Take a Ferry for an Afternoon: A Simple Walk-On Outing

Seattle waterfront, Great Wheel, and skyline seen across the water from a ferry

Choose the crossing first

Look for a route you can reach without making the whole day about driving. Walking on can keep the plan simple when the terminal is served by transit or has nearby parking. Check the schedule in both directions, fare rules, service alerts, and your last practical return before you leave. For the Edmonds to Kingston crossing, the Washington State Ferries hub has current route information. Its first-time rider guide explains walk-on boarding.

Teal seats beside a ferry window looking across the water toward another boat — A seat with a water view on my Edmonds to Kingston crossing.

Give the other shore one reason

I recently rode that ferry just to go to Sourdough Willy’s Pizzeria in Kingston. It was the off season, and the pizza was amazing. I ordered a whole pie to bring home. I highly recommend the place. Sourdough Willy’s says it is beside the ferry toll booths, so it can be a simple anchor for this trip. Check the restaurant website for current hours, menu, and ordering, and visit its Instagram for recent posts before setting out.

Square pizza with red sauce, cheese, and herbs on a black tray at Sourdough Willy’s — The pizza that made the crossing worth it.

Large white tiled Sourdough Willy’s pizza oven inside the Kingston restaurant — The tiled oven at Sourdough Willy’s.

A meal, bookshop, or waterfront path can give another ferry outing the same shape. Choose one stop within a comfortable distance of the arrival terminal. Check the walk, opening hours, and route back before boarding, then leave the rest of the afternoon open.

Use the crossing to look again

Stand outside for a little while if the weather and vessel allow, then take an inside seat when you want shelter. Watch how buildings shrink, shoreline details come together, and other boats cross the route. The opening photograph shows Seattle’s waterfront from a different ferry outing; the seat above is from my Edmonds to Kingston trip. Each crossing offers its own view.

If you need step-free access or help boarding, read the operator’s details for your exact terminal and vessel before traveling. Washington State Ferries’ accessibility page explains that features can vary and points to current alerts for outages.

Leave room for the return

Set a reminder to check the return sailing while you are still on the far side. A delay can be part of a travel day, so carry what you need to wait comfortably and keep another return option in mind. If you bring something home, make sure it is easy to carry while boarding. A few lines in a field notebook can be enough to keep the rest of the afternoon with you.

Make it your own

Where there is no ferry, a short train, tram, or riverboat ride can serve the same purpose. Choose a route with an easy return and one inviting stop. If you want a longer trip, build a weekend with room in it around the crossing.

I hope this finds you well,

Scott