Get to Know Vashon Island
Though only accessible by ferry, Vashon Island in Washington is a phenomenal place to visit and can even be thoroughly traversed over the course of a one day self-guided tour. Founded in 1792 by George Vancouver, it has evolved into a small community of farms often visited by the inhabitants of Seattle and Tacoma. Vashon Island attractions are some of the best to be found.
Art lovers will appreciate the many mediums of artwork on display and for sale at small-scale studios and along roadsides. Paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles and glassworks are just a few of the stunning art objects awaiting the art lover. Additionally, local performing artists, musicians, writers and poets are on hand at small theaters and cafes, and a handful of small motels make this island a perfect quiet getaway for urbanites. Moreover, several bed-and-breakfasts are scattered over the island. Kayak and bike rentals are also available in many locations around the island, making this a great escape for weekend warriors.
The Culture
Those wanting to truly get to know the town will be pleased to find its populace still thriving.
Plan a vacation for July to enjoy their annual Strawberry festival, but if that is not possible, there are art walks every Friday featuring all the best art the city has to offer. Its local heritage museum provides a special glimpse of the past to reveal how it transformed into what it is today. Every month features its own festival, especially October with its famed CiderFest.
The Parks
The island itself is only 13 miles north to south and 8 miles east to west.
Providing fantastic views of the Sound, Mt. Rainier and the Olympic mountain range the island is full of places to visit and never ceases to provide new discoveries no matter how many times you have visited or long long you have lived here. Choose one of 18 different places to enjoy a beautiful outdoor lunch when visiting Vashon Island. Ober Park houses a Vietnam Memorial while Fisher Pond is the largest pond on the island and plentiful with much of the local fauna.
The Beaches
Northwest beaches are a magnificent sight.
Miles of untouched shoreline wrap around the island. Docks and hiking trails dot the coastline and there are even places to rent boats and kayaks for guests to head out on their own to take in the life of the Sound.
A peaceful island free of the bustle of the cities to its north and south, Vashon Island is a place not soon forgotten. From stunning sunsets on the water to historical building untouched for one hundred years, to guests visiting Vashon Island this sanctuary will forever carry their Vashon Island attractions with them forever.
Downtown Vashon Island
History buffs will love traversing the streets of Vashon’s Downtown
Dotted with many historic buildings including a restaurant inhabiting the oldest retail building on the island, guests are treated to many shops and can even stop for a cup of coffee in a 100 year old building made of a now extinct wood.
What hotels are there on Vashon Island?
The Lodges
There are places that feed your soul. That clear your mind. That bring you back to what is really important. For us, that place is Vashon Island.
Whether you’re here for a quick weekend getaway or an extended stretch of rest and relaxation, we are here to make sure you return home that best version of yourself. So stroll through town, pop into quirky shops, mingle with colorful locals and, when a day of exploring leaves your feet tired, gather in our communal areas for a shared experience that mirrors Vashon’s sense of community or retreat to your private lodge and cozy up by the fire with a glass of local wine.
What places can we rent for our large family on Vashon?
KVI Beach House
A ferry ride away from Tacoma, Seattle, or the Olympic Peninsula, Vashon is a unique rural refuge in a sea of urban development. Located at the center of the east side of the island, KVI Beach House is the perfect location to explore Vashon and is just minutes away from town and nearby bus lines heading to the ferries.
Altogether, the house can accommodate up to 5 couples and 10 singles, or 15 adult singles in any kind of bed, or combinations thereof, not including babies or small children, and depending on room sharing. For children there are 2 pac n plays and 1 portable crib, 2 high chairs, 1 booster chair, and 1 high chair that straps to a regular chair.
What is the most popular vacation rental on Vashon?
Burton Beach House
This home is a family treasure. It has been in our family for over 65 years. We love sharing it with you to make memories to cherish for a lifetime. With newly updated interiors, a fully stocked Kitchen, and full sized w/d, tv/wifi you will fee right at home. If you are looking to unplug, outside there is a BBQ and cozy lawn chairs for sunbathing or sitting around the fire pit, or just taking in the breathtaking views. For sleeping arrangements, there is a queen sized bed, a full sized pullout sofa, as well as pull down bunks for children! Come and Enjoy a piece of Burton Paradise.