While January wraps the island in fog and frost, locals know this is the time when the ferry lines are shortest and the woodstoves burn longest. But it’s also the time to look ahead. Vashon Island summer rentals go quickly, and if you’re hoping to secure a prime spot on the water, bring your pup, or soak in a hot tub under the stars, planning early makes all the difference.
To help, we’ve gathered a list of Airbnbs and vacation rentals on Vashon Island that offer a little something for everyone. From design-forward lodges to waterfront cabins and cozy guesthouses, these stays offer more than a bed. They provide a genuine connection to the island’s rhythm.
Winter Dreams, Summer Reservations
It might feel early to think about summer when you’re bundled up with a cup of tea, but January is the ideal time to browse listings, plan ferry reservations, and claim your preferred dates before the calendar fills. Many vacation rentals in this area start booking months in advance, especially those with water views or space for larger groups.
Whether you’re planning a wedding weekend, a family reunion, or just a quiet break from the mainland, early booking gives you better access to what makes Vashon stays memorable.
Stay in Style: Luxury Vacation Rentals on the Island
Not all island charm is rustic. Some of Vashon’s most beautiful properties combine the peaceful backdrop of the Pacific Northwest with elevated design and comfort. Upscale vacation homes like this one bring together natural light, custom interiors, and amenities such as saunas, chef-ready kitchens, and panoramic views of Puget Sound.
One rental near Point Robinson boasts its own private beach path. Another feature is a guesthouse tucked beneath madrona trees, perfect for artists, writers, or anyone who wants to escape the noise of city life.
Pools are rare on the island, but for those specifically looking, the Colvos Bluff Airbnb includes a seasonal pool and stunning forested surroundings. Some other homes offer hot tubs and soaking tubs outdoors for chilly evenings spent beneath the stars.
Hotels on Vashon: What Are the Options?
Vashon does not have many traditional hotels. That’s part of the charm. No big chains, no elevators or crowded lobbies. Instead, you’ll find smaller-scale accommodations that reflect the island’s style and slower pace.
The Lodges on Vashon is the closest thing to a hotel experience. Its modern, modular rooms are located in the heart of town, within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops, and the weekend farmers market. Each unit is private, well-appointed, and thoughtfully designed for relaxation.
The Vashon Inn, which appears in search results for “Vashon Island hotels,” is not currently accepting bookings. It has long served the community, but its operations remain paused. If that changes, we will update the Airbnb and vacation rental listings to reflect its availability.
For now, the best place to stay is often someone’s cabin, a garden guesthouse, or a well-loved family home shared seasonally through Airbnb.
Bring the Dog: Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
Many visitors arrive on Vashon with their dogs, and the island welcomes them. Several Airbnb hosts include fenced yards, nearby trails, or dog-friendly beach access in their listings. Some rentals come with pet amenities already stocked, including dog beds, bowls, and even a few treats.
Notable areas for pet-friendly stays include Dockton and Burton, both with excellent access to walks, shoreline, and quiet side roads. Quartermaster Harbor and Tramp Harbor also offer rentals with proximity to beach strolls and open views.
Because leash laws vary by area and some beaches protect sensitive wildlife, it’s always a good idea to check local signage before letting dogs off-leash. Still, most visitors find Vashon a laid-back and friendly place for pets to explore.
Waterfront Rentals That Capture the Island’s Soul
If you want to hear the Sound at night, book early. Waterfront Airbnbs are some of the most desirable vacation rentals on the island, and they are often the first to disappear from the summer calendar.
Whether you’re staying in a hillside home with views over Colvos Passage, a beach cabin in Ellisport, or a floating house on Quartermaster Harbor, these stays offer a perspective you can’t get from town. Ferry sightings, eagle calls, and the rise and fall of the tides are part of daily life in these homes.
Many offer private beach access, decks with Adirondack chairs, or kayaks for paddling at high tide. Some are so close to the water that you can cast a line or launch a paddleboard from your back steps.
One guest wrote, “We watched a pair of herons circle the bay every morning and fell asleep to the waves each night. It felt like the water was ours.”
More Than a Stay: What Makes a Vashon Vacation Rental Different
Many of the properties featured on our Airbnb listings page are more than rentals. They’re legacy homes, converted cabins, or purpose-built spaces designed to welcome visitors with intention.
Hosts often leave handwritten tips on their favorite trails, share local farm stand maps, or stock the kitchen with cider from Nashi Orchards. Some rentals are off-grid, running on solar power and rainwater catchment. Others include everything you’d expect from a city escape—WiFi, smart TVs, and espresso machines—but placed inside a cedar-wrapped retreat with chickens clucking nearby.
This is what sets Vashon stays apart. They are layered with personal detail, local pride, and quiet generosity.
Planning Tips from Locals
- Don’t wait to book. Summer rentals begin to fill in January, especially waterfront and pet-friendly listings.
- Travel midweek for quiet ferry crossings and easier island parking.
- Use our listings page to filter options by size, amenities, or location.
- Reach out to hosts if you have questions about ferry timing, kitchen setup, or nearby trails. Most are happy to help you plan.
Your Island Stay Starts Now
Whether you’re coming for the music festivals, planning a beach picnic, or simply want to watch the sunset from a porch swing, the right Airbnb or vacation rental sets the tone for your visit.
Browse our Vashon Island Airbnb and Vacation Rental listings now to lock in your dates before the summer crowds arrive. From the first ferry ride to the last morning walk along the beach, the right place to stay becomes part of your story.
Even as winter holds the island in stillness, summer is already on the horizon.
Author: Vashon Island
Vashon is an Island located between Tacoma and West Seattle. This account manages the vashon-maury.com website full on useful information for residents and visitors of the Island.
