Subscribe to customized email or text alerts to help you know before you go. Since I was, by choice, living without a car in Seattle I didnt have the option to drive to the nearest open horizon when I missed home. Because of its location right on the edge of the Puget Sound, taking a ferry from the shores of Seattle to nearby towns can be a unique way to see more of the state. Youll depart with views of the Seattle skyline behind you as the Puget Sound unfolds before you. Read on for several ideas of islands to explore by ferry and car on your next weekend in Seattle. Hi LynLi. Keep in mind that its best to make a reservation for your vehicle as there is only a small portion of standby spots available for each ferry route. Or embark on countless other adventures through B.C.s capital city. But the San Juan Islands showcase Washington State at its best. Even if you want to ride right back to your starting point, you have to get off the boat as they reset and reload for the return trip. After the show, theres some time to explore the shoreline or take a short hike along the forested trails of the park. The Victoria Clipper is a privately operated passenger-only ferry that departs daily out of Seattle either to the San Juan Islands or Victoria, BC. A good trip on a Washington state ferry should feel just as exciting as getting to the destination. Directed by either the number assigned or the gestures of the ferry crew, pull into your lane and wait. Getting out on the water is as simple as walking onto a ferry, and you can turn the journey into a day trip pretty easily. Many artists go to Whidbey Island to find inspiration, and you can find a collection of public artwork in the town of Oak Harbor. Once you dock in downtown Victoria, just about everything is walkable. Or embark on, 11 Outdoor Things to Do in Seattle This Spring, Activities to Kickstart Your Seattle Staycation, Sightseeing in Seattle, WA? Take the Bainbridge route (30 minutes each way) if you want to spend some time on a PNW island; Bainbridge Island is pedestrian-friendly and has lots of things to do. Take the Kitsap Fast Ferry from Pier 52 in Seattle (the same one where the ferry to Bainbridge Island departs) and arrive at the Bremerton Ferry Terminal about 30 minutes later. In under 3 hours, youll find yourself transported to not just a new locale, but an entirely new country. (At one time my goal was to traverse every single ferry route in Washington state!) It isnt very often that you can drive your car onto a boat and explore an island after only a short ride, making these adventures perfect for a weekend trip. Go for a carriage tour through Old Towne or Beacon Hill Park. Pay a visit to our neighbor in the north by hopping aboard the Victoria Clipper (again, not exactly a ferry but more than worth the ride). From Inner Harbor, you can tour BCs historic Parliament Buildings. Even though a ferry is a form of public transportation, youll be crossing a section of the Salish Sea- its teeming with marine life. The San Juan Islands make a better overnight trip, but you can make a day trip on the Victoria Clipper to Friday Harbor. Seeing the lights of the Seattle skyline from an isolated car deck on a late-night ferry is a magical experience and definitely worth including as an activity on a Seattle honeymoon. Seattle is a dynamic destination all its own. Venture into Kingston for even more views and experiences. BC is located in Canada so you will need to bring your passport along. The Tillicum Excursion runs 4.5 hours. A town called Winslow is right where the ferry docks on Bainbridge Island, so thats a good place to stop for food or supplies. Yet no summer vacation itinerary would be complete without Seattle ferry day trips. The cheapest way to ride a ferry in Seattle is as a foot passenger. You can catch a ferry to Bainbridge Island from the Seattle Ferry Terminal at Pier 52, and you can either walk on or drive on. There is more to Seattle than the Space Needle and coffee. Maury Island hangs off the southeast corner of Vashon Island, and you can easily drive there. How to get this seat: this spot fills quickly on popular ferry routes. By getting a spot on the rearmost portion of the (standing room only) outdoor deck, youll be able to take unobstructed photos of the Seattle skyline as the ferry departs the terminal and begins the journey to Bainbridge or Bremerton. Washington State Ferries will generally allow you to drive on, bike on or walk on board. How to get this seat: I have never seen a Washington state ferry with no seats remaining open. The citys unique position on the Puget Sound brings the opportunity to visit several islands easily accessible by ferry. Bainbridge Vineyards is a winery that offers public tastingsbut call ahead to make sure theyre open for a tasting when you plan to visit. And do come to play. These bacteria glow when disturbed- and a ferry wake can create a massive disturbance in the water! Vashon is only accessible by ferry so its a pretty peaceful part of the Puget Sound. Using lights, radios, or headlights during the ride can drain a battery quickly. Hi! WSF staff will direct you how to exit and when to merge. The trip takes about 35 minutes and like other ferries, youll get an awesome view of the skyline as you leave Seattle. It is appropriate, here, to turn off your engine and headlights if applicable while you wait for the next ferry to arrive, unload, and prepare for loading. At just over three hours, the trip to the San Juan Island is one of the longer Seattle ferry rides, but its still well worth it. The thousands of people who regularly commute between Washingtons ferry terminals have a fun tradition: puzzles! Enjoy a world of rewards JOIN NOW, 1415 Fifth Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 If you wait too long to find a seat on a very crowded ferry, you may find yourself with the only option of the seating section in the middle of the boat. The Naval shipyard is also nearby, with permanently docked ships like the USS Turner Joy. Find the snack, lunch or dinner of your dreams and take it to go on a nice day, picnicking in Waterfront Park is a great way to go. Explore Point Robinson Park if you want to hike or beachcomb. I have lived in the Seattle area for over 20 years and have yet to ride a ferry. Writer and Illustrator by day, remote-destination explorer by other-days, Lynli is passionate about pushing the boundaries of her own comfort zone, exploring the world as a plus size, one-bag traveler, and journaling it all on WanderBig.com, Posted on Published: August 28, 2021- Last updated: June 14, 2022, Categories Getting There: Transportation, Seattle, Hints for Visiting Grand Falls in Joplin MO, How to Visit Red Oak, MO | Missouri Ghost Town Turned Art Gallery. The journey is under three hours from Seattle, but along the way, you might just spot some sea life and you will enjoy a journey up the Puget Sound. Hint: Ferries arriving to Seattles downtown terminal after dark are often below capacity and have empty car decks. Go for a carriage tour through Old Towne or Beacon Hill Park. In fact, these seating areas will be identical but reversed on each end of the boat, since Washington State ferries have motors at both ends allowing for faster docking, loading, and departure. Youll find places to rent bikes and mopeds, too. The ferry docks near Harborside Fountain Park. @Tammi,remember, if you walk on,you don't have to get off on the other end.. destination. Meander around Friday Harbors many museums, galleries, antique shops, and bookstores. If you keep your eyes peeled while you are on a ferry, you may see a creature that youll never have another opportunity to spot in the wild! Tour the ship or stroll along the blocks near the water and peruse the many local shops and galleries. 'FAIRIES' instead of Ferries, Very instead of Ferry- Atrocious!! Tour the ship or stroll along the blocks near the water and peruse the many local shops and galleries. On the Kingston ferry from Seattles Pier 52, you can cross the sound in just 40 minutes. How to get this seat: On most ferries, this seating area is not in high demand (most folks who want to sit down for the duration of the trip want to do so in the comfort of fully indoor seating). The trip from the Seattle Ferry Terminal to the Bainbridge Ferry Terminal takes about 35 minutes. Taking a jaunt over to Bremerton is a fun day trip, and provides one of the best Seattle skyline views around. The ferry docks near Harborside Fountain Park. How to get this seat: while tourists rush to the outdoor decks at bow and stern, commuters quickly call dibs on the booths with cupholders, tables, and long cushioned benches that offer the weariest passengers a chance for a nap. A ferry to Vashon Island, one of the landmasses visible from Seattle, departs out of Fauntleroy Terminal just south of West Seattle. Unless youre in the very front of the waiting lanes, youll notice cars firing up and lanes emptying. As I have never driven onto a ferry, I was very curious as to how it's done in Seattle. I recommend the pretzel and the popcorn before progressing to the next step of enjoying a Seattle ferry. At just over three hours, the trip to the San Juan Island is one of the longer Seattle ferry rides, but its still well worth it. Come for the handcrafted cocktails, stay for Chef Adam Stevensons locally-inspired menu, featuring wild seafood, foraged mushrooms and the best of the Pacific Northwest. Though the San Juan Clipper isnt technically a ferry, it still provides direct transportation from Seattles Pier 69 to Friday Harbor, WA, the main ferry terminal for the San Juan Islands. Washington States ferry system is modern and includes all basic amenities including full-service restrooms with changing stations. Just over a square mile, its an easy town to stroll and it has charm around every corner. Arriving by boat is a pretty amazing travel memory for any location. On a cold or wet day, these are the best seats in the house for sightseeing. To take the ferry there, first, you must drive north for about 30 minutes to the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal. Catch a ferry from Seattles Pier 52 and youll find yourself on Bainbridge Island in just 35 minutes. In Seattle, a ferry terminal is more than a transportation hub. The clipper drops off in Victorias Inner Harbor, so youll start your Canadian adventure right in the heart of the town. A view of the Seattle skyline from the water. Here are some helpful tips on how to navigate the ferries. If the tollbooth worker does not give you a number, follow the instructions of ferry workers directing traffic. The ferry ride with the best views of the mountains and the Seattle skyline also happens to be the most convenient for most tourists: the Seattle to Bainbridge Island route- with the Seattle to Bremerton route as a close second place. I traded in long, open horizons of the Midwest for the urban cityscape of downtown Seattle. When boarding, rush directly to the opposite side of the ship to claim your spot. If your mild weather makes it possible, the best seat on a WSF ferry is standing at the rail of the bow or stern. Drive southwest from downtown Seattle for 20 minutes to catch the 45-minute ferry ride from the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal to the Vashon Island North-End Ferry Terminal. When riding from Pike Place market/downtown to Bainbridge Island, the ferry terminals are very much like you might expect from a small airport: glass-enclosed walkways provide easy access directly to the passenger deck. Trust me, Ive done it! Even if you have no connection to military history, the tight confines of the living spaces inside, the open decks and other spaces on the ship are fascinating to explore. In Winslow, you can rent a bike or meander around the town by foot. One of the most popular and frequent ferry routes out of Seattle is the Seattle to Bremerton ferry. Dig into crepes, ice cream, pizza, craft beer, and more, all within steps of the ferry. You wont find any chains. Discover four of the best day trips from Seattle to Pacific Northwest towns (plus one just north of the border) that will only enhance your getaway to the Evergreen State. They can be a great addition to any PNW trip. You can also explore the marina and even buy fresh seafood. Winslow has plenty of shops, galleries, cafes,and restaurants to explore. Because it was 45 minutes into a 60-minute trip to Bremerton, everyone was distracted. Dont Miss These 5 Underrated Attractions, The 11 Seattle Points of Interest Youll Need On Your Instagram, 4 Reasons Why Spring in Seattle is Underrated, Shop These 8 Seattle Farmers Markets This Summer, Your Complete Itinerary of Things to Do in Seattle in Summer, 6 Outdoor Things to Do in Seattle This Summer, Tempe Mission Palms Hotel & Conference Center -, BOOK A TABLE AT FROLIK KITCHEN + COCKTAILS. At several of the booths on the interior of the ferry, youll probably find half-finished puzzles. Pay a visit to our neighbor in the north by hopping aboard the. Dont let your battery die on a Washington State FerryIts very common for batteries to die during a ferry crossing. All rights reservered. As you dock, youll find yourself in a new locale of your choosing. The San Juan Islands are quiet and laid back, filled with open land, seaside bluffs and small, artsy towns. Private ferries and tourism boats dont. The ferry itself pulls into Appletree Cove. Reservations: 855-515-1144. When I needed time to think or wide-open spaces, Id walk 6 blocks to the downtown Seattle ferry terminal and board a ferry bound for Bainbridge Island or Bremerton. So Bremerton is not exactlyon an island but rather located on a piece of land jutting out between Seattle and the Puget Sound, and the Olympic Peninsula. Otherwise, you can drive around the island, park, and explore some of the scenery. Washington State Ferries operates several of them, and they generally allow you to drive on, in addition to riding as a passenger or bringing a bike. As you sail, youll catch a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains. 3 essentials youll need to add to your Seattle packing list, every single ferry route in Washington state, Place market/downtown to Bainbridge Island, If you are navigating between any of the following ferry terminals, especially during peak season in the summer, WSDOT recommends making. She showed me what to pack, where to sit, and how to get the most out of the ride. You can actually see Vashon Island from Seattle because its quite large, and having a car to get around is a good idea. Changes are easier to make if you create an account. Just dont lose track of time as the only way to get to and from Blake Island is either via an Argosy boat or your own boat! If you like US Naval ships and history, then you will be excited to know it has a strong presence here. Anthonys at Sinclair Inlet is among the restaurants and makes a good choice for a sit-down lunch. While other passengers were occupied with their phone, computer, or travel partner, I was watching the water. I'm Lynli. Chugging along the coast, they shuttle cars, bikes, and foot passengers from islands to the mainland. So you just stay on,while everyone else is unloading, get the best seat for your return and double your water time. Washington State ferries dont brake, instead, they turn on a massive jet of water that blasts out from the front of the ferry. But for travelers and tourists, riding a ferry for the first time can be confusing. Many of Bremertons best eateries are clustered around this park so you wont have to venture far to find lunch. A Navy town, Bremerton also offers a unique take on sightseeing. In fact, Washington State is home to the nations largest ferry fleet with many departing from Seattle. Youll dock right near the Harborside Fountain Park, which is surrounded by plenty of places to grab lunch or dinner. Bainbridge Island is also home to Bloedel Reserve and Bainbridge Vineyards both of which require a car to get to from the dock. Theres something haunting about the openness of an empty car deck on a ferry. Passengers are allowed to walk through these public spaces, and they can be an opportunity for some great photography of scenery or even portraits of yourself while traveling. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Argosy runs its Tillicum Excursion many days of the week through most of the year, but not in the winter. Christmas Travel Tip: If you are going to Bainbridge at Christmas, youll definitely want to be outside to see waterfront Christmas decorations as the boat rounds Bill Point and arrives in Eagle Harbor. See whats on the menu or reserve your table below. If you manage to get a front or back row seat on the car deck, a WSF worker will come and place wheel chocks under your wheels to prevent accidental rolling. But if you walk on, theres a town called Winslow within walking distance of the ferry dock. Visit the Vashon Farmers Market if youre there in the early day on a Saturday (open April 25 through the end of the year). Its also one of the cheapest; a round trip ride costs less than a movie ticket, making it one of the most bang-for-your-buck trips. When boarding a ferry from Seattle, race to get a spot on the upper-level outdoor deck closest to the ferry terminal. The USS Turner Joy ship is docked here permanently and you can go on board and see what conditions those living on the ships endure. Finding a seat here- or a group of seats for your party is easy. Then you have the choice of four of the San Juan Islands served by the Washington State Ferries. Many of Bremertons best eateries are clustered around this park so you wont have to venture far to find lunch. I learned from another ferry-obsessed friend many secrets to maximizing the recreational aspects of riding Washington State Ferries. Its also one of the cheapest; a round trip ride costs less than a movie ticket, making it one of the most bang-for-your-buck trips. Consider purchasing the sailing fare ahead of time with. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. Heres what you can expect. Based in Seattle, I'm a female digital nomad, perennial solo traveler, and travel journal junkie. Though the island itself is best explored by car, the town of Winslow is within walking distance of the pier. However, sitting in this section always feels like waiting in a bus station! On arrival, when the car in front of you begins moving, follow them. The ferry network sets Seattle apart from other cities. The Alki Trail also follows the water and is a great place for a stroll with stellar views, including views of the Seattle skyline and an ideal spot for a seafood lunch or dinner at Salty's. But ferries are as much about the journey as they are the destination. I recommend the Bremerton route if you just want a ferry joyride- its about 50 minutes each way. Venture farther afoot and youll find the Craigdarroch Castle and The Butchart Gardens, which is best visited by tour bus as its not within a walkable distance from the harbor area. On routes leaving from other ports, you can choose between the front or back deck, since a view of the city skyline wont be available from those locations. Experience the rich Washington rainforest wonderland at Lake Quinault Lodge, Quinault Loop Trail -- nature's magic in an Olympic Peninsula rainforest, How to train from Seattle to Vancouver -- the best information, Seattle to Bainbridge, adult passenger (walk-on, round-trip): $9.05, Seattle to Bainbridge, standard car (round-trip): $40.05, Vashon Island to either Point Defiance or Fauntleroy, standard car (round-trip): $25.95, Anacortes to Orcas Island (San Juans), standard car (round-trip): $41.95 (peak $56.55), Complete the three areas of required information the route, the date, the vehicle information. Click through the confirmation to prove not to be a robot and Add to Cart. At this point there is an option to also book the return trip, or continue with the one way. Then take the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry for 20 minutes to the Clinton Ferry Terminal on Whidbey Island. Hint: Almost all of the booths have cupholders, but keep your eyes peeled for a smaller number of booths with tables between the benches. On the eastern side of Vashon Island, look out for the Bicycle Tree, which is literally a tree with a bike stuck through it. View sailing schedules, buy your tickets online, or save a spot for your vehicle on certain routes. Vashon Island is also home to small businesses and can be an artsy place to explore. Bloedel Reserve is a public garden that includes both formal gardens (including a gorgeous Japanese garden) and wilder forest lands alike, but its an ideal place to get in touch with a bit of serenity. Even though I got used to driving on and off of ferries as I navigated life and recreation in Washington state, that wonder of floating my car across the water never quite went away. Section #4, Select a sailing, will offer the available options. Venture into the blocks surrounding the water and youll find plenty of galleries and shops to explore as well. Or rent a bike or kayak and explore. If you stay the day, just wander. Once you have parked, turn off your engine and be sure that your headlights are off. Visit Canadas oldest Chinatown district. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you are arriving or departing by ferry after dark, be sure to stay on the outdoor portion of the passenger deck and watch the water for this underwater light show. For a more complete guide to packing for Seattle, see my Seattle Packing List. Not only is the first sight of your destination ferry terminal worth vying for a spot to see, but the movement of water as a ferry pulls into the terminal is worth watching. It also acts as a gateway to more adventures than youd expect from a big old boat. Thank you so much for your feedback, these changes will be made. Although windy and often cold, this spot is magic- amazing for photos, city skyline, and for spotting marine wildlife (and even whales!). Venture into Kingston for even more views and experiences. Instead, its all local, all the time and youll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, galleries, antique shops and stores. After payment, the ferry tollbooth worker may give you a number- this number corresponds to numbers painted on lanes in the area designated for cars waiting to board the ferry. Usually found lining the outer walls, My second favorite seats on a Washington state ferry are the padded booths that give you a front-row seat to an amazing view out the large picture windows lining the sides of the boat. Artist, digital nomad, and highly sensitive person, Lynli started traveling full time as a digital nomad in 2018. Taking an Argosy Cruise to Blake Island is not exactly a ferry, but as a boat excursion that leaves from Seattle, the effect is much the same. Select a sailing, if available. Our COVID-19 Service Restoration Plan (PDF 794KB) outlines how we will restore service. Imagine a quintessential Pacific Northwest harbor, and Appletree Cove is it. Adding it to my list and looking forward to it. is one of the most frequent ferries out of Alaskan Way. The Puget Sound Navy Museum is also nearby. If you stay the night or longer, this is a great base for whale watching tours or kayak rentals. On most Washington State ferries, youll find large picture windows lining the bow (front) and stern (back) of the ferry. If you enjoy military history, the Puget Sound Navy Museum is also near the ship. While you can walk on to this ferry, its really best to bring the car or your bike along as Vashon is big enough (about the size of Manhattan) and rural enough that getting from one spot to the next is best with wheels. The taxi leaves from Pier 50 in downtown Seattle and arrives at Seacrest Dock in West Seattle. My whale spotting experience was particularly remarkable! Seacrest Dock is located in close proximity to plenty of things to do, especially if you enjoy a good waterfront walk. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. See below for information on cancellation. Though the. This long, skinny island is full of interesting parks and charming towns. All of the ferries leave from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, a 1.5-hour drive north from Seattle. Thats your cue to have your car started and be ready to drive on to the ferry- being ready helps the ferry load quickly and stay on schedule. The public park, Bloedel Reserve, has a Japanese garden and forest land to wander in. As the line moves (or immediately, if there is no line) you will reach a tollbooth. These are great for eating a meal on board, adding an entry in your travel journal, or working on one of the shared puzzles that ferry commuters collaboratively complete through the day. If you are on a longer crossing (like Seattle to Bremerton or Anacortes to Lopez Island) or a traveler with limited mobility you will want to claim a good seat immediately after departure. While seasoned ferry commuters have favorite seating sections theyll claim first, tourists shouldnt worry about seats. It is also easy to reach from Sea-Tac Airport. Kristin Kendle is a Seattle-based freelance writer who has covered the city and Tacoma for TripSavvy since 2010. These will be removed before disembarking. a ferry, it still provides direct transportation from Seattles Pier 69 to Friday Harbor, WA, the main ferry terminal for the San Juan Islands. . There are parts of the trail where youll find sandy beach or shops or galleries. Because of this watery location, getting out on the Sound is popular throughout the year, and Seattle's ferries are an easy and affordable way to explore. From Inner Harbor, you can tour BCs historic Parliament Buildings. When your ferry is approaching its final destination, youll hear announcements over the intercom system with instructions on how to depart the boat. When I moved to Seattle from the midwest, it was a difficult transition. Like the Bremerton ferry, the water taxi will get you a great view of the Seattle skyline! When you get to the terminal, you will pull into a line of cars, usually designated by signs or painting on the road that its the line for the ferry. Bainbridge Island is also home to many parks and public spaces, so this is definitely the place to picnic on a sunny day. Point Robinson Lighthouse on the eastern tip of Maury Island. If your ferry is crowded, youll need to claim one of the seats immediately after boarding, not after exploring or spending time on an outdoor deck. They even serve beer and wine- though enjoying them requires that you stay in the dining area. Washington State is home to the largest ferry fleet in the U.S., and several of these run out of Seattle. from Seattles Pier 52 and youll find yourself on Bainbridge Island in just 35 minutes. Passengers are allowed to exit their cars and walk to the passenger deck unless specifically instructed not to over the loudspeaker (a policy put in place for portions of 2020 and 2021 as a public health measure). Nothing compares to a full day on the water, especially one that begins and ends in an exciting new destination. Set on a backdrop of water and mountains, ferries sail back and forth over Seattles calm waters constantly. Generally, people come and go from this section of WSF ferry seating. Washington State Ferries have an impressive concession stand. After seeing that enormous black whale tail slipping into the water I looked around and realized I alone had seen it! You can rent a bike in Winslow and explore that way as well. Make your way to the fifth floor on 5th Avenue for downtown Seattles best rooftop happy hour hotspot, Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails consistently voted among the best rooftop bars in America. In Kingston, mouthwatering meals are never more than a few minutes away. Visit towns on the other side of the Puget Sound or even some of the islands if you branch out of the Washington State Ferry system and look at private ferries or boats as well. Over time, I became an aficionado of Washington State ferries. from Seattles Pier 52, you can cross the sound in just 40 minutes. Tickets to ride Washington State ferries do not include assigned seats. As a native Kansan, Ill never forget the first time I drove onto a ferry and Washington state. Bremerton is a Navy town just across the water from Seattleand has a number of things to do situated right around the ferry dock, so its easy to leave the car behind and enjoy Bremerton on foot. If Im stuck with a seat on the inside of a ferry, Youll find me remaining on the outside deck instead. Though the island itself is best explored by car, the town of Winslow is within walking distance of the pier. Log in. We empower guests to continually expand their world through experiences that are distinctive and, above all, genuinely true to place. The shades of blue, green, and aqua in these artfully churning waters are some of my most poignant memories of riding the Washington State ferries- and its a sight youll miss if you stay indoors.