Image via Flickr by mjsmith01
One of the many perks of living in the Seattle, Washington, region is the accessibility to stunning natural beauty. Washington State is home to the largest fleet of ferries in the country, so traveling by ferry to the abundant destinations in the area provides a fun and easy way to explore. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon jaunt or a longer getaway, enjoy your trip aboard a ferry to one of these incredible local gems.
Bainbridge Island
A short 45-minute ride from downtown Seattle’s Pier 52 will deliver you to the dock of beautiful Bainbridge Island. This exclusive, world-famous island offers a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of city life with its eclectic boutiques, sweeping vistas, artistic resources, and charming overnight accommodations.
Explore the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, featuring work by local artists from around the Puget Sound. Conveniently located only one block from the ferry terminal, the museum hosts regular films, classes, and workshops and is home to a bistro serving light bites, beer and wine.
Professional and hobby artists flock to the Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN), an arts and crafts innovation hub, to hone their skills in pottery, metal work, printmaking, woodworking, and more. Check online for itineraries outlining walking tours, exhibits, and other things to do.
Bremerton
The first thing to do when you get to the nearby island of Bremerton is turn around and look behind you, as this location offers one of the best vistas of the striking Seattle skyline.
Bremerton is home to naval history, including the permanently docked USS Turner Joy. This decommissioned Navy destroyer offers a fascinating look at the living quarters and onboard technology, with plenty of places to walk and explore. If this whets your appetite for military history, be sure to check out the Puget Sound Navy Museum, which is one of ten museums funded and administered by the U.S. Navy. With 18,000 artifacts on display, it provides a fascinating lens through which to understand the naval history of the Puget Sound region.
Vashon Island
With a landmass roughly the size of Manhattan, Vashon Island is a great destination to bring a bicycle or car, as it offers several miles of rural areas best accessible with wheels. Enjoy the peace and quiet on Vashon, accessible only by ferry, with special spots like Point Robinson Park providing endless beachfront for exploring and shell-spotting.
Top off your visit with a bite to eat at one of the island’s numerous eateries, bakeries, and coffee shops. The luscious produce of Washington State is also on full display at the Vashon Island Farmers Market each Saturday morning.
The next time you have an unplanned day, take some time to explore the special islands that dot the Puget Sound region. Whether you’re looking for an arts-filled experience or a moment to bask in the peace of such natural beauty, enjoy a breezy ferry ride to take you away from the ordinary.
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