The Peaceful Islands You'll Wish You'd Visited Sooner

No crowds. No overpriced tours. Just forests, ferries, and quiet beauty just outside Seattle.

Author

Jeff Rehmar
August 07, 2025

The Peaceful Islands You'll Wish You'd Visited Sooner – Puget Sound’s Hidden Gems

No crowds. No overpriced tours. Just forests, ferries, and quiet beauty near Seattle.

Discover Washington’s Secret Archipelago

While most visitors head to the San Juan Islands—paying high ferry costs and fighting long lines—locals know about Puget Sound’s hidden islands just 20–45 minutes from Seattle.

San Juan Islands (tourist path):

  • Ferry: $50+ per car

  • Day trip: $300+ per family

  • Lines: 3+ hours

  • Exploration: 2 hours

Puget Sound Islands (local path):

  • Ferry: $6–15 per person

  • Day trip: under $200 per family

  • Lines: 5 minutes

  • Exploration: 6+ hours

With 200+ islands in Puget Sound—and 12 accessible by public ferry—most travelers miss incredible, affordable, crowd-free destinations.

Anderson Island – The Digital Detox Paradise

Location: Pierce County ferry from Steilacoom (30 minutes), $6 round-trip per person, 1h15 from SeaTac.

Why visit:

  • Zero commercialization (1 restaurant, 1 general store, no traffic lights)

  • Anderson Island State Park with 7 miles of hiking trails and hidden beaches

  • Warm-water swimming spots on the eastern shore

  • Close to Chambers Bay Golf Course (U.S. Open host)

Perfect for: Writers, retirees, families, and anyone needing a true reset.

Vashon Island – The Accidental Art Colony

Location: Washington State Ferry from Seattle (20 minutes), $6.50 walk-on.

Why visit:

  • Vibrant arts community of glassblowers, farmers, and creatives

  • Organic farms and berry picking

  • Saturday farmers market with live music and local food

  • Cozy coffee shops with long, meaningful conversations

Perfect for: Artists, slow travelers, and seekers of authentic community.

What We Actually Spent – Puget Sound Weekend Trip

  • Ferry: $26 (round-trip)

  • Airbnb: $490 (split between 2 families)

  • Food: $120 (groceries + one restaurant meal)

  • Activities: $15 (state park passes)

  • Gas/parking: $35

Total: $686 per family vs. $1,500+ for a San Juan Islands weekend.
PTO used: 0.5 days for a 3-day trip.

Why These Islands Beat the San Juans

  • Less time traveling, more time exploring (6+ hours vs. 2 hours)

  • Lower costs (up to 60% less)

  • No tourist infrastructure—these islands are optimized for life, not tourism

  • Unique experiences: eagle watching, driftwood beaches, conversations with artists

Travel Tips for Puget Sound Islands

Packing list:

  • Packable rain jacket

  • Snacks and meals (limited food options)

  • Waterproof hiking boots

  • Cash for small businesses

  • Portable phone charger

Ferry tips:

  • Arrive 30 minutes early in summer

  • Use official ferry apps for real-time schedules

  • Have a weather backup plan

Start Your Island Adventure

Skip the expensive, crowded San Juans.

  • Choose Anderson Island for unspoiled nature

  • Choose Vashon Island for community and culture

Ferries are running, the islands are waiting, and the experiences will stay with you long after you leave.