There are a ton of different things to do around Vashon Island! Check out our recommendations below of must-sees, eats, dos, and more!
Things to Do on Vashon Island
How to get to Vashon Island
All aboard the Washington State Ferry!
To get to Vashon Island, take a ferry from West Seattle (Fauntleroy) or Tacoma (Point Defiance). Drive on or walk aboard, then enjoy a scenic 20-30 min ride across Puget Sound. Check the Vashon Island ferry schedule on the Washington State Ferries website. We recommend you download the WSDOT app when traveling to Vashon. It’s easy to use and has up-to-date info from any terminal, including cameras to check if the line is long. Once on the island, explore its charming small-town feel, visit the farmers market, hike its many trails, or enjoy a meal at one of our many great restaurants.
You do you, Boo.
Vashon Island, located in the heart of Puget Sound, offers visitors a peaceful retreat with scenic views and charming small-town vibes. These are just a few of the many things to do on Vashon Island. With its natural beauty and small-town charm, it's the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway.
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Vashon Island is home to several beautiful beaches that offer visitors a chance to explore the island's natural beauty and enjoy the Puget Sound. Here are some of the top beaches to check out:
Point Robinson Park: This waterfront park is home to a historic lighthouse and a sandy beach that's perfect for beachcombing and picnicking. Visitors can also explore the park's trails and enjoy stunning views of Mount Rainier.
KVI Beach: This secluded beach is a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. The beach is accessible by a short, steep trail and offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.
Lisabeula Park: This family-friendly park offers a sandy beach with calm waters that are perfect for swimming and paddling. The park also has picnic areas, a playground, and a boat launch.
Dockton Park: This waterfront park offers a sandy beach, a boat launch, and a playground. Visitors can also explore the park's trails and enjoy views of Quartermaster Harbor.
No matter which beach you choose to visit, you're sure to find a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life on Vashon Island.
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The Vashon Island Farmers Market is a beloved community event that has been operating for over 30 years. The market is held every Saturday and Sunday during the summer months and on select days during the winter. Visitors can expect to find a wide range of locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food. The market also features live music, and it's a great place to meet up with friends and neighbors.
The market is run by the Vashon Island Growers Association (VIGA), which is a non-profit organization that supports local agriculture and sustainable food systems. VIGA was founded in 1995, and since then, it has played a vital role in promoting local food production and education on the island. In addition to the farmers market, VIGA also operates a farm tour program, hosts educational events, and supports local farmers and food businesses through various initiatives.
VIGA is committed to fostering a strong and resilient local food system, and its work has helped to make Vashon Island a model for sustainable agriculture and community building. If you're interested in learning more about VIGA and its programs, you can visit their website or attend one of their events.
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Vashon Island is known for its vibrant agricultural community and has many farm stands scattered throughout the island. These farm stands offer visitors the opportunity to purchase locally-grown produce, flowers, and other farm-fresh goods.
Some popular farm stands on Vashon Island include Pacific Potager, Vashon Island Lavender Farm, and Langley Fine Gardens. Pacific Potager is a small family-run farm that offers a wide variety of fresh produce, including heirloom tomatoes, herbs, and berries. The Vashon Island Lavender Farm, as the name suggests, specializes in lavender and offers visitors the chance to walk through the fragrant fields and purchase lavender products like soaps and lotions. Langley Fine Gardens is a local flower farm that features a wide selection of seasonal flowers, perfect for creating beautiful bouquets and floral arrangements.
In addition to these popular farm stands, there are many others to discover on Vashon Island. Some are small roadside stands, while others are more elaborate and offer a range of produce and goods. A great way to explore the farm stands on Vashon Island is to take a self-guided tour using a map or guide provided by the Vashon Island Growers Association or the Vashon Island Farm Stands Association.
Whether you're a foodie looking for fresh produce or simply looking to experience the island's rural charm, exploring the farm stands on Vashon Island is a must-do activity.
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Here are some of the best trails to explore:
Shinglemill Creek Trail: This trail is a moderate 2.5-mile loop that winds through the island's forested hills and offers stunning views of Puget Sound.
Fisher Pond Trail: This easy 1.5-mile trail is perfect for families and takes you through a peaceful wetland area that's home to many species of birds.
Maury Island Marine Park Trail: This trail offers a 1.5-mile loop through a forested area that leads to a beautiful beach. The park is also home to several tide pools that offer great opportunities to spot marine life.
Island Center Forest Trail: This 363-acre forested park has over six miles of trails that wind through some of the island's most beautiful and secluded areas.
Point Robinson Park Trail: This park has a short .25-mile loop that takes you through a wooded area and offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and the lighthouse.
Dockton Forest Trail: This 2.5-mile trail is a great place to spot wildlife and offers stunning views of Quartermaster Harbor.
Fern Cove Nature Preserve Trail: This 9-acre nature preserve features a short .25-mile loop that takes you through a forested area and offers views of the island's wetlands and wildlife.
No matter which trail you choose, you're sure to find a peaceful retreat in Vashon Island's stunning natural beauty.
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Vashon Island has a vibrant and thriving art scene, with a variety of galleries, studios, and art events that showcase the work of local artists. Here are some highlights:
Vashon Center for the Arts: This multi-disciplinary arts center hosts a variety of exhibitions, performances, and classes throughout the year. The center includes a 20,000-square-foot gallery space that features rotating exhibits of local and regional artists.
Vashon Island Art Studio Tour: This annual event takes place over two weekends in May and December and allows visitors to tour the studios of over 100 local artists. The tour includes a diverse range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, pottery, glass, and jewelry.
VALISE Gallery: This artist-run gallery features the work of emerging and established artists from Vashon Island and beyond. The gallery hosts monthly exhibitions and events and is a great place to discover new and exciting work.
The Heron's Nest Gallery: This gallery features the work of over 50 local artists and artisans, including paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more. The gallery also hosts events and classes throughout the year.
Vashon Island Visual Artists (VIVA): This non-profit organization supports and promotes local artists through exhibitions, events, and community outreach. VIVA also operates a community art studio and hosts an annual art auction to raise funds for local arts programs.
Whether you're a collector, enthusiast, or simply appreciate the beauty of art, Vashon Island's art scene is sure to delight and inspire you.
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Vashon Island is home to several beautiful parks that offer a range of recreational activities and opportunities to explore the island's natural beauty. Here are some of the top parks to check out:
Point Robinson Park: This 10-acre park features a historic lighthouse, picnic areas, and stunning views of Mount Rainier. The park also has a small beach area and offers access to a network of trails for hiking and bird watching.
Dockton Park: Located on the east side of the island, this 62-acre park offers beach access, hiking trails, and a boat launch. The park is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
Vashon Island Maury Island Marine Park: This 320-acre park features over 1.5 miles of shoreline, including a sandy beach and several rocky tide pools. The park is a popular spot for bird watching, beachcombing, and hiking.
Island Center Forest: This 363-acre forested park has over six miles of trails that wind through some of the island's most beautiful and secluded areas. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and bald eagles.
Paradise Ridge Park: This 10-acre park features a network of hiking trails that offer stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The park also has a picnic area and a playground.
Fisher Pond: This 20-acre park offers a short, easy loop trail that takes visitors through a peaceful wetland area that's home to many species of birds. The park also has a picnic area and a playground.
No matter which park you choose to visit; you're sure to find a peaceful retreat in Vashon Island's stunning natural beauty.
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Vashon Island is home to a handful of wineries and cideries that offer visitors the opportunity to taste locally-made wines and ciders in a picturesque island setting. Here are some of the top spots to check out:
Nashi Orchards: This family-run cidery produces a variety of ciders made from organic apples grown on their 27-acre orchard. Visitors can taste ciders, take a tour of the orchard, and enjoy the beautiful views from the tasting room.
Palouse Winery: Located in a renovated farmhouse, this winery produces a range of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. The tasting room offers views of the vineyard and the surrounding woods.
Vashon Winery: This small, family-owned winery produces a variety of wines, including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Riesling. Visitors can taste wines in the cozy tasting room and enjoy the peaceful setting.
Dragon's Head Cider: This award-winning cidery produces a range of ciders made from heritage cider apples grown on their orchard. Visitors can taste ciders, take a tour of the orchard, and enjoy the views from the tasting room.
No matter which winery or cidery you choose to visit, you'll have the opportunity to taste delicious locally-made beverages while taking in the Island vibes.
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Vashon Island has a thriving culinary scene, with a range of restaurants and cafes that showcase the island's local ingredients and flavors. Here are some of the top spots to check out:
May Kitchen + Bar: This popular Thai restaurant serves up flavorful dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The cozy, intimate atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a romantic date or special occasion.
The Hardware Store Restaurant: Located in a historic building that once housed a hardware store, this restaurant offers a range of American-style dishes made with seasonal ingredients. The outdoor patio is a popular spot for brunch on weekends.
Snapdragon Bakery & Cafe: This charming bakery and cafe serves up fresh, homemade pastries, sandwiches, and soups. The outdoor garden seating area is a great spot to enjoy coffee and pastry on a sunny day.
The Ruby Brink: This trendy restaurant and cocktail bar offers a rotating menu of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The bar serves up creative, seasonal cocktails with house-made syrups and infusions.
Island Queen: This restaurant offers a range of classic American-style dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a great selection of beers on tap and a cozy, laid-back atmosphere.
Cafe Luna: This popular cafe serves delicious breakfast and lunch dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. They also have a great selection of coffee and tea.
Pop! Pop! Bottleshop: This cozy bottle shop offers a wide variety of local and imported beers, ciders, and wines. They also have a small selection of snacks and a family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere with games for kids.
No matter what type of cuisine you're in the mood for, you're sure to find something delicious on Vashon Island. Check out more below!
Foodies
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Iyads's Syrian Grill (Food Truck)
Hands down the best Syrian food we’ve ever had. Always on-site at the Vashon Village on our property. You’ll find him at the Saturday market on Saturdays in the summer. Call or text 206-403-0687 More info.
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Vashon Baking Company
Vashon Island Baking Company is Vashon's destination for both house-made pastries and island-roasted coffee.
View their website for more info.
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Ruby Brink
The Ruby Brink is a bar & butcher shop on Vashon Island whose values align with tradition, agriculture, and craft—equally a public house for gathering as a destination for casually spectacular food and beverages.
Visit their website for more info.
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Snapdragon Café and Bakery
Rustic pastries, vegetarian cuisine, catering, and wedding cakes.
17817 Vashon Hwy SW Vashon, Wa 98070
206-463-1310View their website for more info.
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May's Kitchen & Bar
Step into MAY KITCHEN + BAR and be transported to another place. Experience the spirit of “Thai Style” without the expense of airfare. Enjoy the harmonious blend of the spicy, the sweet, the sour, and the salty.
View their website for more info.
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Hardware Store Restaurant
Fifteen years ago, Melinda Powers peered through the windows of the oldest building on Vashon, the original Island hardware store. Melinda envisioned an expansive restaurant serving great good food, and a gathering place for the community.
Rob and Janie Andrews partnered in the restaurant with Melinda, became the sole owners of the restaurant in 2019. They continue to carry forward Melinda's vision.
View their website for more info.
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Earthen Bistro
View their website for more info.
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Gravy
Gravy is helmed by the husband and wife team of Dre Neeley and Pepa Brower.
Pepa and Dre each bring their passion to the front of the house and kitchen respectively. After years of honing their skills and learning from other successful restaurateurs, they are excited to put their unique stamp on Gravy in the heart of Vashon.
View their website for more info.
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Island Queen
View their website for more info.
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Pop Pop Bottle Shop
Beer, wine, teriyaki, ice cream, and arcade. Family-friendly joint!
View their website here.
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Cafe Vino Olio
View their website for more info.
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Anu Rana's Healthy Kitchen
This is a lovely tea shop in the heart of town center. A super sweet family-owned business, they have cold case delights and lots of cute things to look at. And Bubble tea!
View their website here.
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Zamorana
So Good! Fish tacos are the best! We love the spicy green sauce. Dont forget to ask for it.
View their website here.
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Pure Organic Kitchen & Juicery
Some of the best vegan and vegetarian food I’ve ever had.
View their website here.
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O Sole Mio
New York-style pizza on Vashon Island. Sold by the slice and whole 18” pies with a variety of toppings to choose from. Super fun bar in the back.
View their website here.
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Glass Bottle Creamery
Small-batch ice cream and cakes to order, plus a cold case with local artisan fresh noodles and things.
View their website here.
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Casa Bonita
They have amazing burgers too!
View their website here
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Café Luna
If you are looking for the best coffee and delicious treats they have your breakfast and lunch covered with breakfast burritos and incredible sandwiches and salads.
View their info here.
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Rock Island Pizza
Right across the street from The Lodges. Family and kid-friendly. Tiny bar in the back.
View their website here.
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Sand Piper Cafe
View their website for more info.
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Vashon Eats
Vashon Eats is a family-owned Island-based business created to provide a safe & reliable food & beverage delivery service on Vashon Island. Our service helps island restaurants, breweries, and cideries expand their reach while making it easy for islanders to enjoy delicious food & drinks from all of their favorite island businesses.
View their website for more info.
Outdoors
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Shingle Mill Creek
Shinglemill Creek Preserve is located in the northwest part of Vashon Island and encompasses 168 acres along the lower mainstem of Shinglemill Creek – Vashon’s second-largest creek.
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Vashon Adventures
The team is here to make your outdoor adventures fun and memorable. They will greet you with a smile and set you up with all the gear you need, provide instruction so you feel confident on the water, roads, and trails.
View their site for more info.
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Point Robinson Lighthouse
The Point Robinson Lighthouse is more of a stroll to reach than a hike, with a series of very short trails in Port Robinson Park leading to and around the site. You can tour the lighthouse, enjoy the sandy beach and lunch on the picnic tables that provide a perfect vantage point for watching for wildlife like bald eagles, great blue herons, sea otters, and the occasional orca whale.
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Vashon Bikes
View their website for more info.
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Lavender Hill Vashon
We are an organic lavender farm located on beautiful Vashon Island. We grow twenty varieties of lavender, and distill our own oil.
View their website here
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Beach Time at KVI
Favorite family Beach. Check out this Map
Libations
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Nashi Orchards
2 locations, open year-round, Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
View their website here.
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Home Sweet Home
This is the sweetest bar you could imagine, just South of town at The Snapdragon Bakery.
View their info here
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Dragon's Head Cider
Bottle shop hours: Every day, noon – 5PM
Tastings: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, noon – 5PM
View their website here
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Camp Colvos Brewing
Meat pies and outdoor drinking. Family and pet friendly.
View their website here.
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Palouse Winery
Beautiful grounds and fantastic wines.
View their website here.
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Durong Bar
Behind the Sugar Shack in the alley there is a super cute little bar with outdoor seating and live concertsthe summer. No website yet. you can find their info on IG. Follow @vashonsugarshack.
17636 100th Ave SW, Vashon, WA 98070
Rejuvenate
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Spa Ecdysis
Spa Ecdysis & Apothecary is a new spa experience in Vashon Villages offering luxurious skincare rituals, natural and nourishing skincare products, and holistic women’s health education. This is your place for relaxation and renewal, nourishment and strength, healing and vitality.
View their website for more info.
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Claro
Claro is a sacred space for healing on Vashon Island – a place to practice self-trust. Located in the Vashon Village on-site.
View their website here
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Studio Lux
Restorative & Healing Pilates, Massage, & Ortho-Bionomy Studio in uptown Vashon. Studio Lux has extensive experience working with people dealing with injuries, pain, and illness. They also offer private and duet instruction and therapy and also group classes in Kung Fu.
View their website for more info.
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Vashon Village Gym
Vashon Village Gym is on-site and available to our guests. Located in Vashon Village, Suite A-2, and is open 24/7 every day of the year.
They have the following equipment for your fitness needs: treadmill, elliptical, AMT, recumbent bike, rower, indoor cycle trainer, FT1 functional trainer, dumbbells, medicine balls, resistance cables, and workout benches.
View their website for more info.
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Vashon Athletic Club
Pool, classes, and a ton of equipment. View their website here
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Vashon Island Golf and Country Club
9-hole Golf Course, pool, and sport courts. View their website here