Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Puget Sound

Fidalgo Island is one of the most popular launching points for exploring the San Juan Islands. It's connected to the northern end of Whidbey Island by the Deception Pass Bridge, and accessible from Seattle with a 75-mile drive.

Gig Harbor is a seaside city at the southern end of Puget Sound. Its downtown district surrounds a body of water of the same name, offering several scenic places to wander and spend the day. One of the first places to stop is Skansie Brothers Park & Netshed for a scenic view of the waterfront.

Anderson Island is the southernmost island of Puget Sound, and is most easily accessed with a ferry from Tacoma. This unspoiled island getaway draws less attention than some of its neighboring islands, though it offers plenty of attractions and amenities.

Camano Island neighbors Whidbey Island, north of Seattle, and is also accessible by automobile. It offers a perfect slice of quiet, rural Washington, and a vibrant collection of restaurants, local retail shops, and shoreside hotels.

Port Townsend is a lovely city on the far northeast edge of the Olympic Peninsula. What immediately catches the eye when visiting is the historic Victorian architecture punctuating its uptown and downtown districts. These aesthetic relics remain from a brief prosperous era when the town was thought to be the end of the Pacific Northwest Railroad.

Blake Island is only accessible by boat and helps protect a vast marine park of richly textured shorelines and beaches. It's a great day trip from Seattle, and some of the most popular things to do on the island include cycling, kayaking, and staying in one of the three year-round campgrounds. On clear days, every island activity is backdropped by stunning Olympic Mountain vistas.

Dubbed the "Heart of the Sound," Vashon Island is a popular farming community with a strong collection of artist galleries, unique eateries, and boutique shops. It's only accessible by boat, with ferry docks in West Seattle, Port Orchard, and Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.

Tacoma is a vibrant city on the far southern end of Puget Sound. It's home to a noteworthy museum district, ranging in subject matter from classic cars to modern art. The city also has the famous Chihuly Bridge spanning the Interstate. This iconic glass sculpture pays homage to its creator, the Tacoma-native Dale Chihuly.

Bainbridge Island is accessed via a short and scenic ferry ride from Seattle. It's also accessible by bridge from the Kitsap Peninsula. It's a fun island to bring the whole family to, and a popular getaway to enjoy shopping and dining and arts and culture. It's also home to a wide array of recreational activities including cycling, kayaking, and camping at Fay Bainbridge Park.

Whidbey Island is the largest island in Puget Sound and one of the few accessible by car. Traveling by car, you arrive on the island via the stunning Deception Pass Bridge, part of the larger Deception Pass State Park. The bridge connects Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island's north end, spanning the narrow pass where funneled tidal waters create intense rapids.