Seattle’s Top 10 : Islands & Historic Towns

Bainbridge Island

The
ferry ride to Winslow on Bainbridge Island should be mandatory for
tourists who want an inspiring view of the Seattle skyline. A stroll
from the terminal to Winslow’s quaint waterfront shops and cafés has its
own rewards.

• 590 Winslow Way E

• 206 842 3700

Vashon Island

Vashon’s
gentle, two-lane roads make it a favorite destination for both
bicyclists and motorcyclists looking for a quick and unique getaway to
the countryside. Board the Fauntleroy Ferry
in West Seattle to discover the island’s huge estates, arts and craft
galleries, berry and llama farms, and a subculture of 1960s-style
progressives.

Whidbey Island

As
the longest island in the western contiguous United States, Whidbey
Island’s ample waterfront real estate makes it vacation-home central.
The island’s five state parks, historic forts, and tiny seaside villages
attract weekend crowds. It is also the perfect location for the area’s
largest US Navy air base. Their sign reads, “Pardon our noise, it’s the
sound of freedom”.

San Juan Islands

In
the far northwest of Washington state lies the San Juan archipelago,
comprising 700 islands of which only 177 have names. Ferries sail from
Anacortes to the four largest islands – Lopez, Shaw, San Juan, and
Orcas. Lopez is great for cycling. Hilly Orcas offers breathtaking views
from atop Mt. Constitution. At 2,409 ft (734 m), it provides the best
viewpoint of the area’s stunning geographical features. San Juan, with
the largest town (Friday Harbor) is best for walk-on passengers. Be sure
to check out the Whale Museum if you visit. Shaw Island does not offer
visitor facilities.

Tacoma

Founded
as a sawmill town in the 1860s, Tacoma is known for its historic
buildings and strong architectural symbols, which includes the 1893
Italianate tower of Old City Hall. The impressive Chihuly Bridge of
Glass links the Museum of Glass to downtown Tacoma and the imaginative
Washington State History Museum. Explore the small but impressive Tacoma
Art Museum, and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, highlighting a Pacific
Rim theme.

Leavenworth

In
an effort to revive the dying logging town, civic leaders came up with
the German theme in the 1970s. The town with its Bavarian-styled
architecture now bustles with festivals, art shows, and summer theater
productions. Another popular attraction is the Leavenworth Nutcracker
Museum.

Olympia

Washington’s
state capital has a rich past, historic buildings, and a thriving youth
culture. Highlights include the State Capitol Campus, with grounds
designed by the Olmsted Brothers in 1928, Evergreen State University, a
farmers’ market, and the surrounding mostly rural Thurston County.

• 103 14th Ave SW

Roslyn

The model for Cicely, Alaska, in the television show, Northern Exposure,
Roslyn has its own history unrelated to the quirky profiles offered in
Hollywood’s depiction. In this mining boomtown, late-19th century coal
companies imported workers of various nationalities, as is evident from
the tombs in the cemetery, grouped as they are in 26 ‘segregated’ areas.
Roslyn is on the National Historic Register.

Port Townsend

This
idyllic seaport, on the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula,
attracts artists and musicians. Known for its Victorian architecture,
key sights include Jefferson County Historical Society, Ann Starrett
Mansion, Fire Bell Tower, and Fort Worden State Park. The small town has
a bustling waterfront with shops, cafés, restaurants, and a ferry
terminal.

Victoria, BC

Catch
a ferry or seaplane to British Columbia’s provincial capital, Victoria.
Established as a Hudson’s Bay Company fur-trading post in 1843, it has
become a favorite destination for Anglophiles who queue up at the grand
Fairmont Empress Hotel for traditional tea and cakes. Other attractions
include the Inner Harbour, the Royal British Columbia Museum, and
Butchart Gardens – an amazing collection of flora planted in a sprawling
former quarry.