There’s nothing quite like touring Washington by ferry. It’s not just a way to get from point A to point B. The ferries are an experience, a scenic adventure, and sometimes even the highlight of your trip. No matter where your ferry is going to, you’ll see some of the most gorgeous natural beauty in the world—and you may even see some amazing creatures.
For both locals and visitors, hopping on a Washington State Ferry is a gateway to a world of discovery. The fleet connects the mainland with a collection of charming islands and scenic peninsulas, each with its own unique draw. Bainbridge Island, just a short ride from downtown Seattle, offers an irresistible mix of small-town charm and natural beauty, with art galleries, cozy cafés, and forested trails waiting to be explored.
Vashon Island has a wonderfully independent spirit—you can roam its farmland, browse quirky shops, or simply unwind in its quiet, rural atmosphere.
The San Juan Islands, further north, present a true getaway where whale watching, kayaking, and relaxing seaside dining are the order of the day.
But a ferry ride is more than just the destination. Half the fun is in the journey itself. As you pull away from the dock, the world slows down. The distant hum of the city fades, replaced by the rhythmic lapping of waves and the occasional squawk of a passing seagull.
The views are breathtaking—on clear days, you might spot the towering silhouette of Mount Rainier in the distance, or watch as the Olympics cast their majestic outline against a pastel sky. (The Bainbridge or Edmonds ferries are both great shortcuts to Olympic National Park.)
If you’re lucky, you’ll see porpoises playing in the ferry wake, see bald eagles soaring overhead, or even catch a glimpse of a resident orca pod making their way through the Sound.
In fact, I’ll never forget the day my family rode the Bainbridge Ferry to hike some of the Island’s amazing trails. Not long after the boat left the ferry terminal, the ferry suddenly stopped. As the passengers emerged on the viewing deck, a murmur spread across the passengers: a pod of Orcas was passing the boat. Ferries have to yield to the majestic creatures, so we all got to do some incredible whale watching from the deck.
Washington State Ferries make the adventure accessible to everyone. Whether you’re driving on board with plans for a road trip or strolling aboard as a foot passenger, the experience is equally rewarding. A solo traveler can soak in the peaceful solitude of the open water, a family can enjoy the novelty of a maritime journey, and a group of friends can make it an adventure—grabbing snacks from the galley, finding the perfect spot on deck, and snapping photos as the Seattle skyline fades into the distance.
One word of caution: if you’re traveling on a weekend or holiday, it’s strongly recommended to make reservations on the Washington State Ferries website. Otherwise you may find yourself in a multi-hour wait to catch the boat.
There’s something very special about being out on the water on a Puget Sound summer day. The views to and from our majestic city are breathtaking, and the wildlife you see might be something you remember for a long time.