How to spend a day on Vashon Island, WA

Vashon Island boasts gorgeous views and comfortable spots for experiencing local culture.

A private harbor has a small dock for mooring small boats, some lawn chairs facing the water, surrounding trees framing the section of lawn, and a blue sky with white fluffy clouds which reflect in the water of the harbor. — Vashon Island is the biggest island in the Puget Sound area.

Wake up and smell the locally grown roses — the sun is shining and we’re taking you on a dreamy day trip to Vashon Island.

The best part? You don’t have to waste a single brain cell on the small stuff. Just plug these spots into your GPS and enjoy the ride.

Out on the (small) town

You’ll want to block off a couple hours to meander the area surrounding Southwest Bank Road and 99th Avenue Southwest. Don’t miss these local gems in the area:

Peruse antiques at Treasure Island
Score some deals at Granny’s Attic
Browse art and gifts at Raven’s Nest

While you’re here, we recommend lunching at one of these tried-and-true restaurants:

Snapdragon — grab a patio seat and snack on delish veggie-based fare.
Gravy — this upscale deli has a plethora of great midday options like the salt & pepper fried shrimp sandwich with chili garlic mayo and the snap pea & local strawberry salad.
May Kitchen + Bar — enjoy comforting Thai dishes inside an eclectic, cozy space adorned with imported decor from Thailand.
Vashon Island Farmers Market — if you’re visiting on a Saturday between early May and late September, you’ll want to stop here for fresh eats and chats with local vendors.

Two patio tables with blue umbrellas sit in the landscaped backyard of a cottage on a lavender farm. Lavender bushes are abloom with purple buds on the right in front of the tables, and in the background is the two-story cottage with large paneled windows facing out over the yard. — Lavender Hill Farm offers on-site lodging in its farmhouse and Betty’s Blue Studio.

Lighthouses, cameras, action

You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of phone battery left to capture the stunning views at these last two stops before you head home:

Lavender season runs from late June until late July at Lavender Hill Farm, where you can cut your own bunch of organic lavender, buy floral treats, and wander among ~20 varieties of the fragrant plant.
End your short island staycation with a trip to the scenic and historic Point Robinson Park. She’s got range, too — take a walk along the 10-acre shoreline park and discover a sandy beach, picnic spots, saltwater marshes, and upland woodlands.

Pro tip: Lighthouse tours are available on Sundays mid-May through mid-September. Scheduled tours are recommended, and can be made by emailing Captain Joe Wubbold.

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