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.

I cherish the fact we have seasons in our gorgeous Washington State. I love the deep blues of the sky and the Salish Sea when the sun shines. I love the rain, washing everything clean and keeping our place green and lush, even in the height and heat of Summer. I love the cold snaps, giving the apple blossoms their signal to emerge and making the wine grapes sweet. And I love the Fall, the abundance of harvest, the clean, crisp air, the colors.

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.