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 the Gateway to San Juan Island

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.

Friday Harbor

Historic and just one square mile in size, Friday Harbor is the very walkable hub of San Juan Island. 

Explore the Town

Drive the Scenic Byway to Roche Harbor and back

When you are ready to venture out of Friday Harbor, the Scenic Byway routes (NorthSouth 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 LighthouseAmerican CampLime Kiln Point LighthouseEnglish CampSan Juan Vineyards and more. Follow the signs for a truly beautiful adventure!

Scenic Byway

The Scenic Byway is the perfect route to explore the island. Enjoy breath-taking scenery, country roads, and plenty of interesting stops!

Follow the Route

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: Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm in the middle of the 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.

Fall Exhibits Feat. Alan Magee, Stewart Luckman & Karey Kessler.
Sunday, Oct 13, 2024
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
San Juan Islands Museum of Art  540 Spring St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Occurs: Every week on Sunday Monday, Friday, Saturday, until December 02, 2024
SJCT presents 'Our Town'
Sunday, Oct 13, 2024
Thu/Fri/Sat @ 7:30 pm, Sun @ 2:00 pm
San Juan Community Theatre  100 Second Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Occurs: Every week on Sunday Thursday, Friday, Saturday, until October 20, 2024
Alchemy Art Center: Figure Drawing Nights
Thursday, Oct 17, 2024
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Alchemy Art Center  1255 Wold Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Occurs: The Third Thursday of every 1 month(s) until December 19, 2024
View All Events
Friday Harbor
Roche Harbor
Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm
English Camp, San Juan Island National Historical Park
Lime Kiln Point State Park & Lighthouse
American Camp, San Juan Island National Historical Park
Cattle Point Lighthouse
Contact Us:
San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
info@visitsanjuans.com
1-888-468-3701 | (360) 378-9551
P.O. Box 1330, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
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