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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Aniversary gettaway
Anniversary Getaway San Juan Island

My husband and I got married on San Juan Island and decided to return for our “Wood” (fifth) anniversary to the place where it all happened...

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Farms
5 Truly Extraordinary Farms to Visit on San Juan Island

With our lush valleys and temperate climate, it’s no wonder that agriculture is San Juan Island’s second largest industry. We are so grateful for that...

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Family vacation
Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary – Spring on San Juan Island - Guest Blog by Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Lisette and her adorable family (soon to be plus one) visit San Juan Island every year. They created this lovely tradition for their cute son...

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Bird Rock Hotel - Patio
Why to Always Book Direct when Making a Hotel Reservation

Remember when you used to look for a hotel on the internet and the search result was just that hotel, not some third-party booking agency...

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Sunset
Wellness Weekend San Juan Island

The slower pace and peace of Winter on San Juan Island lend itself perfectly to an island getaway with a focus on rejuvenating your body...

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San Juan Island, Washington
5 Easy Steps to Eloping on San Juan Island

Eloping used to strictly mean running away to get married in secret, especially without parental consent, evoking images of fair maidens being swept onto galloping...

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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...

Bird Rock Hotel Washington