Friday Harbor celebrated its Centennial last year (1909-2009) after being honored in 2008 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation when it named Friday Harbor as one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

Each year since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected 12 vacation destinations from across the U.S. that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes, and a strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization. For more information regarding historic Friday Harbor see www.historicfridayharbor.org/.

San Juan Island's Friday Harbor - This historic seaport in the heart of the Salish Sea is nestled between three magnificent cities of the Pacific Northwest: Seattle, Vancouver B.C. and Victoria B.C. Far from the city life, yet conveniently close, Friday Harbor is authentically preserved by its maritime history. It is one square mile of walkable seaside activity, recreation and culture.  In Friday Harbor there are no stop lights (there are none in the county) - but the New York Times is flown in daily.

Getting Here is Half the Fun - A scenic 30-minute flight from Seattle eases you into "Island Time." Alternately, the drive from Seattle is just 90 minutes by car, plus a relaxing 1-hour ferry ride through the islands. Your ferry ticket is for roundtrip travel; fares are collected only on westbound sailings. Walk on the ferry to save even more -- taxis, shuttles, rental cars, mopeds and bicycles await for exploring beyond Friday Harbor. (Some modes of transportation are seasonal.)  Journey to where lush cedar forests lead to seas of vibrant blue and stars twinkle brighter in the sky.

Cultural and Historical Experiences - The Islands enjoys an average of 247 days with sunshine each year and about half the rainfall of the Seattle area. Friday Harbor is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation and culture. Choose from hotels, inns and B&Bs (almost 350 rooms in all), museums, restaurants serving island-grown produce, a farmers' market, shops, galleries and performing arts at the  San Juan Community Theatre. Take a self-guided walking tour of the historic district and visit the San Juan Historical Museum or San Juan Islands Museum of Art. Stroll the Port of Friday Harbor's small waterfront park where you'll find the "Portals of Welcome," the Coast Salish houseposts carved by renowned native artist Susan Point.  Come enjoy the annual San Juan Island Artists' Studio Tour in June, Summer Arts Fair in July and Artstock Fall Festival of Art in October. 

Outdoor Adventure and Watchable Wildlife - Approximately 85 orca whales make their home in the waters surrounding the islands and can often be seen from the shore or from a whale/wildlife excursion boat. These resident orcas are the official Washington State marine mammal and are also on the Endangered Species List.

The Whale Museum is an excellent place to learn more about these gentle giants. The islands are also home to other whale species, porpoises, sea lions, seals, river otters, and over 250 species of birds including bald eagles and other raptors.  There are year-round nature tours on land and on water, including sea kayaking treks, wildlife cruises, birding tours and scuba diving. This region is one of the most fragile and biologically diverse places on the earth. All are encouraged to tread lightly and "Leave Only Footprints."

Visitor Services - The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce operates a year-round visitor center that is your best place to start, located at 135 Spring Street. For further information and education look for Dock Walkers and Ship's Naturalists in the WSU/San Juan County Beach Watchers program on the ferries, on beaches and at marinas. Their knowledge of local natural history and their presentations delight all ages.

Explore San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands from your home base in Friday Harbor. All three islands offer arts and crafts from local artisans, farmers' markets, museums, community theaters, Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centers and much more. In the islands art, history and nature converge and enrich each other. Outdoor adventure and marine stewardship intensify experiential learning. Maritime history and native heritage invite you to follow in the steps of those who truly had an adventure being here!

The town of Friday Harbor encompasses one square mile. The population in the town is approximately 2,220 residents.

For more information regarding the Town of Friday Harbor click: www.fridayharbor.org/welcome/welcome.htm and
www.historicfridayharbor.org.