Visiting Vashon Island
Vashon Island is an exceptional destination that offers something for every visitor, whether you’re planning a quick day trip, a relaxing weekend getaway, or an extended summer stay. The island’s charm and scenic beauty ensure a memorable experience for all who come.
Dining on Vashon Island is a delight, with options ranging from the upscale Ramble, which offers exquisite farm-to-table meals, to the casual and welcoming atmosphere of Ruby Brink. Families will appreciate the friendly vibe at the Island Queen.
For those looking to explore the natural beauty of the island, a visit to Point Robinson Lighthouse offers stunning views and a peek into the region’s maritime history. Alternatively, KVI Beach is perfect for a leisurely walk along the shore, where you can soak in the tranquil sea air and perhaps catch a glimpse of local wildlife.
Adventure seekers can take to the waters with kayak and SUP rentals available at Vashon Watersports, or explore the island’s picturesque landscapes on two wheels and brink your bikes. These activities provide fun and active ways to experience the unique environment of Vashon Island. Whether you’re into water sports or cycling, there’s plenty to do that will keep you engaged and entertained during your visit.
We’ve collected everything you need!
Recent Posts for Visitors
- Stay Like a Local: Best Airbnbs on Vashon Island
A guide to charming, one-of-a-kind Airbnb stays around Vashon Island that offer comfort, character, and a real taste of island life. - Your Insider’s Guide to Navigating the Strawberry Festival Like a LocalGet to know all there is to see at the Strawberry Festival this July 2025.
- The Best Souvenirs You Can Only Get at the Strawberry FestivalGet your Vashon stickers at the Strawberry Festival this year.
- 10 Things to Do at the Strawberry Festival on Vashon Island in 20252025 brings a new list of fun things to do on Vashon Island for the 2025 Strawberry Festival.
Lodging/Accomodations
If you’re looking to stay a few nights on the island there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy spot close to town, a cozy cottage, or a place on the beach for the family, Vashon has plenty of options to choose from.
Many of the places you’ll find on Vashon are Airbnb or VRBO from private residents. You can also book a room at the popular Lodges for a night or two.
Many of our listings have direct links to booking information as well as contact information.
Shopping
Vashon’s Downtown offers many great shops to enjoy. Our Pharmacy is a great gift shop with local Vashon Island souvenirs. The Raven’s Nest, Northwest Sports, and Giraffe all offer a great selection of clothing and wonderments from local artists and items around the world. We have a few consignment and thrift shops to choose from, including the popular Grannie’s Attic. During the Spring, Fall, and Summer months, you can enjoy the local farmer’s market, including crafts from local artists. Just a walk through downtown, and we’re sure you’ll find some great items to take home with you.
Advice for Planning A Day Visit
Vashon Island is just a 30-minute to one-hour drive from Seattle and surrounding cities (Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, etc.), making it a fun day trip. When you plan your day before you arrive, you won’t feel overwhelmed by all there is to do.
- Arrive Early—During the summer months, the weekends can get very busy with tourists. Plan to arrive at the ferry terminal before 10:00 a.m. on a Saturday or Sunday morning to ensure you aren’t stuck in line waiting to get on. Friday nights are the worst for ferry waits, with all the commuters and tourists making their way to the island for the weekend.
- Pick Your Activities –
- Wine, Brews, Ciders, and Spirits Tasting – Plan on which of our more popular wineries, breweries, and cider tours you would like to visit while you are here.
- Outdoor Activities – From a casual bike around the island on a touring or electric bike (there are rentals), a quiet or strenuous hike in one of our many trails or beach walks, or rent a kayak or paddleboard for a nice time on the water.
- Regular Events – Saturday Market, First Friday, Strawberry Festival, and our Fourth of July fireworks celebrations are just a few of the usual events on the Island.
- Restaurants and Cafes – Vashon holds true to what the Pacific Northwest is known for: coffee and some of the best food around. Get to know our many restaurants, including the distinguished Ramble and the family-friendly Island Queen.
Restaurants
Visiting Vashon is an experience all its own. Why not top it off with a great meal or two near you?
Vashon is home to some of the nation’s top-rated restaurants, including our Thai cuisine, May’s Kitchen and Bar, and Top Chef contestant-owned Ramble and esteemed Gravy. While you’re at it, check out our newest Ruby Brink and Camp Colvos Brewing. Whether you’re looking for fine dining bistro-style pizza or a savory burger at Island Queen, you’ll find what you’re looking for nearby.
Stop in for a while and enjoy a great meal near you. Remember, you’re on Island time.
Activities
There are many fun activities on Vashon. All overnight and day camps, including the popular Camp Sealth, have been home to several generations of campers during our beautiful summers.
Enjoy a day of golf at the Country Club while the kids go for a swim and savor a meal at the restaurant near you.
Vashon is also home to the popular Open Space and newly built Vashon Center for the Arts, with many events from concerts, plays, workshops, and more in your area.
Getting to Vashon
There are a few ways to get to Vashon Island. The most popular is by car aboard one of the Washington State Ferries from the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in West Seattle, or at the Point Defiance Terminal in Tacoma, WA. Visitors can arrive by bus, boat, bike or even airplane on Vashon’s small airstrip.
Vashon has a history of producing great coffee near you. As the birthplace of Seattle’s Best Coffee in the historical Minglement building, we know our coffee. Enjoy all that Vashon has to offer with our many coffee and tea locations, all of which are just as tasty as they are unique in the area.
Drop in and visit one or all of the coffee locations close by and our popular tea spot for a break. Enjoy getting to know the local Island residents and all of our welcomed visitors.
With all the beauty and splendor that Vashon has to offer, using the many island locations for a destination wedding is quickly becoming popular. From the gorgeous Pt Robinson Lighthouse to the many churches, local farms, and wineries that offer their spot for your wedding, you just can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. We also compiled a list of local businesses that will help you plan your wedding perfectly, from photographers to florists.
As home to many wineries for several decades, Vashon is now the destination for prestigious breweries, distilleries, and popular hard cider. Visit Camp Colvos Brewing or you can view our list of all of them in one place and plan your wine tour or your tour during Vashon’s popular Ciderfest each October as hard ciders are ready for tasting just as the fall weather sets in and the apple harvest is complete.
Vashon Island offers a lot of great outdoor recreational areas to enjoy. Spend the day beachcombing at Pt Robinson or KVI or walk, mountain bike or horseback ride near you through the island’s many trails. With plenty of wildlife to see nearby and an abundance of birds to view on your birdwatching excursion.