Fun Facts About The San Juans
Check out these interesting facts about the San Juan Islands:
- There are no traffic lights anywhere in the islands. People hardly even honk
- Just a 30-minute seaplane flight from Seattle or a scenic ride on a Washington State Ferry
- In summer, passenger ferries connect Bellingham, Port Townsend, and Seattle with the Islands
- New National Monument Status (1,000 acres) – 2013
- Orcas Island was named by a Spanish explorer for his expedition’s sponsor, Viceroy Juan Vicente Guemes de Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo. Just coincidence that it’s also habitat for orca whales!
- 4 iconic lighthouses on public lands; three open to the public in summer.
- Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry system in the U.S and also connects the Islands to Canada
- San Juan County has more marine shoreline than any other county in the country (408 miles)
- San Juan County is the first county in the country to ban Jet Skis
- San Juan County is considered an “Arts Hot Spot” by the Washington State Arts Commission
- San Juan County is the first county in the U.S. designated as a voluntary “Leave No Trace” area
- Friday Harbor, San Juan Island: National Trust for Historic Preservation Destination of Distinction
- World-renowned for shore-based orca whale watching and sea kayaking in the heart of the Salish Sea
- San Juan County residents are highly ranked nationally and statewide for quality of life, longevity, and physical and mental health, according to recent national studies
- Roche Harbor’s business license pre-dates Washington statehood. The company, in continuous business since 1886, is now a destination resort offering a spa and five lodging choices—from historic to luxury
- The “Gourmet Archipelago,” has four shellfish farms, three vineyards, three breweries, one cidery/distillery, and six tasting rooms featuring local and Northwest wines, local beers and locally distilled spirits. Enjoy farm feasts and festivals, in a thriving culinary arts scene
- San Juan Island National Historical Park commemorates peace over war during the “Pig War” crisis—the last time the U.S. and Great Britain were engaged in a territorial dispute
- An ordinance banning Styrofoam take-out containers was passed in 2010, followed by a ban on single-use plastic bags in 2016.
