Spring Break is an exceptional time to visit San Juan Island. Not only does it rain a whole lot less than in the rest of Washington State (thank you, Olympic Mountains for creating a wonderful rain shadow), it’s also very affordable, uncrowded and offers tons of fun, exciting as well as relaxing activities for the entire family.
1. Whale Watching
San Juan Island’s awesome whale watching providers start going out in Spring. See the Humpbacks returning from Hawaii with their new calves in tow and the Biggs killer whales frolicking in the surf. Book an exhilarating, educational whale watching tour with our friends at San Juan Safaris.
2. Spring Massage
Reset and rejuvenate your body with a massage, body treatment or facial at the Spa at Earthbox to help eliminate toxins, deeply relax and get your body ready for another active year.
3. Kayak Tour
Treat your family to a guided sea kayak tour and experience the serene beauty of the Salish Sea. San Juan Outfitters offers custom kayak tours, tailored to your needs, desires and skill level.
4. Wildflower Hike
Park at Jakles Lagoon in American Camp National Historical Park and walk into the woods. Look for Fawn Lilies and Fairy Slippers. Follow the signs to Mt. Finlayson and emerge, after a short but intense climb, on the prairie high above the glistening sea, surrounded by Blue Camas, California Buttercups, Indian Paintbrush, Chocolate Lilies and more. Simply stunning.
5. Great Island Beach Clean-Up, Saturday, April 25th
Be part of something bigger and volunteer for the Great Island Beach Clean-up the Saturday after Earth Day. Learn about our beaches’ habitat and challenges and set an example for your kids, while getting San Juan Island sparkling clean for another beautiful Summer. Join other volunteers in making recycled art and have a free after-clean-up beer at San Juan Brewing.
6. Play Golf with a View
Play a round of golf at the San Juan Golf & Tennis Club just 2.5 miles outside of Friday Harbor on stunning Griffin Bay with spectacular views of Mt. Baker. The club rents clubs and carts and features a beautifully manicured 9-hole golf course with alternating tee boxes that convert into a long and challenging 18-hole experience. Treat yourself to lunch at the Club’s Greenside Grill.
7. Picnic at the Sculpture Park
Explore this unique 20-acres park displaying over 150 sculptures on five trails winding through woods, along beautiful Westcott Bay and around a natural lake. Have the kids make their own sculptures at the Starfish Project, a huge starfish-shaped sandbox filled with inspiring found objects, like sea shells, driftwood and floats. Pick a shady bench, have a nice picnic and watch for Blue Herons and other wildlife.