The Puget Sound encompasses more than 150 islands. Sheltered by the Olympic Mountains rain shadow, much of the region enjoys a milder, year-round climate with more sunshine than surrounding areas of Western Washington.
Stretching from Bainbridge Island and the scenic coastlines of the Kitsap Peninsula to the quiet charm of Anderson Island in the South Puget Sound, discover our favorite islands, port towns, and beaches.
The Colman Dock ferry terminal is the primary gateway to the Seattle Islands. Just steps from Pier 51, visitors can explore Waterfront Park, Pike Place Market, and the historic charm of Pioneer Square before before setting off for the islands.
Local Insight: Weather you are vacationing or commuting, once you arrive, grab a bite, drink, snap a photo and relax.
State Ferry: Catching the iconic green “boat” is a regular part of life in the Pacific Northwest. The nation’s largest ferry fleet makes travel easier than ever. The modern Pier 51 on Seattle’s Elliott Bay waterfront serves as the launch point for car ferries, high-speed passenger ferries, water taxis, and private charters, with departures running hourly to the Seattle Islands.
Local Insight: Plan for crowded peak summer travel and download the FerryFriend app for real time updates and live ferry cams. Don’t panic, ferries have a large selection of organic coffee, local adult beverages and kids snacks. Head up to the sun deck for the cruise. Washington State Ferry
Bainbridge Island. A scenic 35-minute ferry from Seattle, sits the crown jewel of the Seattle Islands. Its like you just landed in a dream world. Known for upscale homes, boutique shops, lush forests, and fun family community vibe. Downtown Winslow is the island’s heart, home to art museums, restaurants, and boutique lodging. With top-rated schools and a healthy quality of life, Bainbridge Island is the idyllic town for a weekend visit or putting down roots. Find the original small batch Pegasus coffee roasters and eat at Cafe Hitchcock or Bruciato.
Local Insight: Keep walking past downtown Winslow towards the Marina Arts District and find the waterfront trail system along the boat docks of town.
Pleasant Beach village is simply one of Bainbridge’s most sought-after neighborhoods, located at the island’s southernmost tip. The Tudor-style village offers fancy boutique shops, a historic movie theater, the friendliest community and relax at the Pleasant Beach Inn. For food, music and a local conversation find the Tree house Cafe, Marketplace, or Raices Cocina.
Local Insight: Walk down Pt White road for 2-minutes and find the secluded cobblestone Pleasant Beach for a peek over the trees at towering Mt. Rainier. Every 45-minutes the ferry will cruise by through Rich Passage.
Rolling Bay. A short drive from the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal is a historic farming community and one of the island’s best-kept secrets. Though centered around a single stop sign, this charming neighborhood is home to a handful of must-visit local shops. Bay Hay and Feed, a historic, old-fashioned farm store is a true one-stop shop featuring a cafe, nursery, and anything else you can imagine.
Local Insight: Just down the road, a small-batch artisan winery offers a must-visit experience for those interested in local grapes, vineyard cultivation, and the craft of winemaking. Rolling Bay Winery
Poulsbo. Take the scenic 35-minute ferry to Bainbridge Island, then drive 11 miles to historic Poulsbo, Washington, affectionately known as “Little Norway.” This quaint waterfront town on Liberty Bay offers unique shops, local art, restaurants, and a Norwegian vibe. Sluey’s Bakery is an absolute must on Main street.
Local Insight: Make your way to the waterfront and walk up the old wooden set of stairs to overlook the marina and order your favorite food and The Loft.
Kingston. Nicknamed the “Little City by the Sea,” sits on the edges of Apple Tree Cove, 40-minutes from Seattle by fast ferry or 20-minutes from Edmonds Washington. This charming port town offers craft local coffee at Over the Moon Coffee Roasters, and the best small-batch wine at The Lounge. All just steps from the ferry.
Local Insight: Sourdough Willy’s, right off the ferry, is owned by a world famous master pizza maker. Stop there.
Anderson Island, often called the “Secret Island,” sits quietly at the southern tip of Puget Sound, 1.5 hours from Seattle and 2 hours from Portland. With attractive land prices, and a classic Northwest setting, it's an ideal spot for a vacation retreat or retirement escape. Quiet, slow, and healthy.
Local Insight: The ferry is quick and scenic, making Anderson Island one of the easiest islands to access in the Puget Sound. Pierce County Ferry