Seattle, a bustling city surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, is extremely fortunate to have numerous nearby islands which offer travel enthusiasts a multitude of serene and stunning getaways. From breathtaking landscapes to captivating wildlife and unique local attractions, the islands near Seattle cater to diverse interests. This article sheds light on the best islands around Seattle, which are highly recommended for a visit to facilitate your choice for the ultimate weekend escape or an extended vacation.
Each island has its unique charm, character, and attractions, ensuring an unforgettable experience during your visit. Whether you seek to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, engage in thrilling water-based and outdoor recreational activities, or explore quaint communities with rich cultural and historical significance, these islands have something for everyone.
As we delve into the list of top islands, remember that their inclusion is subjective and largely dependent on the preferences and experiences of visitors. Consider your priorities and interests when planning your island visit to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience.
Table of Contents
Which of the Islands Near Seattle Should You Visit?
San Juan Island
San Juan Island is the second-largest and most populous of the San Juan Islands in northwestern Washington, United States. With a land area of 142.59 km² (55.053 sq mi) and a population of 8,632 as of the 2020 census, it is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy whale watching, kayaking, hiking, and more. San Juan Island is home to Friday Harbor, the major population center of the island.
Things to do:
- Lime Kiln Lighthouse at Lime Kiln Point State Park for orca watching
- San Juan Island Sculpture Park
- Krystal Acres for alpaca watching
- Wescott Bay Shellfish Co to eat fresh clams & oysters
- Go whale watching with one of the island’s many tour companies (San Juan Excursions, Western Prince Whale and Wildlife Tours, or San Juan Safaris)
- Visit the San Juan Island National Historical Park, which includes the American Camp and English Camp historic sites
- Explore the San Juan Island Farmers Market
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding around the island
- Visit the Pelindaba Lavender Farm and learn about the history and uses of lavender
- Take a tour of the San Juan Island Distillery and taste their locally-made cider, gin, brandy, and liqueurs
Hotel recommendations:
Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is a short 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle. The island is known for its art galleries, parks, and beautiful beaches. Recommended activities include visiting the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and exploring the Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre public garden.
Things to do:
- Visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
- Take a walk through the Bloedel Reserve
- Explore the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market
- Go wine tasting at Eleven Winery
- Take a stroll through the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
- Hike the Grand Forest
- Visit the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum
Hotel recommendations:
- The Inn at Pleasant Beach
- The Marshall Suites
- Eagle Harbor Inn
- Island Country Inn
- The Guesthouse Bed & Breakfast
- Bainbridge Island Beach House
Vashon Island
Vashon Island can be reached by taking a ferry from West Seattle. The island is popular for its parks, beaches, and restaurants. Must-see attractions include Point Robinson Park and the Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Museum.
Things to do:
- Visit the Vashon Island Farmers Market
- Take a walk through the 316-acre Fisher Pond Preserve
- Explore the Point Robinson Park and Lighthouse
- Visit the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie and learn about the coffee roasting process
- Take a hike through the Shinglemill Creek Preserve
- Go wine tasting at Palouse Winery
- Visit the Vashon Island Baking Company and try their famous pastries
- Take a stroll through the Vashon Center for the Arts and see local art exhibits
Hotel recommendations:
Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island, located north of Seattle, is easily accessible by ferry or bridge. The island is best known for its biking trails, outdoor sports, and historic attractions. Don’t miss visiting Deception Pass State Park and the Fort Casey Historical State Park.
Things to do:
- Visit the Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve and take a scenic hike
- Explore the Deception Pass State Park and take in the stunning views
- Take a walk through the Fort Casey State Park and see the historic military fortifications
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding around the island – Whidbey Island Kayaking
- Visit the Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens and see the beautiful flowers
- Take a tour of the Lavender Wind Farm and learn about the lavender growing process
- Visit the Greenbank Farm and see the historic buildings and shops
- Take a stroll through the Coupeville Historic Waterfront and see the charming shops and restaurants
Hotel recommendations:
Camano Island
Camano Island is one of the few islands near Seattle accessible by driving. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, Camano offers hiking, camping, cycling, kayaking, and zip-lining. Spend a weekend exploring Camano Island State Park and its scenic trails.
Things to do:
- Visit the Camano Island State Park for hiking, beachcombing, and camping
- Explore the Cama Beach State Park and see the historic fishing cabins
- Take a tour of the Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park
- Visit the Camano Island Marketplace for shopping and dining
- Go wine tasting at the Camano Island Winery
- Take a walk through the Iverson Spit Preserve and see the wildlife
- Visit the Kristoferson Farm and learn about sustainable farming practices
- Go whale watching with Island Adventures in nearby Anacortes
Hotel recommendations:
Lummi Island
Lummi Island, located near Bellingham, is a quiet island in the Puget Sound. With only around 1,000 residents, it’s perfect for those seeking a peaceful getaway. Reachable by a small independent ferry, popular activities include visiting the local beaches and hiking trails.
Things to do:
- Visit the Lummi Island Heritage Trust and explore the hiking trails
- Take a bike ride around the island and enjoy the scenic views
- Visit the Lummi Island Farmers Market and taste the local produce
- Explore the Lummi Island Artisan Gallery and see the local art
- Take a hike through the Baker Preserve and see the old-growth forest
- Visit the Willows Inn and enjoy a farm-to-table meal
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding around the island – Outer Island Expeditions
- Take a scenic drive around the island and see the local wildlife
Hotel recommendations:
Guemes Island
Guemes Island can also be reached via an independent ferry. The island is known for its parks, beaches, and outdoor sports. Check out the Guemes Mountain Trail for a beautiful hike with panoramic views.
Things to do:
- Visit the Guemes Island Resort and enjoy the beach and water activities
- Take a hike up Guemes Mountain and enjoy the views
- Visit the Guemes Island General Store and enjoy a meal or a snack
- Explore the Guemes Island Artisans Market and see the local art
- Take a walk through the Kelly’s Point Conservation Area and enjoy the wildlife
- Go fishing or crabbing in the surrounding waters
- Take a scenic drive around the island and enjoy the views
- Visit the Indian Village and see the historical artifacts
Hotel recommendations:
Fidalgo Island
Fidalgo Island, part of the San Juan Islands, is known for its outdoor sports and attractions. Visit the Anacortes Community Forest Lands or head out to the beaches for a day of adventure.
Things to do:
- Visit Deception Pass State Park and enjoy the hiking trails, beaches, and scenic views
- Take a whale watching tour with Island Adventures in nearby Anacortes
- Explore the Washington Park and enjoy the beach, playground, and picnic areas
- Visit the Anacortes Farmers Market and taste the local produce
- Take a scenic drive around the island and enjoy the views
- Visit the Anacortes History Museum and learn about the local history
- Take a hike up Mount Erie and enjoy the panoramic views
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding in the surrounding waters – Anacortes Kayak Tours
Hotel recommendations:
- Majestic Inn and Spa
- Anaco Bay Inn
- Sunrise Inn Villas and Suites
- Swinomish Casino and Lodge
- The Marina Inn
- Fidalgo Country Inn
Orcas Island
Orcas Island, mentioned earlier as part of the San Juan Islands, is a popular destination for exploring nature and enjoying outdoor activities. Don’t miss visiting Moran State Park and participating in water sports such as kayaking and fishing.
Things to do:
- Visit Moran State Park and hike up Mount Constitution for panoramic views of the surrounding islands
- Take a whale watching tour with Outer Island Expeditions and see the local wildlife
- Explore the Orcas Island Artworks and see the local art
- Visit the Orcas Island Farmers Market and taste the local produce
- Take a hike through Turtleback Mountain Preserve and enjoy the views
- Visit the Orcas Island Historical Museum and learn about the local history
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding around the island – Shearwater Kayak Tours
- Visit the Orcas Island Pottery and see the local ceramics
Hotel recommendations:
- Rosario Resort and Spa
- Outlook Inn on Orcas Island
- Inn at Ship Bay
- Kangaroo House Bed and Breakfast
- Doe Bay Resort and Retreat
- West Beach Resort
Blake Island
Blake Island is a small island in the Puget Sound, known for its parks and trails. It’s home to the popular Blake Island Marine State Park, where visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, and beachcombing.
Things to do:
- Visit Blake Island State Park and enjoy the hiking trails, beaches, and scenic views
- Take a Tillicum Village Cultural Experience tour and learn about the local Native American history and culture – Argosy Cruises
- Enjoy a beach picnic or barbecue with friends and family
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding around the island
- Take a scenic boat tour around the island and see the local wildlife
- Visit the Blake Island Marine State Park Environmental Learning Center and learn about the local flora and fauna
- Go fishing or crabbing in the surrounding waters
- Take a walk through the forest and enjoy the natural beauty of the island
Lopez Island
Lopez Island is another fantastic destination within the San Juan archipelago. The island boasts numerous parks, trails, and beaches for visitors to enjoy. Take a hike through the scenic Lopez Hill Trail or relax on Agate Beach.
Things to do:
- Visit Spencer Spit State Park and enjoy the hiking trails, beaches, and scenic views
- Explore the Lopez Island Historical Museum and learn about the local history
- Take a bike ride around the island and enjoy the views
- Visit the Lopez Island Farmers Market and taste the local produce
- Take a hike through Iceberg Point and enjoy the views of the surrounding islands
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding around the island – Lopez Island Kayaks
- Visit the Lopez Island Vineyards and taste the local wines – Lopez Island Vineyards
- Enjoy a beach picnic or barbecue with friends and family
Hotel recommendations:
- The Edenwild Boutique Inn
- The Lopez Islander Resort
- The Lopez Island Golf Club and Resort
- The MacKaye Harbor Inn
- The Lopez Farm Cottages and Tent Camping
Anderson Island
Anderson Island, the southernmost island in the Puget Sound, offers beautiful lakes and trails. Explore Lake Florence and Lake Josephine, where motorized boats are prohibited.
Things to do:
- Visit Anderson Island Historical Society Museum and learn about the local history
- Explore the Anderson Island Park District and enjoy the hiking trails, beaches, and scenic views
- Go fishing or crabbing in the surrounding waters
- Take a bike ride around the island and enjoy the views
- Visit the Anderson Island Farmers Market and taste the local produce
- Enjoy a beach picnic or barbecue with friends and family
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding around the island – Anderson Island Kayaks
- Play a round of golf at the Riviera Community Club Golf Course
Getting There and Transportation
Washington State Ferry System
Traveling to the islands near Seattle is easy and convenient with the Washington State Ferry System. This system serves several islands in the region and offers a comfortable and scenic ride. You can board a ferry from various locations, such as Anacortes or West Seattle, depending on the island you plan to visit:
- Vashon Island: A 30-minute ferry ride from West Seattle
- Lummi Island: Accessible via a small independent ferry service from Bellingham, accommodating only 20 cars
Make sure to check the ferry schedules and prices in advance, as some routes may have variations depending on the season or demand.
Driving to the Islands
If you prefer to explore islands that can be accessed by car, Camano Island is a great option. This island offers an array of outdoor activities without the need for a ferry ride. Here’s a brief overview:
- Camano Island: Accessible by car and offers outdoor activities like hiking, camping, cycling, kayaking, and zip-lining
Keep in mind that even if you’re driving to an island, you could still need to take your car on a ferry, depending on the location.
Gas Stations
While planning your island visit, it’s important to consider refueling options for your vehicle. Some islands may have a limited number of gas stations, while others might not have any at all. Before embarking on your trip, check for gas station availability on the particular island or refuel your vehicle at the mainland before boarding the ferry.
Other Options
For the more adventurous travelers, other transportation options include renting a kayak, taking a water taxi, or even chartering a small plane. These options may be more suitable for the smaller islands or those wanting to experience a unique view of the various islands near Seattle.
