Vashon Island Reviews

Cute little town, scenic place to drive around. Passed some time on a rainy day in Tacoma. I was impressed by how quick and easy it was to ride the ferry from Point Defiance; probably 10 minutes max.

We took a day trip to Vashon on July 4th. We live in the Seattle area but had never visited. I had heard about the Lavender fields and wanted to check them out.
We visited the Lavender Hill Farm. The smell was wonderful and it was beautiful! We also visited the Pt Robinson lighthouse. It was quaint and beautiful.
We tried to stop at some of the other farms but many of them were closed because of the holiday.
We will definitely be back to check out some other farms.
It was a very relaxing day to wander around the island.

an idyllic, laid back island, it very much resembles country victoria in australia. the island is filled with spring flowers and there are many walks in the island centre forest.

They really love the farmers market on Saturdays in Vashon Island. So many vendors it spills onto other blocks and all over. Lots of great looking food along with beer, wine, tamales, and other craftsman. Fun in Vashon.

We found a wonderful place to stay with a small beachfront on Puget Sound and view of Mt. Rainier. We found the island beautiful and peaceful, the people friendly. A lovely vacation spot for relaxing and getting away from it all.

We spent about 24 hours on Vashon Island. There was plenty to do. The lighthouse, bike in a tree, and pretty decent food. There are many farmers markets and festivals. We just barely missed the Strawberry Fest. I would have loved to have been there.
This is definitely a great little island to explore if you have a few days. One day did not feel like enough. My 4 year old son had a great time looking for sand dollars along the beach. He found 3. That's 3
more than I have ever found in my life.
Next time we go to Seattle I would definitely like to spend more time.
Taking the ferry from the mainland to Vashon was quite an experience as well. The ferry is so smooth you may not even realize you are moving if you are in a car. We did not realize we were actually moving for about 5 minutes. We all had a good laugh when he realized that.

Friendly. Beautiful scenic drive around most of the island. Discovered two parks on my drive, both were lovely. Walked the beach at Dockton Park and the trails at Murray Island Marine Park. I would return to both parks.

Both times I have been to the Island, I missed the signs for the Southworth Ferry and had to turn around. If taking the Southworth Ferry back to the Kitsap Peninsula, turn left onto 103rd street, there won't be any signs until you are almost at the walk on ferry parking lot. Better signs are needed. If taking the Fauntleroy ferry, it is intuitive, main road takes you directly to the waiting line.

This is a great place e for a nice quiet weekend with friendly folk all around. We did a quick getaway from Kentucky and it was worth it.

Great little island. No commercial hotels or motels. Life at an island pace. Folks quite pleased to live here and wondering why everyone else doesn't. Definitely an artists island with lots of fruits and vegetable farms.

Great day trip, or as I did, an overnight. I stayed in a VRBO that had private beach access, beautiful ocean views, and easy access. If you like scenery, walking and photography, it's perfect. If you like fishing, kayaking, or biking, it's perfect. If you like quaint shops, local artists, and good eating, it's perfect.

It is a pretty quick 15 minute ferry ride to the island with two different departure points to choose from. Very quaint and picturesque

Very convenient to Seattle. Friendly small community with very few commercial (Subway, MacDonalds, fast food) places. Lovely local artistry, and eating establishments. Great selection of Gluten free meals. Peaceful, with great views of Mt. Rainier.

Nice for a one day visit, but not too much to see. Can be done in a few hours. The Hardware Store restaurant is over good for lunch. The servers couldn't be better. Very helpful and pleasant. Food is outstanding.

We definite enjoyed our day visit to the island. Our only disappointment was that the shops we were most interested in visiting were not open - evidently Monday is not a big business day in the winter months.

There is nothing to do here for travelers. Love it that way. Come, have lunch or dinner at a couple of very good restaurants, then leave because there really isn't any place to stay outside of a few vrbo cabins and such.

After sleeping in on a Saturday morning, my wife and I decided we were in the mood for an adventure. We didn't want to venture too far outside of Seattle – we weren't looking for a long drive – but we wanted a new experience.

So, we let a ferry do the driving and headed out to Vashon.

As the ferry docked on the island, we noticed a sign for the Vashon Strawberry Festival.

It proved to be a fortunate accident. The streets were lined with vendors, selling fantastic festival food. There was good music and everyone seemed to be having a great time.

It was small-town America at its finest. Now we can't wait to go back on another day to enjoy some of the island's other attractions.

Wonderful and quaint downtown area with unique shopping. Boutiques, antiques, farm to table restaurants. Neat ice cream shop as well. (the name escapes me). Cross the Puget Sound to get there. Beautiful area. Highly recommend.

We love ferry rides and dislike sitting in traffic jams. To avoid the I-5 mess between Tacoma and Seattle we took the ferry from Point Defiance to Tahlequah at the south end, drove around the island a bit, then took the ferry at Vashon Heights off the north end to Seattle. Drove around some lovely rural roads with huge trees and lots of ferns. Also drove out to Point Robinson Lighthouse and wandered around the driftwood-strewn beach. This area is very much like the more northern Gulf Islands of BC that we are familiar with. We had some difficulty finding a simple place to get a sandwich for lunch, but perhaps that was because we didn't ask the right people. When you get off the ferry at the south end of Seattle, you have to make your way through several city streets before you rejoin the highway. It was still a lovely diversion from the Interstate highway.

We decided on the spur of the moment ro ho over ro the island. We ate at the Hardware Store restaraunt. We had to sit at the bar because they said they were overvooked on reservations. This about 4 pm. The whole time we were there no one was ever seated at the four empty (that we could see) tables. Service was ok considering it was the bartender who stayed busy with drink orders. The food ok but nothing great. I probably would eat somewhere else next time.

Ferry from West Seattle---best stay in the car as the trip to the island is about 15 minutes----
Took the West side roads all the way South to Talequah Ferry turned around and back up
North stopping at Burton General store, East to Jensen Point . .--- Drove around to Maury Island--
to Point Robinson Light House (Upper Lot parking said sign) RRs at the bottom of the drive--not as pictured on trail map at top of hill. Trail down to beach was rutted, full of roots and not for the folks with joint issues or pain.Drive down to see the light house anyway. Stopped on the main highway at the
Feed store, saw nice gift shop with jams, candies, Filson wear then drove North to town of Vashon for lunch at the Hardware Store. Walked through town then drove back to the Ferry and returned to West Seattle. All in all a full day. Worth the visit. Awesome views of Puget Sound, family homes, farms, horses, gardens, twisty narrow roads in forest glades, Years ago there was a College at Burton that burned down.

We took a ferry on the outskirts of Seattle to check out Vashon Island. The Uber drive here was $16 on this day the Rapidride Line C drops you off right in front of the ferry for $2.75. The ferry ride across allows you to take your car or bike with you. My suggestion for this island is to take a car if you absolutely want to go but aside from a few small restaurants there is nothing to do here and not much to really sea. The town center is 7 miles from the ferry, walking it is out of the questions and you'd better be in good shape to bike it because from there the next thing to see is about another 6 miles away. One of the island draws is the old bike in the tree. Unfortunately it should be called "what's left of the old bike in the tree" thanks to vandals. You can walk all along the shore between the water and peoples homes, the locals don't mind. There are some casual restaurants and the people are very friendly but that's about it.

I've never been to Vashon Island before, so my family decided to make a visit on Memorial Day. The cost of the ferry ride was quite expensive ($44.50 with car and 1 adult and youth), but the ride back was free. The parts of the island which we explored seemed very rural, with a few restaurants and shops on the main road south of the ferry terminal. The Maury Marine Park and the Point Robinson Lighthouse Park were our two favorites sites to visit.

A quick 15 minute ferry ride ($27.00 return for car, driver and one passenger) gets you from just outside of Seattle to this tranquil island. The official saying is "37 square miles surrounded by reality". We went over for a family reunion so didn't have too much time to explore but did visit Vashon Winery and the weekly Saturday market in the village.

Scenic island to drive around with lots of original homes, many of which are bed and breakfasts.

Road under construction - but Vashon is well worth the drive, especially on gorgeous sunny summer days. Historical, antiques, tons of fun shops, every sort of venue you'd want for a summer away from the city.

So close to the city, but a world away. Grab the ferry and head over for a day trip to explore beaches, the town and grab a bite. You won’t regret it.

A short ferry ride from Seattle, Vashon is full of forests, restaurants, FooFoo shops...Really, the whole place is a nice change of pace a short distance from the city. Great for weekend getaways. Visit the Perry Cider place.

Had a wondrful time visiting Vashon Island. Short ferry ride from Seattle. Friendly people, great shops and food.

This is a new restaurant and organic butchery destined to please the most finicky waters. The ambiance is lovely with a full bar. The casual yet elegant atmosphere makes this place a great destination stop. Local meets the world. All is excellent at fair prices... you will love it.

Still a really quiet and peaceful place (at least during mid week). Also accessible by public transport, especially the northern end. The buses at the southern ferry terminal do not connect very well with the ferry times.

The entire island is full of nuance! I visited my maternal Aunt and attended a family reunion. So rich in history yet evolved in culture!

What a great island, just a few minutes from Seattle. A nice laid-back feeling greets you and an easy place to traverse. One main road goes from north to south with a few side roads. The little town of Vashon is an artsy community with a nice selection of eateries, book stores and bakeries. A nice Lighthouse and beach area is toward the lower end of the island. The General Store seems to be the heart of the island with everything from food offerings, lawn and garden care and the local dry-cleaning drop off. This is a nice place to visit when you want to get away from the traffic and the hustle of real life!

We spent part of a day on Vashon this past week. We had a nice meal downtown, shopped the fun downtown shops, and then our friend drove us all over!! We stopped at several beaches and learned that the Island is pretty rural. Then, home again, easy-peasy, via ferry/

What do you do on Memorial Day avoiding the crowds? Take the ferry to Vashon Island, drive to Maury island and sit on the beach by Port Robinson lighthouse taking in the vast vista over the Puget Sound towards Seattle down to Seatac. Although there are no amenities on this beach (apart from a slightly lopsided and wobbly honey bucket toilet) taking in the view, the sunshine and a picnic is as good a way to spend time as any. We arrived at around 11.00 am along with several others, possibly off the same ferry, but by 2.00 pm most people had packed their hampers, ground sheets and left the beach leaving the 4 of us in splendid isolation for a couple more hours. If you do want to escape the traffic and crowds of the mainland this is undoubtedly one of the places to visit.

Be sure to visit the Island Quilters Shop on the Main Street. The owners, Paul and Anja, are delightful. They have a continuous display of beautiful quilts which changes monthly. Their fabric selection is beautiful and includes 800+ bolts of Kaffe Fassett fabrics among several thousand bolts. A quilter's dream.
The Hardware Store is the best restaurant in town.

Small town feel but plenty of places to relax and enjoy the island...
There is no medical care here but it is available 15 minutes from here.

This was a great event, full of local art and crafts. Great food and music! Also, If you come on Island and need coffee or want some real great Pizza, check out O’ Sole Mio and Pollard Coffee!

Our nephew was married at the lighthouse. Pretty cool up there, beautiful right on the water, so fun.

We've visited Vashon many times to visit our cousins. They've showed us the many delights to be found on the island. Starting with the short ferry ride from Seattle, we always knew a lovely time was ahead of us. From driving around the quiet roads with lovely ocean scenery, stopping in at the many artists galleries and shops, looking at colorful and innovative gardens, browsing the shops "downtown", visiting Point Robinson lighthouse, and eating at some of the varied restaurants where we always enjoyed not only the atmosphere but also found our meals were fresh tasting and delicious.

Since my wife had other plans for the day, I took my bike on a ferry from Seattle’s Fauntleroy terminal to Vashon Island for the day. Nice hill climb right out of the terminal, then headed south on the heavily-forested Westside Hwy (complete with a three-deer encounter!) and north on the Vashon Hwy. Had a quick-but-tasty lunch stop at the quaint Zamorana Mexican restaurant in the town of Vashon, followed by a return to the ferry terminal and sail back to Seattle.

Highly recommended day outing!

Last minute trip was great way to spend a chill last day of our trip. Ferry access was easy and affordable ($31 for car + 2 adults). Happy to find good running/biking trails. Friendly people.

Not a very interesting place to visit. We wanted to rent kayaks or bikes but had trouble getting in touch with the kayaks and the bikes were extremely expensive for a day.

A ferry ride rolls back the years as you explore Vashon Island. There is a lighthouse, ports, hiking trails, cute shops and good places to eat. You will also notice more land than in Seattle proper and you see ranches, farms and all. They have technology but you don't want it, you want to unplug and breathe.

A real home town feeling on this island. Great place to stay a weekend or a month. Great hikes on beach and hillsides. Love it.

Took the 15 minute ferry to Vashon island from West Seattle. While we drove a car I did notice a bus stop so could use transit to get there. We arrived when the cute outdoor market was happening. I wanted to get some fresh fruit but ended up getting side tracked by a jewelry booth and ended up walking away with a $15 hand painted necklace. We then sauntered down the quaint town sidewalk to a consignment shop in which 2 of our party got some local bargains. Next we drove to Maury island to Pt Robinson park and lighthouse. Beautiful day and beautiful scenery. Am curious about 2 cottages down the beach from the lighthouse if they are for rent or not. Was told by my friend that you can actually sign up for a 2-3 week stent as a guest lighthouse caretaker however there is supposedly a long waiting list for that. Next we ventured back to town to see the famous bike tree in which a tree grew around a bike. Kinda of a let down on that one. Next we stopped at the darling country store where I got some amazing fresh raspberries while browsing treasures in the store. Finally we spent the rest of the trip at the 1st annual blues and brews festival. Good venue, good beers and ciders, good music which yes I danced to and good friends all in picnic style. Some of the food vendors sold out way before the event was over but this was the 1st so I'm sure they will be prepared for next time. The ferry ride wait was alot longer on return but sunset was pretty. Definitely I would like to return to vashon island to explore some more.

As an almost 40 year resident of Vashon, I find the reviews that people write very interesting. Before you come to the island, read all the reviews and determine what you want to do here as it is not a small effort to visit. Vashon has much to offer, but you need to do some research first. Initially, you will find that "there isn't much to do". The island is the size of Manhattan with only about 11,000 residents. We have stores and shops that are the equal of any in the Puget Sound area of their type. We have very good schools, with considerable community involvement, so good that at least 150 students from Seattle and Port Orchard commute to Vashon public schools by ferry daily. We have a superb arts organization in the process of building a state of the art performance and art center. We have about 13 restaurants (it can change) going from a much beloved "greasy spoon" to a nationally noted Thai restaurant, with pizza and a country club (restaurant open to the public) and Eagles in between. The Strawberry Festival, Halloween and Christmas tree lighting see the main drag shut down to traffic so people can roam the streets, saying hello to friends and enjoying the celebration of the day. We have no traffic lights, only four-way stops at three intersections on the main highway. If you are a biker, pedal or power, the back-roads of the island are great to explore. Caution to novice bikers, the hill from the north end ferry dock is substantial, rising about 350 feet in a mile. There are many serious micro farms, many of whom are members of the local growers organization, that hold a great farmer's market on Saturday and often on Wednesday evening. Check out the excellent website for Vashon Island Growers Association (VIGA) for current information. The public parks and beaches are great places to explore, including many groomed trails that traverse local forests. Though only a 15 minute ferry ride from Seattle, Tacoma or the Kitsap Peninsula, plan to spend the day with your visit, as ferries often overload. Coming to Vashon on a summer Friday afternoon can often require a wait of an hour and a half. Residents that stay here after moving here, (some leave after a year or two) like our moat and the way it tempers our way of life. Many of our residents are commuters to cities on the mainland, and find the hour plus commute each way quite tranquil compared to driving I-5 at rush hour, though some do both ferry and freeway. They must consider the effort worth it. Remember to explore all the TripAdvisor reviews about Vashon and enjoy your visit.

Spent a few days on Vashon with our family of four. The ferry ride was easy and a great way to begin our vacation. We did a few hikes and ate downtown, visiting the local bookstore and few of the restaurants. There is a wonderful market for picking up grocery items.

Beautiful and charming with good food and a lively music scene. Scenery is spectacular. Fall foliage was breath-takingly beautiful.

Lovely island and very scenic just drive around
Tip 1. You will probably get the next ferry after the one you wanted as the queues are so long
Tip 2 Don’t go on a Monday or Tuesday as everything is shut

Visited a cousin or the first time, got to drive around a bit. Great water views, lovely gardens. Great wild blackberries!

Take the short ferry ride from West Seattle to discover this peaceful island across from the hustle and bustle of Seattle downtown to cool off, for wineries, coffee, arts, and the outdoors.

Breathtaking vistas start from the ferry ride with Mt Rainier floating above Puget Sound. More to come at little coves on the island. Don't miss the sunset at Point Robinson park as the old lighthouse and the snow-capped Rainier across the water turns gold. It's surreal to be at this otherworldly place watching the come and go of boat and air traffic. You have to experience it to feel it!

Tips:
- Fill up the gas before boarding the ferry. Gas is a lot more expensive on the island.
- Layers of clothes are always a good idea, as it gets chilly even in the heat of summer.

Enjoy!

Vashon Island is the largest of Seattle's famous islands, but it has escaped most of the tourist-trendy enclaves you can find elsewhere. If you want to explore the best of it, bring a bike or your car on the ferry. There are pockets of shopping, a few art galleries, plenty of places to eat and a rural flavor that is restful to the max. This is a community where residents leave extra farm raised eggs in coolers near the road side so neighbors can help themselves! The beach at Pt. Robinson is a gem. The view is awesome. The beach is not for swimming, but it offers everything else to put you into 'relax' mode.

Lovely quaint little island. We just headed there for a few hours just to be on an island. We took a ferry ride over and got to see sea lions and a ton of jelly fish, Beaches were fun, cold, but pretty.

Vashon Island is a small, mostly rural, island with a well serviced commercial center. Prices are, as you would expect, extremely high even in the supermarket, but it's an island after all.

There are several excellent areas to walk including the Maury Island Marine Park and Shinglemill Creek Preserve, both of which provide elevation for walkers looking to get their heartrate up, as well as in the former case, enjoy some stunning views.

You can take the ferry over to the north from Fauntleroy or Seattle and to the south of the island (from Tacoma, I think) and there are some buses. But you will likely want a car to enjoy the island.

Vashon is a sweet gem a short ferry ride from Seattle or Tacoma. A true “community” with an eclectic mix of people. Lots of artists with a wonderful “art walk” on the first Friday of the month, a weekend Strawberry Festival in July and Studio Tours of local artists studios in May and December. Also a great Saturday Farmers Market in summer with local farmers and local musicians. Vashon also has its own radio station and a thriving music scene. However , except for special events the rest of the time it’s a very quiet little place. You won’t find a hopping night life so go prepared for a country outing surrounded by nature and quiet. And be prepared for ferry lines especially at commuter hours and during special events. And don’t expect to just walk onto the ferry and find anything on foot other than a rocky beach (at low tide). The town and nearest stores and restaurants are 5 miles away. It’s great for bicyclists if you like a challenging hill right off the ferry

Beautiful views of Rainier from Maury Island, quiet roads, and a short ferry ride from Fauntleroy all make this a wonderful place to bike with friends. Be sure to stop by the Flora Hill Farm Stand for cold popsicles. After your ride, head over to May Kitchen for the best Thai food in the state.

Vashon Island is moments away from the big city lights of Seattle, but like stepping back in time. The ferry ride over gives you just enough time to leave your worries behind so you can fully enjoy all the island has to offer. And for such a small community, it is truly impressive how much there really is going on here. Great restaurants (best Thai food in Seattle), creative artists, live music, opera (yes, I said opera) and one of the best little theatre's left standing in a world of SuperCinema. Or come for the quieter moments, walking along the lighthouse's beach or visiting Quartermaster Harbor.

I lived on Vashon now for two years and cannot imagine being anyplace else!

This well curated store and farm contains a great selection of books, foods, garden supplies and exceptional clothing choices. Th farm has U-pick berries in season with a full organic garden. Kids can play and there are picnic tables and adirondack chairs for hanging out. Also on the property is a nice garden shop , Little Bird ; a vintage clothing store, Agnes & Chole, & a cool barber van, C'Mon Barber. The staff are all really nice.

Took the ferry from Pt Defiance (only about 10 minutes) and traveled from one end to the other. A collection of quaint stores, coffee, food and knick knacks. Spend time talking to islanders and letting time pass.

Great people. Great feel. Great island.

Won't be our last trip! The island is utterly beautiful, with so many scenic beaches and drives. We rented bicycles and toured around (very hilly!), which was a great way to see different parts of the island. We stayed at an Airbnb called Coach House at Wildwood that I cannot recommend more highly -- in a secluded spot surrounded by lush apple and pear orchards, horses, bunnies and deer, and decorated like you are living in a Smith and Hawken ad.

Spent four days. We went because a friend was there and we then looked around for things to do. Some nice walking in seaside parks (got a slight view of Mount Rainier) and in inland forest walks which can be very nice -- some large cedar and maples etc. The parks where we walked were rather small, especially compared, say, to Defiance Park right across the water, but laid out with winding trails so that they seemed bigger than they were. I particularly liked the Shinglemill trail, though it was a bit steep and others are much easier. Has some art galleries, fruit stands and some decent restaurants. I am glad we went but not sure it is really a tourist destination for more than a one night or so.

Lovely day on Vashon Island. Took the Ferry from Port Defiance. Lovely ferry ride . Highly recommended.

A short ferry ride from Seattle gets you to the island. You pay the fare for both legs of the trip at one time. My daughter and I meandered by car around the island. We took roads that appeared to offer some photo ops. We found some nice vistas off the beaten path. Saw a pair of eagles and some seals. Hiked a bit near the lighthouse. It was beautiful, sunny day which gave us an opportunity to take some nice photos of Mt. Rainier. Just a note on the street numbering: For such a small island, I was amazed at street numbers in the two hundreds. Thought I was in the Bronx or Queens. Very enjoyable.

I was hoping to get out of Seattle and the psych ward for a while so I rode the Vashon ferry over from Fauntleroy terminal for a walk. I've been watching bald eagles raise eaglets online and wanted to see some face-to-face. Didn't take long. As soon as I got off of the ferry, a baldie swooped past me on the beach!
I didn't bother with using a map, walked a little uphill and found serene neighborhoods with peaceful houses set back on lots of land. Got to pet a soft, cuddly, friendly longhaired tortoiseshell kitty that bit at my hand and batted me. Found hilly terrain, doves flying from branch to branch and felt my senses come back. I needed this.
Unsure of how to navigate once stuck on a private drive with no outlet, I returned to the ferry thinking I'd seen most of Vashon. I came back down to the loading dock and met a nice bus driver who told me that this route would give me a view of Vashon (118 or 119?). I rode the bus simply to see the view. The cute town up in the mountains was charming. Goats, deer, everything *CUTE*. Little shops, coffee shops, nice ladies to talk to on the bus. It was beautiful. All of the houses are older and show craftsmanship. I enjoyed the mere bus ride and the friendly faces that I met.
At the end of the line was where I was in for the best leg of the adventure.... BURTON! I got off of the bus convinced I'd turn around and get back on and re-board going NW. Instead, I followed my nose looking for more eagles or breeding birds. Travelling on foot in the 72 degree perfect sunshiney weather was great. I needed just this! Rounding the corner at the last bus stop, I found BEACHES. BEACHES WITH BIRD AFTER BIRD. Playful crows and seagulls dashed and hopped and fought for the perfect clam. They'd grab them off the the ground, fly 25 feet up and release! Splat! The clam or whatever would crack on the ground. Turning back to the bus stop after walking about a mile, I walked through Burton. I'd seen another eagle in the distance. I had to see where it went. While it soared above me I walked down the road trying to catch another glimpse of it. I caught an aerial battle of hawk vs. eagle while trying to enjoy the scenery - all of the cute houses and handmade thingies, gardens, happy looking people in their small farm town ... it was breathtaking.
Anyway, if you live in a cramped, dark, weird, uncomfortable space in your mind or just in Seattle, take the Vashon ferry out from Fauntleroy. Don't hesitate to ride the 118 or 119 bus down to the end of the line and check out Burton. It's beautiful. There's even a park to explore down at the end. You might get lucky enough to see a pair of breeding eagles. That's all I need again to get me up and *HAPPY* again. Birds, sun, fresh air, green grass, exercise, fresh veggies and fruits and snacks to pack. For a 10$ roundtrip ticket, you get ALL OF THAT. Best bargain around! Best day ever!
Next time I go, I'm bringing a cheap tent and going all the way down to Maury Island to see more marine creatures and wild friends.

The trip over to Vashon Island is the beginning of a day or short trip at a slower pace. Only accessible by boat or ferry it takes 20-30 minutes to transit the sound to the island.

The residents of the island are each different, but very friendly. They have a Saturday market in Vashon. Great way to meet local artisans and see the type of thugs done to stay on the island.

There is a variety of things to do o. The island and many can be done in a day trip.

Loved our day trip to Vashon Island—just to hang out and walk trails and sight see. We spent the night at a B&B and took bith the Pt Defiance ferry and the north end ferry direct to downtown Seattle! A wonderful 24 hours for us!

People on Vashon Island are relaxed and laid back. Staying at the bed and breakfasts is great because you have time to kick back and REALLY relax as one visitor said. The beaches are lovely and very walkable. There are a number of excellent restaurants on the island as well as coffee shops.

Nice place to relax friendly people reasonable prices stuff to do but not too much, Great for bike riding/motorcycle/scooter riding. Thought it would be little better for beachcombing/fishing. Average food dining, good farmers market. Great place for art. Good consignment stores. Great produce grocery stores. Good coffee nice orchards. Short ferry ride. Definitely worth checking out if you want to go chill and relax somewhere close.

A great introduction to the islands of Puget Sound. Comparable to Martha's Vineyard on the New England coast. Easy-going, great food, great wine--tasting. And you may spot a star or too looking to stay out of the limelight.

We stayed three nights on Vashon Island, a very short ferry ride west of Seattle. The island is tranquil, lush and just the type of place we needed for a few days of down time. There's not much to do but picnic and puts around, but that was fine by us.

So it was our first time there and we took a bunch of clients. Katie and Dave are amazing. From the rustic table setting to the incredible food they went over and above. Pink tractor would be a killer venue for a wedding. This was a farm to table experience like no other. The stuffed squash blossoms were one of my favorite things but it was truly hard to pick. Seriously one of the best experiences I've done!!

This great island is very relaxing and it has a small-town feeling. To get there, you have to take a 15 min. ferry ride. Unfortunately, the weather was pretty wet, so we could not hike as much as we wanted, but we went to different little stores and found some nice things. If you are interested in thrift store, they have a really big one, Grandma's attic.
The lighthouse is nice to visit and you can walk around. With this weather we mostly drove around and enjoyed the view.
It's perfect for a laid-back vacation. I spotted a bold eagle which was pretty cool.

Visited on a Saturday in June. Waited 45 minutes to board ferry. Stopped at Windemere Real Estate for a free map. Margaret Mary told us all about Vashon; restaurants, galleries and a sheep dog trial. We walked the streets popping into various shops, chatting with friendly shop owners and customers. There was also a farmer's market and craft fair. However, the highlife was the dog trial. We are old sheep ranchers and dearly loved our border collies. Could not believe the size of the crowd; several thousand. Parking was a challenge but the event ran a shuttle bus too and from town and the ferry. The trial course was open and hilly. Dogs displayed their skills within easy view of spectators. We drove right on the ferry coming back. We had a warm feeling riding back to Seattle.

I was recently in Seattle for work and planned a few extra days in the area. I think I found Vashon Island just zooming in on a Google map around the area where my work was taking place. I was surprised to find an island (which my wife and I love) so close to the city. I did my research (online)...great Chamber of Commerce website...TripAdvisor, etc. and decided a few days there would be perfect.
We used Airbnb for lodging and found a really nice place near the 'center' of the island. We rented a car (which our host said was a good idea for Vashon) and took the Ferry from Fauntleroy. It was a quick ferry ride - about 20 minutes - and fairly inexpensive for the car and two passengers.
It rained a lot when we were there (Fri-Sun), (which is probably to be expected for that area in early December) so we didn't explore much of the island by foot. We did drive around the island a bit, over to Maury and back and found it to be very calming and quiet. We were lucky to hit the island during the art festival and were happy to see a lot of creative art on display.
*I think a day trip could be great on a bike or motorcycle...ferry over, cruise around, grab a bite, head back. I think for an overnight stay you'll need a car unless you travel very light! I was told there were no taxis on the island and didn't see any while we were there.*
We may never make it back to Vashon, but if we do we'll aim for summer and expect warm feelings and people to meet us again.

Spent the day on Vashon. Grandsons love the short ferry ride from Point Defiance. First stop is Snapdragon bakery. A must visit on any trip to the island. We then went to a local beach. Although the boys only waded in the water, they lived exploring for little sand crabs, broken shells, etc. We are our picnic lunch at the little park in "downtown" Vashon. Cute little area for walking but not for the boys, just grandparents!

Vashon Island is a microcosom of funky. We love the island and it's different vibe. There are some exciting restaurants and bars on-island, along with some great outdoor activities! A great way to spend a Sunday! 🏝

it was very good, thats pretty much all i can say. :D :) I did not go to any other places, i just could not find the llama farm for places. D:

Under no circumstances should anyone (other than us) go to Vashon Island. Despite the fact that is a great little hidden oasis from this crazy world, you should not go there. Otherwise here is what you will miss. No Crime (cops complained of being bored); No traffic (you are happy to see another car); Good food (nope...nowhere to be found, despite the amazing bakeries, restaurants and grocery store); Rude people (yep, but not even the other tourists seem stressed); Noise (dang birds sure drowned out all the quiet).

There is some story about a UFO sighting (and yes we found it back in the weeds at the airport) and after awhile you start to think it was probably true. Everyone seems super happy, super fit, walk everywhere, talk to anyone about anything. engaged in their community, not super into staying on their phones all the time, drive politely, live off the land a good bit, are probably about ten years older than they appear, leave everything unlocked all the time.........yep, nothing like the rest of this crazy messed-up world the rest of us live in. So, if you want to visit a place that is about as ALIEN to to you as one will find, Go......if not, please stay away....more room for the rest of us.

We moved to Vashon for 6 more while transitioning jobs. It is a magical place that is just a short ferry ride from Seattle, but feels like a hundred years ago. Farm stands dot the island. No one works at them, they are all on the honor system. The pace is slower, it is a rural community with deer everywhere, the occasion bear and cougar will also stop by the island. People are kind, and have time to talk. I will forever be grateful for this time we had here. If you come have coffee at Minglement (it was the original Stewart Brothers coffee roastery) and Cafe Luna - both lovely spots, dinner at The Hardware Store, the Thai restaurant is outstanding. And do not miss the bake goods at Snap Dragon - all made fresh everyday they are open. This little island will steal your heart.

Spent the day on vashon Island-... wonderful picnic at the lighthouse and then thoroughly enjoyed Tosca and the hospitality at Vashon Opera....staff and volunteers are very flexible and helpful....kudos!

Went to the island for a very good friends daughters wedding. The wedding was at Froggs Pond which was stunning. Also stayed at a wonderful Air B & B that was great. Would go back!

The ferry ride from Tacoma to the island is one of the best parts of a visit to Vashon. The views onto Commencement Bay and futher on, the Narrows, plus the shoreline of Tacoma and the boats and ships on the water are impressive. Once on the island driving around is the best way to see it. There's a small town and the rest of the island is full of natural beauty. Houses here and there and likewise some beaches are interesting to see for their quaintness and uncrowded placement in the landscape. You can have lunch in town; Sporty's is a local favorite. Not much goes on here, though, unless you are here in July for the Strawberry Festival. When we go on the island, if the weather is dry, we usually pick a beach, pack a picnic lunch and just spend a quiet afternoon enjoying the views of Puget Sound from shore.

Loved the ferry ride and tour of the island. Make sure you don’t miss the last ferry so you don’t have to sleep in your car! Vashon is very scenic and has great restaurants but if shopping is your thing, prepare to set your watch back 25 years!!!

The ferry from Tacoma is a quick, easy trip. We had a great day on Vashon. Relaxed atmosphere, rural, good hiking, quaint downtown, local beer and cider.

Its easy to get by ferry from Tacoma terminal or from Seattle. From Tacoma its just 10-15 mins ride and return ticket is around $25 for two and the car.
Explore the island during the day! July was blueberries season so we took advantage and picked berries. Blueberry bushes are everywhere and its hard to stop.
You may visit lavender farms, they have offers to serve events and special ocassions, like wedding.
Look beautiful.
Vashon island is famous with their art community and special blend of coffee. Find the coffee shop in downtown and enjoy the taste.
Check the local gift shops with crafts.
And just breath that magic air there.
Somehow it makes you feel relaxed and peaceful.

If you are too tired with city, Vashon is the Island which located near Seattle. You just take the ferry and can enjoy the place which you can keep yourself calm and spend time with nature. You can take the car into ferry and drive to the Island.

It's pretty much unique local with have small unique shops either coffee shops, organic shops, restaurants, theatres, book shops, souvenir shops, or even the grocery shops.

You can find basic stuffs for life being there and enjoy yourself with nature, sun light and sea breeze.

You can do hiking if you like. There's a small light house which even small but it's the must place to visit for this Island. As long the beach near the light house, you would see the nice view of Mount Rainer and the beach together. That's really amazing view.

The people in this local are very friendly and nice.

Would recommend you to bring along your car or vehicle as each place in the island is far from each other. If you don't have car, you might found some challenge for your transportation.

Vashon is a pleasant 20 minute ferry ride from Seattle or Tacoma. When you arrive, drive off the boat and head to "downtown" to visit the shops. There is an outstanding quilt shop which often has sterling quilt exhibitions as well as a tremendous fabric selection. The Hardware Store is a favorite place to eat. Enjoy the small gallery in the back which features local artist work.
Take a leisurely drive around the island; don't worry too much about directions as long as you have plenty of time. Most roads end up at the water. Use GPS to return to the ferry after a long leisurely day. Heaven. Summer & weekends the Island can be crowded; just be aware.

The island is perfect for day-tripping from Seattle - only a short ferry ride and I took
my car on the ferry. Lovely drive to the lighthouse. The view was amazing of Mt. Ranier from the beach. There are accommodations by the lighthouse, which I would definitely check out next visit. Blue skies and a beautiful day to enjoy the beach.

Vashon Island has something for everyone. It is a place to get away from the norm and immerse yourself in nature, good food, and lots of local character. Every trip I take to Washington, involves a trip to Vashon. From the minute I board the ferry, I feel at ease.

A really great scooter trip. I have a 50cc scooter so needed the adventure to be 35mph friendly. I went to the Fauntleroy ferry in Seattle and took the Vashon ferry. You get to go right to the front of the cars, no need to wait in line. It cost $9.95 round trip. When you get off the ferry in Vashon, there is a highway you need to stay on the right when you ride as it is 50mph but you can cut off in about a mile and a half. I followed a bike trip plan and improvised, had a great time. You feel like you are in the country with salt water beaches every few miles. There is a pretty cool light house on the island that was on a nice beach. Had a late lunch at Snap Dragon, excellent casual cafe. Hung out a little bit in downtown Vashon but not too much into the small shops, so just scooted around for awhile then got back on the ferry to Seattle. I highly recommend this excursion, especially on a scooter. In a car would be a nice day trip too. Vashon is pretty with a small farm like town feel.

This island is an easy ferry ride from West Seattle. Mostly rural, the island has a small downtown with shopping, restaurants and a movie theater. It's old fashioned and signs in shops read "Keep Vashon Weird" (just like my home town of Austin, TX.)

I lived on the Olympic Peninsula for the last 12 years in the Port Angeles/Sequim area. It was not as quiet as Vashon Island. Only blinking stop lights. No chain fast food places, no big grocery store. Some cutesy tourist stores in the downtown--an intersection which extends a block each way from the blinking light.

My favorite spot is the lighthouse. Was there this last fall and again this week during the Holiday season. Was the only person there in this beautiful quite place with a beach full of driftwood logs. If you do not go anywhere on Vashon, do go there.

If you are into birds, do get Ed Swans book, the Birds of Vashon Island.

Fortunately, with respect to taking the ferry, you will probably be going against the traffic so you should have no proglems getting a ferry.

We went over for business mid-day on the Fauntleroy ferry to Vashon. Man that sucker can move! The island is so eclectic you may find a co-founder of Microsoft living next to a run down old hippie home with rusty cars in the yard growing organic "stuff".

Everyone is so friendly. Lots of fun shops to check out. Definitely need directions on where you are going because the roads all twist and turn with most names sounding the same or the same roads popping up in different places. Makes for a great adventure!

The road is through town and countryside. Pretty houses and lots of farm land and trees. The island is laid out along the road

We took the short and pleasant ferry ride to the island upon our innkeeper's recommendation. Lots of little shops, where I was able to purchase many locally made goods for both myself and as gifts for family/friends. We stopped for lunch, traveled out to Pt. Robinson Park, and drove around (definitely getting turned around on the twisty roads). It made for a very nice last day in the Seattle area.

Not connected to the mainland and only accessible by boat or ferry, it is easy to lose yourself in this charming island town where time creeps by and the people are warm and friendly. A good day to spend with the family or loved ones just to get away from the hustle and bustle but not too far away that you have to spend an entire day traveling to and from.

This is such a beautiful Island and can be done in a day from Tacoma. There are several lunch spots in downtown that are all good.

Vashon is perfect for a slow-paced adventure. There's just enough variety in eateries to make it interesting. Shopping is very limited, and mostly Islander made treasures. Shops open late and close early - or not at all open, depending on the season. Very congenial folks all around, and an overall atmosphere of a retirement climate. Lots of outdoors to explore from seaside beaches to forest hikes. Beautiful island.

We spent an enjoyable day on Vashon- Maury island yesterday, taking in several shops, the new Arts Center, several small villages and Point Robinson - the island's easternmost point. The roads are uncrowned, the small villages pristine, many beautiful views of the water, and everything is green and colorful. The one "attraction" we found after a short walk on a wide path was the "Bicycle in a Tree" pictured. Apparently some hapless youngster, years ago, left his/ her bike hear and forgot it, as the tree grew around it. The ferry from Southworth to the island a 10 minute ride was $23, but the ferry off the south end was free - into Tacoma.

I find idyllic Vashon Island to be a great escape from Seattle's city vibes. To get there requires a mere 20-minute ferry ride from West Seattle. Parks, beaches and nature reserves beckon as do almost-empty roads (except during Strawberry Festival). The lack of traffic makes Vashon a great place to cycle, with bicycle rentals available for those who don't have their own. Hiking trails and rental kayaks provide other outdoor opportunities.

We've taken visitors to Seattle there, who have asked to experience more rural surroundings without making a long drive to do so. Many small farms sit on the island, so summer is a great time to go because of fresh produce being sold at stands near the roads. The main town -- Vashon -- offers cafes, restaurants and supermarkets, where ingredients for a picnic lunch can be purchased. We always eat, however, at the Hardware Store Restaurant, situated in a building that formerly held a hardware store. The food is good, so the place gets crowded. Be prepared to wait awhile for a table. Artists and craftspeople abound on the island so there are many galleries and shops that sell local creations.

Vashon measures 13 miles long and up to 8 miles wide. It is hilly and wooded and offers spectacular views. We find it pleasant to go there to simply drive along its roads, stopping when something beckons, such as an old cemetery. The only way to reach the island is by ferry from Tacoma, West Seattle or Seattle.

Five stars are not enough to describe the exceptional state of relaxation and renewed state of mind courtesy of Miko‘s guest house and the host Karen. The scenery, sounds, and the overall vibe put you in an even better place within. The actual living quarters are cozy and comfortable, and one step outside and you can see the beautiful horse Gypsy from the backyard. I was even getting a friendly neigh by the end of my two week stay. Love the hot tub and the views too — made for a relaxing end of the day after daily hikes around the island and into the quaint downtown to check out the Restaurant and Live Music Scene. So much to see and do, and this is the ideal homebase to do it all, Joe V.

Enjoy a ferry ride there and back, but explore the lighthouse, quaint town, and other sites on the island. It is perfect for a day trip and for browsing stores, coffee houses, art areas and more. The summertime is an enjoyable adventure time. We did Father's Day this June!

We expected a bit more, actually. The Point Defiance Ferry is really easy to access and the return location is as well. We expected a funkier, artistic atmosphere, based on reviews. We drove forever to find the lighthouse. Dining options were a real disapopointment.

Vashon is a quaint island nestled off of Tacoma's point defiance. Ferry wait times are short, the island has lots of areas for adventure, or you can take the north ferry to Seattle. #options

A short ferry ride and you are at a place that does not feel like a tourist trap. It feels like people live and work there, but still has plenty of restaurants and stores. Artists love this place and you can find all kinds of art for sale. We visited right before the Strawberry Festival and unless you enjoy street fairs, etc., you might want to avoid going during the Festival. Lots of people, traffic....you might love it, but just not my cup of tea.

The ferry ride from Flaunteroy to Vashon was timely, quick, not as crowded as the Seattle ferries, and the view of Mount Rainier was superb.
The Strawberry Festival 2019 was interesting, even though it produced many complicated traffic detours around the downtown area.
Point Robinson was well worth the visit, the view was remarkable.
It may be due to the end of the lavender season, but the lavender fields were not as impressive as I imagined.

The best way to describe Vashon is that I came here for a 3 day weekend and ended up buying a house here 6 months later. We like the relaxed vibe and the scenery. We also like that we got a lot of land for much less than we were paying in West Seattle. And got chickens too!

It's hard to define Vashon to a visitor. It's a hiking and biking wonderland, it has some interesting restaurants(more and better to come)artists, and lots of music.

A Seattleite will probably define Vashonistas as "hippies" and that's a bit true, but hardly scratches the surface. There are lots of families, lots of artsy folks, lots of people like me who got tired of the city, but still commute to work and lots of farmers and blue collar guys who can fix virtually anything.

For a weekend visit I'd recommend Point Robinson Lighthouse with it's great beach and gorgeous views. Jensen Point for glimpse of the old town of burton and Quartermaster harbor. VashonTown(downtown) is great. It's only a few blocks but has great shops.

For food, The Hardware STore is popular, but I'd recommend Gravy, and for Thai food May. EVeryone has to visit the Roasterie for coffee.

Buy your ferry tickets online and queue up with all the rest of the cars, bikes and pedestrians heading over for the day. It's about a 15-minute ride from the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. We were glad to have our car to drive down and around the very small main street and shops, farmer's market at the art center (Saturday), and on out to the lighthouse. Very rural and a nice change of pace from the terrible weekend traffic in Seattle.

Vashon Island has it's own laid back vibe to it - it's definitely more rural and small-town feeling than I expected. There are many photo opps of beautiful water views and landscapes and a lot of unique opportunities to lodge at various cabins and B&B's with spectacular views of the shoreline. As a personal shopaholic, I loved the amount of antique/salvage stores and I plan to return for a weekend of strictly treasure hunting. I was here for a few days shooting a wedding and sightseeing and there were so many places I want to return to and many I never had a chance to see. The historical lighthouse is a must-see and staying overnight in a highly-rated B&B is the best way to experience Vashon at its finest. From what I could tell, there were certainly areas of beauty and visitor-friendly shopping centers, but there also was a fair amount of neglected properties, overgrown open land spaces, and homes for sale. Although beautiful, there seemed to be some signs of better times past - unlike Whidbey, Orcas, and Bainbridge where there is a palpable liveliness, thriving economy, and more more opportunities for recreation. Vashon makes for a great quick weekend get-away, but I highly recommend doing your research before going if you plan to stay overnight in order to maximize your visit and sightseeing. It is very easy to navigate your way around the island and the residents wave when you pass by - very sweet. Also if you happen to see Lost and Found Antiques/Furniture, it is a must-see stop! Great ever-changing collection of knick knacks, furniture, artwork, and accent pieces - loooooved it there! And the owner Bonnie is a sweetheart!

Island life is just a bit different than any other location. Time slows down, nothing looks familiar, maybe a time zone change takes place seamlessly. There are no franchise food establishments, the hardware store is a restaurant, the local food store sells complete delicious meals and lodging is easily attained in rooms (Airbnb) in local homes. The "bridge" to this small place in paradise is a short ferry ride from the chaos of either Seattle or Tacoma.

We stopped here on our way in and were given lots of good information about where to go and what to see based on our interests. We got maps and brochures and left very happily knowing a lot more then we had when we arrived. Thank you!

The ferry ride is short and economical. We were fortunate to have good weather so we enjoyed our drive and walks in various spots around the island. We also enjoyed several galleries and their friendly owners.

The ferry ride over was a blast!! We drove (pretty much) the entire island!! Loved it!!! Beautiful place!! There is even a (private) golf course hidden on the island!! Cant wait to go back !!!

I had no experience traveling back and forth on a ferry, or just driving around an island. Vashon is one of the very best places to go and we will return as often as we can, even if it is 3000 miles from home!

A friend and I stayed a few days on Vashon and had a splendid time there. The restaurants and cafes are great and the people are extremely friendly and welcoming. We mostly went for a restful getaway and were not disappointed. there may not be a lot of entertainment for families with teens and small children but we really enjoyed the quiet beaches and stunning views. If you do decide to stay a night on the island I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend The Vashon Island Loft listed on airbnb.com, Lisa was a great host and the loft was a beautiful place to rest and recharge.

We stayed here from 11/9-11/13 and loved it. The winding roads are beautiful. There isn't much traffic on the island and it has several cool shops. Places to eat out were a bit limited but we found a few that were perfect for us. This is a beautiful island with great views of Mt. Rainer when the weather is clear. People were all very friendly.

We picked up maps from the John L Scott office and used the Chamber of commerce map to help navigate us to the island parks. We were frustrated to find that Lost Lake and Spring Beach were boat access only. There is no indication on the maps, and no one has bothered to put signs up to advise visitors. We found ourselves going down a very steep one lane road to Lost Lake which could have been pretty dangerous if one of the residents was coming up it at the time since there are no turn outs. Spring Beach just has private residence signs. This was a waste of our time. Confusing why the Chamber of commerce would not communicate more clearly or at least put signs up. We did not understand why Maury marine park would have gotten its name. The upper parking lot does not allow access to the beach by car and its a very steep grade for 3/4 mile trek down and back up. Taking scuba gear down and up would prove to be exhausting. This appears to be used mostly by horseback riders based on the amount of horse manure. Island Center forest was disappointing as well, neither the lake or pond were worth the effort and having to step around so much horse manure and slugs was annoying. The sound of repeated gun shots as we walked thru the park was unnerving. Parks only had porta potties. In my personal opinion I dont think these parks are really for visitors, but just to add buffers and reduce development which benefits the owners of the very expensive homes on the island. Think we will stick with Pt. Defiance and not pay the ferry fee.

Pink Tractor puts on four dinners a year where they showcase their farm grown products. They try to pair each event with some type of spirit, this one showcased their food and the owner / chef Dave Hatfield's talents with one of the premiere wineries in the state, which just happens to be on Vashon Island as well. Sound Food is a closed restaurant that Dave and his wife Katie use for special events they cater as well as these dinners. There was a different wine to go with each of the eight courses served and a full explanation of the ingredients and how the dishes were prepared. The dinner is limited to 40 people and runs for well over three hours which go by in a flash. Each course is a small plate but at the end of the evening you will be full and the wine pours are around 2.5 to 3 ounces each so you get to enjoy the dinner and wine without imbibing too much. Each course was great as were all of the wines with the winery owner Chris Camarda providing a little insight into how he made them. He spoke twice as he wanted everyone to enjoy the food. The focus was on the dinner and not the wine which isn't always the case at this type of venue. Given the opportunity my bride and I will take a boat ride to attend another of these events. I encourage everyone to attend a harvest or wine maker's dinner in their area as they are a lot of fun as well as tasty and interesting.

Only go Thursday-Saturday!! Nothing is open otherwise. Burger place run by man with gun on hip. Everything else closed or poor cleanliness rating.

Full day out from Seattle to Vashon Island and back - On the nice and comfortable ferry -360 degree view of shores,mountains and tranquil waters ,crafts passing by - very nice though short less than 20 minutes ride.Efficient boarding and deboarding.Art and craft shops on the island and visit to beach and light house @Vashon.Day well spent!Thank you Washington Ferries.

Love the farmer's market! Veggies we bought for dinner were excellent. Sweet golden beets to live for!! The south end of the Island is more tranquil & rustic & blustery the day we took the ferry to Tacoma! Great time!!

A lovely little island in Puget Sound, with centuries old forests, peaceful atmosphere, and friendly people, that"s Vachon ! Sort of a trip back to the 1960's, with that "hippie", uncomplicated feeling to it. Don't expect the latest or the greatest, but do expect to enjoy the adventure. Acute emphasis on organic, natural, down-to-earth kinds of things,with a small town feel to it! For nature buffs, it's just beautiful, with walks, and fishing, sailing, and breathing in fresh smelling air! Accommodations are Enjoy your adventure!

First time to Vashon. We took the Southworth Ferry over, which is a ten minute ride. Because we had our kayaks on the top of our car, we had to load the ferry backwards. That was a crazy experience. You pay for your ticket there but not back.

The island is beautiful. Cute little shops, lots of parks and tons of distilleries, wineries, cideries, breweries, etc.

I probably won't go back anytime soon, but had a lovely time there and think it was well worth the trip! Also, the views are top notch!

We Just got done with a big group trip through Washington and Canada and it was time to settle and relax a bit, just the two of us. Perfect place to do just that.

We have been here one month and have totally enjoyed the beaches and forest trails. Get a map of the island and then just start exploring. Maury Island Park has great beach walks, especially nice when Mt. Rainer is showing. Dockton Forest Park has a trail that goes from the Docton side to Gold Beach. It is a great trail with many options and you go from forest, to old gravel mining site, to the beach, all in one great hike. We have taken the Fern Grove trail up over to the other side of the island, it is a beautiful hike, steep in some place, best done on a dry day. The Wingehaven park is small, but the history is very interesting and then you get on a beach that you can walk all the way to the ferry dock. We liked this beach because of all the sea glass. Fisher Pond is a nice hike, a little road noise in some parts, but otherwise very pleasant. Of course Pt. Robinson is a good option. We also like Burton Acres. You just can't go wrong with the hiking and beach walks.

Absolutely beautiful scenery and kind locals. Very tragic and interesting history of the strawberry festivals and the Japanese gentleman who started the seasons of strawberries. The temperature was cool and the air was fresh, clean, and the cedar and pine tree scent. A welcome change from 110 degree Arizona. Peaceful kayaking and so many birds and seals. Very dog friendly area and refreshing for the spirit. Easy ferry ride from Seattle. We had a wonderful time! A dream come true.

I have done a bike ride here and also come each Labor Day weekend for a family camp event at Camp Sealth on the south end of the island. The ferry ride to and from west Seattle is a piece of cake at only 15 minutes or so, and easy for two wheel visitors who want to leave their cars. There is a great market, Thriftway, with a wonderful deli and prepared food section for picking up a picnic. Lots of farm stands with great fruit and vegetables too. Bikers will need to prepare for the uphill climb from the ferry to the highway, but the rolling hills of the island roads are quite doable. Views and scenery are worth the work, and outside of the main town area, not many cars to contend with. Weather has been amazing late August when we've been there.

We strolled around the beaches with tons of driftwood around, went to lunch at a nice Mexican place and went to Dragon's head cider ranch. What a fantastic find! And the cider was just incredible. This is my first time with any kind of cider. They have apple, crab-apple and pear ciders. I like it so much I flew home and ordered a case to be shipped to my home.

Visited a friend for a few hours on Vashon. Very artsy, eclectic island with gorgeous views. Friendly people ... nice shopping areas ........

Vashon Island is a lovely island community. It is especially fun if the artist studios are open for the weekend. And during the summer it has beaches and lots of boating. The ferry ride out and back it fun in and of itself

We visited friends on Vashon Island and had a wonderful stay. The ferry over was cheap and very well run. The island is beautiful and so pleasant after the hustle and bustle of Seattle and Tacoma.

We went specifically to see the New Vashon Center for the Arts, and then lunch. If we had the time and inclination, the museum of history [don't know its proper name] was close to the main drag of Vahon Highway.
The Center for the Arts is very well-designed and appointed {we had a Docent-led Tour, so could see the space behind the displays.. It has only been open for about the past six months.

What a great place. Peaceful, quite and clean. Has the feeling of Alaska to me friendly people amd great atmosphere

Beautiful place to spend the weekend if you like art or the outdoors. Quick ferry ride from (West) Seattle. Not a lot of attractions beyond art galleries but plenty of beach and forest walks, and some great (and not-so-great) places to eat.

Vashon Island is a journey into life about 40 years ago, in the very best way! From the ferry ride there to the laid-back lifestyle, this place is special.

We went to the beach with the radio tower. It’s a perfect mix of rocks and sand with many interesting shells and washed up sea life. We picnicked and watched about 10 cargo ships come in. This beach is windy. So bring a hair tie and some warmer layers.

Beautiful!

PS there’s no potty so plan ahead!

We took the ferry leaving from Fauntleroy station over to Vashon Island and we are so happy we did! It's a really beautiful place to spend a day. The water the houses the people the restaurants and shops all made for a very quaint and fun afternoon. This is not the big city, but. It made me smile. I really enjoyed my day on Vashon Island and you probably will too!

Love Vashon! I lived on Vashon Island for years. And although it has grown a lot...the small town feel is beautiful!

Nice day trip from Seattle for hiking, shopping in small boutiques & rating. Very rustic & peaceful. We took a ferry to get there.

Went and spent a few hours on Vashon - pleasant way to spend a sunny Sunday. Fun places to stop for coffee, browse art, and grab local treats (ice cream and baked goodies to be exact). Would like to go back again to explore the nature/hiking options.

We took a Vacation Rental By Owner on the North side of Vashon Island with an extraordinary view of Seattle across Puget Sound. Our grandkids loved seeing the deer who visited our yard regularly (even though we adults knew that they can be very problematic). Fully stocked large supermarket and a fine place for coffee in the town of Vashon and also a very pleasant (even if not exceptional) restaurant called The Hardware Store. Enough on the island to keep everyone busy with hiking, beachcombing, boating, etc. Only 22 minutes by ferry from West Seattle.

A very quaint island. This is a place to go if you love to Kayak or hike. We rented a beautiful home with friends and had an amazing view. Found the house through VRBO and were very happy with our choice of a close get away. Even in the dead of winter the place is really magical and I can only believe the summers here are amazing. Already planning another trip there.

Its a short ferry ride to get to Vashon, but you will need transportation once there. I used my car but want to return for some bicycling. There are lots of spots to enjoy the water and views. The town is fun - not your usual tourist place but has character! The island sure is picturesque.
We drove down to the Russian Orthodox Monastery which was interesting to tour. Be sure to call ahead though as they are not always open

Worth a short ferry ride from Seattle. Not too pricey for lunch, great places to view and visit. Check out the bicycle in a tree.

We spent most of our time at an Airbnb at Vashon. It was my first time with a few friends. We had a calm and beautiful view of the Pacific ocean from the deck. It was cold so we could not hang out there too long. It has cute pastry shops and a lighthouse close by. It was closed when we visited. It looks at Des Moines

Vashon Island was beautiful, like time has past it by. The nights are very quiet and dark and the days could make me retire there.

It's easy to get to Vashon by the wonderful ferry system in place in Washington State. It takes just minutes, costs little, and you get to an island that reminds me of all Chappaquidick off of Martha's Vineyard.

This island is quaint, sparsely populated, yet still close to one of America's great cities -- Seattle!

After getting off the ferry we had a drive around

our main target was the Northwest Trolls: Oscar the Bird King

once parked up, we enjoyed the walk to see him

would go the this area again

Our group of five was delighted with the highest quality good and drink
Highly recommended when it's available again in early fall

We went to Vashon Island to honor my granduncle that worked as a steam engineer in the early 1900 in the waters around Vashon Island. Frest wildlife and scenery. Visit the coffe shop, great athmosphere there 😀.
I would love to go back.

Relaxing & scenic. Came via the car ferry, which itself had nice views. On the island, check out the lighthouse. Fyi, while there we got lucky and also saw a whale. Tip: come around sunset, for extra scenic opportunities.

This place has it all. I'm not going to tell you all the details but give yourself the gift of a ferry ride from Seattle to the beautiful isle of Vashon.

It is a place where magic happens. Care, and worries drop like stones into the water as the ferry moves closer to the island. Stress melts away, like fog on a sunny day.

I've lived in the Tacoma metro area for 27 years, but until this past week, had only been to Vashon Island twice. After our recent visit, I regret not coming here more often. This time, our purpose was to visit the Point Robinson Lighthouse. You could easily spend a couple of hours there alone touring the lighthouse and walking the beach. Make sure you take the time to get off the main north-south road and explore the coastline for some great views. We also spend time wandering the main street in the town of Vashon. It was definitely worth the cost of the ferry, which btw was about $28 for the 2 of us. (You pay going to the island, but not the return trip,)

Vashon is not exactly a tourist destination. No mini-golf or go-kart tracks (not that I know of). The island, a short ferry ride from the SW end of Seattle, does offer a wonderfully laid-back community that feels 100 miles away from Seattle, not the stones throw that it is.

You'll find fun shops in the village, a specialty coffee roaster, and good places to eat, or, if you prefer quieter and more scenic. the beaches and woods are beautiful, and quiet.

If you drive - and you'll need to - watch out for the plentiful deer.

Vashon Island is the largest of several small islands in the Puget Sound, & with a 2010 census, the island’s population was about 11,000 citizens. The island is secluded with no bridges that connect to the mainland. The pleasant sense of isolation & rural charm is well-worth the ferry ride in order to reach the island & explore the township of Vashon. The Vashon township is surrounded by a densely-forested landscape that invites outdoor experiences, such as hiking, walking, or just leisurely roaming around, allowing for a break from the concrete setting & traffic drone of urban Seattle. There are a few other attractions on the island that are interesting to visit if you have the time: the Point Robinson Lighthouse, the associated Robinson Park, & local vineyards & wineries. The friendly greetings of the island’s locals make for a comfortable backdrop to the sites that you visit. A good day trip if you are visiting Seattle.

Whether or not you are a local escaping the city or on vacation, Vashon Island is a fun day trip. It is a very short ferry ride from West Seattle Fauntelroy ferry dock. Once on the island, if you are a cycling enthusiast you will enjoy riding along the beautiful country roads from one end of the island to the other.
We took the lazy way, and drove. Take the mid-morning ferry. Start at The Hardware Store for breakfast, or head to Snapdragon for coffee and delectable pastries. The island is a small community of very friendly, warm folks. They have a delightful weekend market, which is focused mostly on holiday gifts currently. There are many well known and sought after local treats that are made on Vashon, from King Caramel to fresh goat cheese and milk.
We drove the island, and parked at Point Robinson Park. It's an easy turn off the main road to Maury Island, original home of the famous preserves and jams. We walked the beach as the fog let up and the sun came out. We found gorgeous rocks and other beach treasures-there is ample driftwood that is not for the taking, but is fun to look at and sit on.
Take a picture inside the small, driftwood built dwelling called "The Driftwood Cafe" just next to the lighthouse vacation homes, which are available for rent by the week.
You can also rent bikes and kayaks on the island. There are many winding, beautiful waterways surrounding the island to paddle on, and beaches to top at for a picnic.
There is always something happening on this island, plenty of good restaurants to visit, and locals who welcome visitors to their haven.
There is an authentic, almost funky feel on Vashon Island. Nothing elite here. Real people who decided for a quiet and creative life. More artists than you can imagine, and a new gallery being built to show their work.
For a Seattle dweller, I particularly enjoyed the quiet ease of their culture. I am grateful Vashon Island is nearby, and happy they welcome visitors.

Great day trip for the little ones. Made a video here if you want to see the sights/sounds on my profile page.