You’ll discover something new around every bend in the road on San Juan Island—an alpaca ranch, a sweeping valley dotted with cows or sheep, the terraces of a lavender farm, vineyards with a tasting room in a historic schoolhouse, deep forest giving way to shining sea, a pod of orca whales, an iconic lighthouse, even a camel named Mona. Variety, beauty, serenity . . . day after amazing day.
Friday Harbor
Caution: many of the 8,000 year-round residents of San Juan Island fell in love with it during their first visit, and the town of Friday Harbor was where it all began. (Often it was love at first sight, before they even got off the ferry.) In this historic, compact, and very walkable town, the hub of the island, you can easily fill a delightful day. Stroll through art galleries, bookstores, and antique shops, sample a bouquet of boutiques, stop for a cafe lunch or enjoy a world-class dinner overlooking the harbor, visit The Whale Museum and the San Juan Historical Museum, or meander through the marina.
In this visitor-, family-, and dog-friendly town, you’ll find many of the San Juans’ whale and kayaking tour headquarters, the Chamber of Commerce Visitors’ Center, historic Palace Theater (first-run movies on two screens!), a community theater (weekend plays and musical events), and a plethora of B&Bs and other lodgings.
No need for a car here. Everything is within walking distance of the ferry landing, including San Juan Transit shuttle buses to take you around the island, as well as bike, three-wheeled Scootcoupe, and moped rentals.
Roche Harbor
At historic Roche Harbor Resort on the north end of the island you’ll find several waterside eateries, a marina full of beautiful yachts, and local artisans’ booths in summer—showing off jewelry, wool, paintings, pottery, and more.
The resort’s centerpiece, the Hotel de Haro, has stood since 1886, when what was a sleepy Hudson Bay camp became a full-fledged lime works and company town—remnants of the giant lime kilns are still there. Near the entrance to Roche Harbor you’ll find the Islands Museum of Art Sculpture Park—more than 100 sculptures placed in an open, 19-acre, natural setting. You can ramble among the sculptures or follow the nearby nature trail that takes you into a native forest and close to Westcott Bay, home of the world-famous oysters.
Exploring the Island
When you travel the island beyond Friday Harbor, you’ll journey through miles of farmland and stretches of forest on your way to American Camp or English Camp, both part of the San Juan Island National Historical Park, or to the two waterfront state and county parks. You’re bound to hear about the 1859 Pig War ”Crisis,” when Great Britain and the United States settled ownership of the islands through peaceful arbitration—the national park marks the sites of the U.S. and British encampments.
American Camp includes the island’s longest stretch of beach, South Beach, and a network of forested and open trails along the coast, Jakle’s Lagoon and Mt. Finlayson. Orcas occasionally swim past this beach, and sharp-eyed youngsters may spot agates among the beach’s colorful stones. Close to Friday Harbor lies Jackson Beach, a popular picnicking, wading, and dog-walking/swimming spot.
Lime Kiln Point State Park on the island’s west side is also known as Whale Watch Park for good reason—the three local orca pods are frequent summer visitors. This is the only park in the world dedicated to shore-based orca whale watching. A seasonal interpretative center offers information on orcas and a history of the lime kilns and the nearby lighthouse, and you have a choice of forest and shoreline hiking trails.
Other popular stops: Pelindaba Lavender Farm in the middle of the island, one of the largest in the country, for a taste of all things lavender in the aromatic store, housed in a historic island home—and host to the July lavender festival. Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm, also mid-island, where more than 50 endearing alpacas roam the gentle pasture slopes. Stroll around the farm and browse the store for alpaca everything—socks, scarves, toys, and sweaters.
Whales Rock! Enjoy a six-passenger, personalized whale & wildlife adventure of a lifetime. Join Captain Hobbes, who grew up on the water in England, and has been operating whale watch tours and passenger vessels in the San Juan Islands for 12 years. Come aboard “Natsilane,” named after an Orca Whale legend, a 30’ Albin Fast Express Cruiser, and enjoy a comfortable heated cabin, with indoor and outdoor seating, restroom and snack bar. [more...]
It is the mission of San Juan Island Park and Recreation District to improve and enhance the quality of life on San Juan Island by: [more...]
Open daily year-round, the Pelindaba Lavender Friday Harbor Product Gallery provides a location close to the ferry landing for visitors who might not be able to visit the farm for one reason or another, but who still want a taste of the handcrafted lavender products (literally and figuratively). [more...]
At Be Chic Boutique you'll find fresh and feminine clothing with a Northwest flair. We carry hand picked clothing, shoes, lingerie, jewelry and accessories to keep you current on all the new fashions. Styles are individual and eclectic, mixing cutting edge fashion with classic and comfortable clothing. Be Chic carries clothing by Charlotte Tarantola, Jag Jeans, Anne Ferriday, For Love & Liberty, Worn Jeans, Johnny Was Collection/JWLA, Rock Revival, Leatherock, Royal Plush, Tribal, Hanky Panky, Nougat, One Girl Who, David Kahn Jeanswear and many more designers. [more...]
Whale watching and wildlife tours. Sea Kayaking tours and custom adventure tours from Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. Tours depart from the best locations in the San Juan Islands. See killer whales, seals, eagles,and porpoise. Join our expert staff for a unique adventure. [more...]
A wonderful toy store in Friday Harbor, located at 20 First Street. Whether you are looking for ducks that walk on tightropes, the world's farthest flying Frisbee, or educational toys that make learning fun, drop by and see David and Nancy on your next visit to The Toy Box. Our store is full of unique, fun merchandise for every age! You can find a wide variety of puzzles, games, plush toys, art supplies, educational toys, dolls, and much more in our store. [more...]
The Whale Museum promotes stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. Visit us in our historic building in downtown Friday Harbor, only 3 blocks from the ferry landing. See our fun and educational exhibits about whales, watch free videos, and shop in our store, which features marine mammal art and gifts. Guided and unguided tours are available. Events: Marine Naturalist Training in March, Orca Fest in May, Pod Nods in July and August, Sailing on The Adventuress in late summer. Adopt your very own orca, and support marine mammal education and research! [more...]
Friday Harbor Marine is in Spring Street Landing, on the waterfront in Friday Harbor. Friday Harbor Marine offers a variety of activities to get visitors out onto the water. Rent family-safe Hobie pedal kayaks, Duffy electric party boats, Boston Whalers with outboards, or Stabi Craft runabouts. Explore the marina, Brown Island, and the protected harbor from the water, or take a short ride to Turn Island State Park for a hike and a picnic, or go fishing or crabbing. Friday Harbor Marine also provides yacht brokerage and marine repair services at our slips on the Fuel Pier. [more...]
Boat, kayaks and RV rentals on San Juan Island. Rental services include boat launching and RV set up. [more...]
WESTERN PRINCE WHALE & WILDLIFE TOURS
Join us on a whale watching tour from Friday Harbor. Breathe the fresh island air, take in the scenery, and experience the magnificence of seeing Orca (Killer) Whales, Bald Eagles, Porpoises, Seals, Sea Birds and Sea Lions in their natural environment. We provide quality whale watching and wildlife tours with a personal touch. Skilled local Naturalists make our trips fun, informative and interactive, and our Owner/Captain is dedicated to making your whale watching & wildlife trip an experience of a lifetime. [more...]
Sea Kayaking tours and custom adventure tours from Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. Tours depart from the best locations in the San Juan Islands. [more...]
The San Juan County Arts Council is a 501 (c) 3 organization that works to promote and integrate the artistic resources of the county for the creative economic development, education and overall well-being of the community. Public education regarding the arts, supporting existing arts organizations and artists, and creating a complete resource for San Juan County artistic endeavors are our primary goals. [more...]
WaterWorks Galley is San Juan Island’s première gallery for contemporary artwork. Established in 1985 with the concept of showcasing artists based in the San Juan Islands and the Pacific Northwest.
The work of the gallery’s painters and sculptors reflect the unique Northwest experience. Artists and their visions evolve and change, stimulated by the changing times we live in.
Art jewelry is a new addition to the gallery. Monthly show schedule posted online. Seasonally adjusted hours. [more...]
Join us on a 2 ½ to 3 hour tour to view the Orcas and other wildlife. We take only 6 people at a time aboard our beautiful catamaran, Peregrine. Capt. Jim not only informs out guest with his experience and knowledge, he will entertain you! [more...]
Winery, vineyard, tasting room, and gift shop. Located at 3136 Roche Harbor Rd., we boast our line-up of award-winning wines including our estate Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine. Taste wine in a historic, turn-of-century tasting room; enjoy the ambiance of our grounds; small wedding chapel available. [more...]
