If you’ve ever wondered what that piece of land across the Sound is, the one surrounded by trees that we see on the way to Tacoma, that’s Vashon Island, my friend. A beautiful island sitting quietly in Puget Sound, while Bainbridge Island takes all the limelight.
Vashon Island has been on my list for a long time, but for one reason or another, it never happened until yesterday. It was a nice sunny weekend, and we didn’t want to spend time indoors and waste all that warmth Seattle was showering upon us. So, we finally made our way to Vashon Island to explore what this serene island had to offer.
Where is Vashon Island?
Vashon-Maury Island is the largest island in Puget Sound, tucked between the Kitsap Peninsula and the mainland. The northern tip of the island lies near West Seattle and is connected by ferry, while the southern tip is closer to Tacoma and also connected by ferry. I’ll talk more about the best ways to reach the island and public transit options in the “How to Reach Vashon” section.
Did you know Vashon Island was named after Captain George Vancouver’s friend, Captain James Vashon? Both were in the British Navy and explored Puget Sound together. In 1792, they officially mapped the region, giving the island its name.
How to Get to Vashon Island
The only way to reach Vashon Island is by ferry, and there are several routes to choose from. Vashon Island is part of King County, and the easiest way to get there from Seattle on foot is via the Fast Ferry from Seattle’s Pier 50. However, this is a passenger-only ferry and isn’t suitable for travelers bringing a car, plus, it doesn’t operate on Sundays.
Another option is the Washington State Ferry from the Fauntleroy Terminal in West Seattle, which accommodates both vehicles and foot passengers. The crossing takes about 15 minutes and is the most convenient route from Seattle.
If you live near Tacoma, you can take the ferry from the Point Defiance Terminal to the Tahlequah Terminal at the southern tip of Vashon Island. And if you’re coming from the Kitsap Peninsula, the closest option is the Southworth Ferry Terminal.
Travelling within Vashon Island
There’s only one bus route on the island that connects the north and south ferry terminals. The good news is that its frequency is decent, and it also connects downtown. However, if you’re planning to visit Maury Island, driving is your best option. You can book an Uber or Lyft from the nearest bus stop but be prepared for long wait times and higher fares.
My recommendation: if you’re planning to explore the downtown area, take the fast ferry and use public transit, especially if you’re coming from Seattle. Alternatively, bring your car for a hassle-free trip, since parking is rarely an issue on the island.
Things to do on Vashon Island?
Vashon Island is more rural compared to its neighboring Bainbridge Island, which has a more upscale vibe. Vashon, I’d say, feels calmer and more peaceful, with easy parking, charming cafes, and locally owned shops sprinkled around the island.
Downtown Vashon is the main hub with restaurants and stores, just about a 15-minute drive from the Vashon Ferry Dock. So, if you’re wondering where to begin your island adventure, I’d recommend starting here. I’ll cover more about the restaurants in the “Best Places to Eat” section, but for now, here are some of the top things to do on the island.
Explore Downtown
Downtown Vashon may be small, but it’s full of charm with plenty of boutique shops and local stores to explore. A few spots worth stopping by include Vashon Bookshop, where you can discover indie authors and local favorites. I always love browsing bookstores for new recommendations, especially mystery novels for Abhi!
If you enjoy picking up local produce, Vashon Thriftway is a great place to check out. You can also visit the Vashon Farmers Market, which runs seasonally from May to September every Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM. For art lovers, VALISE Artist Collective & Gallery showcases incredible work by local artists, and Giraffe is a lovely shop to browse for unique home décor pieces.
Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, just strolling around downtown and window shopping is equally fun!
Vashon Maury Island Heritage Museum
If you’re curious about the history of Vashon Island, the Vashon Heritage Museum is a great place to stop by. It’s a small but fascinating museum that covers the island’s geological past, as well as the stories of its Native people and early settlers.
Before being mapped by the British Navy, Vashon Island was home to Native communities, mainly the Swift Water People (sx̌ʷəbabš), a band of the Puyallup Tribe. You can learn more about their rich heritage and culture through the museum’s interactive exhibits.
Point Robinson Lighthouse Park
Point Robinson Lighthouse Park is one of the top sights to visit on the island, mainly because of three things: the pristine shoreline, stunning views of Mount Rainier, and the historic lighthouse.
This park is also part of the Whale Trail, and you might spot transient orcas sharing the water. It’s a great spot to catch the sunset and to see water birds like Western Grebes and Buffleheads.
It’s also home to the famous troll, “Oscar, the Bird King,” which makes for a fun photo stop before you head down the trail to the lighthouse.
Visit a Winery
Vashon Island is home to several local wineries and vineyards perfect for wine lovers. This is a great option if you stay overnight or use public transportation to get around.
Palouse Winery is the closest to the ferry terminal and easily reachable by bus. It’s one of the top-rated wineries on Vashon, with cozy tasting rooms open on weekends. Wine Shop Vashon in downtown is another fantastic spot to sample local wines and is super accessible by public transit. My final pick is Nashi Orchards Tasting Room, about a 25-minute walk from the Vashon Library, featuring award-winning perry and ciders.
Mukai Farm & Garden
This place is on the National Register of Historic Places and is known for its annual Japan Festival and strawberry farms. The Mukai Farm & Garden’s Japanese garden is open year-round and offers a fascinating peek into the Mukai family’s life between 1926 and 1942. Check their website for more events; they keep adding new ones like Crafternoons, Japanese movie nights, haiku festivals, and more.
Attend Vashon Island Strawberry Festival
One of the best things to do in summer is attend the Vashon Island Strawberry Festival, which celebrates the island’s agricultural roots and community spirit. The festival is fun to attend, featuring parades, music, vendors, kids’ activities, and local food. It draws thousands annually, evolving from a simple berry harvest event into a multi-day summer highlight.
Vashon Island’s sandy loam soil, mild climate, and open landscapes made it the perfect place to grow strawberries. By 1890, people started growing them commercially, but production faded by the 1980s due to market shifts, shipping challenges, and fragile varieties.
With the efforts of the local community, the island has now become one of Washington’s key hubs for strawberries again. The annual festival happens on the second weekend after July 4th (July 17-19, 2026) and is a fun event to attend!
Best places to eat in Vashon Island
Vashon Island offers a mix of small, cozy eateries and upscale spots, serving everything from classic American comfort food to fresh Asian-inspired dishes. Here are some top picks that capture the island’s local vibe and flavors.
- O Sole Mio (our lunch spot) – During our trip to the island, we stopped at O Sole Mio for lunch. This is one of the top-rated pizzerias on the island, so we had to give it a try! We ordered a whole Capricciosa pie and a slice of Buffalo pizza. The overall taste and quality were great; the dough was fresh, and the crust was perfectly baked. What I didn’t love was the bland marinara sauce, though it was balanced with some seasoning and salt. Overall, I’d highly recommend trying out the slices, especially the Buffalo ranch; it is delicious!
- May Kitchen + Bar – A local favorite known for its inventive cocktails, cozy ambience, and authentic Thai dishes.
- The Ruby Brink – This butcher shop-meets-restaurant serves meat-focused plates like smoked chicken noodle bowls. One of the best spots for brunch on the island—prior reservations recommended.
- Zamorana – If you love Mexican cuisine, this is the best place for street-style tacos with charred carne asada and wet burritos.
- Vashon Island Baking Company – If you’re looking for desserts, head straight to Vashon Island Baking Company; they have the best pastries!
- Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie (our coffee stop) – If you’re craving caffeine or tea, this is a great spot! We got a mocha and a lavender latte, and both were delicious. Plus, the roastery is fun to walk around and explore, it even has a bookshop inside.
Overall thoughts about Vashon Island
Vashon Island felt quieter than its neighboring spots like Bainbridge and Bremerton, with a smaller downtown stretch. However, I loved the peacefulness, along with the small shops and restaurants.
The beaches were quiet with very few people, but this is the peak winter I’m talking about. Summers are busier, but still much less crowded than elsewhere. On a clear sunny day, you’ll get gorgeous views of Mount Rainier, especially during golden hour at sunset.
Overall, it’s a great spot for a short day trip from Seattle, with or without a car. You can easily turn it into a weekend getaway with breathtaking views, especially if you stay at the Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters, where you’ll wake up to Mount Rainier. How cool is that?
