Vashon isn't for everyone. Honestly, that’s exactly why people love it.
You won't find a single bridge connecting this mass of land to the mainland, meaning the only way in is by ferry. That 20-minute float from Fauntleroy or Point Defiance acts as a sort of psychological filter. It weeds out the people in a rush. If you’re looking for a curated, high-gloss resort experience with valet parking, you’re going to be very disappointed. But if you want to spend a day—or a lifetime—surrounded by towering Douglas firs, eccentric artists, and some of the best Thai food in the Pacific Northwest, knowing what to do on Vashon starts with slowing down.
The Ferry Ritual and Your First Move
Most people stress about the ferry. They check the WSDOT app every five minutes like it’s a stock ticker. Here is the reality: you will wait in line if you come on a sunny Saturday after 10:00 AM.
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Once you roll off the ramp at the north end, resist the urge to follow the line of cars straight into town. Instead, hang a left. You’ve got to see the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie. It’s housed in the historic Minglement building, which looks like it was built by a very talented person using only wood found in the 1800s. It was actually the original home of Seattle’s Best Coffee back when it was still called Stewart Brothers. Grab a cup, sit on the porch, and just watch the island wake up. It’s the best "non-activity" activity on the island.
Finding the Bird King
You’ve probably heard about the "Bicycle in the Tree." It’s a classic, sure, but it’s basically just a rusted frame swallowed by bark at this point. If you want something that actually feels magical, go hunt for Oscar the Bird King.
Oscar is a massive troll sculpture tucked away in the woods near the Point Robinson Lighthouse. He was created by Thomas Dambo using recycled materials and he’s part of a larger Pacific Northwest troll trail. Finding him feels like stumbling into a Jim Henson movie. Kids lose their minds over it, and honestly, adults do too.
Coastal Wandering at Point Robinson
While you're in the neighborhood, walk down to the Point Robinson Lighthouse. This isn't just a photo op. On a clear day, Mount Rainier looks so big you feel like you could reach out and touch the glaciers. If you’re lucky, you might spot the resident orcas (the J, K, and L pods) cruising through the East Passage.
- Pro tip: Check the tide charts before you go.
- Why? At low tide, the sandbars stretch out forever.
- Low tide bonus: KVI Beach (named for the radio tower nearby) turns into a giant playground of tide pools and driftwood forts.
What Most People Get Wrong About Island Food
There’s a weird myth that island food is all granola and farm-stand apples. While the apples are great, the culinary scene here is actually quite sophisticated.
May Kitchen + Bar is the heavyweight champion. People take the ferry just for this place. The interior is dark, teak-heavy, and smells like galangal and lime. When they bring the Pad Thai to your table, they don't just set it down; they perform a table-side assembly that makes you realize you’ve been eating mediocre noodles your entire life. Make a reservation. Seriously. If you walk in at 6:00 PM on a Friday without one, you’re eating at the gas station.
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If you want something more casual, Snapdragon is the heart of the community. It’s a vegetarian bakery and cafe that feels like a cozy living room. Their croissants are massive, buttery, and usually gone by noon. Their backyard patio is the place to be during the summer months when local musicians tend to just show up and start playing.
Drink Your Way Across the Island
Vashon is becoming a liquid destination. You have options:
- Dragon’s Head Cider: Their tasting room is in an orchard. The Perry (pear cider) is crisp, dry, and nothing like the sugary stuff you find in grocery stores.
- Camp Colvos Brewing: Located right in the middle of town. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see a farmer in muddy boots sitting next to a tech executive from Seattle. Try the Mukai Rice Lager—it’s a nod to the island’s Japanese heritage.
- Palouse Winery: It’s sitting right at the top of the hill when you come off the north-end ferry. Great views, even better Syrah.
The Secret History at Mukai Farm
Most visitors miss Mukai Farm & Garden, and that’s a shame. It’s a National Historic site that tells the story of B.D. Mukai, who built a successful strawberry empire here in the early 20th century. The Japanese garden and the "strolling pond" are incredibly peaceful. It’s a stark, beautiful reminder of the Japanese-American families who shaped this island before the forced relocation during WWII. It’s one of those places that gives Vashon its soul.
The Art of Doing Nothing
You can fill your schedule with kayaking at Jensen Point or hiking the 2.6 miles of trails in Frog Holler Forest. You can spend a Saturday morning at the Vashon Farmers Market buying hand-carved spoons and organic kale.
But the real "what to do on Vashon" secret? It's the First Friday gallery cruises. The whole town stays open late. People drift from the Vashon Center for the Arts to the smaller boutiques, wine glass in hand, talking about everything and nothing.
A Note on Limitations
Vashon doesn't have Uber. It doesn't have Lyfts. There is a bus, but it runs on "island time." If you don't bring a car or a bike, you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Also, the shops close earlier than you think. By 8:00 PM, the main drag (Vashon Highway) is pretty quiet unless there's a show at the Open Space for Arts & Community.
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Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book the Ferry Wisely: If you're driving, aim for a mid-week trip or an early morning weekend arrival. If you're a foot passenger, it's way cheaper and you never have to worry about the line.
- Reservations are Non-Negotiable: For May Kitchen + Bar or The Hardware Store, call ahead.
- Pack Layers: Even in July, the Puget Sound breeze will bite you once the sun goes down.
- Check the Calendar: Look at the Vashon Center for the Arts website before you come. You might catch a world-class cello quartet or a "Dirty Dozen Brass Band" show that you'd pay triple for in the city.
Vashon isn't a place you go to "see" things. It’s a place you go to be somewhere else. Grab a slice of pizza at Rock Island, find a piece of driftwood on a beach, and forget that Seattle is only a few miles away. That's the whole point.