It’s spring on San Juan Island and the isle is eager to show off what’s fresh and new. Go cocktail and dessert hopping in charming, walkable Friday Harbor. Slurp fresh oysters on the beach. Go kayaking or whale watching. Hear the Red Winged Blackbirds calling and watch the fox pups playing on the wildflower covered prairies. Join us this April for Native Plant Appreciation Month and find 5 Dazzling Wildflower Hikes on San Juan Island here.
LGBTQA+ Inclusive Guide to Friday Harbor & San Juan Island
San Juan Island, 65 miles north of Seattle and reachable by small plane, private boat or the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes, is safe, fun and super friendly. Living on a small island in a close-knit community makes being bigoted a lot more arduous. It’s hard to hate up close.
San Juan County had a voter turnout of over 90% with over 70% voting democratic in the 2020 general election. More working artist live here than in any other county in Washington State. The isle is also a forerunner in environmental stewardship, has no fast-food chains, billboards or traffic lights. It’s fairly straight and white, in an adorable coastal town with flower baskets kind of way. A lot less boho than Olympia or Seattle, there is no scene, but you can show up anywhere, in the fanciest restaurant or the most casual watering hole, however you feel like and will be welcomed.
Favorite Places to Stay
Check out the Earthbox Inn & Spa, a retro motor inn with heated indoor pool, sauna & hot tub, beautiful gardens and an onsite spa. They are in walking distance to everything in Friday Harbor, help book whale watching and kayak tours for you and offer wedding group discounts in early Spring and late Fall. Their adorable, little sister hotel is the Bird Rock Hotel, a block and a half from the ferry dock. It’s run like an air b&b and features 15 unique rooms, from deluxe suites with harbor view and two person jetted tub to very affordable, small European sleeping rooms with shared baths.
Former Fishing Village by the Salish Sea
There are over 20 restaurants, bars, cafes and bistros in Friday Harbor; all in walking distance to the ferry dock. Six wine bars, nine galleries, three museums and countless antique shops and cute boutiques are lining the streets. Explore the Saturday Farmer’s Market, arts fairs, Summer festivals and tons of free, live music in this completely walkable, cute place.
Wild Things
San Juan Island is famous for its excellent whale and wildlife watching. The whale watch park with its iconic lighthouse is one of the best places to see Orcas from land on earth. The isle has more nesting Bald Eagle couples per shoreline than any other county in Washington State. Go birding, watch seals, sea lions and otters from shore and foxes and bunnies frolic on the prairie. Please always stay at least 75 feet away and keep the pup on the leash.
Bucket List Adventures
Take a wild ride on an open zodiac to go see Orcas and Humpbacks and Greys. Take a flight lesson around the nearest volcano. Explore the Salish Sea at sunset by kayak and glide through the wonderous bioluminescence. Shuck your own oysters at the beach. Charter a 1939 classic schooner and its experienced crew and have a blast.
Winter Wildlife San Juan Island
This time of the year is what we locals call the “secret season” on San Juan Island. Come on up for a cozy Winter getaway, get front row seating at your favorite restaurant and treat yourself to a pool and spa day at the lovely Earthbox Inn & Spa. Have the beaches to yourself and explore the stunning Winter wildlife on the isle. Orcas and eagles and swans, oh my! Check out what all you’ll get to see in this fun article Top Ten Winter Wildlife to Watch on San Juan Island.
Holiday Shopping in Friday Harbor – Heartfelt Gifts for Everyone on your List
Holiday shopping in the cute coastal town of Friday Harbor is our absolute favorite. Besides the farmer’s market, holiday fairs and tons of delightful shops, there are nine galleries and about 30 eateries in walking distance to the ferry landing. May your gift buying be pleasantly interrupted by dessert breaks, wine tastings, interludes of delectable appetizers and maybe even a massage at the Spa at Earthbox, where you get to use their heated pool and hot tub on the day you have an appointment. Can you say “relaxed”?
The Gift of Romance
Make someone’s dream come true with a lodging certificate to one of the romantic suites at the charming, historic Bird Rock Hotel in the heart of Friday Harbor. May we suggest the Marrowstone Suite with gas fireplace and private outdoor hot tub or the San Juan Suite with harbor view, aerated tub and private balcony? Don’t forget to add a bottle of bubbly in the room upon arrival.
The Gift of Island Adventure
Add a gift certificate to a guided whale watching tour with San Juan Safaris on one of their three, fun boats, for a chance to observe Orcas, Humpbacks, Greys, sea lions, Bald eagles and other wildlife, native to the pristine Salish Sea.
The Gift of Generosity
Adopt an Orca from the Friday Harbor Whale Museum and get your kid involved in stewardship of her sea and land. A family adoption of $60 per year includes such cool things as a personalized adoption certificate with photo of your whale, an informational booklet about the Southern Resident Orcas, subscription to the newsletter, patches, bumper stickers and a one-year Whale Museum membership for the entire family.
Island-made
The Pelindaba Lavender Friday Harbor store offers over 300 ways to lavender. Find everything purple here for personal care, household, therapy, pets, décor and lavender as a culinary herb. The store features unique lavender themed art by local artists.
Island Spirits
With a distillery, a brewery, two cideries and quite a few vineyards right here on San Juan, spirits of the isle make a not only fabulous but distinctive souvenir for all occasions.
Island Art
Friday Harbor and San Juan Island are rich in history, culture and art. Experience the excellently curated art museum, explore native carvings, whimsical pottery and art collectives doubling as healing centers. Meander the 20-acre art garden on the north end of the isle at sunset and remember when you are buying from an artist you are buying a piece of a heart, a piece of a soul, a small piece of somebody else’s life.
What’s up with the Ferries to San Juan Island?
Taking the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes, WA to San Juan Island and Friday Harbor is so breathtakingly beautiful, it may just be worth a trip to the isle by itself. But what is up with all the crew shortages and cancelled trips this season? How difficult is it to get here?
Turns out not difficult at all.
5 Fall Favorites on Fabulous San Juan Island
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.
Savor San Juan Island this Fall
Friday Harbor and San Juan Island are a real treat in autumn. Go whale watching, bike to a wine tasting, check out the new shops in town, take a farm tour, listen to live music, dine on the waterfront, visit the farmer’s market and the sculpture garden and treat yourself to a massage at the Spa at Earthbox. Because you deserve a relaxing getaway after this year!
San Juan Island with Kids
San Juan Island is pure paradise for families with little kids, starting with the most stunning ride on the Washington State ferry. There is beach combing, whale watching, the family art days, the whale museum, the sculpture garden with a place to make your own art, lighthouses, farm visits, fairs and an ice cream shop with 75 different flavors.
Check out this delightful article by Bird Rock guest Lisette Wolter-McKinley on how to Experience San Juan Island with Kids.
Soak up Classic San Juan Island – Weekend Itinerary
If this last year taught us anything, it is that the time is now. Tell the people you love - now. Go on that bucket list Orca Whale Watching tour - now. Have the romantic dinner with fancy cocktails on the Friday Harbor waterfront - now. If this is your first or fortieth time on gorgeous San Juan Island, treat yourself to a visit to all the iconic places. Soak up Summer on San Juan Island - now.
Getting Here
San Juan Island is only a 45 minute scenic seaplane flight from Seattle with Kenmore Air. Or drive to Anacortes and take the Washington State Ferry to Friday Harbor. You may leave your car and walk on the ferry. If you bring your car, reservations are highly recommended.
Where to Stay
Historic Bird Rock Hotel, a block from the ferry dock, offers 15 unique rooms, ranging from harbor view suites with jetted tubs or private outdoor hot tubs, to standard queens and small European style rooms with detached bathrooms. The hotel is run remotely this season. Staff is available via text and phone and the lobby is stocked with amenities and extras. They provide complimentary beach cruiser bikes to check out.
Day 1
Breakfast at Cynthia’s Bistro
Sit in Cynthia’s lovely, shady garden, while enjoying an Avocado Breakfast Boat or a freshly baked chocolate croissant, before heading over to the farmer’s market to browse island made souvenirs and goodies.
Explore American Camp
Head south to American Camp National Historical Park. You could spent days hiking and exploring here. Stop by the visitor’s center and historic barracks to learn about the isle turbulent time being occupied by both, American and English military. Head to Grandma’s Cove for a rare chance to skinny dip in the mighty Pacific Ocean. Take a stroll on South Beach, San Juan Island’s longest beach and check out the Cattle Point Lighthouse on the very southern tip of the isle.
Lunch at Westcott Bay Seafood Farm
Chuck your own oysters on the beautiful shores of this working farm. Enjoy a glass of beer or wine with island made salads, cheeses and charcuterie and soak in the calm view. Please make lunch reservations.
Explore English Camp
Find nearby English Camp National Historical Park on serene, wooded Griffin Bay, and learn about the plights and pleasures of the English army in the 19th century. Find officer’s grave’s, a formal English garden, and an extremely rewarding, 1.5 mile hike to the top of Mt Young.
San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
After all that history, make room for some contemporary art at the 20 acres sculpture garden by Roche Harbor. Find over 100 sculptures, poems and whimsical contraptions along five trails through woods, along the bay and around a natural lake. There are tons of fun things to do for kiddos and puppies are welcome too.
Dinner at McMillens in Roche Harbor
Stroll the vender lined streets of Historic Roche Harbor Resort before treating yourself to one of the finest dining experiences there is at fancy McMillens. Don’t miss the 60 day aged prime grade rib eye and the pig war martini. Reservations are a must.
Shakespeare under the Stars
At 8:00pm sharp (no late comers), at 1062 Wold Road, Island Stage Left will delight with Shakespeare’s classic “Much Ado About Nothing”. Bring a blanket. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.
Day 2
Breakfast at the Bean Café
Have a bagel with lox and extremely good coffee at the Bean by the ferry lanes. Stock up on owner Eric’s smoked sea salt caramels while here.
Massage at the Spa at Earthbox
This cute spa offers massages, facials and sugaring by deeply caring practitioners. The Open Sky signature massages includes hot stone work and a mini facial. Ahhhhhh. Reservations are a must.
Lunch at Friday’s Crabhouse
This iconic open air restaurant overlooking the harbor serves everything seafood, as well as excellent drinks, ice cream, hot dogs and more. Indulge in fresh, local Dungeness crab cakes and grilled wild prawns. Their Vodka Oyster shooters are to die for.
Whale Watching Tour with San Juan Safaris
Choose between the classic four hour whale watching tour on a larger boat or the three hour thrilling ride on their speedy zodiac, complete with exposure suits and life vests. Either way San Juan Safaris’ knowledgeable naturalist will share everything there is to know about the Salish Sea. On the list of possible sightings are: Orca whales, Humpbacks, Greys, Porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, seals, Bald Eagles and exotic animals on an abandoned island. Reservations are a must.
Dinner at Downriggers on the Waterfront
Right above San Juan Safaris’ office you’ll find Downriggers with its vast outdoor deck overlooking Friday’s harbor. Indulge in the last Quarantini of the year, the Westcott Bay Clams and/or the Halibut Fish & Chips, but do leave room for the Pot de Crème. It’s worth it. Reservations are highly recommended.
Sunset at the Whale Watch Park
The most iconic image of San Juan Island must be the Lime Kiln Lighthouse at the whale watch park - one of the best places to see Orcas from land in the world. Often at sunset the park has very few visitors. Check out the light house, the whale watching platforms, grab a picnic table and just sit and listen to the waves and the birds. It will make you feel whole.
Forget your Stress - Meet San Juan Island's adorable Alpacas
Serene, 80-acre Crystal Acres Alpaca Farm on your way to English Camp National Historical Park has a herd of about 70 alpacas, grazing under 100-year-old Gerry Oaks. The funny looking animals come in 22 natural colors; their hair is warmer than wool and softer than silk and they are cuter than a button. Stroll the farm and browse the country store, featuring Alpaca wool clothing, toys and wool.
Photo by the talented Aimee Danielson