May Magic on San Juan Island

Come outside in May on San Juan Island, where whale watching, kayaking and wildflower hikes are in full swing. Spring markets, art events, and wine tastings make it the perfect time to plan a Mother’s Day outing or a spontaneous island escape.

Guided Whale Watching and Kayaking Tours

San Juan Island is one of the best places in the world to see orcas in the wild. Spring tours come with an extra dose of magic: baby wildlife everywhere. Watch eagle chicks learning to fly, humpbacks returning from Hawaii with their calves, seal pups basking on the rocks, and fox kits rolling around in the prairie fields.

Spa Day

Treat yourself to a Spring massage and facial at the cute Spa at Earthbox. Their natural skincare lines are perfect for the season and leave you feeling refreshed, restored, and glowing.

UW Labs Open House

Visit the cool Friday Harbor Labs, the University of Washington’s renowned marine biology field station, during their Open House on May 2. Explore marine life up close, enjoy dive demos and lectures, live music, food, and hands-on activities for all ages—all right on the waterfront.

Wildflower & History Hike

May is History Month on San Juan Island. Visit the fabulous interpretive center at American Camp National Historical Park to learn about the island's rich and vibrant Coast Salish and colonial history. Meander the prairie, alive with wildflowers, baby foxes and raptors, and picnic at one of the many, lonesome driftwood beaches to look for Orcas.

Farmers Market and Island Kids Maker Fair

Start your morning with still-warm pastries and coffee while listening to live music, then browse unique, island-made foods, art and jewelry, while the kids learn about bugs from the Conservation District at the lovely Saturday farmers market.

Don’t miss the Island Kids Maker Fair on Friday, May 8, for the sweetest handmade gifts.

Farm-to-Table Dinner in the Woods

In the sylvan heart of San Juan Island, overlooking a serene pond, in a cedar-shingled house, overgrown with grape vines, find the Duck Soup, where your supper is grown in the garden and foraged from the forest right from the surrounding lands. Everything here is local, made from scratch, expertly-curated and gorgeously presented. On a balmy evening, enjoy the outdoor dining area complete with a firepit.

Planning your stay? Explore rooms at Bird Rock Hotel in Friday Harbor.