Friday Harbor

If you sometimes long for a time when life was simpler, more tranquil, and slower paced, you’ll be enchanted by Friday Harbor’s ambience —a charming, walkable seaport built on a hill leading up from the harbor . . . small, friendly stores and restaurants . . . a refreshing absence of fast-food chains . . . a place where you’re likely to recognize your smiling grocery store clerk onstage at the community theater or in the band that plays Sundays at the Port, and where three cars at a stop sign is a traffic jam.

But most of the coffee shops offer wireless, a number of restaurants boast world-class chefs, the Palace Theater shows first-run movies, and Smart cars have replaced horse-drawn buggies.

Arts and Music

From paintings and photographs to sculptures, fiber art, and pottery, Friday Harbor is alive with art — and artists. You’ll see murals and tile mosaics by islanders on buildings and walls (check out the hardware store), and a stroll through the galleries, gift shops, and boutiques will give you a taste of the extraordinary variety of artwork created on this small island. San Juan Community Theatre puts on a plethora of performing arts featuring multi-talented islanders.

In the summer, enjoy free live music at the Port on Fridays and Sundays and “Music on the Lawn” behind the historical museum on Wednesday evenings. Several restaurants feature live music, and many summer weekends offer a delightful range of island musicians performing at festivals, fairs, and shows.

Food

What’s your pleasure? Thai, Tex-Mex, vegetarian/health food, Italian, Chinese, fresh seafood, local farm fresh, good ol’ American? Fine dining? Casual? Count on your palate being pleased and your taste buds titillated in Friday Harbor’s variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes, all within easy walking distance. And check out the farmers’ market, beside the Courthouse during summer, at the high school the rest of the year. Many of the town’s eateries are on or overlook the water, so you can enjoy your meal and the view at the same time.

Rest

Want to settle in to a cozy B&B? A modern motor inn? An elegant, small hotel? A waterview suite for a week? You’ll find a welcome in Friday Harbor.

History & Culture

Check out The Whale Museum to find out about the local orca pods (every whale has a name) and local marine mammals (great gift shop), the San Juan Historical Museum (the town celebrated its centennial in 2009), or take a self-guided walking tour of historic Friday Harbor, which includes Victorian buildings, street names, churches—and even trees.  The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Friday Harbor one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations in 2008.

Action

In town you can also book whale/wildlife tours and sailboat or kayak excursions . . . rent bicycles, mopeds, or three-wheeled scootcars . . .  or catch a San Juan Transit bus with stops around the island.