The Puget Sound Islands
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Puget Sound Islands - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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16 Recommendations
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1. Bloedel Reserve
This 150-acre internationally recognized preserve is a stunning mix of natural woodlands and beautifully landscaped gardens—including a moss garden, a Japanese garden, a reflection pool, and the impressive former Bloedel estate home. Dazzling rhododendrons and azaleas bloom in spring, and Japanese maples colorfully signal autumn's arrival. Picnicking is not permitted, and you'll need to leave the pooch behind—pets are not allowed on the property, even if they stay in the car. Check the website for special events, lectures, and exhibits. Timed tickets can be reserved in advance.
7571 NE Dolphin Dr., Washington, 98110, USA206-842–7631Sight Details
Rate Includes: $20, Closed Mon. -
2. Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve
The reserve encompasses a sand-and-cobble beach, bluffs with dramatic views down the Strait of Juan de Fuca, two state parks (Ft. Casey and Ft. Ebey; see separate listings), and several privately held pioneer farms homesteaded in the early 1850s. The first and largest reserve of its kind holds nearly 400 nationally registered historic structures (including those located within the town of Coupeville), most of them from the 19th century. Miles of trails lead along the beach and through the woods. Cedar Gulch, south of the main entrance to Ft. Ebey, has a lovely picnic area in a wooded ravine above the beach.
Washington, USA -
3. Bainbridge Island Studio Tour
Tour–SightTwice a year (the second weekend in August and the first weekend in December), the island's artists and craftspeople are in the spotlight when they put their best pieces on display for these three-day events, and you can buy anything from watercolors to furniture directly from the artists. Even if you can't make the official studio tours, check out the website, which has maps and information on studios and shops throughout the island, as well as links to artists' websites. Many of the shops have regular hours, and you can easily put together your own tour.
Bainbridge Island, Washington, 98110, USA -
4. Bainbridge Island Studio Tour
Twice a year (the second weekend in August and the first weekend in December), the island's artists and craftspeople put their best pieces on display for these three-day events, and you can buy anything from watercolors to furniture directly from the artists. Even if you can't make the official studio tours, check out the website, which has maps and information on studios and shops throughout the island, as well as links to artists' websites. Many of the shops have regular hours, and you can easily put together your own tour.
Washington, 98110, USA -
5. Bainbridge Vineyards
Under cooperative ownership and led by women, this longtime certified-organic winery five miles from the ferry landing produces around 1,200 bottles a year from entirely island-grown varietals that thrive in the Puget Sound region. The winemakers compare their offerings to those that come from the Alsace or Loire Valley in France—on the light and fruity side—and you can enjoy a tasting of five pours for $8 on the winery's lovely sun-dappled patio. Kids will want to say hi to the draft horses that help till the fields. The tasting room is open Thursday to Sunday from 12 to 5 pm.
8989 Day Rd. E, Bainbridge Island, Washington, 98110, USA206-842–9463Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Deception Pass State Park
The biggest draw of the park is the historic two-lane Deception Pass Bridge connecting Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island, about nine miles north of Oak Harbor. Park the car and walk across in order to get the best views of the dramatic saltwater gorges and churning whirlpools below. Then spend a few hours walking the 19 miles of rocky shore and beaches, exploring three freshwater lakes, or walking along the many forest and meadow trails.
Rte. 20, 9 miles north of Oak Harbor, Washington, 98277, USA360-675–2417Sight Details
Rate Includes: Daily Discover pass $10 per vehicle; annual $30 (valid at all state parks); campsite fees vary -
7. Fletcher Bay Winery
A boutique winery with stylish coastal decor, Fletcher Bay focuses on Bordeaux grapes along with Tempranillo and Sangiovese sourced from Washington State's Yakima and Walla Walla valleys. The casual, dog-friendly winery, set in the Coppertop Business Park (next door to Bainbridge Island Brewery), has a kids’ play area with a DVD player, an enclosed patio with a fireplace and heat lamps, and live music every Wednesday from 6 to 8 pm. There's also a tasting room right in town ( 500 Winslow Way E).
9415 Coppertop Loop NE, Washington, 98110, USA206-780--9463Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
8. Fort Ward Park
On the southwest side of the island is this lovely and tranquil 137-acre park. There are two miles of hiking trails through forest, a long stretch of (sometimes) sun-drenched rocky beach, several picnic tables, a boat launch, and even an underwater park for scuba diving. Along with views of the water and the Olympic Mountains, you might be lucky and get a peek of Mt. Rainier—or of the massive sea lions that frequent the near-shore waters. A loop trail through the park is suitable for all ability levels, and will take you past vestiges of the park's previous life as a military installation.
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9. Ft. Casey and Keystone State Park
The 467-acre Ft. Casey State Park, on a bluff overlooking sweeping views of Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Port Townsend ferry landing, was one of three forts (the "Triangle of Death") built after 1890 to protect the entrance to Admiralty Inlet from naval invasion. Look for the concrete gun emplacement and a couple of eight-inch "disappearing" guns. The charming Admiralty Head Lighthouse Interpretive Center is north of the gunnery emplacements. There are also grassy picnic sites, rocky fishing spots, waterfront campsites, and a boat launch. A Washington State Discover Pass is required ($30/year or $10/day; see www.discoverpass.wa.gov). Once you're done exploring the park, take the ferry to Port Townsend for a quick side trip or a long lunch.
2 miles west of Rte. 20, Washington, 98239, USA360-678–4519Sight Details
Rate Includes: Discover Pass required; $30/year or $10/day -
10. Ft. Ebey State Park
In late May and early June, Ft. Ebey State Park blazes with native rhododendrons. West of Coupeville on Point Partridge, it has three miles of shoreline, campsites in the woods, trails to the headlands, a freshwater lake for fishing, World War II gun emplacements, wildflower meadows, spectacular views down the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and miles of hiking and biking trails. A Washington State Discover Pass is required.
3 miles west of Rte. 20, Washington, USA360-678–4636Sight Details
Rate Includes: Washington State Discover Pass required ($30/year or $10/day) -
11. Greenbank Farm
You can't miss the huge, chestnut-color, two-story barn out front—the centerpiece to this picturesque, 150-acre property, a former working farm that now houses two art galleries, a café, and several shops. Greenbank's grounds include a demonstration garden and lovely walking trails, many of which are dog-friendly.
765 Wonn Rd., Washington, 98253, USA360-678–7700Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
12. Island County Historical Museum
Collections include Ice Age relics, mammoth remains, and a strong Native American collection, including three rare cedar dugout canoes. The square-timber Alexander Blockhouse outside dates from 1855. Note the squared logs and dovetail joints of the corners—no overlapping log ends. This construction technique was favored by many western Washington pioneers.
908 NW Alexander St., Washington, 98239, USA360-678–3310Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free (donations welcomed) -
13. Jensen Point and Burton Acres Park
Vashon has many parks and protected areas. This park, on the lush Burton Peninsula overlooking Quartermaster Harbor, is home to 64 acres of secluded hiking and horseback-riding trails. The adjacent Jensen Point, a four-acre shoreline park, has picnic tables, a swimming beach, and kayak and paddleboard rentals (May through September).
8900 SW Harbor Dr., Washington, 98070, USA -
14. Meerkerk Gardens
The 53-acre Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens contain 1,500 native and hybrid species of rhododendrons and more than 100,000 spring bulbs on 10 acres of display gardens with more than four miles of nature trails. The flowers are in full bloom in April and May; summer flowers and fall color provide interest later in the year. The 43 remaining acres are kept wild as a nature preserve. Leashed pets are permitted on the gravel paths.
Hwy. 525 and Resort Rd., Washington, 98253, USA360-678–1912Sight Details
Rate Includes: $5 -
15. Point Robinson Park
You can stroll along the beach, which is very picturesque thanks to Point Robinson Lighthouse. The lighthouse is typically open to the public from noon to four on Sunday during the summer; call to arrange a tour or rent out one of the historic beachfront Keepers' Quarters (two multibedroom houses) by the week. If you're lucky, you might even see an orca swim surprisingly close to the shore.
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16. Vashon Center for the Arts
The best representative of the island's diverse arts community presents monthly exhibits and events that span all mediums, including dance, chamber music, and art lectures. The VCA gallery's exhibits rotate monthly, featuring local and Northwest artists.
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