Take the fast ferry to Kingston: Midweek meandering & offshore adventuring, 40 minutes from Seattle
With its quaint charm and picturesque scenery, Kingston is the perfect day trip destination for anyone looking to play hooky and escape the big city. Sailing from Pier 50 in Seattle, the Kitsap Fast Ferry offers passengers a 40-minute crossing to Kingston six times daily, Monday through Friday year-round, and throughout the day on Saturdays during the summer schedule.
While many utilize the fast ferry’s weekday service to commute to The Emerald City, the route also offers the chance to explore Kingston for some weekday wandering. As you step off the ferry, you'll be greeted with the salty sea air and stunning views of Puget Sound for a charming midweek escape to remember.
10:45 am: All aboard! Depart Seattle at Pier 50 Ferry Dock for Kingston.
If you're taking the day off work to go adventuring, you might as well sleep in. Be sure to arrive at the terminal 10 minutes prior to departure. Once you’re on board, enjoy the ride!
11:24 am: Welcome to Kingston! Step off the ferry and stroll to Aviator Coffee and Teas for a morning cup of joe at this family-run roastery.
From the very beginning of your visit, it’s clear to see that Kingston is walkable from the ferry and beyond. Just a few steps off the ferry, make your way to Aviator Coffee and Teas for a cozy coffee stop. With a prime location near the ferry terminal, it's the perfect spot to fuel up after a trip across the water.
12 pm: Get some fresh air on Saltair Beach.
With coffee in hand, walk past the ferry terminal down to Saltair Beach. Here, the beauty of the Pacific Northwest is on full display with breathtaking views of the Olympics and Puget Sound. Let the sense of calm wash over you with every wave. This is the true essence of Kingston.
1 pm: Foodies rejoice! Grab a memorable slice at Sourdough Willy’s Pizza.
Right next to the ferry terminal, Sourdough Willy's spins up disks of delight. Their 127-year-old sourdough starter is the secret to their amazing crust and this pizzeria offers Sicilian, New York and Detroit-style pizza that has earned them national recognition. Grab a slice or sit down for a full menu (and full bar) experience.
1:45 pm: Curate your closet at Jasper Row.
Shop for quality casual women’s clothing and accessories that support sustainability and are surprisingly affordable. Jasper Row is just down the street from the ferry terminal.
2:15 pm: Explore new worlds at Saltwater Bookshop.
This new indie bookseller will offer recommendations for your summer book list and find delightful distractions for the whole family. Along the way, stop at Sweet Life Cakery for a sumptuous cupcake.
3:00 pm: Try your luck at The Point Casino.
Request a lift via Kingston Ride, a ride-share service offered throughout Kingston’s neighborhood hot spots and head to the Point Casino for an afternoon of freewheeling fun, including live music, karaoke and more.
4:30 pm: Early dinner at The Grub Hut and a scoop for the road (the sea?) at Mora Ice Cream.
On your way back to the ferry terminal, end the day with two Kingston favorites. The Grub Hut is a relaxed, low-key counter loved for its hearty burgers, substantial sandwiches and patio seating. Stop in for a quick dinner and end the evening with a scoop from Mora Ice Cream, just a few minutes’ walk away. No visit to Kingston is complete without a taste of Warming Cardamom or Mango Sorbet as you watch the fast ferry arrive to whisk you back to the big city.
5:55 pm: Depart Kingston Ferry Dock for Seattle.
More time to spare? Add these to your agenda:
Be enveloped in beauty and wonder as you stroll through the internationally known Heronswood botanical garden. Each season showcases an impressive collection of flora with enough creative ideas to inspire any garden lover – green thumb or not! Don't miss their plant sales.
*Get there by taking Kingston Ride, Kitsap Transit's on-demand shared ride service. The Kingston Ride bus will drop you off at the main intersection and it's just a short walk down a side street to the garden entrance. You can hail a ride by downloading the Rides on Demand app or calling 1-844-475-7433.
Foulweather Preserve Bluff Trail
Looking for a short, but gorgeous hike? Book a reservation with the Kingston Fast Ferry Commuter service 24 hours in advance and this service will pick you up at the Kingston Ferry Terminal and take you out there and bring you back.
With books covering every nook and cranny of this cozy spot, Kingston Bookery is a rainy day must. Featuring plenty of used books to entertain any interest, you can always count on a stellar selection with affordable prices on your next read.
Things to Eat
J'aime Les Crêpes Crêperie
Walk up Highway 104 to grab another coffee and a crepe at J'aime Les Crêpes Crêperie – a favorite of locals and visitors alike. A charming and cozy spot to indulge, the spot offers a range of sweet and savory options for every taste bud. No matter what you choose, authentic ingredients and skilled preparation make for delightful dishes all around.
Get an authentic taste of Hawaii just a few blocks from the ferry terminal. Ono Poke Too serves up a variety of delicious poke bowls and specialty bowls including a vegan option.
Over the Moon Coffee Roasters
Known by locals as the coolest place to grab coffee in Kingston, stop by Over the Moon Coffee Roasters for a masterful mocha and fresh, organic food pairings.
This family owned and operated outpost offers handcrafted bread, sweets and savories to satisfy every craving.
Just a block west of the ferry, find the family-friendly Ale House with a menu that's sure to please everyone and 20 rotating craft brews on-tap!
Fresh and flavorful. You’ll find all your Mexican favorites and a robust children’s menu at Los Tres Compadres, one of Kingston’s newest eateries.
Close to the ferry and much loved by the locals, this bar and grill offers a robust American menu and an easy, relaxed atmosphere. Staying overnight? Check out their calendar of events and live music.
Things to Sip
From pale to porter, you’ll find house-brewed and highly curated selections at the taproom
Close to the ferry terminal, d’Vine specializes in boutique wines from around the world and pairs them with an elevated menu from starters to mains. Try their heirloom tomato and watermelon salad (in season).
Brewed and bottled on site, Hood Canal Brewery boasts a spacious tap room with thirteen beers on tap, including house-made varieties and a rotating series of guest features.
Places to Stay
Lodging at The Point Casino offers a modern respite. Adapting key features from traditional tribal architecture, hotel rooms at The Point honor the Port Gamble S’Klallam with contemporary comfort.
A beloved destination for eco-conscious couples and their families around the Northwest, The Kingston House is a mid-century wedding and event venue nestled within a lush landscape. The Kingston House is also available to book as a vacation rental for large groups and gatherings.
Located on five quiet acres, the Phoenix Bed & Breakfast rose from the ashes when it was featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition after its first location burned down in a house fire.
Not ready to go home?
Jefferson Transit offers the Kingston Express Monday through Saturday from the Kingston Ferry Terminal to Port Townsend. Explore one of the historic gems of the Puget Sound with its downtown shopping and galleries, craft cider, brew and spirits tastings, and a variety of eateries. Don't miss historic Fort Worden.