A Nature Lover’s Guide to a Romantic Weekend on San Juan Island

For those of you, who believe there is no bad weather, only inadequate clothing, who have picnics on the beach year-round, who randomly shout out plant and bird names on hikes and are only truly happy with wind in their hair and mud on their boots, this guide to a romantic weekend on San Juan Island is for you.

Beach Bonfire & Grilled Oysters

Order a dozen large grillers or another oyster of your choice from the Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm online. Pick them up at their beautiful farm and head to South Beach, San Juan Island’s longest, wildest beach at American Camp National Park. Make a roaring bonfire in one of the fire rings overlooking the water. Slurp grilled oysters while watching the sea lions and otters play.

Raptor Watching on Mount Young

18 different kind of raptors call San Juan Island their home. Head to English Camp National Park and follow the signs to the Mt Young trailhead. The climb is steep, but only a mile and a half long. The view on top is astonishing. Watch for Bald Eagles riding the thermals, Osprey, Great horned owls and other bird of prey.

Birding with San Juan Safaris, San Juan Island, Washington

Sunset Picnic at the Whale Watching Park

The waters around the steep cliffs at Lime Kiln State Park are so very deep that the Orcas come right to the shore to feed. Explore the lovely trails and interpretive walks, the whale watching platforms and the historic lighthouse and have a sunset picnic listening to the waves and maybe an orca singing.

Birding at Cattle Point Lighthouse

Hike the prairie and hidden beaches on the south end of San Juan Island. Bring your binoculars and gaze at virtually all American water fowl, Harlequin Ducks, Black Oyster Catchers, Wandering Tattlers, Surfbirds, to name a few, and twelve different kind of gulls.

The islands lie within the Pacific Coast Flyaway, which extends from Alaska to South America, making it a popular stop for migratory birds, like the majestic Trumpeter Swan, who spends our temperate winters with us.

Art Walk

Stroll through the 20-acre, deeply inspiring , interactive San Juan Islands Sculpture Park on the north end of the isle. Meander through the forest, along Westcott Bay and around a lake while putting your wish for this year into a Tibetan wishing urn, writing your name on a Friendship Totem and making magnificent sounds at the Sound henge sculpture.