San Juan Island is considered one of the best places to watch birds in the state. The isle has such variety in habitat, ranging from rocky shores and saltwater lagoons to farmland and prairies, that over 200 bird species call it their home. In addition, San Juan sits in the Pacific Flyway migration route ranging all the way from Alaska to South America, making Winter birding a special treat.

San Juan Island is one of the top whale watching destinations in the world. Sometimes whales even frolic in the harbor of our little coastal town.  Other times, whales cross paths with the Washington State Ferry, the sweetest traffic delay you will ever experience. Most often, though, they are seen on the Westside of the island, where the water is very deep and full of nutrients. We islanders love them, we deeply respect them and we invite you to courteously observe the gentle giants while visiting our lovely island. Here are our tips to make your whale watching experience the most rewarding, considerate and fun:

It could be said that our Earth laughs in wildflowers.  Nowhere is this more true than in April and May on San Juan Island. Meadows, mountains, forest floors and prairies are abloom with Fairy Slippers, Fawn Lilies, Blue Camas, Indian Paintbrush, Buttercups and more, much more. You can’t pick or replant them, they won’t keep. You just have to be there, in the moment, and enjoy their sweet smells and the way they sway with the wind.  There are daffodil fields that some lovely soul planted on the prairie of American Camp and the meadows of English Camp. And wherever you go, you’ll find fresh flower stands on the roadsides, ready to adorn your hotel room or your home. Come on up and savor this precious time of the year with one of our favorite wildflower hikes on San Juan Island.

My husband and I got married on San Juan Island and decided to return for our “Wood” (fifth) anniversary to the place where it all happened. That was precisely why we chose San Juan Island as our wedding destination in the first place: a breathtakingly beautiful place, yet not so far away that it would remain a once-in-a-lifetime destination.