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San Juan Island in July: Everything a Summer Vacation Should Be
Summer has arrived on San Juan Island. The ice cream shop by the ferry beckons with dozens of flavors, while Friday Harbor is dressed in its Fourth of July finest. From whale watching and kayaking to hiking, biking, and exploring the island’s vibrant arts scene, summer offers endless opportunities for family adventure, relaxation, and fun.
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4th of July in Friday Harbor
You don't have to plan a thing. Walk to the small-town parade, Pig War picnic and community celebrations throughout the day. Enjoy the fireworks over the water from your hotel room or with a cocktail at Downrigger's waterfront deck. Stroll to the docks for live music and a bioluminescent paddle after the fireworks.
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Lighthouse Tour at the Whale Watching Park
Explore Lime Kiln State Park, one of the best places in the world to see Orcas in the wild. Check out the whale watching platforms, listen to the underwater hydrophone, tour the historic lighthouse, have a picnic and keep your camera ready.
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Family Art Days
The San Juan Islands Museum of Art offers art classes for kids and families every Saturday from noon to 2:00pm. Each class is a hands-on adventure in making, imagining, and exploring. And as always, every class is free to the community — because art is for everyone.
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Swimming
On a hot day, head to Granny's Cove in American Camp National Historical Park, one of the island's rare sandy beaches. The shallow bay heats up nicely for a rewarding dip.
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Whale Watching
Ready to head on a four-hour adventure on a zippy zodiac? Or would you prefer sitting on the viewing deck of a larger boat with a cool beverage and the wind in your hair? We'll help you find the whale watching experience that is perfect for your family when you book your stay with us.
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Lavender Festival - July 18 & 19, 2026
The Alchemy Art Center transformed the former lavender farm into a vibrant blend of art, agriculture, and community. Head out to the Alchemy Art Farm for live music, good food, vendor booths, kids activities, art and lavender products for the 25th San Juan Island Lavender Festival.
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Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour
Here in the Salish Sea, the bioluminescence is most active after hot and sunny days and is most visible during the new moon. For this reason, our friends at San Juan Outfitters offer this tour only during select times throughout the summer to maximize visibility of the glowing plankton. July is one of the best times to experience it.
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Volleyball at Jackson Beach
Just one mile from our charming Bird Rock Hotel, Jackson Beach offers a driftwood-lined shoreline, picnic areas, BBQs, and a volleyball net. BYOB (bring your own ball).
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A Day at the Museums
Visiting museums on San Juan Island is different. Start with the fabulous outdoor Historical Museum in Friday Harbor, come on Wednesdays for free, live music on the lawn.
Don't miss the Whale Museum across the street from us. It’s the only natural history museum in the nation dedicated to a species living in the wild!
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Oysters on the Water
Treat yourself to fresh oyster lunch at the gorgeous Westcott Bay Seafood Farm on Saturdays. Reservations are a must.
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Beach Cruiser Bike Tour
We here at the Bird Rock Hotel offer complimentary beach cruisers - sturdy, one-speed bicycles - for our guests to use. Go on a little ride around town or to the nearest beach and reward yourself with 75 flavors of ice cream on the waterfront.
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