Puget Sound is a boater’s paradise — a saltwater maze of islands, harbors, and wild shorelines framed by the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. For anyone lucky enough to have their own boat in Seattle, endless day trips lie just a few nautical miles away.
From quiet coves to waterfront towns, here are some of the best destinations for a day on the water — all easily reachable from Seattle.
Distance from Seattle: ~8 nautical miles
Vibe: Classic marine park with beaches, mooring buoys, and forest trails
Blake Island feels a world away, yet it’s barely a half-hour cruise from Elliott Bay. Drop a buoy on the west side or tie up to the dock (space permitting), then hike the island’s trails, watch for deer, and enjoy lunch with a skyline view of Seattle across the water.
Boater tip: The moorage fills quickly on summer weekends — arrive early or plan for a midweek outing.
Distance from Seattle: ~14 nautical miles
Vibe: Sheltered harbor with great holding ground and laid-back island feel
Cruise south past Alki Point and into the wide, glassy basin between Vashon and Maury Islands. Quartermaster Harbor is one of Puget Sound’s most peaceful anchorages — perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing aboard with a good playlist.
Boater tip: Dockton Park on the east shore has a public dock, beach, and trails if you want to stretch your legs.
Distance from Seattle: ~16 nautical miles
Vibe: Welcoming harbor town with shops, restaurants, and easy guest moorage
Sail or motor across the Sound to Liberty Bay and tie up at Poulsbo Marina for a day ashore. Wander up to Front Street for fresh pastries, waterfront dining, or a stroll through the quaint “Little Norway” downtown.
Boater tip: Stay centered in the channel entering Liberty Bay — it’s deep but narrow and can shoal near the edges.
Distance from Seattle: ~15 nautical miles
Vibe: Friendly waterfront with great food, fuel, and a relaxed marina scene
Kingston is a local favorite for an easy day trip — a short, scenic crossing straight west from Shilshole. The guest dock is steps from town, where you’ll find the famous Mossback Café, the Kingston Ale House, and a beachside promenade.
Boater tip: The entrance is wide and protected — ideal for newer skippers or quick half-day runs.
Distance from Seattle: ~27 nautical miles
Vibe: Quiet harbor resort with trails, fuel, and a full-service marina
If you want a slightly longer run without venturing into the Strait, Port Ludlow is perfect. Cruise north past Point No Point into a deep, sheltered bay surrounded by forest. Tie up for lunch at the marina, walk the wooded trails, or just soak in the serenity before heading home.
Boater tip: Watch for afternoon westerlies funneling through Admiralty Inlet on the return trip.
Distance from Seattle: ~22 nautical miles
Vibe: Small-town charm with a creative twist
Langley’s waterfront is dotted with galleries, cafés, and sea views — and it’s one of the few Whidbey Island stops with transient moorage right downtown. You can stroll the beach, spot gray whales in spring, and grab an espresso before your cruise home.
Boater tip: Check tides before entering Saratoga Passage; it’s well-marked but can have swift currents.
Distance from Seattle: ~40 nautical miles
Vibe: Small marine park with forest trails and picnic areas
Located near Steilacoom in south Puget Sound, Hope Island makes for a longer but totally doable day trip for fast cruisers or early risers. Anchor off the northeast side, take the dinghy ashore, and wander through mossy forest trails surrounded by calm, emerald water.
Boater tip: Bring your own water and supplies — there are no facilities on the island.
Distance from Seattle: ~28 nautical miles
Vibe: Warm shallows, sandy beaches, and relaxed family fun
Jetty Island, just off Everett, is one of the Sound’s most unique destinations. Its shallow water warms up in summer, creating a perfect spot for swimming, kite flying, and wading. Anchor off the west side and take the dinghy to shore for the day.
Boater tip: The channel in Everett is well-marked, but plan your arrival and departure around tides — it gets skinny fast.
Boating in Puget Sound is about freedom — the ability to slip away from the city and find solitude just a few miles offshore. From forested islands to cozy harbor towns, each destination offers a new way to experience the water and the region’s incredible natural beauty.
So next time the weather looks good, untie the lines, point the bow west, and let the day take you where it wants. Out here, adventure is never far from home.