Exploring 10+ Washington State Islands

Overview

Washington state is home to a variety of picturesque landscapes. Living in Seattle, you’re only a short drive away from deserts, rain forest, and mountains. Another area you’re close to is the pacific ocean and the islands in the Puget Sound. Visiting the coast in Washington is something that I try to do each year, and it continues to be my favorite vacation.

Each island offers something unique. Some are meant for those of you looking to explore the wineries. Others are for adventure seeking travelers wanting to go sea kayaking, or a family seeking a vacation. No matter what it is you’re looking for, the Washington state islands are the perfect getaway. With so many different options on where to go, it can be overwhelming deciding where to go and planning a trip. This guide explores popular islands and resources for planning your island adventure.

Bainbridge Island

Getting There

Click here for Google Maps directions to Bainbridge island

Bainbridge Island is the closest island from Seattle. It takes about an hour to get from Seattle to Bainbridge island. You’ll have to take a ferry that departs from downtown Seattle. The ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge island takes about 30 minutes.

The ferry to Bainbridge island costs between $10-$50. There are many factors that go into this price, so I recommend viewing the WSDOT website to learn more. The ferry is going throughout the day starting around 6am and ending around 10pm.

Where to Eat

There are a few options for food on Bainbridge Island. The downtown is filled with different food and coffee

1. Doc’s Marina Grill – This is a great spot for a classic American meal. They have great online ratings and an awesome waterfront location!
2. The Plate & Pint – If you’re looking for a pub where you can grab a meal and a drink, I recommend The Plate & Pint!
3. Ba Sa Restaurant – You’ll find this Vietnamese restaurant in downtown Bainbridge. Ba Sa has great reviews and is the perfect spot to grab a Bahn Mi on the island!
4. Café Hitchcock – This coffee shop is conveniently located downtown. Don’t miss out on this Bainbridge coffee shop while you’re on the island.

Lodging/Camping

The camping on Bainbridge Island is limited. Fay Bainbridge Park & Campground is where you can camp on Bainbridge. If you’re looking for a tent or RV spot for the night it’s going to cost between $25-$45. They also have cabin rentals available starting at $100 a night.

Like many of the other Washington Islands, there is not a ton of hotel options on Bainbridge Island. You can find a hotel for the night starting around $150. To scroll through the different hotels on Bainbridge Island, click here.

Activities

Bainbridge is known for its shopping, beaches, wine tasting, and family friendly community events. You can find up to date information on upcoming events on Bainbridge Island on Visit Bainbridge Island. This is the all in one stop for understanding tourism on this popular Washington state island, and I highly recommend you check them out! Here 3 options for activities to try during your visit.

1. Sea kayaking – There are a few different kayak rental and guided tour options on Bainbridge island. Rent a boat for the day or join a group of people and explore the waters of the pacific. This is my favorite way to explore the islands.
2. Go wine tasting downtown – Bainbridge is known for its walkable wine tasting rooms. There are multiple tasting rooms located in the downtown area making it extremely convienent for an afternoon of wine tasting!
3. Visit Hawley Cove park – This is a short walk from the exit of the ferry, but keep in mind it does have some incline. I recommend walking here with a cup of coffee and watching the ferry make its trip back and fourth.

Orcas Island

Overview

When I think of Washington Islands, the first one that comes to mind is Orcas Island. Over my few years of living in Seattle, i’ve noticed that this is one of the top mentioned locations to visit. It’s a classic Washington island packed with greenery and sitting far north in the state. This is a great trip for someone looking to explore northern Washington and get a vacation a little more unique than visiting Seattle.

Getting to Orcas Island

Click here for Google Maps directions to Orcas island

Getting from Seattle to Orcas island takes just a little over 3 hours. You’ll be heading north to the boarder of Washington and Canada. Essentially you’ll be driving on I-5 North until you reach the town of Mt. Vernon. From there you’ll head west until you reach the Anacortes ferry to Orcas island.

The ferry to Orcas Island costs between $50-$100. The ride is 50 minutes long, and ferries only leave a few times a day. To make sure you get on to one of the ferries you’ll want to plan you schedule ahead of time. To find the Anacortes to Orcas Island ferry times, you can go to the WSDOT website here.

The ferry schedule is a consideration on your way back to Seattle as well. Because there are limited ferries coming and going from the island, you don’t want to miss you chance to get back. On most days, the last ferry leaves around 10:00pm.

Where to Eat on Orcas Island

There are limited options when it comes to food on Orcas island. You’ll have your pick of a few different options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Below are a few options for each.

1. New Leaf Cafe – The New Leaf Cafe is a great option for brunch, dinner, or drinks on Orcas Island. They have amazing reviews on Google and Yelp, many of which mention their large portion sizes.
2. The Madrona Bar and Grill – This is a classic American food restaurant. You can enjoy their highly rated steaks, seafood, and drinks.
3. The Lower Tavern – The Lower Tavern is a typical bar and grill with predictable meals on orcas island. If you go on the right night, you might get to enjoy live music or karaoke.

Lodging/Camping on Orcas Island

There are multiple camping options on Orcas Island. All of which will need to be in designated campgrounds and have fees varying from $15-$80+ a night.

Camping in Moran State Park is a great option on Orcas Island. This is a state park that has various amenities including drinking water, showers, hiking trails, lake access, and more. Learn more about Moran State Park and book your stay here.

Another camping area is Doe Island Marine State Park on Orcas Island. This state park has all of the amenities mentioned in the park above and it sits closer to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Visit the Washington State Parks website to learn about and book your stay here.

As far as hotels go, there are a few different options for you. They seem to start around $120 per night for a regular room. To browse through hotel options on Orcas Island click here.

Activities on Orcas Island

There is so much to do and explore on Orcas island! A few popular things include hiking, climbing, kayaking, and wandering downtown. Here are my top 5 activities to do while on Orcas Island.

1. Hike Turtleback Mountain – This hike is an Orcas Island classic and needs to be marked off of everyones bucket list. The hike is 3 miles round trip and has about 900 feet of elevation gain. Hiking to the top allows you to see beautiful views of the surrounding Washington Islands.
2. Drive to Mount Constitution – Anyone visiting Orcas Island needs to drive to the top of Mount Constitution. If you’re looking for the best view from this iconic Washington Island, this is it. You can find directions here.
3. Go wine tasting at the Orcas Project Tasting Room – This tasting room is a fun afternoon plan for couples or groups of friends visiting Orcas Island! You don’t have to book ahead, so just plan on showing up and having a great time.
4. Go whale watching – There are four companies that you can go whale watching with on Orcas Island. Click here for more details on those tours.
5. Go sea kayaking with Shearwater Kayak Tours – If you’re looking for an adventurous trip to orcas island, this is the activity for you. You’ll be taken out into the Pacific Ocean with a group and a professional guide. They’ll give you instruction on how to kayak and take you around to see the best views of Orcas Island.

Whidbey Island

Overview

Whidbey Island is very accessible from Seattle, and has some of my personal favorite destinations. This is a great Washington island for kids, dogs, and people seeking out adventure. There are tons of hiking trails, the best dog beach in Washington, and cute towns ready to be explored.

Getting To Whidbey Island

Click here for Google Maps directions to Whidbey island

Whidbey Island, another scenic island in Washington State, offers a charming escape with a rich history. There are a few different ways to get to Whidbey island. Unlike Fidalgo Island, Whidbey Island boasts a car-accessible bridge, making it convenient to reach by car. However, if you’re looking for a more scenic journey, you can also take a ferry.

The ferry to Whidbey Island departs from Mukilteo, a town north of Seattle. The ferry ride itself takes about 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the Puget Sound. Click here for the Whidbey Island ferry schedule.

If you’re driving, Whidbey Island is connected to the mainland by the Deception Pass Bridge. The drive from Seattle takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via I-5 N and State Route 525 E.

Keep in mind there’s a toll for crossing the Deception Pass Bridge (around $6 one-way for cars with single-axle). Ferry fares vary depending on the size of your vehicle and the number of passengers. You can find the latest information on the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website: WSDOT Ferry Rates.

Where to Eat on Whidbey Island

Whidbey island has a lot of different food options available. This is a very popular tourist destination for people in Seattle, so you’ll be able to find many different food options depending on where you’re visiting. If you’re going to Deception Pass, just be aware that the options are slightly limited and you’ll have to drive 15-30 minutes to get food. Here are a few of my favorite food options on Whidbey Island –

1. Langley Kitchen – I first tried Langley Kitchen because of their amazing online reviews, and I was not disappointed. They have outdoor seating available and options for vegetarians.
2. Oak Harbor Cafe & Lounge – If you’re looking for a filling breakfast or lunch, this is the spot to go!
3. Gordon’s Fusion Cuisine – Gordon’s opens daily at 12 for lunch and dinner. They have great reviews and are known for their tasty cocktails!

Lodging/Camping on Whidbey Island

There are a few different camping options on the island. You can head straight to Deception Pass and camp along Cranberry Lake. You can also bring your RV to North Whidbey RV Park. Bowman Bay campground is another option for both tents and Rv’s. These are not the only camping options on Whidbey island, but just a few of the most popular.

For hotels on Whidbey island, click here.

Activities on Whidbey Island

Whidbey island is my most visited Washington island. The main reason for this is Deception Pass, a beautiful state park on the north end of the island. I also enjoy visiting other beaches, the town of Langley, my favorite off leash dog beach, and more. Here are a few of my favorite activities on Whidbey Island.

1. Visit Deception Pass State Park – I’ve talked a lot about this park in the past, and nothing has changed. I think this is one of Washingtons most beautiful state parks with tons to explore. Head here if you’re looking to hike, look for rocks, watch for seals and whales, and more.
2. Take your dog to Double Bluff Dog Beach – This is the largest off-leash dog beach in Washignton state! You can bring your dog with you to explore Double Bluff and then enjoy them being tired for the rest of the day. Oh, and the water is the perfect depth for dogs who like to fetch in the Puget Sound.

Lopez Island

Getting There

Click here for Google Maps directions to Lopez island

Lopez Island, a gem in the San Juan archipelago, offers a relaxed island escape with stunning landscapes and friendly locals. Here’s how to get there: Since Lopez Island lacks an airport, getting there involves a scenic ferry ride. You’ll first need to drive or take public transportation to Anacortes, Washington, the ferry departure point.

The drive from Seattle to Anacortes takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes via I-5 N and State Route 525 E. The ferry ride from Anacortes to Lopez Island is a delightful journey, taking roughly 30 minutes and showcasing the beauty of the Puget Sound.

Ferry departures to Lopez Island vary depending on the season and day of the week. Check the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website for the latest schedule and consider booking reservations, especially during peak season: WSDOT Ferry Schedules . If you’re bringing a car or bike, make sure to factor in the additional cost when booking your ferry reservation. Car rentals are also available on Lopez Island if you prefer a more flexible approach.

Where to Eat

1. Islander Bar and Grill – This waterfront restaurant serves a variety of foods for lunch and dinner. That being said, recommend trying one of their a seafood dishes while you’re there!
2. Vita’s Wildly Delicious – You HAVE to try Vita”s while you’re on Lopez island. Their fun atmosphere paired with the delicious food is an experience everyone need to have.
3. The Lopez Grind – This is a great little coffee shop to stop at for a drink or a small snack.

Lodging/Camping

Activities

Lopez Island is a great place to visit if you’re traveling with kids. There are a lot of activities for families to explore. Families are not the only groups that I encourage visit Lopez Island. There’s a little something here for everyone. Here are a few ideas on what you can do during your trip.

1. Whale watching – Lopez island is a popular destination for whale watching. You can book a trip with one of the companies on the island and go on your search for orcas and grey whales.
2. Visit Point Colville – This is my favorite spot to enjoy an afternoon on Lopez island. This isn’t an area you’ll be able to enjoy swimming at, but pack a picnic and plan to enjoy the views.
3. Explore Spencer Spit State Park – If you’re looking for a coastal park that you can explore, this is a great one. You’ll find cold sandy beaches to walk along with views of the Puget Sound around you.

Fidalgo Island

Getting There

Click here for Google Maps directions to Fidalgo island

Fidalgo Island, unlike Bainbridge Island, isn’t accessible by ferry directly from Seattle. However, it’s still a convenient and scenic day trip or getaway destination. The travel time to Fidalgo Island depends on your starting point. If you’re coming from Seattle, it’s roughly a 1 hour and 15-minute drive via I-5 N and State Route 20 W. You don’t need to take a ferry to get to Fidalgo Island.

Public transportation options are limited, but there are some bus routes connecting Seattle to Mount Vernon, which is located near Fidalgo Island. From there, you might need to arrange a ride-sharing service or taxi to reach the island itself.

Once you arrive on Fidalgo Island, the main town of Anacortes offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. You can explore the island by car, bike, or even rent a kayak for a unique perspective.

Where to Eat

Fidalgo Island is close to many food options. This is not one of the Washington Islands where it’s vital you pack ahead! While I still typically pack ahead and snack along my travels, there’s food options available if you need them. Here are a few –

1. Bob’s Chowder Bar & BBQ Salmon – Enjoy various seafood staples at this Fidalgo island restaurant. The reviews look great, and you can’t go wrong with seafood on the coast of Washington.
2. Adrift Restaurant – This spot is known as a spot to get classic American food.
3. Fidalgos Gourmet Mexican Cuisine – If you’re looking to eat some Mexican food, I recommend this spot! I’ve had a great experience here in the past, and they also have great online reviews.

Lodging/Camping

You have a few options when choosing where to stay for the night on Fidalgo island. Plus, you’re really close to Mt Vernon and Whidbey Island so you can stay anywhere there as well. Here are a few options –

Lake Erie Campground is a great spot if you’re wanting to camp near the water. It’s a good camping area for those of you with dogs because of the access to the lake. If you’re interested in hotels on Fidalgo island, click here.

Activities

There are a few really fun outdoor activities on Fidalgo Island. I’ve mentioned Deception Pass a few times already, but Fidalgo Island is the other island that’s connected to the Deception Pass Bridge along with Whidbey island. Here are a few activities to try on Fidalgo Island –

1. Hike the Oyster Dome – This moderate/hard hike is steep but worth it. In just a few miles you climb up to the top of a hill, the oyster dome, and get to soak up amazing views of the Puget Sound and the other islands.
2. Visit Deception Pass – Once again, this is my favorite state park in Washington. There are tons of hiking trails and beaches to explore.

Lummi Island

Getting There

Click here for Google Maps directions to Lummi Island

Similar to Fidalgo Island, Lummi Island doesn’t have a direct ferry route from Seattle. But, this small island near Bellingham is a must see destination with its artistic community, delicious dining, and stunning vistas.

Travel time to Lummi Island depends on where you’re coming from. If you’re driving from Seattle, plan for a 2-hour journey via I-5 N. Unlike some of the other Washington islands, Lummi Island requires a short ferry ride to reach.

The Whatcom County Public Works Ferry operates between Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point on the Lummi Reservation. The ferry runs frequently, roughly every 20 minutes between 6:00 AM and midnight, making it a convenient and scenic connection. The crossing itself is a brief but beautiful trip, taking only about five minutes.

For fares and the latest ferry schedule, you can visit the official Lummi Island website.

Where to Eat

1. Beach Front Cafe
2. Legoe Bay Reefnetter

Smith Island

What Makes This Washington Island Unique

Smith Island is apart of the San Juan islands. It is a very small piece of land in the pacific, and is not open to tourism. The only way to see Smith island is by going on a guided boat or kayaking tour that takes you near it. These tours are not allowed to get too close to the islands shores due to Smith Island being a protected habitat.

The History of Smith Island

Smith Island in Washington state boasts a history steeped in exploration and changing hands. The island’s documented journey began in 1791 when Spanish explorer José María Narváez charted it, christening it “Isla de Bonilla.”

Decades later, Hudson’s Bay Company fur traders, likely impressed by its strategic location near the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, renamed it Smith Island sometime in the early 1800s. There’s even a legend that Captain John Smith himself once called it “Shooting Bear Island” due to the supposed abundance of small bears, though this remains unconfirmed.

This Washington island’s purpose shifted throughout the years. While details are scarce, it likely served as a navigational aid for early maritime commerce. In the late 19th century, a lighthouse was constructed to further warn ships of the treacherous waters around the island. This lighthouse, however, was eventually replaced by an automated light in the latter half of the 20th century. Today, Smith Island finds renewed purpose as a wildlife sanctuary, playing a vital role in protecting the delicate ecosystem of the San Juan Islands.

Shaw Island

Getting There

Click here for Google Maps directions to Shaw island

To get to Shaw Island from Seattle it takes about 3 hours. You’ll have to head north on I-5 until you veer West to get to Anacortes. This is where you will get on the ferry.

The Anacortes to Shaw island ferry runs throughout the day starting around 5:30am and ending around 9pm. There are only a few ferries that go out to Shaw island each day, so make sure you plan ahead and keep those times in mind when traveling on the ferry! For information on the price of the Shaw Island Ferry, click here.

Where to Eat

Shaw island is fairly remote, and if you’re visiting you’ll need to plan ahead with food. There are not any restaurants for you to eat at along your travels. The north end of the island does have a general store where you can purchase some food, but you’ll want to be prepared with a stove and other cooking utensils.

Lodging/Camping

The only Shaw island lodging open to the public is a campsite at Shaw County Park. Here you can find various campsite amenities to make your stay more enjoyable. This campsite is along the coast and offers really beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding Washington islands.

Activities

Because this is such a remote Washington island, the activities are perfect for anyone seeking adventure or solitude in nature. Here are a few ideas on what you can do on Shaw island –

1. Bird watching – There are over 200 documented species on Shaw Island! This is a popular destination for bird enthusiasts due to it being so remote in nature. This creates the perfect habitat for wildlife to flourish.
2. Kayaking – You’ll have to book a trip from one of the other San Juan islands to kayak near Shaw island. If you’re a more experienced paddler you can come out here and sea kayak. This is only recommend for people who know what they’re getting into because this can be a dangerous environment for beginners.
3. Hiking – There are various trails that loop around Shaw island. Again, due to its low traffic these trails allow you to feel fully surrounded by nature.

Conclusion

Getting to visit any of Washingtons islands is considered one of my ideal vacations. You can enjoy the serenity of these spaces year round. The rain brings a special gloom that I find beautiful in these coastal areas, but the summer brings 70 degree weather with sun! Pack your bags, book your ferry ticket, and enjoy!