San Juan Islands – A Unique Tourist Attraction in Washington State
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From world–class museums, gardens, galleries and outdoor destinations, the San Juan Islands offers the most unique opportunities for sightseeing in the Pacific North Coast. Enjoy the diverse shops, galleries, marinas, restaurants and charming waterfront hamlets of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Lopez Village on Lopez Island, and Eastbound on Orcas Island, where most of the action happens.
San Juan Islands Spirit & Scenery. The San Juan Archipelago, which includes the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, comprises 700 islands, islets and reefs off the coast of Washington State and Vancouver, Canada. Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, the Island terrain varies from flat farmland to rising mountains. Below the sea's surface, channels plunge to depths of 1,000 feet.The San Juan Island's 15,500 residents – actors, alpaca ranchers, artisans, farmers, fishermen, loggers, movie producers, pilots, shopkeepers and writers – add to the islands' unique character and personality.
San Juan Island National Historic Park. Created in 1966 on an idea that individuals and nations can solve their problems peacefully, San Juan Island National Park is an historic and cultural landmark on San Juan Island, Washington. Orca whales and bald eagles abound here, as well as 200 species of birds navigating the Pacific flyway.
San Juan Islands National Park is an excellent place to hike, bike, picnic, play on the beach, experience wildlife and enjoy summer living history events, nature walks and evening programs at the San Juan Community Theatre & Art Centre.
Lime Kiln Point State Park, San Juan Island. Lime Kiln Point State Park, known as Whale Watch Park, is the only park dedicated to whale watching in the world! Located 9 miles west of Friday Harbor on the west side of San Juan Island, the park is 36 acres, with 2,550 feet of waterfront.
Lime Kiln Point is considered one of the best places in the world to view whales from a land–based facility. Orca whales are common in the waters off Lime Kiln. The park features a diverse environment along the rocky shoreline and wooded uplands. [Top]
San Juan Islands National Park is an excellent place to hike, bike, picnic, play on the beach, experience wildlife and enjoy summer living history events, nature walks and evening programs at the San Juan Community Theatre & Art Centre.
Lime Kiln Point State Park, San Juan Island. Lime Kiln Point State Park, known as Whale Watch Park, is the only park dedicated to whale watching in the world! Located 9 miles west of Friday Harbor on the west side of San Juan Island, the park is 36 acres, with 2,550 feet of waterfront.
Lime Kiln Point is considered one of the best places in the world to view whales from a land–based facility. Orca whales are common in the waters off Lime Kiln. The park features a diverse environment along the rocky shoreline and wooded uplands. [Top]
Westcott Bay Institute/Westcott Bay Reserve, San Juan Island. The Westcott Bay Reserve is a 19–acre microcosm of the San Juan ecology with forests, meadows, freshwater wetlands, saltwater wetlands, and rocky outcroppings. Trails are interspersed with interpretative displays about nature and a rotating exhibit of 100 sculptures, creating an outdoor museum.Sculptures include works in bronze, stone, wood, metal, glass and ceramic by noted artists from the Pacific Northwest. The Island Museum of Art at Westcott Bay features art from local and regional artists. The Westcott Bay Institute offers educational experiences in art and nature studies, weekend workshops, and four–day classes in the art of the San Juans.
Jackson's Beach at Friday Harbor. Away from it all, yet close enough to walk or ride a bike – 2 miles from the ferry landing – Jackson's Beach is a quiet place for a picnic, beachcombing or a relaxing stroll at the water's edge. A boat launch sports a 2–sided paved float. Play volleyball on the sand beach court or walk east 1/8 mile to investigate the old gravel pit tug and barge dock. [Top]
Moran State Park/Mt. Constitution, Orcas Island. Moran State Park on Orcas Island is a 5,252–acre camping park with five freshwater lakes and over 30 miles of scenic hiking trails. Atop the 2,409–foot–high Mt. Constitution, the highest point on the San Juan Islands, stands a stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps that offers panoramic views of the islands, the Cascade Mountains and Canadian and American cities.
San Juan County Parks. San Juan County Parks provide a beautiful, shoreline park system in ferry–served San Juan Islands. The campgrounds on San Juan, Lopez and Shaw Islands offer waterfront campsites and scenic views for unique "island" experiences. [Top]
San Juan County Parks. San Juan County Parks provide a beautiful, shoreline park system in ferry–served San Juan Islands. The campgrounds on San Juan, Lopez and Shaw Islands offer waterfront campsites and scenic views for unique "island" experiences. [Top]
Spencer Spit State Park, Lopez Island. Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island is a 138–acre marine and camping park named for the lagoon–enclosing sand spit on which it rests. Enjoy two miles of scenic hiking trails and picnic tables. The park has a reputation for excellent crabbing, clamming and car–top boating. This is one of the few state parks in the San Juan Islands accessible by automobile.Washington State Marine Parks. The marine parks of Blind, Clark, Doe, James, Jones, Matia, Patos, Posey, Stuart, Sucia and Turn are accessible by private or chartered boat. All have campsites and mooring buoys, and some have docks. Fresh water is limited, so bring a supply. [Top]
San Juan Islands Museums
San Juan Historical Museum. The most northwestern museum in the Continental US, the San Juan Historical Museum collects, interprets, preserves, and exhibits historical data, information and artifacts which illustrate the heritage of San Juan Islands through collections, programs and publications. San Juan Island Parks hosts a free evening concert series on the museum grounds. Bring your blankets and picnics and enjoy an evening of music.
Whale Museum. For over 25 years, the Whale Museum has promoted the Friday Harbor whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem. In the Gallery of Whales you'll learn about the natural history of marine mammals, with focus on the orcas of J, K and L pods living in the waters of the San Juan Islands. Discover fascinating exhibits, artwork, models and artifacts, real whale skeletons and a family tree of resident orcas. Listen to the songs of various species in the Whale Phone Booth, and watch the 30–minute video on Pacific Northwest orcas. The Museum is a delightful combination of science and magic.
San Juan Islands Fishing.The San Juan Islands are a wonderful retreat for fresh and saltwater fishing, crabbing, shrimping and clamming. Licenses are required and seasons vary, but you can enjoy a charter departing one of our nearby marinas, or go inland to one of the beautiful lakes. Click on these charters and start casting your lines.
San Juan Historical Museum. The most northwestern museum in the Continental US, the San Juan Historical Museum collects, interprets, preserves, and exhibits historical data, information and artifacts which illustrate the heritage of San Juan Islands through collections, programs and publications. San Juan Island Parks hosts a free evening concert series on the museum grounds. Bring your blankets and picnics and enjoy an evening of music.
Whale Museum. For over 25 years, the Whale Museum has promoted the Friday Harbor whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem. In the Gallery of Whales you'll learn about the natural history of marine mammals, with focus on the orcas of J, K and L pods living in the waters of the San Juan Islands. Discover fascinating exhibits, artwork, models and artifacts, real whale skeletons and a family tree of resident orcas. Listen to the songs of various species in the Whale Phone Booth, and watch the 30–minute video on Pacific Northwest orcas. The Museum is a delightful combination of science and magic.
San Juan Islands Fishing.The San Juan Islands are a wonderful retreat for fresh and saltwater fishing, crabbing, shrimping and clamming. Licenses are required and seasons vary, but you can enjoy a charter departing one of our nearby marinas, or go inland to one of the beautiful lakes. Click on these charters and start casting your lines.
- A Trophy Fishing Charters – www.fishthesanjuans.com
- North Shore Charters – www.sanjuancruises.net
- Orcas Boat Rental & Charters –www.orcasboats.com [Top]
Boating and Sailing
The Port of Friday Harbor. Sail or boat up to the Port of Friday Harbor Marina located in the center of the San Juan Islands. The 500–slip marina provides access to the Town of Friday Harbor where you can find boat services and charters. There is space available for 150 visiting boats, from dinghys to150–foot yachts. Southern breakwaters are reserved for vessels over 45 feet in length. The boat charters will get you on the water
The Port of Friday Harbor. Sail or boat up to the Port of Friday Harbor Marina located in the center of the San Juan Islands. The 500–slip marina provides access to the Town of Friday Harbor where you can find boat services and charters. There is space available for 150 visiting boats, from dinghys to150–foot yachts. Southern breakwaters are reserved for vessels over 45 feet in length. The boat charters will get you on the water
- Victoria Clipper
- Victoria Express
- San Juan Safaris
San Juan Islands Wineries. Visit the delightful local vineyards and wineries on Lopez and San Juan Island, and discover medal–winning island selections. Take a break from active adventuring with a stop in a tasting room or a stroll through the vineyards and scenic gardens.
San Juan Vineyards. A memorable wine–tasting destination, San Juan Vineyards is our island's only producing vineyard and winery. The tasting room and gift shop fill an 1895 one–room schoolhouse located three miles from Friday Harbor on Roche Harbor Road. Browse through wine–related items, taste some award–winning wines at the tasting bar, or enjoy the ambiance of a sunny deck while sipping a San Juan Vineyard wine. Visit www.sanjuanvineyards.com.
Lopez Island Vineyards & Winery. If you have an affinity for great wines, taste the wines at Lopez Winery – a family–run, six–acre winery that produces excellent organic wines on Lopez Island in this Puget Sound Archipelago. For $2, you can please your palette with seven kinds of wine – from the driest white to a raspberry dessert wine. The dry Madeleine Angevine tickles with hints of grapefruit and is made with grapes from northern France grown on Lopez Island. Savor the Siegerrebe! Visit www.lopezislandvineyards.com. [Top]
San Juan Vineyards. A memorable wine–tasting destination, San Juan Vineyards is our island's only producing vineyard and winery. The tasting room and gift shop fill an 1895 one–room schoolhouse located three miles from Friday Harbor on Roche Harbor Road. Browse through wine–related items, taste some award–winning wines at the tasting bar, or enjoy the ambiance of a sunny deck while sipping a San Juan Vineyard wine. Visit www.sanjuanvineyards.com.Lopez Island Vineyards & Winery. If you have an affinity for great wines, taste the wines at Lopez Winery – a family–run, six–acre winery that produces excellent organic wines on Lopez Island in this Puget Sound Archipelago. For $2, you can please your palette with seven kinds of wine – from the driest white to a raspberry dessert wine. The dry Madeleine Angevine tickles with hints of grapefruit and is made with grapes from northern France grown on Lopez Island. Savor the Siegerrebe! Visit www.lopezislandvineyards.com. [Top]
Sports & Fitness
San Juan Golf and Country Club. This 9–hole public golf course on San Juan Island offers scenic views of Griffin Bay and Mount Baker. Rated the 5th most difficult course in the State of Washington, the terrain is flat and easy to walk. Water hazards and sand bunkers come into play on several holes. There are additional sets of tees that can be used when playing an 18– hole round. The club features a pro shop, tennis courts and the 19th Hole Restaurant. Visit www.sanjuangolf.com.
Creative Island Spirit. The natural beauty of the San Juan Islands inspires artistic endeavor in an array of styles. For over 100 years, artists and artisans have been creating in the golden light of the islands – along shorelines, in sunny meadows, and in lush forests. Visit these painters, sculptors, potters, and glass and textiles artists who thrive in a natural tapestry unique to the islands. Explore the galleries and studios in Friday Harbor, the villages of Lopez and Orcas, and scattered throughout countrysides. [Top]
San Juan Golf and Country Club. This 9–hole public golf course on San Juan Island offers scenic views of Griffin Bay and Mount Baker. Rated the 5th most difficult course in the State of Washington, the terrain is flat and easy to walk. Water hazards and sand bunkers come into play on several holes. There are additional sets of tees that can be used when playing an 18– hole round. The club features a pro shop, tennis courts and the 19th Hole Restaurant. Visit www.sanjuangolf.com.
Creative Island Spirit. The natural beauty of the San Juan Islands inspires artistic endeavor in an array of styles. For over 100 years, artists and artisans have been creating in the golden light of the islands – along shorelines, in sunny meadows, and in lush forests. Visit these painters, sculptors, potters, and glass and textiles artists who thrive in a natural tapestry unique to the islands. Explore the galleries and studios in Friday Harbor, the villages of Lopez and Orcas, and scattered throughout countrysides. [Top]
San Juan Community Theatre. San Juan Community Theatre is a state–of–the art theater and focus of a vibrant performing arts community on San Juan Island – a community where the vital importance of the arts is understood. The Theatre offers a variety of high quality, locally produced events, as well as performances by world–renowned music, theatre and dance companies. Visit www.sanjuanarts.org.Waterworks Gallery. The Friday Harbor gallery represents the best San Juan Islands artists who portray their experience of island living through sculpture, ceramics, glass, oil, acrylic, gouache, watercolor, pastel, and intaglio. Visitwww.waterworksgallery.com. [Top]
Artic Raven. Check out this fine art gallery of Northwest Coast Indian masks, Inuit sculpture and Eskimo art from the north. Alaskan selections include whalebone and ivory carvings as well as basketry. While located in the Heart of the Salish Sea, Artic Raven also proudly acknowledges Kwaguilth, Haida and other artists from the northwest coast. Visit www.arcticravengallery.com.
Island Studios. Island Studios is a fine arts and crafts gallery two blocks from the ferry landing in Friday Harbor. This unique art gallery represents the inspiration and beauty of the San Juan Islands reflected in the works of artists and artisans who live here. Island Studios offers a collection of paintings, photographs, prints, jewelry, glasswork, sculptures, textiles, pottery, books and music. Visit www.islandstudios.com. [Top]
Island Studios. Island Studios is a fine arts and crafts gallery two blocks from the ferry landing in Friday Harbor. This unique art gallery represents the inspiration and beauty of the San Juan Islands reflected in the works of artists and artisans who live here. Island Studios offers a collection of paintings, photographs, prints, jewelry, glasswork, sculptures, textiles, pottery, books and music. Visit www.islandstudios.com. [Top]
Howe Art Sculpture Park & Gallery. The art of Anthony Howe captures the natural, whimsical spirit of the San Juans. Howe works primarily in metals – spinning, twirling, inexplicable pieces blowing in the wind and looking from another world. While some have colors, most maintain their natural silver or bronze. Howe's work has confounded locals and favorably impressed critics, from local journalists to commentators on CBS. The Howe gallery is on a hillside that constitutes the Howe's back yard, with a small studio indoors.
Explore San Juan Island. The San Juan Islands are truly a biking utopia. Explore the wonderfully diverse and breathtaking island terrain spring through fall. Enjoy Lopez Island's flat terrain or San Juan Island's diverse terrain. Advanced riders will love a challenging ride up to the top of Orcas Island's Mt. Constitution or trekking quiet country roads with stunning water views. For motor fun, discover San Juan Island or Orcas Island on a moped or two–person scootcar.
Explore San Juan Island. The San Juan Islands are truly a biking utopia. Explore the wonderfully diverse and breathtaking island terrain spring through fall. Enjoy Lopez Island's flat terrain or San Juan Island's diverse terrain. Advanced riders will love a challenging ride up to the top of Orcas Island's Mt. Constitution or trekking quiet country roads with stunning water views. For motor fun, discover San Juan Island or Orcas Island on a moped or two–person scootcar.
- Susie's Mopeds
- San Juan Transit
- Island Bicycles
- M&W Auto Sales and Rentals
- Island Dive [Top]
Kayaking & Whale Watching
San Juans Sea Kayaking. The San Juan Islands are one of the most beautiful sea kayaking locations in the world. Join a kayaking tour around the islands, paddle with a beginner group near the shore, or rent kayaks to explore on your own. Your time spent on the water will leave lasting memories of marine air, views and wildlife. Several local companies offer guided kayak treks and individual kayak rentals.
Whale Watching. Over 85 magnificent Orca whales make their home in the Salish Sea, the inland marine waters surrounding the San Juan Islands. Although whales can be seen year round, the most frequent sightings are from late April through late September. Many other species of wildlife live here throughout the seasons and can be seen from the shore or aboard a tour boat. Professionally–trained naturalists on land in shoreline parks and onboard boats enhance your experience.
Start your paddling or whale watching adventures here
San Juans Sea Kayaking. The San Juan Islands are one of the most beautiful sea kayaking locations in the world. Join a kayaking tour around the islands, paddle with a beginner group near the shore, or rent kayaks to explore on your own. Your time spent on the water will leave lasting memories of marine air, views and wildlife. Several local companies offer guided kayak treks and individual kayak rentals.
Whale Watching. Over 85 magnificent Orca whales make their home in the Salish Sea, the inland marine waters surrounding the San Juan Islands. Although whales can be seen year round, the most frequent sightings are from late April through late September. Many other species of wildlife live here throughout the seasons and can be seen from the shore or aboard a tour boat. Professionally–trained naturalists on land in shoreline parks and onboard boats enhance your experience.
Start your paddling or whale watching adventures here
- San Juan Safaris
- Crystal Seas Kayaking
- Bon Accord Charters
- San Juan Excursions
- Outdoor Odysseys
- Western Prince Cruises
- Discovery Sea Kayaks
- Maya's Whale Watch Charters
- Salish Sea Charters
- San Juan Island Web Directory
- Emily's Guides to the San Juan Islands
- San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau Guide
- Island Time Travel [Top]
Best Western - Friday Harbor Suites, WA
680 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Reservations: 800-752-5752 Telephone: 360-378-3031
Email: info@fridayharborsuites.com
