The San Juan Islands, just north of the Olympic Peninsula, consist of over 400 pristine islands left over from what geologists say is a sinking continental mass. Today the islands are popular with lovers of land or water activities, or want a quick romantic getaway from the nearby cities. Nestled between the snow-capped Olympic Mountain Range and the Cascade Mountain Range, the Islands are perfect for whale-watching, fishing and boating, and many species of animals can be seen in this wild natural habitat.
As the center of island activity, San Juan Island is home to more whale-watching and sea-kayaking companies than any of the other islands. In addition to spectacular views, San Juan is the only place on the islands where you can reliably see orca whales from shore. At the Whale Museum, you can see whale skeletons and models of whales and learn all about the area's pods of orcas (also known as killer whales). You can take day tours and cruises, charter boats or fishing vessels, rent sea kayaks and mopeds, or enjoy several days on a specific tour in this dream-like natural habitat with its beautiful mountains and ample opportunity to see wildlife. San Juan's well-protected, large marina in it's main town, Friday Harbor, is one of the most popular places in the islands to charter a boat or to drop anchor.
Friday Harbor is the only real town on the islands. Take a walk around town to admire the simple wood-frame shop buildings constructed in the early 20th century or visit tourist-oriented shops selling books, wine, antiques, souvenirs, toys and a number of art galleries. You'll find fine art and contemporary crafts by local, regional and Native American artists. Friday Harbor is also home to many restaurants, motels, and B&Bs, as well as grocery and hardware stores. There are also campgrounds and lots of vacation rentals available.
San Juan Islands has a lot of history, so a visit to the San Juan Historical Museum is worth it, besides the fact that the museum is housed in an 1894 farmhouse. There are also several other historic buildings on the museum grounds.
On the pier that serves as the dock for passenger ferries, you can visit Spring Street Landing Aquarium, a modest tank full of local denizens of the deep. Also keep an eye out for wildlife here. To see fish and whales in their natural habitat, go scuba diving. The sport is very popular, but be warned that the crystal-clear water is freezing year round. Salmon-fishing is also very popular in San Juan Island's waters.
To see whales from land, head over to Lime Kiln State Park, where a short trail leads down to a rocky coastline from which orca whales, minke whales, dall's porpoises, and sea lions can sometimes be seen. The best months to see orcas are June through September, but it's possible to see them throughout the year. On either side of the state park are Deadman Bay Nature Preserve and Lime Kiln Nature Preserve. Between the state park and two preserves there are more than 3 miles of hiking trails, which makes this the best hiking spot on the island.
At Fairweather Park you'll find artist Susan Point's traditional Northwest Coast Indian house post sculpture. The totem pole-like sculpture represents the human-animal relationship and the marine ecosystem.
Most of the island's main attractions can be seen on a long loop drive around the perimeter of San Juan. You'll find the San Juan Vineyards which makes wines both from grapes grown off the island and from its own estate-grown Siegerrebbe and Madeline Angevine grapes. The tasting room is housed in an old schoolhouse built in 1896. A little farther north, you'll come to Roche Harbor Village, where many of the quarries' old structures are still visible, giving this area a decaying industrial look. In the middle of all the abandoned machinery stands the historic Hotel de Haro, a simple whitewashed wooden building with verandas across its two floors. Stop to admire the old-fashioned marina and colorful gardens; the deck of the hotel's lounge is one of the best places on the island to linger over a drink. In an old pasture on the edge of the property, you'll find the Westcott Bay Sculpture Park & Nature Reserve, a sculpture park that includes more than 100 works of art set in grassy fields along the shores of a small pond. Back in the woods near the hotel is a mausoleum, which was erected by the founder of the quarries and the Hotel de Haro.
Farther south is the English Camp unit of San Juan Island National Historical Park, commemorating the San Juan Island Pig War of 1859, one of North America's most unusual and least-remembered wars. At the far south end of the island is the wind-swept promontory on which American Camp stood during the Pig War. Hiking trails here lead along the bluffs and down to the sea. Continuing past American Camp will bring you to Cattle Point, which has a lighthouse, rock outcrops, two tiny beaches, great views of Lopez Island, interpretive signs, and a few picnic tables that make this a lovely spot for lunch. Cattle Point is also a good destination for a bike ride from Friday Harbor. Hike the 1.25-mile trail to the top of 650-foot Mount Young for a beautiful panoramic view. There's also an easier 1-mile shoreline-hugging hike out to the end of Bell Point.
Pelindaba Lavender Farms has around 5 acres of lavender plants, including a cutting field where you can cut your own lavender stems. At the Lavender Day Spa you can get a massage or other skin or body treatment. The farm has a Lavender Harvest Festival each year in mid-July.
San Juan Golf & Country Club features 18 holes as well as a driving range, practice greens, and hand and power carts. PGA golf professionals are available for individual and group lessons. In addition to a fully-stocked pro shop you can feel like a million bucks dining in the restaurant & lounge that has country club cuisine with a view of the golf course, bay and Mt. Baker. There are also two tennis courts on the country club grounds.
Getting to the San Juan Islands is part of the fun of being here! Fly directly from Seattle via seaplane, or drive an hour and a half north of Seattle to the ferry terminal in Anacortes (or south from Vancouver, B.C.) and board a Washington State Ferry (WSF). If you plan to arrive by WSF, make sure to get your car in the ferry line at least one hour ahead of sailing during fall, winter and spring, and two or more hours ahead during summer and holidays.
Once you are on the islands, you can travel between Lopez, Orcas, San Juan and Shaw via WSF. There is a fee for vehicles and drivers traveling west-bound only; there is no charge for walk-ons or bicycles. Walk on the ferry and enjoy a free cruise around the islands.