The Bird Rock Blog

Thoughtful travel guides, seasonal stories, and island life—one month at a time.

Updated monthly, our blog offers insider tips, curated experiences, and local stories to help you make the most of your time on San Juan Island. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, dreaming of next season, or just want a deeper sense of what island life feels like, you’ll find it here.

Explore our most recent posts below—each written with care, curiosity, and a local’s eye.

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Lighthouse
8 New Year’s Goals from San Juan Island that May Change Your Life

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. We’ve all heard the statistics. Not the ones about elephant consumption, but the ones...

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Friday Harbor, Washington
Your Guide to Island-made Holiday Shopping in Friday Harbor

Nothing is easier and more fun than stress-free Holiday shopping in a small coastal town on a relaxing island weekend getaway. Our Bird Rock Hotel...

Thankful on San Juan Island

With Thanksgiving just around the corner gratitude is on our minds. Research has shown, that simply thinking about gratitude reduces stress levels and depression and...

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Ghost o RH
The Ghosts of Friday Harbor

It’s that time of the year, when the veil between the living and the spirits is said to be the thinnest, when we light fires...

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BR Blog - How to Savor SJ (night ferry)1.jpeg
How to Best Savor the San Juans

If you have ever lived in a place with seasonal tourism you’ll know: the exhale after the high season is over, the giddiness of the...

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Friday Harbor, Washington
Car-free on San Juan Island

Visiting San Juan Island without a car has many advantages, especially in Summer, when the ferries are full and car reservations are sometimes unavailable when...

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Lime Kiln Lighthouse Centennial Celebration
Lime Kiln Lighthouse Centennial Celebration

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...

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Evening Ferry Arriving in Friday Harbor
9 Ways to Enjoy the Arts on San Juan Island

The breathtaking natural beauty and serene pace on San Juan Island are deeply inspiring. No wonder the island has more working artists than any other...

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How to Plan an Unforgettable Baby Moon to San Juan Island
7 Tips on How to Plan an Unforgettable Baby Moon to San Juan Island

You’ve made it through the first three months and are starting to feeling good again. You’ve decorated the nursery and the baby shower is on...

Bird Rock Hotel Washington