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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South Beach - San Juan Island, Washington
How to Plan a San Juan Holiday Getaway

Late fall and winter are marvelous times to visit San Juan Island. The Olympic Rain Shadow graces the island with crystal clear, sunny days while...

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San Juan Island’s Westcott Bay Shellfish Co
San Juan Island’s Westcott Bay Shellfis

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...

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Fall on San Juan Island, Washington
My Favorite Savor the San Juans Events

October is a lovely month in the San Juans. Long sunny Fall days give way to crisp, starry nights. Our hard working island farmers harvest...

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South Beach - San Juan Island, Washington
10 Favorite Ways to Treat Yourself on your San Juan Island Vacation

Do you sometimes feel you need a vacation when you come home from a trip? Do you long for a little alone time or not...

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Beautiful North Shore San Juan Island
The Perfect Day on San Juan Island

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...

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Vacation for my Soul - Bicycling San Juan Island

Regardless of whether I’m in a relationship or single, I take at least a weekend trip by myself every year. It gives me room to...

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San Juan Safaris San Juan Outdoors Whale Watching
Whale Watching for Father's Day

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...

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San Juan Vineyards
San Juan Island Showcase - San Juan Vineyards

A lovely three-mile ride from the Bird Rock Hotel, through farm valleys, by majestic Gary oaks, you’ll find the destination winery & historic tasting room...

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Lime Kiln Lighthouse - San Juan Island
A Weekend at Bird Rock Hotel - Guest Blog

This week, we're honored to direct you to a guest blog written by Lisette Wolter-McKinley who spent and wrote "A Weekend at Bird Rock Hotel"...

Bird Rock Hotel Washington