The view
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Fox Island

4.7
·11 reviews·, United States

Tranquil island escape in Washington State, offering stunning Puget Sound views, abundant wildlife, and a peaceful retreat.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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The view

Fox Island

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Tranquil island escape in Washington State, offering stunning Puget Sound views, abundant wildlife, and a peaceful retreat.

4.7
(11 reviews)

"A truly awesome place with beautiful views and delicious food, a highlight of any Alaska trip!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Scenic Island Drive

Enjoy the picturesque drive over the bridge to Fox Island, a beautiful introduction to the area .

🐳 Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for orcas and other marine life while on tours or near the water .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bella Bella Beach

Bella Bella Beach

Fox Island

A local favorite for its scenic beauty and potential for wildlife sightings. Perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Fox Island Sand Spit

Fox Island Sand Spit

Fox Island

Explore fascinating tide pools and enjoy panoramic views of the Puget Sound.

Waterfront Properties & Views

Waterfront Properties & Views

Throughout Fox Island

Experience the island's allure with numerous properties offering spectacular Puget Sound vistas.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace Island Time

Fox Island offers a tranquil escape with stunning waterfront views. Plan for a relaxed pace, as the island's charm lies in its quiet beauty and natural surroundings. Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially if visiting during peak season, as lodging options can be limited.TikTok

Whale Watching Wonders

If you're visiting Fox Island, especially for a tour, keep an eye out for marine life! Orcas and other whales are frequently spotted in the Puget Sound. Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly, and be prepared for an unforgettable wildlife experience.TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring afternoons
Why
Whale watching season
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall weekdays
Why
Cozy vintage shopping
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Just relaxing at the beach and was reminded that Washington state is amazing. Bella Bella Beach, Fox Island. #orcatok #killerwhales #gigharborwashington #suprise #whalewatching
@elevate_addlepate
248.2K likes • 1.6M views

🚗 Scenic Island Drive

Enjoy the picturesque drive over the bridge to Fox Island, a beautiful introduction to the area.Instagram

🐳 Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for orcas and other marine life while on tours or near the water.TikTok+1

Summer in the Puget Sound is here! #pnw #foxisland #gigharborwashington #orcas @✨Sarah ✨
@elevate_addlepate
33K likes • 250.6K views
Have you been to Fox Island, WA? Minutes from Gig Harbor and a picturesque drive over the Puget Sound you’ll find this quaint little island. If you are looking for waterfront, Fox Island, being an island and all 😉 offers many properties with waterfront access and/or spectacular views. Other features locals love are: Bella Bella beach, one of the only sandy beaches in Gig Harbor! Zogs, a hi...
harborjensen
51 likes • 977 views

🧥 Dress in Layers

Washington weather is unpredictable; pack layers for comfort during tours and outdoor activities.Reddit

🛍️ Vintage Finds

Explore Fox Island Trading Vintage & Adventure for unique fall and winter apparel.Instagram

Ready for Fall! Fox Island Trading Vintage & Adventure has all of the goods you'll need for Autumn, Warm Aran Sweaters, and Trucker style Jackets to layer with your shirts, light scarves, and hats! Open Daily!
foxislandtradingco
31 likes • 255 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Scenic Island Drive

Enjoy the picturesque drive over the bridge to Fox Island, a beautiful introduction to the area.Instagram

🐳 Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for orcas and other marine life while on tours or near the water.TikTok+1

🧥 Dress in Layers

Washington weather is unpredictable; pack layers for comfort during tours and outdoor activities.Reddit

🛍️ Vintage Finds

Explore Fox Island Trading Vintage & Adventure for unique fall and winter apparel.Instagram

🥾 Tide Pool Exploration

Discover the marine life at Fox Island Sand Spit during low tide.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(11 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Fox Island for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its waterfront views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Tours are frequently highlighted as exceptional experiences, offering delicious meals and memorable encounters with marine life. While the island offers a peaceful escape, some visitors note limited outside seating at dining venues and occasional challenges with crowd control during peak tour times.

"I went here as a dinner destination as part of a sightseeing cruise from Miller’s Landing campground. The cruise was amazing and the the dinner was awesome. Fresh king crab, king salmon, and prime rib along with bread, smashed potatoes and vegetables. I love Alaska and this was definitely a highlight and I would recommend it highly."

Phil O

"A really awesome place! I enjoyed the Kenai Fjords boat tour today!"

William Frieden

"Beautiful cozy place and delicious food!"

Yaineli Sanchez

What People Like

Spectacular waterfront views
Memorable whale watching tours
Delicious fresh seafood meals

What People Dislike

Limited outdoor seating
Crowd management on tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fox Island is accessible via a scenic drive over the Fox Island Bridge from Gig Harbor, Washington. There is no ferry service to Fox Island itself.Instagram+1 The drive offers beautiful views of the Puget Sound.

Public transportation options directly to Fox Island are limited. Most visitors arrive by car, enjoying the scenic drive from Gig Harbor.Instagram

Exploring Fox Island is best done by car, allowing you to easily visit different beaches, parks, and points of interest at your own pace.Instagram

There are no specific driving restrictions for general visitors on Fox Island. However, some private communities may have access rules.Instagram

The drive from Seattle to Fox Island typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Most public access points like Bella Bella Beach and the Fox Island Sand Spit do not require an entrance fee or pass.Instagram Parking can be limited at popular spots.

Yes, various tours operate around Fox Island, including wildlife watching cruises and kayaking trips. These often depart from nearby areas like Gig Harbor or Seward, Alaska.TikTokInstagramReddit

Public beaches and parks on Fox Island are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific tour operators will have their own schedules.Instagram

Yes, there are Airbnb and VRBO options available on Fox Island, offering a chance to stay directly on the island.TikTokReddit

Parking is generally free at most public access points on Fox Island, though lots can be small and fill up quickly.Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Top activities include whale watching tours, kayaking, exploring beaches like Bella Bella Beach, and discovering tide pools at the Sand Spit.TikTokInstagram+1

Absolutely! The waters around Fox Island are known for whale sightings, especially Orcas, making it a prime spot for wildlife tours.TikTok+1

While Fox Island is more known for its beaches and waterfront, there are opportunities for walking and exploring natural areas, particularly around the Sand Spit.Instagram

Besides whales, you might spot seals, sea lions, various seabirds, and other marine life in the tide pools.TikTokInstagram

Yes, families can enjoy beachcombing, wildlife viewing, and the general relaxed atmosphere of Fox Island. Tide pooling is a great activity for kids.Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Fox Island is primarily residential, there are dining options available, often associated with tours or specific establishments. Some tours include meals.Reddit

Tours often feature fresh local seafood like salmon or king crab, alongside other options like prime rib, with sides such as potatoes and vegetables.Reddit

Casual dining might be found at local eateries or as part of tour packages. It's advisable to check specific venues or tour details for current offerings.

Grocery options on Fox Island are limited. It's recommended to stock up on supplies in Gig Harbor before heading over if you plan on self-catering.

Many visitors enjoy the dining experiences offered as part of sightseeing cruises or tours, which often highlight fresh Alaskan seafood.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots at Bella Bella Beach, the Sand Spit during low tide, and from waterfront properties offering expansive Puget Sound views.Instagram+1

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the water.TikTok

Landscape photography, wildlife photography (especially whales), and capturing the serene waterfront scenery are very popular.TikTokInstagram

While specific photography tours might be rare, many wildlife and scenic tours provide excellent opportunities for photographers to capture unique shots.Instagram

A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, a wide-angle lens for scenic vistas, and a telephoto lens for distant marine life are recommended. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fox Island is a wonderful destination for families looking for a relaxed outdoor experience. The Fox Island Sand Spit is a highlight, offering exciting tide pool exploration where kids can discover small marine creatures.Instagram Beaches like Bella Bella Beach provide space for children to play and enjoy the coastal scenery.TikTok Many boat tours also cater to families, offering opportunities to see whales and other marine life, often with included meals.Reddit Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as dining options can be spread out.

🎣 Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

For those interested in fishing on Fox Island, the area offers opportunities, particularly from its shores or piers. While specific fishing guides might be limited on the island itself, the surrounding waters of the Puget Sound are known for their diverse fish populations.TikTok Kayaking is another popular activity, allowing for exploration of the coastline and potential fishing spots.Instagram Pack your fishing gear and be sure to check local regulations for licensing and catch limits.

🏡 Those Seeking a Quiet Getaway

If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, Fox Island is an excellent choice. The island's residential nature means it's generally quiet and uncrowded, especially on weekdays.Instagram Renting an Airbnb or VRBO on Fox Island allows you to fully embrace the tranquil island life, waking up to serene waterfront views.TikTok Spend your days exploring the beaches, enjoying scenic drives, or simply relaxing with a good book and the sound of the waves.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Fox Island's Natural Beauty

Fox Island, Washington State, is a haven for nature lovers, offering a blend of coastal charm and serene landscapes. The island is renowned for its waterfront access, with many properties boasting spectacular views of the Puget Sound.Instagram Bella Bella Beach is a local gem, perfect for quiet contemplation and enjoying the coastal air.TikTok For those interested in marine ecosystems, the Fox Island Sand Spit is a must-visit. At low tide, it reveals fascinating tide pools teeming with small marine life, offering an engaging experience for all ages.Instagram The natural beauty of Fox Island makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Wildlife Encounters on the Water

The waters surrounding Fox Island are a vibrant habitat for diverse marine wildlife, making it a prime location for whale watching tours.TikTok+1 Visitors often report sightings of Orcas (killer whales), as well as seals, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds.TikTok Kayaking tours also offer intimate encounters with the marine environment, providing unique perspectives on the local fauna.Instagram These excursions are not just about spotting animals; they are about experiencing the Puget Sound's rich biodiversity in its natural setting. Remember to dress in layers, as conditions on the water can be unpredictable.Reddit

Island Living and Local Charm

Fox Island offers a glimpse into a relaxed island lifestyle, with a focus on community and natural surroundings. The island is home to unique local businesses, such as Fox Island Trading Vintage & Adventure, which offers a curated selection of apparel and goods, perfect for embracing the seasonal charm.Instagram While primarily residential, the island provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. For those considering a longer stay, Airbnb and VRBO options are available, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the island's peaceful ambiance.TikTok The island's appeal lies in its quiet beauty and the opportunity to experience a slower pace of life.

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