With so much to see and do, you can spend an entire week in Seattle and never get bored. But if you’re looking to get out of the city, three charming islands are just short ferry rides away. Bainbridge Island, Whidbey Island, and Vashon Island provide easy Seattle day trips by ferry, offering outdoor adventure, small-town exploration, great food, and scenic views.
Esther and Jacob of LocalAdventurer.com spent three days exploring the islands near Seattle, discovering restaurants, scenic trails, and hidden gems. Whether you’re visiting for the day or making it an overnight escape, renting a car allows you to make the most of these destinations. If staying in Seattle, base yourself at one of the many convenient downtown hotels, like the Kimpton Palladian Hotel.
At a Glance: Islands Near Seattle
- Bainbridge Island: great for food lovers, art, garden, pickleball history, walking to downtown from ferry
- Whidbey Island: great for beaches, state parks, hikes, lighthouses, scenic drives, historic towns
- Vashon Island: great for roadside farm stands, beaches, biking, arts community
3 Seattle Day Trips by Ferry
Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island offers a mix of outdoor activities, art, and standout dining, making it a popular Seattle day trip by ferry. Start your day at Blackbird Bakery with pastries and coffee before heading out to explore the island, which is the birthplace of pickleball.
If you play pickleball, don’t miss the chance to play at the Founders Courts at Battle Point Park. The courts were completed in 2020 to honor the game’s history, and open play is offered every Monday to Thursday morning. In town, you can pick up pickleball souvenirs at Island Life Artisan Gifts and Millstream Bainbridge. The Bainbridge Island Historical Museum even has a section dedicated to the history of pickleball and is free to visit.
For lunch, head to Ba Sa for Vietnamese dishes infused with Pacific Northwest ingredients and creative cocktails. As you leave town, stop by Pia the Peacekeeper, a massive troll sculpture created by artist Thomas Dambo. For your next activity, take a hike through the scenic Grand Forest or visit Bloedel Reserve, named one of North America’s 10 best botanical gardens by USA Today.
Afterward, return to the city by ferry or continue onto the Kitsap Peninsula, where you can dive into Naval history in Bremerton.
How to get to Bainbridge Island
Ferries to Bainbridge Island depart from the Seattle Ferry Terminal in downtown and the ride takes roughly 35 minutes. Find current ferry schedules here and calculate the fares for this route here. It’s also possible to get back to Seattle without taking the ferry. The drive will take you along the Kitsap Peninsula, across the Narrows Bridge in Tacoma, and back to Seattle via Interstate 5.
Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island has activities for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It’s recommended to start your day on the north side of the island, then made our way back down to the ferry to avoid backtracking. First up is Deception Pass State Park (North Beach provides the best view of the iconic bridge). For a quieter hiking experience, explore the Ala Spit County Park Trail.
Next, head to Oak Harbor for a self-guided tour of murals and sculptures before making your way to historic Coupeville. Don’t miss viewing the starfish under the pier. The scenic Admiralty Head Lighthouse is also located near Coupeville. For lunch, Seabolt’s Restaurant serves up heary fish and chips and clam chowder.
At Ebey’s Landing, head to the Bluff Trail where you’ll hike to spectacular views to the west. Tip: This popular trail can get busy during the summer months, so consider visiting in fall or spring for a quieter experience. If you happen to visit during the busier season, there are still a ton of other trails to explore. At Fort Casey Historical State Park, you get a glimpse into the past. The fort was active up until the mid-1940s.
If you have time, stroll through Meerkerk Garden’s beautiful rhododendron gardens or take in the art at Earth Sanctuary. In Langley on the south end of the island, you’ll find boutique shops and art galleries. You can even stop at Ott & Hunter to savor some local wines before heading back.
Also See: Discover Washington’s Sculpture Parks and Murals
Getting to Whidbey Island from Seattle
Ferries run regularly from Seattle to Whidbey Island. Check the Mukilteo / Clinton Ferry Schedule here to plan your day and time for your return. You can find how much the ferry ride will be using this calculator (it depends on the type of vehicle and number of people traveling).
Keep in mind that on summer weekends and holidays, waits can be up to three hours during peak times for this ferry trip from Seattle. If you want a quieter experience, consider visiting mid-week or during the fall or spring.
Vashon Island
About half the size of Bainbridge, Vashon Island sits to the south between Seattle and Tacoma. Here you’ll find a blend of outdoor beauty, roadside farm stands, and artistic wonders. Start your morning exploring Point Robinson Lighthouse before visiting the whimsical Oscar the Bird King troll sculpture, another creation by artist Thomas Dambo. As you’re leaving, keep an eye out for Flora Hill Farm Stand. It’s a self-service spot where you can get popsicles and sodas.
Next, wander the trails in Dockton Park and Forest before heading to Vashon Island Coffee for some pastries and coffee. They also have a market, bookstore, and a bunch of historical items inside. Stop by the gallery at the Vashon Center of the Arts or pick up fruits and goodies at the Country Store and Farm.
For outdoor adventure, consider renting kayaks from Vashon Adventures during the warmer months. Year-round, the Shinglemill Creek Preserve and Fern Cove offer a serene escape. In November and December, the lower part of the trails offers the chance to see coho salmon returning to spawn.
For food, check out May Kitchen + Bar for warming Thai cuisine.
Also See: Discover Washington’s Local Coffee Roasters
How to get to Vashon Island
Ferries to Vashon Island depart from the Fauntleroy terminal in West Seattle. Check the Washington State Ferries website for ferry schedules and ticket prices. If you want to see another Thomas Dambo troll, stop by Lincoln Park before or after your trip to the island. You can also reach Vashon via the Point Defiance / Tahlequah ferry route in Tacoma.
Tips for Planning Seattle Day Trips by Ferry
- Plan Ahead: Check ferry schedules in advance and arrive early, especially during weekends and holidays.
- Rent a Car: When you’re exploring the larger islands like Whidbey (or if you want to explore outside of town), renting a car will make it much easier to get around.
- Pack Essentials: Carry essentials like water, snacks, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. In Washington, it’s always a good idea to pack a raincoat, and we love wearing waterproof knit shoes during all our travels.
- Check Hours: During the off-season, many businesses on the islands may have limited hours or days they are not open. Check current hours when planning your outing.
- Be Mindful of Time: Islands have specific ferry schedules, so be mindful of the time to avoid missing your return ferry.
These Seattle day trips by ferry offer a magical escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether you’re into nature, art, or simply relaxing by the waterfront, Whidbey Island, Bainbridge Island, and Vashon Island have something for every traveler. With a bit of planning, you can embrace the unique experiences each island has to offer and let the enchanting beauty of Washington State leave you in awe.
About the Author
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally.
Find them on their blog, Instagram (Esther + Jacob), YouTube, and Pinterest.