Seattle Day Trip: Taking the Ferry to Vashon Island

A day trip to Vashon Island offers the perfect mix of scenic beauty and small-town charm, and it's just a short ferry ride away from Seattle Southside.

As a small island in Puget Sound between Seattle and Tacoma, Vashon feels worlds away from the bustle of the city. Forested trails, quiet beaches, local farms, and independent shops and cafes invite you to take your time and enjoy a slower pace of life. Whether you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly day trip from Seattle or searching for the best things to do on Vashon Island, this itinerary will help you make the most of one unforgettable day on the island.

Getting There
Vashon Island Downtown
Point Robinson Park
A UFO Mystery
Parks & Playgrounds
The Return Trip

How to Get to Vashon Island

If you’re flying into Seattle, start your Pacific Northwest adventure with a stay in Seattle Southside, the region encompassing the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines. Located right around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Seattle Southside offers 60+ hotels near the airport, putting you close to your flight while keeping you within easy reach of some of Washington’s best day trips. It’s the perfect home base for exploring the Pacific Northwest. Browse our hotel directory and filter your search for amenities like pools, free shuttles, and more.

From Seattle Southside, head to the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in West Seattle. The easiest way to get there is to drive, and there are many places to rent a car near the airport. From the SeaTac area, you can drive north toward West Seattle and follow signs for the Fauntleroy ferry dock. At Fauntleroy, join the vehicle line for the Fauntleroy–Vashon ferry. It's wise to arrive at least 20 minutes before sailing, though you may want to leave even more time during busy weekends. (Alternatively, you can take a bus (King County Metro) to the ferry terminal and walk on, but note that it will take 1-1.5 hours each way.) The ferry crossing itself takes about 20 minutes, turning the trip into part of the adventure with beautiful views across Puget Sound.

Traveler Tip: Check the Washington State Ferries schedule and travel alerts before you go.

Vashon Island Downtown

Start your day in Vashon’s town center, where you can grab coffee and breakfast before browsing the locally owned shops and art galleries along Vashon Highway. It’s a good place to get your bearings and pick up snacks or picnic supplies for later.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, check to see if the Vashon Farmers Market is running during your trip. It’s an especially fun way to sample locally made and grown goods and get a feel for the island community.

Some popular places to eat on Vashon Island include:

  • Snapdragon Bakery & Cafe: An adorable vegetarian spot with quirky vintage decor, a large brunch menu, an enticing case of fresh-baked pastries, outdoor seating, and great coffee.
  • The Hardware Store: Find elevated Americana, fresh seafood, premium burgers, and more at this locally owned restaurant, named after the 19th-century hardware store that was once in the same building.
  • Vashon Island Baking Company: A local favorite for more than 35 years, you can trust that its croissants and cookies are top-notch.

Point Robinson Park

Next, head south toward Point Robinson Park on Maury Island, which is connected to Vashon by a narrow strip of land (no second ferry required). The 10-acre shoreline park is home to the picturesque Point Robinson Lighthouse, which is a must-stop while on the island. It also has beach access and gorgeous water views

Vashon Island Day Trip : Lighthouse and snow capped mountain
Vashon Island Point Robinson Park Lighthouse

Meet a Giant Troll

At Point Robinson Park, you'll meet Oscar the Bird King. The enormous wooden troll by Danish environmental artist Thomas Dambo is part of the Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King series and can be found near the upper meadow at Point Robinson. Finding all the trolls has become a Northwest pastime, and one that's fun for all ages.

One of the stops on the UFO Mysteries Trail is a scenic overlook on Maury Island.

Delve Into a UFO Mystery

Love a good unsolved mystery? While you're on Vashon, or before heading out, you can delve into one of the region's strangest chapters: The Maury Island Incident. On a seemingly calm summer day in 1947, local man Harold Dahl took his boat out on Puget Sound when he spotted six mysterious discs flying overhead. Suddenly, the sky was filled with strange bits of falling debris, which injured his son and killed his dog, Sparky. He rushed his boat ashore to Maury Island East Beach, a secluded area along the island's East Bay. Standing on the shores, you can look up and imagine what he witnessed.

Intrigued? Sign up for the UFO Mysteries Trail, a free, self-guided tour of sites connected to the incident. It includes stops in Seattle Southside, Vashon Island, and Maury Island. Win fun, out-of-this-world prizes just for checking into locations!

Great Playgrounds on Vashon Islands

Kids will love the ship-themed playground next to Dockton Park & Marina, while outdoor adventurers of all ages will have a blast in the nearby Dockton Forest, which offers plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails.

Ober Park is another popular family stop. This large park on the north end of town has a large playground surrounded by tall, lush trees and neatly mowed grass lawns. It's not uncommon to spot a deer grazing nearby!

The Return Trip

As your Vashon Island day trip winds down, head back to the ferry terminal to catch an early-evening sailing to Fauntleroy. Ferries between Vashon and Fauntleroy run frequently throughout the day, so you can generally expect a sailing every 30 to 60 minutes, although gaps vary by time and day. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. Check the Washington State Ferries schedule and alerts before leaving the island, and allow extra time if you’re bringing a vehicle during busy summer weekends.

Once you’re back in Seattle Southside, wrap up your adventure with dinner near your hotel. Explore international flavors in the Global Dining District, a stretch of 30+ locally owned eateries near SEA Airport, or browse our Food and Drink Directory and filter your search for whatever cuisine you're craving. If you've got kids in tow, check out family-friendly restaurants. And if your day trip runs overtime, there are many late-night dining options.

Then it’s just a short trip back to your hotel to recharge for your next day of fun!

Book Your Visit

The area around SEA Airport is the ideal home base for exploring the Pacific Northwest. Book a stay in Seattle Southside to start your adventure.

Vashon Island Ferry FAQs: Travel Tips, Routes & Things to Do

Where do you catch the ferry to Vashon Island near Seattle?

You can catch the Fauntleroy ferry terminal just north of Burien, making it one of the closest ferry options to Seattle Southside and SEA Airport.

How long is the ferry ride to Vashon Island from Seattle Southside?

The ferry ride from Fauntleroy to Vashon Island takes about 20 minutes, offering scenic views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier on clear days.

Do I need a car when visiting Vashon Island?

Yes, bringing a car on the ferry is recommended. Many of Vashon Island’s attractions—like lavender farms, wineries, and parks—are spread out across the island.

What are the best things to do on a Vashon Island day trip?

Top activities include visiting Lavender Hill Farm (seasonal), wine tasting, exploring Point Robinson Park and lighthouse, and dining at local cafés.

Is there a ferry to Vashon Island close to me without going to downtown Seattle?

Yes, the Fauntleroy ferry near West Seattle is a convenient option for travelers in Seattle Southside who want to avoid downtown traffic.

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