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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San Juan Island in the Fall
Guest Blog Lisette Wolter McKinley – Traveling in the off season to San Juan Island

A weekend getaway to San Juan Island, with its breathtaking nature, astonishing wildlife and rich culture, always feels like a world away. Even more so...

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Feet in the Water on San Juan Island
Secret Season Getaway to San Juan Island

We had a tumultuous Summer, my husband and I--involving teenaged kids, aging grandparents, a health scare, several moves. Events which challenged the way we think...

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Pelindaba Lavender Farm on San Juan Island
3 Most Unusual Farms to Tour on San Juan Island

What do freshly shucked oysters, Madrona-infused Brandy and lavender massage oil have in common? They are all sustainably grown and lovingly made on San Juan...

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A Wedding at the Bird Rock Hotel

We here at the Bird Rock Hotel love people in love. We love putting little notes in our guest’s rooms when there is an anniversary...

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San Juan
7 Not-to-be-Missed, Late Summer Things to Do on San Juan Island!

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...

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Christmas on South Beach, San Juan Island, Washington
Christmas Day on San Juan Island

As awesome as Christmas can be, it can also be a challenging holiday for many of us with the stress of holiday shopping and visiting...

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Christopher S. Teren Lighthouse
5 Awesome Places to Get Married on San Juan Island

Getting married on San Juan Island is one of those things which keeps on giving.

A lifetime of memories, an easy, absolutely gorgeous place to...

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 Reasons I'm in Love with San Juan Island
5 Reasons why I’m in Love with San Juan Island

I consider San Juan Island my home away from home. When I board the ferry to Friday Harbor, all my worries melt away. As soon...

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5 Worst Planning Mistakes when visiting San Juan Island (and how to avoid them)

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...

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