Vashon Island, WA 2023 Guide
If you are looking for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, Vashon Island is the perfect destination for you. Located in Puget Sound, just a short ferry ride from Seattle or Tacoma, Vashon Island offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to enjoy nature, explore local culture, or indulge in delicious food and drinks, Vashon Island has something for everyone. We recently visited this beautiful island in May 2023, this blog contains information on the places we visited!
Getting there: The easiest way to get to Vashon Island is by ferry. You can take a ferry from West Seattle (Fauntleroy), Southworth, or Tacoma (Point Defiance). The ferry ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes and offers scenic views of the water and the island. You can bring your car or bike on the ferry, or rent one on the island. You can also take a bus or a taxi from the ferry terminal to your destination. You can also kayak there if you are super adventurous!
Where to stay: Vashon Island has a range of accommodation options to suit your budget and preferences. You can choose from cozy bed and breakfasts, charming cottages, rustic cabins, or modern hotels. Some of the popular places to stay on Vashon Island are The Lodges on Vashon, The Burton Inn, The Guest House at Wildwood Farm, and The Cottage at Fern Cove.
Camping: If you want to experience nature up close, camping is a great option on Vashon Island. There are several campgrounds and RV parks on the island, such as King County's Maury Island Marine Park, Vashon Park District's Paradise Ridge Park, and Camp Sealth. You can also find private campsites on Airbnb or Hipcamp. Camping on Vashon Island is a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh air, the starry sky, and the wildlife.
We stayed at the AYH Ranch (www.ayhranch.com) in our own new tent.
Click here to see this tent on Amazon | Click here to shop unicorn camping chairs on Amazon
You pick a spot in a huge open field, make sure to reserve a spot on their website. They have a wheel burrow and a tractor/mower with a trailer to help get your stuff to your spot from your car. This is a pretty big campground, with spots for all different types of lodging, such as car camping up to glamping! There are two different community kitchens and multiple showers and toilets. There are no animals here, it's an old American Youth Hostile. There is a community large firepit to make some new friends over smores!
We traveled by ferry on Friday morning and spent the next 2 days exploring some of the beautiful places below. Vashon Island offers many different unique places, we will have to return again in the future and add to this list!
1. Nashi Cider & Perry: Another place to quench your thirst on Vashon Island is Nashi Cider & Perry. This family-owned cidery produces artisanal ciders and perries from local apples and pears. You can visit their tasting room and try their award-winning products, such as the Asian Pear Perry, the Honeycrisp Cider, or the Kingston Black Cider. You can also buy bottles or growlers to go. They had 2 sheep out in the yard next to the parking. They have some indoor seating as well as plenty of beautiful outdoor space. They even provide blankets so you can lay on the lawn if you so wish! Stay up to date on their selections and hours on their website: www.nashiorchards.com.
2. Gravy: Gravy is the place to go if you are looking for a hearty meal on Vashon Island. This is a cozy restaurant that serves comfort food with a twist. Their menu features dishes such as fried chicken, smoked brisket ruben, tuna melts, pork french dip (pictured below), and other amazing unique, and classic dishes. They also have vegetarian and gluten-free options. Gravy is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have a cold case that offers take-home and heat-up options and desserts. Check out their website for hours, and they offer online ordering: www.gravyvashon.com.
3. Pop Pop Bottle Shop: If you are a craft beer lover, you should check out the Pop Pop Bottle Shop on Vashon Island. This is a family-friendly taproom that offers a wide selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. You can sample different beers from local and regional breweries, or buy bottles or cans to go. They also have a counter service teriyaki that serves delicious and affordable dishes such as chicken teriyaki, yakisoba, and gyoza. Check out their website for hours: www.poppopvashon.com.
4. Island Queen: If you want to have some fun on Vashon Island, Island Queen is the spot for you. This retro arcade features classic games such as pinball, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Galaga. You can play for tokens or for prizes. Visit their website for hours and more info: www.vashoniq.com.
5. Thriftway: If you need to stock up on groceries or souvenirs on Vashon Island, Thriftway is your one-stop shop. This is a large supermarket that sells everything from fresh produce and meat to baked goods and flowers. They also have a deli, a bakery, a coffee shop, and a gift shop. This is the only large grocery store on the island, so make sure to plan accordingly.
photo from https://www.vashonthriftway.com/
6. Point Robertson Lighthouse: If you're a history buff or love maritime culture, then a trip to the Point Robertson Lighthouse on the easternmost point of Maury Island is a must-see! This lighthouse has been operational since 1885 and is still an active aid to navigation. Get ready to be transported back in time as you take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its fascinating history and function. And, the best part? The stunning views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier from the beach will leave you speechless! The beach is lined with driftwood, fossils, shells, and some sea glass if you're lucky, making it the perfect spot for a picnic or just a stroll. But wait, there's more! The lighthouse also has two keeper's quarters that you can rent for a truly unique overnight stay. We will have to come back for this!
7. Glass Bottle Shop Creamery: Get ready for a sweet adventure on Vashon Island, because the Glass Bottle Creamery is where it's at! This amazing ice cream shop whips up small-batch ice cream using only the freshest ingredients, so every scoop is a taste sensation. With a wide variety of flavors to choose from, including classic vanilla bean, indulgent chocolate chip cookie dough, rich and creamy salted caramel, and even unique lavender honey, there's something for everyone at the Glass Bottle Creamery. Plus, they offer vegan and dairy-free options, so nobody has to miss out on the fun. Enjoy your ice cream in a cone, a cup, or even a glass bottle that you can take home or return for a refill. Located in the heart of Vashon town, be sure to check Google or their website for their hours, and don't miss out on this exciting ice cream experience!
There is so many cool places on Vashon Island, check out these other high rated places we haven't visited yet:
- Camp Colvos Brewing
- Palouse Winery
- Dragonhead Cidery
- Earthen Bistro
- The Hardware Store Restaurant
- Snapdragon
- Sporty's
- The Ruby Brink
- MAY KITCHEN + BAR
- Anu Rana's Healthy Kitchen
- Lavender Hill Farm
- O Sol Mio
- Casa Bonita
- Maurey island Marine Park
- Old bicycle in the tree
- And more!
Vashon Island is a hidden gem in Washington that offers a lot of fun and relaxation for visitors. Whether you stay for a day or a week, you will find something to enjoy on this beautiful island.