Are you looking for an epic getaway? These islands off Seattle are perfect to spend a relaxing weekend!
We’re so lucky to have amazing destinations near Seattle! From Bainbridge Island to the San Juan Islands, these are some of the most beautiful ones, and they’re also a great option to spend a few days out of town. We’ve rounded up a shortlist for you… so plan ahead, and enjoy a nice weekend getaway!
1. Bainbridge Island
This is the nearest island to Seattle, and although it’s great for just a day trip, you could also enjoy a full weekend of cool activities. You can catch a ferry right in downtown Seattle, and enjoy a short ride to this beautiful island. Make sure to bring your camera, cause the ride alone will offer you mesmerizing views of the waterfront and Seattle skyline. Once you get there you could easily walk to Bainbridge downtown, and visit one of the many wineries there. Bainbridge offers great culinary experiences as well, so make sure to read our article on “Some of the restaurants in Bainbridge Island you should visit”.
2. Blake Island
Recharge your batteries on this tiny island full of nature! To get here you’ll have to depart from Seattle Central Waterfront, and take The Blake Island Ferry. Enjoy 5 miles of coastlines, trails, and stunning views of the Puget Sound. You can also enjoy plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, biking, camping, and more. No visit to Blake Island is complete without stopping by the Longhouse Cafe for some true Northwest cuisine beers, wine, and craft cocktails.
3. Vashon Island
A 30-minute ride ferry from West Seattle it’s all it takes to explore this gem. The top activities to do there are visiting the amazing restaurants, bars, and shops. If you’re a foodie, you’ll have to cross out Vashon’s wineries, breweries, and cideries off your bucket list. This town offers great walkable experiences, you can easily visit lovely beaches just a few minutes away from downtown. If you’re traveling early in the morning, your first stop should be Burton, a cute little coffee shop that offers incredible baked goods from the Snapdragon Bakery, an island favorite. Head to Dockton Park for a picnic, or visit Maury Island Marine Park for some stunning views of Mt. Rainier. A must-do on this island is visiting Point Robinson Lighthouse on the island’s easternmost point. This landmark has been operational since 1885, and the structure is the perfect background to take some memorable photos.
6. Guemes Island
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this place is the spot for you. This tiny island is only accessible by its own ferry system, and it’s only big enough to fit 20 cars, so plan accordingly. Make sure your first stop is The Guemes Island General Store, load up on snacks and beverages, and head to your first adventure. Guemes is perfect for hopping on your bike and take a sweet ride around the island, the total distance is about 13 miles, and you can enjoy amazing views, and explore this place in a unique way.
7. Lummi Island
This unique island is accessible near Bellingham, where you can take a small ferry ride towards Lummi. A piece of advice is to load up your gas to the fullest, cause there aren’t any gas stations on the island. Also, keep in mind that there are no large food stores or traffic lights. This is really a remote place with around 900 residents, and it’s considered one of the quietest islands near Seattle. So, if you’re looking for some tranquility this might be the perfect escape for you. If your visiting on a weekend, remember to stop by the Farmer’s Market on a Saturday and enjoy some breakfast at the Beach Store Cafe. Visit the Artisan Wine Gallery, head to Legoe Bay, and have dinner at The Willows Inn.