Explore

Explore San Juan Island

Let your island adventure begin here.

San Juan Island, located in Washington State’s scenic San Juan Islands archipelago near the Canadian border, is a true Pacific Northwest treasure. Just 65 miles north of Seattle and Vancouver, it feels a world apart—peaceful, breathtaking, and deeply connected to nature, art, and small-town island life.

Thanks to its location in the Olympic rain shadow, San Juan Island enjoys nearly 250 days of sunshine each year and about half the annual rainfall of nearby Seattle. That makes it a wonderful year-round destination, especially when the mainland skies are gray.

How to Get Here

Getting to San Juan Island is part of the adventure. Whether you arrive by ferry, plane, or private boat, the journey is scenic and memorable—and we’re always happy to help you plan the easiest route.

San Juan Outdoors - 3-hour Kayak Tour Friday Harbor

What to Do

Whale watching, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing, gallery-hopping, farm tours, outdoor adventure, and local culture are woven into everyday life on San Juan Island. Let us help you plan a day that fits your pace, whether that’s active, relaxed, or a little of both.

Where to Eat

With more than two dozen restaurants, cafés, and wine bars within three walkable blocks of Bird Rock Hotel in downtown Friday Harbor, you’ll find something delicious around every corner—from Northwest casual to date-night perfect.

Our Team Is Here for You

The heart of Bird Rock Hotel is our people—a caring team committed to making your stay easy, enjoyable, and uniquely local.

While our front desk team operates from our nearby sister property, Earthbox Inn & Spa, we’re always just a call, text, or email away. Our housekeepers are onsite daily, we perform regular room checks, and a night manager is on the property to ensure everything runs smoothly after hours.

Whether you need dinner recommendations, help planning activities, a room request—or just want to say hello—we’re here for you: cheerfully, promptly, and consistently.

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San Juan Island, Washington, by Thomas Ashcraft

5 Spectacular Places on San Juan Island You Didn’t Know Existed

We here at the Bird Rock Hotel have found a few of special and off-the-beaten-path places for you to explore on your next island getaway. Have so much fun!

10 Tips for an Unforgettable San Juan Island Honeymoon

Whether you want to get away from it all or be entertained and awed every minute of your trip, you’ll find it here, on beautiful San Juan Island.

The 3 Best Places to see Orca Whales from Land on San Juan Island

There is something special about seeing Orcas from land. You can hear them breach, breath and sing and if you aren’t already, this will be the moment you fall in love with them forever. San Juan Island offers some of the best whale watching in the world.