The Joy of May on San Juan Island

Get away this May and treat yourself to birdsongs and baby animals, wildflower hikes and art festivals. Explore the cute coastal town of Friday Harbor on our (free for our guests) beach cruiser bikes and visit museums, wine tastings, live music and have Mother’s Day dinner on the waterfront. Get the massage you promised yourself months ago and watch the Orcas return on a sunset whale and wildlife tour. May on San Juan Island is for you!

Fresh Flowers & Two-Person Jetted Tubs

Our historic Bird Rock Hotel, a block and a half from the ferry landing, has 15 unique rooms. From incredibly affordable, simple sleeping rooms to harbor view suites with two-person jetted tubs and everything in between. Call us, we love to chat and know our cute place inside and out. Or take the virtual tour on our website and always check our Bird Rock Hotel Specials before you book your room. Order fresh flowers, champagne and locally made truffles for your room. Let us help with booking your spa appointments and whale and wildlife tours, so you can focus on the fun stuff.

Bird Rock Hotel - San Juan Island Washington - San Juan side bed

In Search of Orcas

Observing Orca whales in the wild is truly awe inspiring and San Juan Island is the place to do it. Visit Lime Kiln State Park with its historic lighthouse, picnic tables and interpretive center. The park is one of the best places to see Orcas from land on Earth. Go on a classic whale and wildlife tour just steps from our Friday Harbor Hotel and enjoy snacks and libations from your heated cabin seat or choose the adventure tour in a zippy zodiac, wrapped in cozy warm suits. Don’t miss the fantastic Whale Museum right across the street from our Bird Rock Hotel, especially if you have little ones.

Wildflowers and Baby Foxes

In May American Camp National Historical Park laughs in flowers. The prairie is carpeted with Blue Camas, Chocolate lilies, Yarrow, wild Roses and Lupines, while the baby foxes and bunnies are frolicking about and the Bald Eagles are teaching their chicks how to fly. Bring your binoculars and immerse yourself in the soundtrack of waves and wind and birdsong, while you have the driftwood beaches to yourself.

Seafood Extravaganza

Indulge in a sumptuous oyster lunch out at the beautiful Westcott Bay Seafood Farm on Saturdays. Take advantage of the First Seating at the fabulous COHO Restaurant in Friday Harbor. Dine between 5:00pm and 6:00pm and enjoy a pre-set, four-course meal for $45 per person (through May 31). Or get pampered at Duck Soup’s patio by the fire pit in the woods for an unforgettable dinner of local and foraged food and handmade cocktails.

Memorial Weekend Arts Festival

Treat yourself to the Spring Awakening Memorial Weekend Arts Festival on May 24 & 25 in downtown Friday Harbor with live music, fun kids activities and refreshing craft beverages. Among the food to look forward to is COHO’s restaurant Anniversary Barbecue Bash on Sunday, 5/25 from 1-4.