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Most visitors to the Pacific Northwest prioritize hikes in the picturesque Cascade Mountains or old-growth rainforests full of moody vibes. Beach trips typically feature the Oregon Coast à la Cannon Beach, or the Olympic Peninsula, made famous by Twilight.
For travelers looking for a more unique coastal trip, Washington State is home to some breathtaking islands that—without some local knowledge—can fly under the radar. What these locales lack in tropical weather, they make up for with stunning wildlife, beautiful hikes and some of the freshest seafood on the West Coast. Here are five of the most worthwhile island destinations in the state, and how to get to each one.
The San Juans
Technically, 172 islands make up this chain, located approximately 80 miles north of Seattle. However, only four are inhabited and accessible via ferry, three of which make idyllic respites for those wanting a nature escape. All have their distinct character and activities.
San Juan Island: The namesake island has the most to offer visitors, with bustling Friday Harbor (an ideal base) and quaint yet luxurious Roche Harbor (the yacht capital of the PNW), in addition to numerous tour options in and around the water.
Orcas Island: The largest is where adventure travelers will want to head, with great hiking and kayaking.
Lopez Island: The quietest option, Lopez is known for secluded stays, great biking options and farms.
How to get there: Drive to Anacortes (80 miles northwest of Seattle and worth a stop itself) and board the ferries that stop at all islands, a 1.5-to-2-hour trip depending on the final destination. It is strongly recommended to reserve a ferry spot in advance, especially if you plan to take a vehicle. Reservations open about a month before the start of each season, so for spring spots, expect the online booking to open mid-to-late February.
Please note that some ferries also service Canada. Passengers who board within the U.S. (any of the San Juan ports) are given a card to show at customs at the Anacortes dock in lieu of a passport.
Seaplanes to the island via Kenmore Air are also available.
Whidbey Island
A favorite amongst Washingtonians for day trips and weekend getaways, Whidbey has something for every type of visitor. The green-filled island holds some of the PNW’s cutest towns, great hikes with views that don’t require a schlep up massive elevation gain, and local spots serving fresh regional delights.
Where to eat and drink: Sample the best mussels in the U.S. at Penn Cove Shellfish (Coupeville), Enjoy a range of surf and turf at Frasers Gourmet Hideaway (Oak Harbor), grab fresh bread and pastries at the Little Red Hen Bakery (Coupeville), caffeinate at Salty Sea Coffee (Langley), sit down for a longer meal at Savory, a restaurant (delicious Mediterranean fare and water views) and slurp some fresh out of the water oysters at Oystercatcher (Coupeville).
What to do: Hike Ebey’s Landing, take a wild mushroom tour with OSM Eats, go kayaking, stroll Double Bluff Beach and tour local artist studios in Langley and Coupeville.
How to get there: Drive to Mukilteo (25 miles north of Seattle) and enjoy a lovely 20-minute ferry ride across Puget Sound. Check sailing times on the Washington Department of Transportation here; note the route is called Mukilteo to Clinton (the town you’ll disembark at). Alternatively, drive to Deception Pass State Park (stop for an oceanside stroll) and use the bridge to access the north end of the island.
Camano Island
This drive-on island is accessible via a landbridge and has lovely, relaxed beaches as well as the craft breweries and coffee roasters you’d expect from a Washington getaway.
Where to eat and drink: Refresh with a drink at Tapped Public House, sample Cider Press, wake up with a latte from Camano Island Coffee Roasters or, for a fancier option, try the Blue Heron Kitchen and Bar.
What to do: Go ziplining at Canopy Tours NW, hit the greens at Camaloch Golf Course, enjoy sandy shores at Cama Beach Historical State Park and Camano Island State Park (don’t forget your Discover Pass), and go for a walk at the Iverson Spit Reserve for mountain views in the distance.
How to get there: Drive north from Seattle on I-5 and take exit 212 for Stanwood/Camano Island, then take a left onto WA-532 all the way to the island’s bridge.
Lummi Island
Lummi Island is often forgotten amongst the state’s islands. But its lack of notoriety makes Lummi a tranquil spot for a day trip. It’s small and is best paired with the nearby college town, Bellingham. Additionally, please note that there are no gas stations, so be sure to fill up before catching the boat!
Where to eat and drink: There admittedly aren’t too many options, but the Beach Store Cafe serves fresh salads and sandwiches, and the Legoe Bay Reefnetter has wonderful fresh seafood.
What to do: Hike Baker Preserve, kayak in the Salish Sea, visit the weekend farmers’ market or bike the island (just make sure to bring your own wheels).
How to get there: Drive to Bellingham, about 1.5 hours north of Seattle, before queuing for a quick five-minute ride to Lummi Island. Check the variable schedule on Whatcom County’s website here.
Bainbridge Island
An easy day trip right from downtown Seattle, come here for an adorable main street, history and access to the Kitsap Peninsula.
Where to eat and drink: Via Rosa 11 is a bit outside of Winslow (the main town), but it is absolutely worth the trip for some of the best Italian food in the area. Additionally, the Blackbird Bakery is the only spot you should consider for coffee and baked goods, the Harbour Public House offers great seafood plates and waterfront views, and Ba Sa serves creative Vietnamese plates.
What to do: If there is one thing you do during your time on Bainbridge Island, make it to the Japanese-American Exclusion Memorial. The exhibit tells the important but confronting tale of the island’s Japanese-American residents during WWII. Just north of Bainbridge, across Agate Pass Bridge on the Kitsap Peninsula, the Suquamish Museum offers an expanded history of the island and the Suquamish people. On a lighter note, Strawberry Hill and Grand Forest provide rejuvenating spaces for a walk. Wine tasting is another popular activity: Standouts including Eleven Winery, Eagle Harbor Wine Company and the Fletcher Bay Winery all have tasting rooms downtown within walking distance from the ferry dock.
How to get there: Bainbridge Island is an easy 20-minute ferry ride from the Seattle waterfront, Pier 52. Visitors can take a car on the boat, or walk on as a passenger if you only plan to explore Winslow.