One of the best things to do while on the Island is to visit one of the numerous parks and beaches. Click the "View" button below to go to the website to choose a trail to hike or bike. A couple of favorites are the many trails found in Island Central Forest and Dockton Forest. A great place to catch a beautiful sunset is Lisabeula beach park located on the west side of the Island overlooking Colvos Passage. The park was named after a postmaster’s daughters (Eliza and Buelah). KVI is one of the best sandy beaches on Vashon. It was voted Best Place to Build a Sandcastle.
The Point Robinson Lighthouse is truly charming and is one of the more iconic photo opportunities on the island. The lighthouse is located on the east side of Maury Island. From the lighthouse, you can see the East Passage, the city of Tacoma, and Mount Rainier. Currently, due to covid, there are no lighthouse tours. The lighthouse has been in operation since 1885, and it has been fully automated since 1978. The park contains a sandy beach, a saltwater marsh, and woodlands. There are some picnic tables and walking trails. Wonderful spot for a sunrise.
Jensen Point is a beautiful place to enjoy all Vashon Island has to offer. The park is located on a small point on the island. Across from the park you will see Maury Island. The water surrounding the park is part of the Maury Island Aquatic Reserve. The park has a boat launch and picnic tables. Vashon Adventures is located at the Jensen Point boathouse, which is where you can go to rent kayaks and stand up paddle boards. They have rentals for two hours, four hours, or a full day. Please note that the boathouse is open seasonally and reservations are required. You can make same-day reservations, but they ask that you give at least 30 minutes notice. They offer classes and guided tours as well. (There’s even a moonlit after-hours tour!)
The Old Bicycle in the Tree is something of a Vashon Island legend. A little ways outside of downtown Vashon there is a trail that leads into the woods. If you follow the trail, you’ll see a children’s bicycle from the 1950s high up in the tree, completely engulfed in the trunk. In order to figure out how the bike got up there, a local writer investigated the story. The journalist tracked down the original owner to find out what happened. You can read the full story by clicking the “View” button below. (The short version is that the original owner left the bike by the tree. Over time, the tree eventually grew around it, lifting it up in the air!)
If you like to golf, head to the Vashon Island Golf & Country Club. There is a 9-hole golf course, a swimming pool during the summer months, and a court that is open year-round for racquet sports.
Vashon Island is home to many artists and galleries. Raven’s Nest focuses on Northwest Native Art. Gather has a gallery that is filled with art from local artists on Vashon Island. In the downtown area, you’ll see lots of cute shops featuring works by local artists. Be sure to visit Vashon Center for the Arts to view their gallery and look at their events schedule.
At Vashon Adventures, you can rent E-bikes to explore the island. E-bikes use pedal assist so you can go further at an easier pace. You can even rent longtail bikes, which are suitable for kids to ride with their parents. They also offer two tours. The Guided E-Bike Tour will take you around the island for 2.5 hours. Your guide will share important points of interest as well as some historical background. The Island Flavors Tour will take you to local farm stands and finally to La Biondo Farm, where your guide (who also happens to be a chef), will make some incredible food for you.
Vashon Island has a number of unique shops. Giraffe is a store that sells ethically-sourced home goods. (You can’t miss it because of the giant giraffe sculpture outside the shop!) The Country Store and Farm has been a staple on Vashon Island for over 50 years. Have fun exploring their general store and nursery. One of my favorite things to do while traveling is visiting the local bookstore. The Vashon Bookshop is an independently owned bookshop. They host literary events and have a book-of-the-week list if you’re needing an idea for a good book. Kronos is a gift shop that has beautiful beadwork jewelry, crystals, stones, and more. Treasure Island Antique Store is the place to go for antiquing.
The museum is located in an old building built in 1907 that served as a church and a children’s center. It is dedicated to preserving the island’s cultural and environmental history. It’s a great place to visit to get a sense of Vashon Island’s history to provide context for your visit.
Check out the Sip Vashon tasting room map by clicking the “view” button below for the locations of the beverage producers who are making hand crafter beer, cider, perry (pear cider), and wine. Palouse Winery has been named as Best Puget Sound Winery and is currently open by appointment only. The Vashon Winery specializes in wines that are designed to age. They are open for tastings on the weekends seasonally. Finally, be sure to check out Maury Island Winery. Their vineyards are located on the estate, and their wines are made from their own grapes. They are open for private tastings (by appointment) Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. There are two breweries that are worth visiting on Vashon Island, one of which is Camp Colvos Brewing. Be sure to order a pastie with your beer! Another option is Vashon Brewing Community Pub. Grab a pint and enjoy their craft beers.
The Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie Famous roasterie that still uses a rustic style of roasting beans for their coffee. Roots that stretch back to the origins of specialty coffee in the Pacific Northwest as the birthplace of Seattle’s Best coffee. Located in historic Island building also housing Minglement Natural Food Store, Zuzu’s ice cream shop, and a rare books store. Café Luna 9924 Bank Road Coffee house with indoor seating or to go coffee and snacks. Caffe Vino Olio 17607A Vashon Hwy SW Coffee shop located inside O Sole Mio pizza shop. Anu Rana’s Healthy Kitchen Grab and go style, curries, sandwiches and salads. Vegan, gluten free available. Vashon Island Baking Company House made pastries and Island roasted coffee. AJ’s Espresso 17311 Vashon Hwy SW Drive thru for coffee, tea, and treats.
The Hardware Store Traditional comfort fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – best hamburger in town. Snapdragon Bakery & Café Vashon’s oldest bakery serving homemade pastries and vegetarian food. Pop Pop Bottle Shop Craft beer shop and teriyaki Glass Bottle Creamery House made ice cream and retro arcade games. Sporty’s Good old fashion home cooked breakfast, with comfort food all day. May Kitchen & Bar Excellent Thai food! Take out only. The Ruby Brink Bar and dining area that serves casual meals. Gravy American food with Southern and French influences. Pure Organic Kitchen & Juicery Serving organic plant-based all gluten-free salad bowls, with a fresh juice bar. O Sole Mio New York style pizza. Zamorana Authentic Mexican food. Mica’s Kitchen Breakfast biscuits, sandwiches, and sweet treats. Syrian Grill Food truck with authentic Aleppo cuisine and Mediterranean specialties. Thriftway Grocery Store & Deli For all your supermarket needs, plus a good deli.