There is a simple reason why the San Juan Islands have remained jewels of the Pacific Northwest while nearby Islands struggle with over-development. The main means of transportation upon which both locals and visitors rely are ferries, boats and planes. Ease of arrival and splendid isolation have struck a beautiful balance in the San Juans. In San Juan County, there is not one single traffic light or roadside billboard.

The Washington State Ferries run the salt-water highways between the mainland and Lopez, Orcas, San Juan and Shaw Islands. A seasonal international ferry continues from Friday Harbor to Sidney, British Columbia, the gateway to Victoria.

You only pay for westbound trips on the ferry system. All eastbound traffic is without charge, so your journey from Friday Harbor back to Anacortes is on the house. In addition to the big WSF boats, there are smaller passenger-only ferries coming to the islands from many mainland ports.

Both scheduled and chartered air services do a brisk business bringing visitors to the islands from the mainland. Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands have regularly scheduled flights to and from Seattle, Anacortes and Bellingham. If you choose, a floatplane will drop you off at your boat or a friend's dock.

Temperate climate attracts visitors year around.

According to weather experts, the San Juans enjoy 247 days of sunshine per year and get about half of Seattle's rainfall. Spring and fall are particularly delightful in the San Juans. Savvy travelers know that most visitors follow the school schedule. Those able to arrive before Memorial Day or after Labor Day find many islands' accommodations offering great rates, while hamlets and villages host special events and festivals.

Spring and fall are particularly good times to enjoy farm tours, explore each island's farmers' markets, or take advantage of an exceptional opportunity to experience our hiking, biking, sea kayaking and whale/wildlife viewing adventures.

Summer in the San Juans is a concept that needs no further explanation. Even though our islands are world famous for summertime delights, it is still easy to find moments of quiet and tranquility. A kayak tour of hidden bays, a morning walk on Mount Young or along the beach at American Camp. The spectacular view from Mount Constitution on Orcas Island, complete with picnic basket. A quiet bicycle ride on friendly Lopez Island.

It only takes a little research and planning to find your own magically private San Juan Islands experience, even in mid-summer.

In winter, the San Juans have a special charm. For birders, it is a time of wonder. The San Juans are the winter home for a number of northern species like the Trumpeter Swan and Rough-legged Hawk, birds you would have to go north of the Arctic Circle to see in spring.

Scuba diving is at its best during the winter. Most visitors' favorite activities are browsing through our boutiques and art galleries, beachcombing, relaxation and rejuvenation while gazing out over our blue seas and emerald islands.