Seattle Day Trip: San Juan Islands

The landscape on the San Juan Islands is truly unique—so much so that in 2013, the islands were designated a National Monument, meaning that they are protected by the government because of their cultural, historical, and geographic significance.

Aside from being breathtakingly beautiful, what makes the area such a popular destination is that they have something for everyone:

• Families, including those traveling with young kids or grandparents, can enjoy an easy, leisurely day of strolling through the towns and parks or going on safe, all-ages whale watching tours.
• Outdoor enthusiasts love the islands for cycling, running, crabbing, kayaking, and camping.
• Foodies go crazy over the fresh oysters and other seafood sourced from the islands, farm-fresh meals, and refined eateries.
  
• Visitors to the Pacific Northwest are blown away by the unique scenery.

If you're visiting the Seattle area, we recommend checking out the many hotels in Seattle Southside, the area surrounding SEA Airport. It's the most convenient location if you're flying into the region, and it is also home to many car rental companies. You can use our directory to browse hotels and filter by features such as pools, free breakfast, and other amenities.

Driving to the San Juan Islands

Wherever you stay in the Seattle area, the journey to the San Juan Islands is fairly straightforward. You'll drive north on I-5 until reaching Anacortes (about 2 hours from SeaTac, depending on traffic), then take the ferry to Friday Harbor or one of the other islands. You'll be on the ferry just under 1.5 hours, but you might wish it were longer given the gorgeous views. There's also indoor seating, restrooms, and a cafe onboard.

A few tips before you set off:

• Reserve your ferry in advance if you're bringing a vehicle, especially during summer and weekends. You can do this on the Washington State Ferries website.
• Arrive early, well before your scheduled boarding time. There is a restroom and a beach at the terminal if you'd like to get out of your car to stretch your legs while you wait.
• Walk-on passengers generally have much more flexibility and often find it easier to catch a ferry.
• Check the Washington State Ferries website for current sailing schedules and service alerts before departing.

Taking a Seaplane

You can also take a seaplane straight to the islands. There are places to board them throughout the area. For example, Western Prince Whale Watching Adventures offers seaplanes that depart from Renton, just 15 minutes from Seattle Southside.

Friday Harbor is the perfect introduction to the San Juan Islands. The ferry docks right in the heart of town, making it easy to explore this quaint town on foot.

Spring Street

This bustling main street is the heart of downtown Friday Harbor. Spend time wandering its independent bookstores, art galleries, boutiques, outdoor outfitters, and specialty food shops before stopping at one of the waterfront cafés for lunch or coffee.

The San Juan Island Farmers Market

If you're on the island on a Saturday (spring through fall), you can browse fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, artisan crafts, and prepared foods from local vendors.

The Whale Museum

Just a short walk from the ferry terminal, this museum offers interactive exhibits, life-sized skeletons, and educational displays. You'll learn about the Southern Resident orcas and the diverse marine life that calls the Salish Sea home.

San Juan Islands Museum of Art

Check out rotating exhibitions from Pacific Northwest and international artists in a bright, contemporary space.

The Friday Harbor Marina

Watch ferries, sailboats, fishing vessels, and seaplanes arrive throughout the day, or relax on a bench overlooking the harbor.

Beyond Friday Harbor, the island opens up into rolling farmland, rocky shorelines, quiet forests, and some of the most spectacular scenery in Washington

Roche Harbor

At the island's north end, Roche Harbor has an elegant, old-fashioned feel. Once a bustling lime production company town, it's now a picturesque waterfront village with a historic hotel, marina, waterfront restaurants, and boutique shops. Stroll the docks, explore the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park, or visit the unique Afterglow Vista Mausoleum, the ornate final resting place of Roche Harbor founder John S. McMillin, tucked away in a peaceful forest. If you're there in the evening during the summer, don't miss the resort's longstanding Colors Ceremony, a sunset tradition dating back to the 1950s that includes music, a cannon blast, and the ceremonial lowering of the flags.

Lime Kiln Point State Park

Nicknamed Whale Watch Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park is famous for offering one of the best opportunities anywhere to see whales from shore. Walk the bluff-top trails, visit the historic lighthouse, and scan Haro Strait for orcas, humpback whales, harbor seals, porpoises, and bald eagles.

San Juan Island National Historical Park

One of the island's most fascinating stories is told at American Camp and English Camp, where the unusual "Pig War" boundary dispute between the United States and Great Britain was peacefully resolved. Today, you'll find tranquil hiking trails, open meadows, historic buildings, and sweeping coastal viewpoints that are just as memorable as the history itself.

Beaches and Scenic Stops

Part of San Juan Island's charm is discovering places you weren't expecting. Wander the driftwood-strewn shoreline at South Beach, enjoy a picnic overlooking Griffin Bay at Jackson Beach, or spend an afternoon exploring artist studios and galleries tucked throughout the island. During lavender season (late June through late July), Alchemy Art Center comes alive with fragrant lavender fields. You'll also find lavender-infused products and local art available for purchase.

Many visitors to the Pacific Northwest dream of catching a glimpse of the gentle giants in our waters, and there are many ways to see them. We rounded up some of the best whale watching tours near Seattle--one of which departs right from Renton, south of Seattle. Many others depart from Friday Harbor and venture into the rich waters of the Salish Sea, where experienced naturalists help guests search for some of the region's most iconic wildlife. Depending on the season, you may encounter:

• Orcas
• Humpback whales
• Minke whales
• Harbor seals
• Steller sea lions
• Porpoises
• Bald eagles

If you'd rather keep your feet on solid ground, bring binoculars to Lime Kiln Point State Park. Sometimes the whales come remarkably close to shore.

Few experiences immerse you in the beauty of San Juan Island quite like kayaking. Guided tours and rentals are available for paddlers of many skill levels, offering a chance to explore quiet coves, rocky shorelines, and sheltered bays at water level. Along the way, keep an eye out for harbor seals, porpoises, river otters, bald eagles, and other marine wildlife. Whether you choose a leisurely paddle or a longer guided excursion, kayaking is one of the island's most memorable ways to experience the Salish Sea.

The San Juan Island Visitors Bureau has a helpful directory of kayaking rental companies on the islands.

A day exploring the island is bound to work up an appetite, and San Juan Island delivers with everything from fresh seafood to craft beer and cozy cafés. Some restaurants to consider include:

• Downriggers - Perched above the Friday Harbor marina, Downriggers is a favorite for local oysters, fresh salmon, clam chowder, and fish and chips—all served with waterfront views.
• Duck Soup - Hidden beneath towering evergreens just outside Friday Harbor, Duck Soup has become a destination in its own right. Seasonal menus celebrate local ingredients in a warm, rustic setting that's perfect for a leisurely meal.
• San Juan Island Brewing Company - After a day of exploring, unwind with a locally brewed pint at San Juan Island Brewing Company. Pair your beer with burgers, sandwiches, or salads, and relax in the spacious beer garden.
• Friday Harbor House - For dinner with a view, The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House pairs elevated Pacific Northwest cuisine with panoramic views overlooking the harbor. Seasonal seafood, island-grown produce, and Washington wines take center stage.
• The Tide Tables Restaurant at Wescott Bay Shellfish Co. offers a unique dining experience. You can watch farmers harvest shellfish on the beach, just yards from where you're sitting.

Some photos in this blog were provided courtesy of the San Juan Islands Visitor Bureau and the San Juan Nature Institute.