get muddy and wet on the trails during winter. The island has a good mix of outdoor and indoor activities so you’ve got something to do no matter what the weather forecast says!
This stop was my personal favorite, but I’m in love with lighthouses. The Point Robinson lighthouse is a must see on Vashon Island! The original fog signal was built in 1885, but the lighthouse structure was completed and opened in 1915. The lighthouse sits on a 10-acre shoreline park and marine conservancy overlooking the Puget Sound. The park opens at 8:00 AM and closes at dusk.
There is a short walk to the lighthouse at 0.5 miles roundtrip with 100 feet in elevation gain. This park is ADA accessible with ADA parking and an ADA restroom at the lower lot. On Sunday from mid-May through Mid-September you can tour the lighthouse! Schedule a tour in advance by called 206-463-6672. The Ship’s Store Gift Shop is open seasonally as well.
Don’t forget to grab your camera and take a photo of this iconic lighthouse. If it’s a clear day you’ll be able to get Mt. Rainier in the background! Sunset is the best time of day to capture this classic Pacific Northwest scene.
If you’re staying overnight I recommend staying at the Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters! It’s on my bucket-list, but I haven’t had a change to experience this yet.
You’ve got to see Vashon’s quaint downtown! Also known as “uptown” by the locals, downtown Vashon has a variety of restaurants and shops that are worth visiting Stop and eat at the famous Hardware Store Restaurant or grab a brew at Camp Colvos Brewing. Gather Vashon and Raven’s Nest are two amazing art galleries to stop in as well. Downtown is located 9 miles from the Tahlequah (South end) ferry dock and 4 miles from the North end ferry dock.
Jensen Point Park is the perfect place to kayak or launch a boat on the island. This park is 4.0 acres on the east shore of the Burton Peninsula. You can see Maury Island across the water from Jensen Point since it’s located on the Maury Island Aquatic Reserve.
Vashon Adventures, a water sport rental company, resides in the boathouse on Jensen Point. You can rent kayaks and standup paddle boards or take a harbor tour with a guide; they also have electric bike rentals!
Note that the boathouse is open seasonally and reservations are required. Same-day reservations are available, but they require a 30 minute notice.
Vashon Adventures offers e-bike rentals for those of you who prefer to venture by bike. E-bikes use electric motors to assist propulsion, which helps when trying to get up those hills on Vashon! There are self-guided rides with 2, 3, and full day tours. If you’re staying for awhile and want to ride multiple days, there are multi-day rentals available too.
Riders must be 14 years of age or older and riders under 18 must be with their parent or guardian. All riders have to sign a waiver and wear a helmet, which is supplied by Vashon Adventures.
An old Vashon Island mystery is how the bicycle got into the tree…
You’ll find a trail just outside of downtown Vashon Island that leads you to an old bicycle seven feet off the ground in a tree trunk. There’s an old tale about a young boy who left his bike near this tree in 1914 when he was called to fight in World War I in the United States military. It’s said that the tree grew around and consumed the bike creating what we now see today. This is an old tale that leaves us asking many questions about the boy and the bicycle, but it’s an old Vashon Island tale that has a mysterious ending.
If you’re looking for the true story behind how the bicycle ended up in the tree, you can read this article on a journalist investigation on this Vashon Island mystery.
You can find the location of the bicycle in the tree by using these Google Map coordinates.
Do not miss Snapdragon – I repeat, do not miss Snapdragon! Snapdragon opened in February of 2012 by Adam Cone and Megan Hastings and continues to thrive as Vashon Islands sweetest treasures. This local restaurant has some of the best pastries in Washington and the ambiance is too good. Grab a seat inside by the fireplace or head to the covered patio to eat in the fresh air! Snapdragon has the best pastries and treats as well as breakfast and lunch entrees. I put Snapdragon on its own must see spot because it really is that good! Other restaurants are listed below.
Country Store & Farm is probably the cutest store on the island and you won’t want to miss it. It’s a speciality store focused on sourcing high quality products from local artists you probably haven’t heard of to well known brands. This store was founded over 50 years ago and has been owned by Vy Biel since 1971. The ownership of Country Store & Farm continues to stay in the Biel family and Jim Biel, Vy’s son, has been managing the Country Store & Farm operations since 2017.
Country Store & Farm is the only u-pick farm on Vashon Island. You can visit the farm in the summer to pick blueberries, raspberries, and asian pears.
Washington is known for their wineries and I have to say they are really fun to go to! Sometimes there’s live music and food trucks, but the hospitality is always great at the wineries. On Vashon Island you can find Palouse Winery, which has been owned by George and Linda Kirkish since 2003. Palouse Winery has a good variety of wines and is the perfect place to stop for a wine tasting. If you enjoy wine then you must Maury Island Winery. Since 1980, all wines produced at Maury Island Winery use their high quality estate-grown grapes. Grab an appointment at this winery from Memorial Day through Labor Day by reservation only! Vashon Winery is a small winery on the island producing less than 600 cases of wine per year. You can visit Vashon Winery seasonally on Saturday and Sunday by appointment only.
Nashi Orchards is a Washington cider mill on Vashon Island and you have to visit their tasting room! Nashi Orchards produces both apples and pears including Asian pears, European pears, and heirloom apples. Have you ever heard of perry? Nashi Orchards is famous for their perry, which is similar to cider but an alcoholic beverage made from pears. Definitely make a stop in to the Nashi Orchards tasting room!
The Vashon Theatre is a family owned and operated movie theatre that was built in 1947. If you’re wanting to go see a movie this is the only place on the island you’ll be able to view one at! You can find recently released films, live streamed events, live comedy, concerts, and community events at the theatre. Don’t forget to grab some of their famous popcorn topped with real butter! Ticket prices start at $10 and can very to $20 depending on the event. You can find ticket prices and schedules here.
The farm stands on Vashon Island have the freshest fruits and vegetables! The island is known for having a strong farming culture and there are stands all over the island where you can pick up your fresh vegetables. My favorite stand on Vashon is the Venison Valley Farm & Creamery because they have the most delicious homemade cheese! Another great stand is the La Biondo Farmstand that offers meat, dairy, and produce all year round. Plum Forest Farm is close by if you wanted to check out another stand! Every day they have fresh farm eggs as well as seasonal vegetables and local bread. Don’t forget to stop and say hi to all the animals on the farms!
Taking a hike in the Pacific Northwest has to be on your bucket list. The good thing is, Vashon Island has plenty of hikes that are easy-moderate and can be done in just a few hours. You’ll get beautiful views of the mountains, Puget Sound, and forests while out on these hikes. It’s a great way to seek solitude and enjoy the nature on Vashon Island.
Fern Cove, mentioned above, is one of the best hikes on the island. On a clear day you’ll be able to see the Olympic Mountains and get views of the Puget Sound. It’s an easy hike at .3 miles and one you don’t want to miss. Take the Maury Island Natural Area Loop Trail to see the best views on the island. You’ll hike this loop to the viewpoint on the bluffs where you’ll be rewarded with views of Mt. Rainier on a clear day. This trail is 3.9 miles with 679 ft in elevation gain. An easy hike to get the legs moving is to Fisher Pond. It’s a 1 mile hike with 42 ft in elevation gain taking 20 minutes to complete. There’s a picnic table at the pond to have lunch once you get there! Dogs are not allowed on this hike.
Don’t forget to Leave No Trace when recreating on the trails and grabbing your 10 essentials, happy hiking!
One of my favorite things to do in Pacific Northwest is visit lavender farms! Lavender Hill Farm is an organic lavender and fine lodging farm on Vashon Island. The farm is open seasonally from mid-June through July (check their website for accurate opening dates) and there is no entry fee to visit the farm. There are over 20 different lavender varieties on the farm and you can create a wreath or cut your own lavender with clippers provided by the farm! There is no food on the farm so feel free to bring your own picnic with you. Dogs are allowed on the property if leashed.
For those of you who enjoy golfing, the Vashon Island Golf & Country Club is the perfect place to set up a tee time! This 9 hole golf course offers a pool during summer months and two racquet sports courts open year-round. If you’re in need of a lesson, this club also offers golf and tennis lessons. If you’re hungry, stop at the Sandpiper Cafe for a bite to eat!
On the west side of Vashon Island you can find Lisabuela Park, which is a 5.5 acre shoreline park and terrestrial conservancy. This park has beautiful views of Colvos Passage and the Olympic Mountains. There is a grassy play area, picnic tables, boat launch, and primitive campsites – the perfect place to spend some time outdoors! Feel free to bring your pets to this park, but remember to keep them on a leash.
Fern Cove is an estuarine, freshwater, and terrestrial conservancy preserve on the Northwest end of Vashon Island. You can get to this quiet cove by hiking a .3 mile trail to the beach.
At the cove, you’ll find the Smith-Baldwin House and Carriage. Built in 1912, this estate belonged to Belle Baldwin, Washington State’s first female physician. This Vashon Island landmark is an iconic Harland Thomas building! Harland Thomas, a famous Seattle architect, designed several famous landmarks in Washington State. The Smith-Baldwin home is now a rental property with beautiful views on the Puget Sound and Fern Cove.
If you’re looking for a sandy beach to lay on during the summer months then head to KVI Beach. Voted the best place to build a sandcastle, it’s a Vashon Island favorite. If you’re a birdwatcher, keep an eye out for bald eagles, osprey, and peregrine falcon. You can also find a variety of sandpipers in the area. Don’t forget to bring your picnic with you and enjoy the summer sunshine!
Dockton Park is a great area to bring the family! You can find covered picnic areas, fire pits, and a large dock with a floating platform. There’s a playground on the property for kids 10 and under and a swimming beach. If you’ve got a boat, you can set sail from the boat launch at Dockton Park too. There’s 23 acres in this park filled with hiking trails and more. The perfect spot for a family to enjoy a warm summer day!
The views at Maury Island Marine Park are what brings visitors to this Vashon Island park. This park is located on the east side of Maury Island with more than 1 mile of shoreline and views of Mount Rainer and the Cascade Mountain range. Does it get much better than that? Take the Maury Island Natural Area Loop Trail for a complete view of what this marine park has to offer. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks!
The name of Frog Holler Forest comes from its friendly inhabitants, the Pacific Tree Frogs. Year-round you can hear the Pacific Tree Frogs croaking in their homes. This 135 acre park has 2.6 miels of multi-use trails and protects over 500 acres of forest on south Vashon Island. This park is open to visitors for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. The park welcomes dogs, but they must be leashed.
The Lodges on Vashon – If you’re looking for a newly renovated modern escape then stay at the Lodges on Vashon. Each unit is 570 square feet and sleeps between 2-4 people. The perfect little getaway!
Keeper’s Quarters at Point Robinson Lighthouse – You can actually stay at the lighthouse on Point Robinson! There’s three bedrooms and two bathrooms and you’ll have access to the area 24/7.
Belle Baldwin House – This historic 1912 home is located in Fern Cove and has 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It’s pretty rare to stay in a historic landmark so try to grab this rental property if you can!
Lavender Hill Farm – This charming 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home is situated right on Lavender Hill Farm. It’s a 1930’s farmhouse close to the town of Burton. It’s the perfect spot for a family!
Camping – If you’re looking to camp on the island then make a reservation at either Maury Island Marine Park, AYH Ranch, Lisabuela Park, or Jensen Point.
No matter what season you visit in Washington it’s important to always pack layers! I’m going to give recommendations for what essentials I would bring to Vashon no matter what season I visit in. Have fun shopping around!
Always bring a rain jacket with you when visiting the Pacific Northwest. It’s an item that you’ll be thankful you have because if it rains out the blue you’ll be able to continue your adventures! I always recommend the Patagonia Torrent shells for both men and women. Patagonia has a buy back program where they’ll buy back your used gear and give you a gift card in exchange. It’s an investment I highly recommend.
A warm base layer is good to have on your hands and easy to throw on when there’s a chill in the air. The Patagonia Better Sweater is my go to for layering and adding a little extra warmth. If you run hot, try out the Better Sweater vest! I have both the 1/4 zip and vest and I love them both.
Don’t forget a good pair of waterproof boots for your trip! Blundstones are my go to pair of boots during every season. For summer I tend to grab my Birkenstocks, but Blundstones are work well in all seasons.
Make sure you have a good day pack while out adventuring on the island. I love Osprey and find their gear to hold up really well. Grab one of these below to carry all your things to the beach or on a hike!
Definitely bring a power bank with you on your trip to Vashon. You don’t want to leave the beach because your phone is about to die! So grab one of these to keep you charged.
We’re pretty serious about recycling and reducing our plastic use in Washington. I highly recommend bringing a reusable water bottle with you on the trip. All of the coffee shops and restaurants will help fill up your water bottle if you ask!
This island is jam packed with history and things to do! It’s a great trip from Seattle if you’re looking to get away for the week or stop along your Washington State road trip. Let me know if you have any questions at all or if I missed your favorite spot on Vashon and need to add it!
Looking for other adventure itineraries in the Seattle area? Check out the best things to do on Orcas Island!
You've been added.