Tips for a Perfect Day on Vashon Island

Vashon Island, in Washington State’s Puget Sound, is a quiet escape from nearby big cities Seattle and Tacoma. Visitors can access the island via a quick ferry trip from either city, so it’s an ideal day trip when the summer brings long, warm days to the region.

Driving the quiet roads of the island, you’ll quickly notice this is a place not of commercialization and touristy souvenir shops, but roadside farm stands selling on-your-honor flowers and vegetables. The best way to see the island is to simply pick a road and follow it, stopping along the way to buy picnic fixings.

Saturdays also bring the lively farmers market to Vashon’s town center, so you can pick up hard cider and smoked salmon made locally, shop for crafts and listen to live music.

Speaking of food, excellent meals can be enjoyed at several spots in town: La Boucherie the farm-to-table restaurant arm of the island’s Sea Breeze Farm; The Snapdragon Café with its vegetarian fare; and The Hardware Store, inside the oldest commercial building on the island.

After you fill up, head to scenic Quartermaster Harbor and rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Vashon Watersports, which provides guided tours as well as transportation if you’re planning a one-way trip.