Did you know there are islands just off the coast of the Pacific Northwest? They’re called the San Juan Islands. These islands are a dream for anyone seeking breathtaking outdoor adventure, glistening waters, tasty farm-to-table dining experiences, beautiful art, and healing from nature. In other words, the San Juan Islands in Washington are perfect for wellness travelers.
After experiencing island life (aka “go slow”) in Caye Caulker, Belize during the hotter months, I was itching to experience island life during the colorful fall season. While it may not be the first place many travelers jet set to during the fall and winter months, these months are a wonderful time to visit.
It’s more sustainable for the local economy, less crowds which protects the planet, and prices are cheaper — I’d say that’s a win-win in my book!
To truly discover what these islands have to offer, the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau invited me on as their guest. Below you’ll find the highlights and the best things to do on the islands for travelers who are craving adventure and wellness. All opinions in this piece are my own.
Feel free to jump ahead.
- Where are the San Juan Islands in Washington?
- How big are the San Juan Islands?
- Map of the San Juan Islands
- What is the best time of year to visit the San Juan Islands?
- How do you get to the San Juan Islands from Washington?
- Which island(s) should I visit?
- Best things to do in San Juan Island
- Where to stay in San Juan Island
- Best things to do in Orcas Island
- Where to stay in Orcas Island
- Final thought: Is it worth visiting the San Juan Islands in Washington?
- More adventure and wellness travel posts
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Where are the San Juan Islands in Washington?
The San Juan Islands are located 90 miles north from the coast of Seattle, Washington. These islands are so far north that they border the Canadian owned Victoria Island. The most northern San Juan Islands are located approximately 12 miles east from the tip of Victoria.
How big are the San Juan Islands?
When it comes to the San Juan Islands, there are two things you need to know regarding size and numbers. First off, the San Juan Islands refers to all the islands in the San Juan County. According to tourism bureau there are 172 islands and reefs with the county. This is not to be confused with the San Juan Island.
The name — San Juan Island — is also the name of the second largest island in the county. It has the biggest population, while Orcas Island is the largest in size.
Map of the San Juan Islands
Here’s a San Juan Islands map! This really helped me get a good feel for landscape as it can be a bit confusing for first timers.
The red marker is located on San Juan Island. To the left is the Vancouver Island (with the city of Victoria) which is in Canada and to the right is Washington.
What is the best time of year to visit the San Juan Islands?
The best time to visit the island is anytime during spring, summer, and fall. Summer is the islands busiest month as the glistening seas beckons tourists to visit. However, it can also drain your wallet since prices tend to be higher during peak season.
On the other hand, spring and fall are great options that offer a different perspective. Fall in particular brings cooler weather, reduced prices, film festivals, and multicolored trees that really showcase the fall spirit. It’s something I tend to miss living in hot and dry Southern California.
But what I love most about visiting during the fall is that it’s more sustainable. Why? Because spreading out the tourism helps protects the environment. Hiking trails have more time to breathe and the fauna and flora restore themselves without being disturbed by foot traffic.
In addition, visiting during the shoulder season helps support the local economy as merchants and store owners don’t have to rely on one season to make most of their income.
But if you visit during winter, the off season, some shops and eateries (depending on the island) may close for the season. That means you’ll miss out on many of the amazing experiences the island has to offer. My advice; don’t visit during winter!
How do you get to the San Juan Islands from Washington?
There are two main routes to get to the Washington islands from Seattle — the ferry and plane. Each offer scenic views so the choice will depend on your budget and how much time you have.
In addition, you can take a small ship cruise to visit these islands or book a private yacht charter for an intimate large group travel experience.
The ferry
The most popular route to the islands is via the Washington State ferry. Ferries leave from Anacortes which is about 1 and half hour drive from Seattle. Here you can travel by foot, bike, or bring your car onto the ferry to use on the islands.
Keep in mind, some of the islands are more walk-able than others. For instance, the San Juan Island ferry puts you smack dab in the middle of downtown, at the famous Friday Harbor in Washington. Explore yummy eateries like Downriggers which overlook the water or walk to The Walk Museum which is minutes away by foot.
However, hopping off the ferry at Orcas Islands is a totally different experience. There’s not much by the port besides a hotel, restaurant, and an educational exhibit that explains the sea life found in the area. So, to get downtown you’ll need a car.
The plane
Another option for visiting the islands in Washington state is to fly. The views of the islands are insane from the sky and you’ll likely witness stunning orange-ish sunrises surmounting the islands. It’s important to note these planes are small!
The smallest plane I flew in was 3 passengers including the pilot. In contrast, the biggest was a 10 passenger plane, pilot included.
With that in mind, it can get loud. I highly recommend using earplugs or you’ll have to be blasting your music to drown out the engine.
This option is more expensive than the ferry, but it’s totally worth it for the scenic views and semi-thrilling ride if you haven’t ridden a small plane before. Also, the best airlines to use are Kenmore Air (which has land and sea planes) and San Juan Airlines.
Which island(s) should I visit?
Even though there’s 172 islands and reefs in the San Juan County, there’s a only a handful that the ferry services. To visit the other islands and reefs, you’ll need a boat to get you there.
To narrow your options down, asking questions like what’s your budget and how much time you do have, is a great place to start. Ask yourself “what type of experience do you want” because each island features different attractions.
Below is a short list of the islands and their highlights:
- San Juan Island – Charming downtown and orca whale watching tours
- Orcas Island – Tasty farm-to-table dining and local artwork
- Lopez Island – Pastoral views, biking, and kayaking
- Shaw Island – Camping, biking, and picnicking
If you’re looking for a island to kick start your itinerary, I recommend starting at the San Juan Island, but only if you’re taking the ferry and bringing a car. All cars, bikes, or motorcycles have an additional fee.
However, this car fee only applies for westbound travel as the return car trip is free, points out the Washington State Ferries for the San Juan Island. When you go as far westbound as possible (by visiting San Juan first) then visiting Orcas second, you’ll save more in the long run. It’s the most cost-effective option if you’re bringing a car.
From Orcas Island you can then weave in day trips to Lopez and Shaw.
Ferry schedules can be checked here and ferry reservation for vehicles can be made here to help save time. Still there is a chance for long wait times if a ferry is canceled.
Keep in mind depending on the season you’re visiting and the time of your ferry that there can be a long line. I’ve heard there could be lines up to 2.5 hours long! So get there early and plan accordingly.
Alternatively, if you’re planning on flying or if you’re not bringing a car, it doesn’t matter which island you visit first. Personally, I started with San Juan Islands since it’s the most populous and it helped me learn more about the county as a whole. But it’s free to island hop in any direction for walk-ons after you’ve paid initial in Anacortes, explains Amy from the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau.
Best things to do in San Juan Island
Highlights: Whale watching tours, San Juan Island National Historical Park, and Friday Harbor
The San Juan Island is perfect for those looking for a bustling downtown with quaint eateries. You’ll find tons of restaurants, rooftop bars, port-side dining spots, shopping, local artisanal crafts, and more.
It also has the bulk of whale watching cruise operations and it’s the only island with national state park. Below is a list of the best things to do in San Juan Islands.
- Visit The Whale Museum. Here you can learn more about the beautiful orcas in the San Juan Islands, humpback whales, minke whales and other marine life. Fun fact: The totem from Free Willy was donated to this museum; talk about nostalgia.
- Book a whale watching tour. Hands down this was one of the highlight of my visit to the San Juan Islands in Washington. We booked our orca whale watching tour through Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching and had an unforgettable, National Geographic type experience. During the tour we saw 9 orca whales hunting a minke whale. To say the least it was both awe-inspiring to watch these magnificent creatures yet devastating to watch a whale get killed.
- Whale watch and hike at Lime Kiln Point State Park. Another popular spot to look for orcas in the San Juan Islands in Washington is at Lime Kiln Point State Park. This state park is coastal park that features coastal hikes, bluffs, woodland areas, and sweeping vistas for spotting the marine life. There’s also a light house here.
- Explore the local shops at Friday Harbor. Here you’ll find artisanal goods ranging from wine bars, chocolates, and handmade lavender products at a store called Pelendaba Lavender Store.
- Grab chocolate at Cin Cin Goods. For those wondering, yes, they have vegan chocolate! Snag a decadent handcrafted piece of chocolate to keep exploring Friday Harbor or sit down in the back patio and pair your chocolate with different ports.
- Dine seaport at Downriggers. This American-style eatery is vegan-friendly and offers gluten-free items. While it’s not a vegan restaurant, there’s many options to try besides a big old salad. Think roasted buffalo cauliflower and aromatic Buddha bowls topped with spiced pepitas.
- Enjoy a romantic evening at Duck Soup. The tender ambiance here is a cross between a whimsical and a mountain-y tavern equipped with an outdoor fire pit. It offers a tantalizing haven for both foodies and couples alike. From the roasted eggplant topped with za’atar to the orange glazed delicata squash, this was one of my favorite restaurants on the islands. It’s also farm-to-table!
- Hike at San Juan Island National Historical Park. In the park you’ll find two camps — American Camp and English Camp. Built in 1966, this historical park showcases these two camps and educates travelers about the potential war that nearly broke out between Great Britain and America. This feud was over a pig (but really poorly drawn borders)! Here you can explore the vast golden prairies and learn more about the Pig War Conflict.
- Go stargazing. Don’t forget to bring a blanket! It can get chilly at night.
- Visit Pelendaba Lavender Farm. If you loved the Pelendaba Lavender Store, you’re bound to love the Pelendaba Lavender Farm where the products come from. According to their website, Pelindaba means “place of great gatherings” in Zulu. That said, the islands have many lavender farms, so don’t be surprised if you catch a pleasant whiff from a nearby farm.
- Ride a seaplane! There’s tours that leave right from Friday Harbor to showcase the beautiful islands. More information can be found here.
- Rent a kayak. Then enjoy the open waters!
Where to stay in San Juan Island
Tucker House Inn
- Trip Advisor: 4.5 out of 5
- Price: $$
One of the best spots to stay if you’re looking for a historic bed and breakfast is the Tucker House Inn. I stayed here and was blown away by the decor. The ambiance is extremely cozy and intimate as some rooms come equipped with a whirlpool tub. Talk about a relaxing way to end the day!
Breakfast is also brought straight to your door in a cute basket between the hours of 8:00am to 9:00am. Be sure to place your breakfast order the night before by 4:30pm. If you’re gluten-free, vegan, or have any dietary restrictions, let the staff know and they will adjust your breakfast accordingly.
It’s located downtown in Friday Harbor.
Bird Rock Hotel
- Trip Advisor: 4.5 out of 5
- Price: $$
Nestled in the heart of Friday Harbor and minutes away from the ferry is the Bird Rock Hotel. This historic boutique hotel features European inspired rooms with a modern twist. Some rooms even include a spa bath!
What I love about this place is the hotel offers complimentary beach cruisers to bike around this coastal town. Enjoy the scenic views of the harbor or explore the numerous restaurants a short walking distance away.
Best things to do in Orcas Island
Highlights: Farm-to-table eateries, film festivals, art exhibits, and Moran State park
If you’re outdoor adventure enthusiast or a foodie, then Orcas Island is calling your name. Imagine hikes with stunning vistas of the coast, freshly prepared farm-to-table experiences, unique art exhibits, and more as this island is brimming with things to do.
What I love most about this island is that many restaurants are extremely accommodating for food allergies and preferences. From gluten-free buns to vegan cheese burgers and freshly picked fruit, I never found myself hungry on this island!
Here are my recommendations on the best things to do, eat, and see on the island:
- Roam around Orcas Island Artworks. Here you’ll find unique hand crafted ceramic pieces, pottery, wood, jewelry, glass, paintings, and a beautiful garden.
- Stroll through the historic downtown. Eastsound is the heartbeat of the Orcas Island. You’ll find many of the restaurants, shops, bars, and other entertainment located in this area. There’s even a black-owned clothing boutique located here called Fern Blue Boutique.
- Go stargazing at the beach and perhaps take an night time swim if you’re feeling adventurous! Just use caution and know your limits.
- Hike Moran State Park. There’s so many beautiful trails and cascading waterfalls in Moran State Park. If you’re looking for hikes with sweeping vistas I highly recommend visiting Mount Constitution, but if you want to chase waterfalls consider hiking the 2.6 mile trail, Cascade Loop Trail.
Below is map of the park.
- Explore Obstruction Pass State Park. If you’re looking for remote beaches and coastal hikes, then you’ll want to explore Obstruction Pass State Park. It’s actually one of my all time favorite state parks! The park is approximately 80 acres and one of the best hiking trails to explore is Obstruction Pass Trail. Rated easy on All Trails, this loop is 1.4 mile long.
- Go swimming in the Salish Sea. Just remember the water is cold during the fall!
- Take a tour of Doe Bay Garden. Attached to the Doe Bay Resort and Retreat is a beautiful garden called the Doe Bay Garden. This garden cranks out plants that are both beautiful to see and tasty to eat such as colorful edible flowers, cauliflower, tomatoes, potatoes, and much more.
- Eat lunch at Doe Bay Café. To get the full experience head over to the Doe Bay Café to see how the chef brings these fresh ingredients to life. You’ll find french toast, breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, and more.
If you’re looking for even more exciting adventures, here’s 12 more of the best things to do on Orcas Island in Washington!
Where to stay in Orcas Island
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat
- Trip Advisor: 4 out of 5
- Price: $
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat is a beautiful down-to-earth property with various types of accommodations. There’s yurts and domes, campsites, and hostel-type lodging. It’s located waterfront on the southeastern part of Orcas Islands.
On the property you’ll find soaking tubs, saunas, and a small shop filled with treats. In addition, there’s a farm-to-table restaurant called Doe Bay Café and an angelic garden that produces the food for the restaurant.
Pebble Cove Farm Inn and Animal Sanctuary
Trip Advisor: 5 out of 5
Price: $$
Overlooking the waterfront is the peaceful Pebble Cove Farm Inn and Animal Sanctuary. Similar to Doe Bay, this accommodation features an organic farm. It also has rescued farmed animals.
What I love most about this inn is everything is vegan. Each room comes fully equipped with a small kitchenette to make simple yet tasty vegan meals. In addition, you’ll find a basket of snacks, plant based milk, tea, coffee, and muesli.
The property also has a fire pit, kayak rentals, and hammocks.
Final thought: Is it worth visiting the San Juan Islands in Washington?
It’s 100% worth it to visit the San Juan Islands if you’re a outdoor enthusiast, naturalist, foodie, or art buff. There’s truly so much to see and experience! From dips in the refreshing Salish sea to aromatic plant based dishes made from local ingredients, there’s something on the islands for everyone.
While the remoteness of the islands can be a bit off putting, it’s also part of its unique charm. The words “go slow” and connection really encapsulated this off the beaten path island as many locals I met were beyond generous with their time and resources. This shows up in random strangers offering to take your photos to bar keepers staying open two hours later because people are simply having a good time.
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