How to Plan the Perfect Family Holiday Adventure on San Juan Island

Treat yourself to the holidays on San Juan Island this year. Bring the family to our cozy Bird Rock Hotel in downtown Friday Harbor, just steps away from restaurants, shops and museums. Run more like an AirB&B, our hotel offers all the comforts of a boutique stay, including concierge services and in-room treats, or privacy if you prefer. Our 15 unique rooms and suites range from comfy sleeping rooms with shared baths to luxury suites with harbor view and jetted tubs. There's a perfect room for everyone in your clan. Don’t forget to take advantage of our lodging specials before you book.

Kid Magic - Old Fashioned Holidays

Friday Harbor’s Tree Lighting ceremony is so endearing. Bundle up and come on down to Memorial Park on the first Friday in December. Every shop, restaurant and museum in town has their Christmas lights shining. Santa lights our village Christmas tree by the water while we carol away, sip hot cocoa and cider. Shops are open late. This is how we ring in the season. Don’t miss it.

Holiday Shopping

Imagine Holiday Shopping without ever stepping foot into a mall. Meander small, local shops, art galleries, maker’s markets, the Winter Farmers Market in our beautiful coastal town and take plenty if restful dessert and cocktail breaks.

Wildlife Hike

Visit vast American Camp National Historical Park on the south end of the isle for breathtaking views, rewarding wildlife watching and great beach & prairie hikes. Look for foxes, otters, Bald Eagles and Snowy Owls hunting on the prairie. Find the best birding and a sea lion colony at Cattle Point Lighthouse. Keep your eyes out for Orcas, views of Mt Baker and even Mt Rainier in the far distance.

Holiday Dining

Plan on COHO Restaurant for your holiday dinner. Open on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, COHO treats to set, 5-course meals of local, organic, seasonal delights, an extensive wine list and handmade cocktails. COHO is open Thursday through Sundays in Winter. Make your reservation early.

Art & Coffee & Wine

Tiny Friday Harbor offers three museums, five coffee shops, six wine bars, nine galleries , and more than ten restaurants within walking distance to our hotel, plus self-guided historic tours, outdoor art, poetry gardens by the waterfront and the cutest shops.