Western Washington is well known for its beautiful islands… Bainbridge, Whidbey and the San Juans, just to name a few. But there’s one little island that’s only a 10-minute ferry ride from Seattle that remains an underrated treasure. And if you’ve never had the chance to explore Vashon, you should add it to your must-see list right now.

You can access ferries to Vashon Island from Port Orchard, Seattle or Tacoma.

Karlo G / Yelp The easiest and quickest way to get there is from the Fauntleroy Terminal in West Seattle. There are buses on Vashon, but taking your car is the best way to get around.

Once you’re off the ferry, you can start to explore.

Ccrosby60 / TripAdvisor Enjoy the gentle curves of the narrow roads and the charm of a place where time seems to stand still.

Enjoy lunch at the Hardware Store Restaurant, the oldest commercial building on the island (it has a spot on the National Registry of Historic Places). It’s right in the middle of town.

Angelique L / Yelp

Jeremy S / Yelp

Then check out the numerous shopping options like Giraffe (clothing and home decor) and Treasure Island (antiques).

Travis / Flickr

Treasure Island Facebook

Next, you can taste some wine at the charming Palouse Winery…

Latifah S / Yelp

… or enjoy a treat at the Vashon Island Baking Company.

Richie D. / Yelp

Don’t miss taking a look at the Point Robinson Lighthouse, an iconic part of Vashon’s shoreline that rests in a field of tall grass at Point Robinson Park.

Wikipedia

Farming is the island’s main industry, so you’ll see quite a few of them as you drive around.

Steve Wilson / Flickr Sustainable Tourism on Vashon is a company that offers farm tours by appointment, if you have the time.

Take a twilight stroll along Lisabuela Beach…

Richie D / Yelp

Then treat yourself to an amazing dinner at May Kitchen + Bar.

Doug R / Yelp There are a lot of delicious restaurants on Vashon Island, but this Thai/Cambodian place can compete with any of Seattle’s hot spots. Reservations are recommended, so you may have to plan in advance for this meal. It’s worth it.

Willis S / Yelp

This is just a small sample of the wonderful treasures you’ll find on Vashon Island. If you have more than one day, you’ll find even more fun things to do and beautiful things to see.

missmelissa1313 / TripAdvisor

And if you love exploring Washington’s islands, you’ll love the San Juans.

Karlo G / Yelp

The easiest and quickest way to get there is from the Fauntleroy Terminal in West Seattle. There are buses on Vashon, but taking your car is the best way to get around.

Ccrosby60 / TripAdvisor

Enjoy the gentle curves of the narrow roads and the charm of a place where time seems to stand still.

Angelique L / Yelp

Jeremy S / Yelp

Travis / Flickr

Treasure Island Facebook

Latifah S / Yelp

Richie D. / Yelp

Wikipedia

Steve Wilson / Flickr

Sustainable Tourism on Vashon is a company that offers farm tours by appointment, if you have the time.

Richie D / Yelp

Doug R / Yelp

There are a lot of delicious restaurants on Vashon Island, but this Thai/Cambodian place can compete with any of Seattle’s hot spots. Reservations are recommended, so you may have to plan in advance for this meal. It’s worth it.

Willis S / Yelp

missmelissa1313 / TripAdvisor

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