San Juan Island Additional Information

San Juan Island is the most diverse of the three main islands, combining rocky shores and sandy beaches, prairie and pastureland, lakes and forest. 

The historic town of Friday Harbor, celebrating its Centennial this year (1909-2009), greets visitors by ferry and seaplane, nestled on the edge of the harbor. Friday Harbor was named one of the 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Walkable Friday Harbor is filled with art galleries, boutiques and water-view restaurants.

The San Juan Historical Museum and San Juan Islands Museum of Art are located in Friday Harbor, as well as The Whale Museum, which educates visitors about the Islands' famous residents - approximately 85 orca whales. The orcas make their home in the San Juans, typically from late April through the end of September - sometimes longer. They can be seen from land, most likely from the west side of the island at Lime Kiln Point State Park, also known as "Whale Watch Park" - the only such park in the nation, or from a commercial whale/wildlife boat.

Friday Harbor is also the hub for some wonderful annual cultural events: the San Juan Island Artists' Studio Tour in June, Summer Arts Fair in July and Artstock Fall Festival of Art in October.  The San Juan Community Theatre presents year-round performances featuring island talents and world-class touring performers, and shares their parking lot with the Farmers' Market.  

Visitors will want to get out and explore the rest of San Juan Island, stopping at San Juan Vineyards, historic Roche Harbor Resort -- once the largest lime and cement company west of the Mississippi -- or the Sculpture Park at Westcott Bay Reserve, a 19-acre, outdoor museum with over 100 sculptures in stone, wood and metal. Other attractions include Pelindaba Lavender Farm, Westcott Bay Sea Farms' famous oysters, Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm & Country Store, and San Juan Golf and Country Club. View history at our two national historical parks -- American Camp and English Camp -- where exhibits explain the history of the Pig War, a 12-year standoff between British and American troops after a pig was shot in the 1800s. Island Stage Left, the islands' only professional theatre, and best known for its dynamic outdoor Shakespeare series, presents admission-free classics throughout the year in several locations around the island.

Hiking, biking, sea kayaking, boating, fishing, birding, beachcombing and scuba diving are also very popular activities on San Juan Island. Special events and festivals are plentiful. During the quiet season, visitors can enjoy art, nature and writing workshops.

The perimeter of San Juan Island is approximately 74 miles and has a population of 5,214 residents and 2,150 additional residents that reside in Friday Harbor. View a map of San Juan Island.

For more information regarding San Juan Island click on this link for the Chamber of Commerce: http://www.sanjuanisland.org/, and click here for more about Historic Friday Harbor.