Seattle Day Trips by Ferry Beautiful in Fall
Some of Seattle’s most beautiful features are located outside of the city, including Puget Sound. The large body of water that feeds into the Pacific Ocean is full of amazing islands, peninsulas, and harbor towns, all accessible by our most unique form of public transportation: ferry boats! Ferry boats are now famous worldwide thanks to “Grey’s Anatomy” opening scenes and b-roll, but they are also a great way to take trips and cut down on drive time. Many of the state’s most amazing destinations are often only accessible by boat. So, if you’re planning a trip to the area, consider these trips by ferry. You won’t regret it!
Kingston & the Kitsap Peninsula
Kingston is an adorable town on the Sound you’ve probably never heard of. The small community is home to just under 3,000 residents and is made up primarily of a limited port and main street that starts right as you exit the ferry. Kingston Ale House has amazing beers from all around the Pacific Northwest as well as some of the best food in town. J’aime Les Crêpes Crêperies is a long-time Kingston institution with the closest thing you’ll come to French crêpes this far west of the Atlantic. Finally, the Peninsula's homegrown favorite, Island Cool Ice Cream (formerly Mora Iced Creamery) is the perfect place to sample a local sweet treat on a hot day.
If you've brought your car across the water, extend your adventure and explore all the Kitsap Peninsula has to offer! Port Gamble is an old mill town that is now a National Historic Landmark. Poulsbo is a historically Norwegian town. Then there’s Hansvill, known for its great beach and lighthouse.
There are two main ways to access Kingston. If you want to bring a vehicle, the only option is to take the ferry from Edmonds. It’s about a 20-minute drive from downtown Seattle, depending on traffic, and is one of the most frequented routes in Washington. So, make sure to check the wait times between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend. You can do so on the Washington State Department of Transportation website. The crossing takes about 20 minutes.
Alternatively, if you’re just looking for a fun day trip outside of the city, consider the new Kingston Fast Ferry. This new passenger and bike-only boat departs from Pier 50 in downtown Seattle. The Crossing takes about 40 minutes and there is no service on Sundays.
Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is a popular day trip from downtown Seattle and many islanders commute into the city via ferry regularly. The town is rich in history having changed much over the decades. What started as a farming and logging community (strawberry farms were huge here pre-WWII) has morphed into every Seattleite’s preferred weekend escape.
Downtown Winslow is a far cry from the small town it once was, but the charm is still there. If you’re hungry, check out the Harbour Public House for craft beer and local PNW plates or the Coquette Bake Shop. In need of a pick-me-up? The Cups Espresso & café has you covered with the best breakfast and espresso in town. There are also numerous shops, antiques stops, and wine-tasting options to keep you busy.
On a more somber note, the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is an important stop on any itinerary. Prior to World War II, the island had a large Japanese community that ran most of the old strawberry farms. It had one of the highest return rates in the country after the camps closed, due to the tight-knit community.
The Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry takes about 30 minutes and takes motorized vehicles and passengers. Check wait times on the Washington State Department of Transportation website. It departs from Pier 52.
Victoria, British Columbia
Yes, you can take a ferry to Canada! The beautiful British Columbian capital is a wonderful city that every traveler should visit at least once! The trip on the Victoria Clipper takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes and departs from Pier 69 in Seattle.
Along the way, enjoy unmatched views of Puget Sound’s mountains, beaches, and waterside homes. You’ll also pass by numerous destinations such as Whidbey Island, Port Townsend, and the San Juan Islands (a popular spot for whale watching). Alongside whales, keep an eye out for wildlife such as seals, salmon, seagulls, and even deer– they are frequently spotted in the area!
Once you’ve reached Victoria, you’re spoilt for what to do. The old brick buildings and cobblestone streets will transport you to as close to Europe as you can get on the West Coast. Don’t miss high tea at the Empress Hotel, a chance to wander around the Butchart Gardens, or the opportunity to join an indulgent food tour. Additionally, the city offers excursions galore, there are plenty of paddle boarding, kayaking, and whale-watching opportunities.
The San Juan Islands
The San Juans are a favorite vacation destination amongst Washingtonians. The mostly wild islands are full of lavender in the summer, have amazing beaches, and are great for hiking year-round. And while things tend to be quieter in winter, if you plan ahead, it can be a magical time to visit and enjoy the area without crowds.
Each island has something different to offer. San Juan Island is the largest and where most ferries stop first. It is home to Friday Harbor, the largest town amongst all the islands. You’ll find the most in terms of accommodation and activities here. Lopez Island is quieter and more local while Orcas is popular but not as much as San Juan. Both have great campground options. April through October is whale watching season on the San Juans. You can browse available tours on the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau’s website.
San Juan-bound ferries depart from Anacortes, about an hour and forty-five minutes northwest of Seattle. If you plan to bring your car, reserve at least a month in advance, especially June through September. You can also walk on to the boats and leave your car parked at the terminal. The crossing from Anacortes to Friday Harbor is about 90 minutes.
The Washington Coast
Ah the Washington Coast, home to the wild crashing Pacific, old-growth rainforests, and some of the cleanest air you’ve ever inhaled. Washington’s northern coast is the relaxing getaway everyone needs to take this year. This is technically an extension of the two routes above, as the coast can be reached from either the Kitsap Peninsula or Bainbridge Island, depending on what you choose or where you start.
If you take the ferry to Kingston, you’ll drive through historic Port Gamble and lovely Port Angeles (make sure to visit Hurricane Ridge and the Olympic Mountains, even just for a brief drive and look). Stop along the way at the Hoh Rainforest before choosing from Ruby, Kalaloch, Rialto, or other numerous lovely spots along the coast. Camp or stay in Forks or Port Angeles.
Alternatively, you can drive from Bainbridge and take the same route, it will just be a bit longer of a drive.
SEE ALSO: A Guide to Seattle’s Best Day Hikes & Stunning Views
Sydney Baker
Sydney is a freelance writer from Seattle who previously worked in immigration and international education at higher education institutions. She has lived in Sydney, Montreal, and Luxembourg, traveled solo across four continents, speaks French, and a little Spanish, and is always on the lookout for her next adventure. When she isn’t sipping coffee you can find her hiking in the mountains or near the water. She writes about travel, lifestyle, and language all over the internet.