Escape the Heat on your August Getaway to San Juan Island

Surrounded by the brisk Salish Sea, temperate San Juan Island with its cool nights is the place to be in August. Come chill on a guided whale watching tour with the wind in your hair and a cool beverage in hand. Have sunset dinner on the waterfront before meandering through walkable Friday Harbor and listen to the free, live music all over town. Plan your vacation around one of August’s unique events and treat your family to island time.

Summer Arts Festival – August 9-10, 2025

Explore the isle’s arts and crafts at the Summer Art Festival in the heart of Friday Harbor. Come join for live music and community fun. Support local artists and enjoy a refreshing craft beverage. Save room for scrumptious treats and bring the kiddos along.

Junior Marine Scientist Camp at the Whale Museum, August 7-10, 2025

Are your little ones obsessed with all things Orcas? Send the kids to Summer Whale camp, with a sleepover in the museum on the last night.

San Juan County Fair - August 14 -17, 2025

Visit this festive, small town fair, complete with 4-H animals, a vast and delicious food court, carnival rides, arts and crafts booths and live music going late into the night – all in walking distance to our hotel.

Theater under the Stars July 24-August 17, 2025

Renowned Island Stage Left presents “The Drawer Boy” by Michael Healey this Summer. The Drawer Boy is about the power of storytelling in creating and interpreting reality and how it can transform lives. Thursdays through Sundays at 8:00pm at the Island Stage Left outdoor stage on Wold Road. Admission is FREE! Donations appreciated. Bring a blanket & dress warmly! No latecomers, please.

Swimming at Granny’s Cove

Beautiful Granny’s Cove (aka Grandma’s Cove) in American Camp National Park is one of the very few sandy beaches on San Juan Island. The tiny cove is protected and shallow. On hot days the water warms up enough to go for a dip (even if you are over eight years old).

Pool & Spa Day

Take care of your body and indulge in a pool & spa day at the cute Spa at Earthbox at our sister hotel. Treat yourself to a massage or facial and get a pool pass for the day (available for the day of your treatments).

Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

Here in the Salish Sea, the bioluminescence is most active after hot and sunny days and is most visible during the new moon. For this reason, our friends at San Juan Outfitters only offer this tour during select times throughout the summer to maximize visibility of the glowing plankton. Let us reserve a spot for your family right when you book your room with us here at the Bird Rock Hotel.