Fall in Friday Harbor and on San Juan Island is truly fabulous and so worth a weekend outing. The isle exhales after a fun, busy summer and invites to birding and wildlife watching from the beaches, stunning hikes through dramatic fall foliage, excellent local fare and libations and deeply inspiring art. Come on up for a beautiful autumn adventure.

1. Gallery & Wine Bar Hopping

There are nine galleries and six wine bars within walking distance to the ferry dock, not to mention the countless cute boutiques and shops, restaurants and museums lining Friday Harbor’s streets. Make a day of intentionally indulging in our islander’s amazing creations.

2. Sunset Picnic at the Whale Watching Park

This is such a good time to see Orcas from land. Get take-out from your favorite restaurant or a premade picnic from Picnik, the new place under Downriggers and head to Lime Kiln State Park for sunset (around 6:00pm in October). Listen for whales breaching, eagles calling, waves gently lapping at the steep shore and be here now.

3. Spa Day at the Earthbox Inn & Spa

Stay at the Earthbox, the only hotel on the island with an indoor heated pool, sauna and hot tub. Request a Spa Decadence box in your room upon arrival and treat yourself to a luxurious massage at their adorable day spa.

4. Bliss out on Fall Farms

Virtually all of the over twenty farms on San Juan Island have farm stands or stores and offer free tastings or tours. Explore. Put baby on the most handsome pumpkin. Buy fresh flowers for your room. Stock up on San Juan Island ciders and spirits, fruits and cheeses. Bliss out on Fall abundance.

5. Wander to the Mountain Tops

Take a stroll up Mt Grant, Mt Young or Mt Finlayson and see the glory of the leaves turning. Watch hawks ride the thermals, go mushrooming, look for migrating Trumpeter Swans, red foxes, black tailed deer and wild turkeys and fill your lungs with the crisp autumn air.