San Juan Islands

Travel Guide
San Juan Islands
Off the coast of Washington, this archipelago offers pleasant vacation escapes, with clean air, beautiful waters and comfortable temperatures year-round.

Ride a ferry to one of the four main San Juan Islands for a relaxing Pacific Northwest vacation. Stay in one spot, ferry between islands or rent a sea kayak to venture to some of the hundreds of smaller named and unnamed landmasses and reefs.

Start your trip on San Juan Island in Friday Harbor, the county seat and biggest town. Visit the Whale Museum to learn about the large mammals living year-round in the waters around the islands. Whale watch from Lime Kiln Point State Park or from a tour boat. Look for orcas, humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, sea lions and porpoises. Drive or cycle on the scenic byway to Roche Harbor past lavender and alpaca farms and the English Camp San Juan Islands National Historical Park. Learn about the Pig War between the U.S. and Canada over ownership rights to the islands.

Orcas Island is named after an 18th-century viceroy to Mexico and the patron of a Spanish explorer, not after orca whales. However, you can also observe the giant mammals from its shores. Climb Mount Constitution in Moran State Park near Eastsound and notice the town’s historic homes. See the works of more than 45 local artists at Orcas Island Artworks in Olga.

Lopez Island’s 63 miles (101 kilometers) of sandy shoreline offer views of Mount Baker. Bike around the island to farms growing grapes, apples, pears and kiwis. Lopez Village has restaurants, a museum and shops to serve the island’s 2,500 year-round residents and many more tourists.

Bring a picnic onto the inter-island ferry to Shaw Island. If you walk or bike, the ferry is free. Visit the beaches of Shaw County Park, where you can camp overnight year-round. Rent sea kayaks and explore other islands and reefs not served by ferries.

The San Juan Islands are part of Washington State. Traveling here from Seattle or Vancouver, Canada, takes roughly 3 to 4 hours. Drive to Anacortes, Washington, and ride the Anacortes-Friday Ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.

Friday Harbor Suites
Friday Harbor Suites
2.5 out of 5
680 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA
The price is CA $238 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $238
CA $264 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this hotel in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free ferry terminal shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (932 reviews)
"It's in great location of the town and easy to get around the island."

Reviewed on Oct. 23, 2024

Friday Harbor Suites
The Orca Inn
The Orca Inn
2 out of 5
770 Mullis St., Friday Harbor, WA
The price is CA $139 per night from Nov. 5 to Nov. 6
CA $139
CA $154 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Stay at this motel in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (924 reviews)
"Exactly whatbwe expected. Older motel that was very clean and reasonable. A very good place to get a good nights sleep."

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

The Orca Inn
Snug Harbor Resort
Snug Harbor Resort
2.5 out of 5
1997 Mitchell Bay Rd, Friday Harbor, WA
The price is CA $287 per night from Nov. 3 to Nov. 4
CA $287
CA $317 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this hotel in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions English ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (311 reviews)
Peaceful and relaxing
"It was a wonderful weekend away with my mom and sisters. It was so nice to wake up to a water view every morning. It was so peaceful. It was plenty big for the 4 of us, very clean, cozy and all the amenities that you would need. The down side is that it didn’t have a restaurant so you would have ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 11, 2024

Snug Harbor Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
West Beach Resort
West Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
190 Waterfront Way, Eastsound, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach cabin in Eastsound. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Orcas Island Golf Course and North Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (87 reviews)
"Relaxing stay"

Reviewed on Sep. 24, 2024

West Beach Resort
Modern Home with Stunning Water View
Modern Home with Stunning Water View
Eastsound
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Eastsound. Enjoy free WiFi, concierge services, and patios. Popular attractions Darvill's Bookstore and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (275 reviews)
Perfect getaway!
"Lovely modern home, fantastic views and close to town. Couldn’t ask for more."

Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2024

Modern Home with Stunning Water View
Utter Seclusion on 600 Feet of Waterfront , Free WiFi
Utter Seclusion on 600 Feet of Waterfront , Free WiFi
Friday Harbor
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Friday Harbor. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Whale Museum and San Juan Historical ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (143 reviews)
Home away from home
"A spectacular, private retreat on a gem of an island. Our stay was completely comfortable, we saw so many animals from the property, and our dog also had a blast. Plenty of home comforts, a fire pit, beach access, and lots to go explore and see. We’ll be back!"

Reviewed on Oct. 18, 2024

Utter Seclusion on 600 Feet of Waterfront , Free WiFi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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