Is it just us or are ferry rides actually fun? There’s just too much to enjoy — from amazing views and people-watching to arriving in a whole new world, one totally isolated from the place you have come from.
Ferries are a way of life here on the Pacific Coast, and while there are a fair number of ferry commuters on some routes, most of the passengers are just like you: excited to spend the day at one of many spectacular seaside towns in Washington.
We’ve compiled a few of our favorite ferry destinations so you can find that perfect spot for a day trip, though be warned: some people stay for the rest of their lives!
20-minute journey | Departs once every hour from Mukilteo
There’s much to love about Whidbey Island, from decadent seafood to a slew of outdoor adventures and excursions. This island is large — about 170 square miles — so when we say there’s a lot to do, we aren’t kidding! Travelers can get to the island via ferry from the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal or via Deception Pass from the north.
We highly recommend a stop at Deception Pass to explore the rugged terrain of the island up close. Make the hike (or drive) down to the shore for a calming view of the pass as it winds into Skagit Bay. For more diverse views of this island, don’t miss Ebey’s Landing National Historic Preserve and Fort Casey State Park.
Make sure to plan your trip with regard to the many festivals and events the island boasts each year! It’s a big island with much to do, so definitely check out our Whidbey Island guide for more information on how to make the most out of your time there!
35-minute journey | Departs every 1-2 hours from Coupeville
One of the most vibrant coastal towns on the Salish Sea, Port Townsend is a fantastic spot to spend an afternoon, weekend or even extended stay. Located on the Quimper Peninsula and accessible by ferry from Whidbey Island, Port Townsend is the northern gateway to the Olympic National Park — but it has enough going on to make it a destination all on its own.
The Victorian-era town truly has something for everyone, from history buffs and romantics to outdoor-lovers and foodies. Visit PT on any given weekend and you’ll find a variety of events, festivals and excursions to suit your taste.
When you hop off the ferry from Coupeville, step into the picturesque downtown and wander aimlessly through PT’s unique boutiques and galleries. If you’ve brought a car, don’t miss Fort Worden State Park, a turn-of-the-century military base featuring coastal beaches, historic structures and miles of beautiful trails — just 1.5 miles from downtown! For more information on seasonal festivals and itineraries, visit our Port Townsend guide here.
1-1.5 hour journey | Departs every 2-4 hours from Anacortes
One of many fantastic destinations out of the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, Friday Harbor is a great destination for walk-on passengers to experience the best of the San Juan Islands. After a scenic ferry ride through the San Juan Channel, you’ll step right into the cozy little downtown of Friday Harbor — the only incorporated city in San Juan County — which offers a plethora of restaurants, shops and activities right within your grasp.
During the summer, you can find a lively farmers market at the Brickworks Building featuring talented island vendors peddling fresh produce, baked goods and crafted items. Rent a boat, bike or moped on the island to see more, or bring your car to head into the heart of the island, a blend of forests, pastures and farms, as well as gorgeous island beaches marked by cliffs and crashing waves. To make the most of your time inland, make sure to stop by one of the island’s wineries. And if you’re visiting from July-August, don’t miss the “peak of purpleness” at the island’s well-known lavender farms.
10-minute journey | Departs every 30 minutes from Bellingham
For a quaint, easy-going day in a remote location, look no further than Lummi Island, the closest of the San Juan Islands to the mainland. Accessible by an 8-minute ferry out of Gooseberry Point or a 2-hour kayak journey from anywhere in Bellingham, the island boasts a world-class restaurant The Willows Inn (reservations only) along with a variety of hiking trails, beaches and wineries. Bring your car or bike so you can access the entire island, enjoying waterside views from the winding island roads and experiencing the small-town charm of this beloved local destination.
Make sure to plan your trip in advance to get a spot on a whale-watching trip through Outer Island Excursions (depending on the season) or kayak tours around the island. For a 2-day itinerary and more information to plan your trip to Lummi Island, check out our guide to the island here.
35-minute journey | Departs every 50 minutes from Seattle
Just a skip, hop and a jump from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge is a popular day trip for visitors from the mainland. With dozens of public beaches, hikes and forested parks and a beautiful downtown core, Bainbridge has a diverse landscape suited to multiple visits. The 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle is worth the trip alone, with grand views of the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains.
Start your visit at the Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre experiential forest garden with a mixture of landscaped gardens, woodlands and meadows. Stop for coffee and pastries at the Blackbird Bakery before heading to the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial to learn about the important history of Bainbridge Island as one of the first Japanese American Internment Camps on the West Coast.