Exploring Washington's Vashon Island: Travel Tips And More

Nestled in the Heart of the Sound, Vashon Island is a popular destination for those seeking a tranquil getaway. Accessible only by boat or air, the island boasts breathtaking ferry rides, offering a unique and exciting experience for visitors. With its central location between Tacoma and Seattle, Vashon Island is an ideal day trip, offering scenic views of water and mountains at every turn. The island is known for its slower pace, friendly locals, and charming, time-forgotten atmosphere.

Vashon Island can be reached via three ferry entry points, with crossings taking around 15 to 20 minutes. The Fauntleroy to Southworth crossing stops at the north end of the island, while the Pt. Defiance to Tahlequah route sails between Tacoma and the south end. Both docks lead directly to the Vashon Highway, the island's main thoroughfare for exploration.

Whether you're looking for quiet relaxation or family-friendly activities, Vashon Island has something for everyone. From its picturesque beaches, woodlands, and lagoons to its artistic venues, eclectic dining, and quaint shops, the island offers a diverse range of attractions. So, pack a picnic, hop on a ferry, and get ready to explore the beauty and charm of Vashon Island!

Getting to Vashon Island: take a ferry from Fauntleroy Terminal in West Seattle or a water taxi from Pier 50

Vashon Island is a beautiful getaway from Seattle, with its slower pace of life, unspoiled nature, wineries, and quaint downtown hub. The best way to get to Vashon Island is by ferry or water taxi.

Getting to Vashon Island by Ferry

Vashon Island is only accessible by boat or air. You can take a ferry from the Fauntleroy Terminal in West Seattle. This ferry ride is a quick 15-20 minute crossing, giving you just enough time to get a cup of coffee and enjoy the sights of Washington's beautiful Puget Sound and Mt Rainier. If you're coming from downtown Seattle, you can take the C Line on the Rapid Ride to Fauntleroy Way, where you'll find the ferry terminal on your right.

• Take exit 163 to the West Seattle Bridge, which will lead you to the Fauntleroy Way SW in West Seattle.
• Follow Fauntleroy Way SW to the end, past Lincoln Park.
• You'll see cars waiting to board on the right side of the road next to the park.
• Join the line and let the toll operator know that you're heading to Vashon. You can pay with cash or card.
• The dock crew will direct you to the lane you should head to.

Getting to Vashon Island by Water Taxi

Another option is to take the Vashon-Seattle water taxi from Pier 50. Please note that this is a commuter, foot-ferry service with extremely limited service and it does not operate on weekends. This water taxi is walk-on only, so it's recommended that you opt for the ferry in West Seattle if you want to bring your car.

Getting around the island: drive, take a bus, cycle, or walk

Getting around Vashon Island: drive, take a bus, cycle, or walk

Vashon Island is only accessible by boat or plane. The best way to get to the island is by ferry, which takes around 15-20 minutes. There are three points of entry to the island by ferry: West Seattle/Fauntleroy, Peninsula/Southworth, and Pt. Defiance/Tahlequah. The ferry from West Seattle leaves from the Fauntleroy ferry dock and costs $15.40 to carry a car and driver, with each additional passenger paying $5.55. The Peninsula/Southworth ferry is a smaller ferry that doesn't run as often as the Seattle and Southworth ferries, so be prepared to wait. The Pt. Defiance/Tahlequah route is for those coming from Tacoma.

Once you're on the island, there are several ways to get around. The most convenient way to get around the island is by car, as public transportation is scarce. If you bring your car onto the island via ferry, be prepared for long ferry lines and wait times. The island has three gas stations, but fuel prices are higher than on the mainland, so fill up before you arrive. The island also has Level 2 chargers for electric vehicles.

If you don't have a car, you can get around Vashon Island by bus, bike, or on foot. The King County Metro bus routes 118 and 119 run up and down the island, connecting the north and south ferry terminals and passing through Vashon's downtown. Bikes are also a popular way to get around Vashon Island, with many long, winding roads and trails to explore. Bicycles can be brought onto the ferry for a fee of $1-4, and there are bike racks on the downtown Seattle to Vashon's North End passenger ferry. Vashon Adventures offers bike rentals for those who don't have their own. Walking is also an option, especially if you want to explore the island's many hiking trails, such as the Maury Island Marine Park trail.

Where to stay: choose from quaint B&Bs, Airbnbs, or unique lodgings like The Keeper's Quarters

Vashon Island is a beautiful destination, just a stone's throw from the Puget Sound area. With its quaint charm, lush nature, and unique attractions, it's no wonder that many travellers seek out this hidden gem. When planning your trip to Vashon Island, you'll want to consider your accommodation options carefully to make the most of your stay. Here are some great choices to consider:

Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)

Vashon Island offers a selection of quaint B&Bs that provide a cosy and intimate atmosphere. These B&Bs are typically located in picturesque settings, surrounded by nature and offering stunning views of the island. You can expect a comfortable stay with friendly hosts who will ensure you have a delightful experience.

Airbnbs

For those seeking a more independent stay, Airbnb can be a fantastic option on Vashon Island. From cosy cottages to modern apartments, you can find a variety of unique accommodations to suit your preferences. Many Airbnbs on the island boast beautiful landscapes, offering a peaceful retreat from your daily life.

The Keepers Quarters

Now, if you're looking for a truly special and historic lodging experience, look no further than The Keepers Quarters at Point Robinson Park. This unique accommodation option consists of two beautifully renovated residences, Quarters A and Quarters B, located right on the beach next to the Point Robinson Lighthouse.

Quarters A is a three-bedroom, two-bath house that accommodates up to six guests (or eight with roll-away beds). It features a full kitchen, dining room, and a living room with a breathtaking view of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier.

Quarters B, constructed in 1908, is a two-bedroom, one-bath house that has been meticulously restored to its 1919 historical condition, complete with a sitting parlor. It can accommodate up to four guests (or six with roll-away beds) and is located adjacent to the Caretaker's residence.

Both residences offer cosy porches where you can relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. The beach is a fantastic playground for children, and the area is perfect for flying kites, watching cargo ships, and even spotting Orca whales!

The Keepers Quarters provide a truly magical experience, allowing you to step back in time while enjoying modern comforts. The rates vary depending on the season, with peak season requiring a seven-night minimum stay.

Other Unique Lodgings

In addition to The Keepers Quarters, Vashon Island is home to other unique lodgings that will make your stay memorable. From waterfront cabins to rustic farm stays, you can find accommodations that fit your travel style and budget.

No matter which option you choose, Vashon Island offers a variety of wonderful places to stay, ensuring that your trip to this beautiful destination is relaxing and unforgettable.

Food and drink: try May Kitchen for Thai food, Snapdragon for coffee, or The Ruby Brink for New American fare

Vashon Island is a short ride from most of the Puget Sound area. The island is serviced by ferries seven days a week from the Washington State Ferries. The crossing from West Seattle to Vashon leaves from the Fauntleroy ferry dock and takes 20 minutes.

Once on the island, there are a number of great food and drink options to try:

May Kitchen for Thai Food

May Kitchen + Bar offers an authentic Thai experience. The restaurant features 150-year-old Thai teak panelling, authentic lighting, and whimsical artwork. The menu features classic Thai dishes, blending spicy, sweet, sour, and salty flavours.

Snapdragon for Coffee

Vashon Snapdragon is a bakery and cafe, serving a range of rustic pastries, including seasonal fruit danishes, cheese rolls, cookies, and croissants. They also serve espresso, drip coffee, and their own secret-recipe chai.

The Ruby Brink for New American Fare

The Ruby Brink is a bar and butcher shop, with a focus on whole-animal butchery and thoughtful sourcing of ingredients. The menu features casually spectacular food and beverages, with a seasonal menu, and a range of cocktails, cider, wine, and beer. The Ruby Brink also offers a Sunday brunch.

Attractions: visit Point Robinson Lighthouse, Lavender Hill Farm, and Maury Island Marine Park

Vashon Island is a short ride from most of the Puget Sound area. The island is accessible by ferry from Seattle or Tacoma. The crossing from West Seattle takes 20 minutes, while the route from Tacoma is Point Defiance (Tacoma side) / Tahlequah (Vashon side).

Point Robinson Lighthouse is located on the east shore of Maury Island and has been providing fog and lighthouse service for vessels since 1885. The lighthouse has been fully automated since 1978. The site features an extensive sandy beach shoreline, a saltwater marsh, and upland woodlands. Walking trails and picnic tables have been set up along the scenic shoreline, offering dramatic views of the East Passage, Tacoma, and Mt. Rainier. The lighthouse is open for tours on Sundays from mid-May through mid-September.

Lavender Hill Farm is an organic lavender farm on Vashon Island, offering twenty different varieties of lavender and distilled lavender oil. The farm is open to visitors during the lavender season, who can cut their own lavender bunches and purchase lavender products from the farm store. The farm also has two vacation rentals available: the five-bedroom farmhouse and Betty's Blue, a cosy studio.

Maury Island Marine Park is located on the east side of Maury Island, a peninsula of Vashon Island. The park offers stunning views of the East Passage, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade Mountains. It is one of the largest undeveloped properties on the Puget Sound, with more than 1 mile of shoreline. The park features rare stands of Pacific Madrone, a salt marsh, eelgrass beds, and significant fish and wildlife habitats. Visitors can enjoy 3 miles of trails and a .75-mile gravel maintenance road accessible to non-motorized vehicles.

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