You’ll discover something new around every bend in the road on San Juan Island. Meet the largest herd of alpacas in the islands, or spend your day picnicking in fields of lavender. Visit the iconic lighthouses and learn about the rich maritime history of the San Juans. Variety, beauty, serenity ... day after amazing day.
Considering a day trip? Use this itinerary to find the must-visit stops for your day of exploring!
Let us acknowledge that we reside on the ancestral lands and waters of the Coast Salish people who have called this place home since time immemorial and let us honor inherent, aboriginal, and treaty rights that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Friday Harbor is also home to a large marina. Spend time walking the docks, buying fresh seafood, or looking for Popeye the harbor seal. From the marina, you can take a number of tours and trips. Hop in a kayak or go out on a whale and wildlife watching tour to see the spectacular creatures that call the islands home. If you're looking for more outdoor adventures, spend the day hiking or biking through the island's many trails and scenic routes.
When you are ready to venture out of Friday Harbor, the Scenic Byway routes (North, South and West) take you through rolling farmlands, along stunning coastlines, and past some of the main attractions on San Juan Island, such as Cattle Point Lighthouse, American Camp, Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse, English Camp, San Juan Vineyards and more. Follow the signs for a truly beautiful adventure!
When you travel San Juan 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 1859-1872 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.
At historic Roche Harbor 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. Take a cycling or driving tour of the north side of the island.
The resort’s centerpiece, the Hotel de Haro, has stood since 1886, when what was a sleepy Hudson Bay Company 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 San Juan Islands Sculpture Park—more than 125 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 Shellfish Company, home of the world-famous oysters. You can also visit the Westcott Bay Cider and San Juan Island Distillery, near Roche Harbor.
