Stay Like a Local: Best Airbnbs on Vashon Island

Where to Stay on Vashon Island: Airbnb, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals to Fit Every Adventure

There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of waves brushing the shore, or sipping your morning coffee surrounded by towering evergreens and quiet farmland. That’s the rhythm of life on Vashon Island, a place where time slows down and small details matter.

Whether you’re here for a weekend escape, an artist residency, or simply looking for space to breathe, finding the right place to stay makes all the difference. And that’s where we come in.

We’ve gathered a growing list of Airbnbs and vacation rentals on Vashon Island, from luxury hideaways to pet-friendly cottages, to help travelers land exactly where they need to be.

Why Vacation Rentals Fit Vashon So Well

There’s a reason “Vashon” and “Airbnb” are often Googled together. With no major hotel chains, visitors to the island are welcomed more often by neighbors than concierges. Most accommodations here are tucked into forest clearings, perched above the beach, or built with intentional charm by longtime locals.

It’s not about high-rises or lobby bars. It’s about porches, firepits, hammocks, and ferry schedules.

Luxury Rentals That Whisper, “Stay Longer.”

Not all rustic charm is created equal. If your version of a getaway includes soaking tubs, chef’s kitchens, or a view that belongs in a magazine spread, Vashon has a handful of luxury vacation rentals like this beautiful home for rent that deliver.

Many of these upscale Airbnbs feature high-end amenities, including heated floors, expansive decks for entertaining, and even private paths that lead directly down to the water. Some are newly built, modern homes. Others are artfully restored farmhouses with tasteful upgrades that retain their old soul.

One waterfront Airbnb boasts its own sauna and private beach access. Another includes a wall of windows that frames Puget Sound like a painting. You might even find a rental with a guesthouse perfect for bringing extended family, or just creating a quiet writer’s retreat.

Looking for a pool?

While not common on the island due to the climate, a few luxury properties do offer hot tubs and heated soaking tubs outside, ideal for unwinding under the stars. Pools are rare, but the Colvos Bluff Airbnb rental features a pool, although more listings may become available as additional Airbnbs are added. For guests who are determined to have a swimming pool, we recommend checking listings carefully or messaging hosts directly.

Where Are the Hotels on Vashon?

That’s a fair question.

Technically, we don’t have many traditional hotels on the island. The Lodges on Vashon is the closest thing to a modern hotel experience. Located in town, the Lodges offer standalone units designed with a sleek, Pacific Northwest aesthetic. Think concrete floors, wood accents, rain showers, and firepits. Guests often say it feels like having your own private cabin, just steps from coffee shops and the farmers market.

Then there’s the Vashon Inn.

If you’ve searched for hotels on Vashon and came across the Vashon Inn, you might’ve noticed… it’s not currently taking bookings. The Inn has undergone several transitions in recent years, and although it holds a long-standing place in island history, it’s currently not operating as an active hotel. We’ll update our Airbnb and vacation rental page as soon as that changes.

So for now, the real answer to “Where should I stay?” is often: someone’s guesthouse, cabin, yurt, or waterfront home.

Pet-Friendly Airbnbs (Because Dogs Love Vashon Too)

It’s not just people who relax when they get to Vashon. Dogs do too.

Several vacation rentals across the island welcome pets, and many hosts even go out of their way to provide dog beds, bowls, or fenced areas. It’s worth double-checking the Airbnb listing, of course, but if your four-legged friend is coming along, you’ve got options.

Dog-friendly rentals range from compact guesthouses to larger homes with access to trails and beaches. Some are tucked near Fern Cove or Burton Acres Park, both of which offer excellent opportunities for sniffing and stretching. Others are farther south, closer to the open meadows near Maury Island.

For travelers used to navigating pet policies at hotels, the more laid-back, host-to-guest approach of Airbnb often makes planning easier.

Pro tip: If you’re staying near Quartermaster Harbor or Tramp Harbor, keep a leash handy. While some beaches permit off-leash play during low tide, others may have wildlife or shellfish beds that require respect.

Waterfront Escapes Worth Waking Up For

Ask anyone who’s spent a night on the island, and they’ll tell you, there’s nothing quite like waking up with a view of the Sound.

Waterfront vacation rentals are some of the most sought-after stays on Vashon. Whether it’s a beach cabin near Ellisport or a hillside cottage above Colvos Passage, these Airbnbs give you a front-row seat to the tides, ferries, and eagle sightings.

Some include private beach access or kayaks that can be used at high tide. Others have decks made for sunsets, with wine glasses in hand.

You’ll also find unique spots like floating homes or converted boat houses like this houseboat on Quartermaster Harbor. They’re fewer and farther between, but they add that element of surprise—the kind of place where your photos don’t need a filter.

One family recently shared in their review, “We saw seals swimming just feet from the porch every morning. The kids called them ‘ocean puppies’ and didn’t want to leave.”

That’s the kind of vacation memory that stays with you.

What Makes a Vashon Vacation Rental Different?

Part of what sets Vashon apart is its mix of personality and privacy.

You’ll find a vacation rental where the owners left handwritten notes about their favorite beach walk or which trails have fewer mosquitoes. Hosts might leave fresh eggs from their chickens or a bottle of cider from Nashi Orchards. These aren’t staged touches for Instagram, they’re simply the way Vashon works.

Many Airbnbs here aren’t just side-hustles. They’re restored family cabins or purpose-built retreats designed to provide care for people. That intention is felt.

And for those who prefer to be off the grid? Some rentals are solar-powered, composting-toilet-equipped cabins surrounded by acres of trees. Others offer strong WiFi, smart TVs, and espresso machines.

There’s no wrong way to experience the island. However, choosing the right base camp makes it easier to fall into the rhythm of ferry schedules, beach walks, and second-hand bookstores.

Local Tips for Booking

• Book early in summer: July and August fill up fast, especially waterfront Airbnbs.
• Stay longer if you can: Many hosts offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays.
• Look just outside of town: Areas like Dockton, Burton, and Westside Highway offer incredible scenery and quick access to beaches without being too far from town.
• Ask the host: Do you have a question about the ferry schedule or where to buy oysters? Most hosts are more than happy to help.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

If you’re still wondering where to stay or what kind of experience you’re looking for, our Vashon Island Airbnb page is a good place to start. We’ve curated some of the island’s best vacation rentals, organized to make your search easy.

Whether you’re craving luxury or simplicity, waterfront views or cozy privacy, Vashon has a place that fits the rhythm of your visit.

And who knows? You might fall in love with the porch swing, the tide charts, or the way the stars look without city lights.

Sometimes the stay becomes part of the story.