There is something special about seeing Orcas from land. You can hear them breach, breath and sing and if you aren’t already, this will be the moment you fall in love with them forever. San Juan Island offers some of the best whale watching in the world.
The most fantastic and comprehensive way to experience San Juan Island for the first (or fiftieth) time is driving or biking the Washington’s Scenic Byway route. Explore breathtaking beaches, National Historical Parks, unique farms and world class art and find your favorite spot on our little slice of paradise. Here’s a guided tour to keep you going for a full weekend.
Residents of other islands in the San Juan Islands archipelago call Friday Harbor lovingly and with a little wink, “sin city”. You might think: nights lit like daylight while people dance half naked in the street and exclamations of the “what happens here stays here” kind. Rest assured, it simply refers to the fact that we have more than one bar.
There is nothing like a picnic on the beach overlooking the Salish Sea with only Orca whales and Bald Eagles watching. San Juan Island’s astonishing beauty offers breathtaking places to stop and have a snack. Let me share my favorite picnic spots with you, along with some tips on what to bring and where to get it.
On June 30, 2019, San Juan Island’s most recognizable icon, the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, turns 100 years old. It was one of the last lighthouses being built in Washington State, the last to be connected to electricity in 1951 and it’s still in operation today, sending its light beam 17 miles over the Salish Sea every 10 seconds.
Summer is almost over! Did you make yours count? There is something special about visiting San Juan Island in late Summer, going on the last whale watch tour of the season, shucking your own oysters on the beach before the Seafood Farm closes for the Winter, experiencing the abundance of late Summer at the Farmer’s Market and going for that once a year swim in the mighty Pacific Ocean.
Visiting beautiful San Juan Island with its stunning wildlife, breathtaking nature, rich history and culture is the most relaxing, awe-inspiring and rejuvenating experience. Planning such a getaway can be a little intimidating, especially when you haven’t been to the island before and ferry travel is involved. But don’t worry, we’ll give you the insiders scoop. Here are the most common mistakes when planning a trip to San Juan and how to avoid them.
The 35 year old Westcott Bay Shellfish Company in the north of San Juan Island, once served their tasty bivalves all over the country. Over the years, the farm declined and was eventually put up for sale as a home site.
My husband and I travel well together. We are very active, outdoorsy people, but also like to learn about the history and culture of the places we visit. We love San Juan Island because it has it all: rich history, astonishing nature, and world-class art
My Dad was born in Seattle. He grew up here and enthusiastically does all the outdoorsy things you are supposed to do as a Washingtonian, hiking, skiing, camping, fishing. He wears shorts in January and doesn’t own an umbrella. He loves the ocean and us three kids and, until very recently, he had never seen an Orca whale from up close.
