San Juan Island is a wonderful place to visit for a day trip or an extended getaway.
The San Juan Islands consist of 172 named islands and reefs in San Juan County, located in the Pacific Northwest of Washington state.
The ferries go to the three main islands in the San Juan Islands (Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and San Juan Island).
For this specific article, I’m sharing more about the best things to do on San Juan Island, including outdoor activities to appreciate the natural beauty.
If you’re visiting the San Juan Islands for the first time, San Juan Island is the best island to start with, because there is so much to do!
Thanks again to the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau for hosting our visit. All opinions are my own, and this article contains affiliate links.
Learn More About Killer Whales at The CWR Orca Survey Education & Outreach Center
185 First Street South, Friday Harbor, WA
The study and conservation of the critically endangered Southern Resident killer whale (orca) population in the Pacific Northwest is the mission of the Center for Whale Research (CWR).
Through their public outreach, visitors can chat with staff and volunteers about whale research collected from the area for over 47 years and learn more about how orcas are identified and tracked.
This is a great way to learn more about the orca in the area and local conservation efforts to keep them safe.
The center has VR (Virtual Reality) Whale Watching, Orca Education Stations with drone footage, a full-size real-life orca skull, and ORCA gear that helps support continuing research, education, conservation, and advocacy.
One of my favorite parts of visiting the center was looking at the map with “Yesterday’s sightings.”
The day before our visit, there were sightings of an orca whale, a gray whale, a minke whale, and a humpback whale on the map.
Learn More About Whales at The Whale Museum
62 First Street North, Friday Harbor, WA
The Whale Museum opened in 1979 as the first museum in the country devoted to a species living in the wild.
If you’re visiting with younger kids, there’s a designated area within the museum with hands-on activities.
The Whale Museum is a great place to visit before taking a local whale-watching tour. Be on the lookout for one of the exhibits that points out the local spots known for whale sightings.
We were reminded of the importance of protecting their ecosystems from our visit.
The Whale Museum also has a live stream and two hydrophones that detect and record ocean sounds next to the lighthouse at Lime Kiln State Park so that you can still feel connected to the local marine life after your visit.
Go On A Whale Watching Tour
1 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA
A Whale and Wildlife tour with Western Prince Whale Watching Adventures is the best way to see wildlife and marine life during your visit to San Juan Island.
Western Prince Whale Watching Adventures is the longest-operating whale/wildlife tour company in the San Juan Islands.
There isn’t a dedicated parking area for tour guests, but street parking is easy to find in downtown Friday Harbor.
After you check in for your tour at the office on the second floor, you’ll be given an insulated suit to wear over your clothes.
The water stays in the mid-40s year-round, which makes for a chilly ride on the open Zodiac boat.
What Should You Wear on a Whale Watching Tour?
You’ll be provided with a 2-piece foam-insulated suit that goes over your clothes, available in sizes XS-XXL. The temperature out on the water drops around 20 degrees Fahrenheit during your boat ride.
You’ll want to bring a warm hat and gloves along with a camera, sunglasses, and binoculars.
It can still be cold on the water, even during the summer months. You’ll be grateful for the suit once you start feeling the wind.
We lucked out that it was a sunny day during our tour.
After you’re suited up, the dock is a short walk down to board the vessel.
When is the Best Time to See Whales Near San Juan Island?
The best time to see whales is typically during the summer months from mid-June through early September.
If you’re staying on the island for a few days, I recommend booking a whale-watching tour on the first day of your visit. That way, you can reschedule for another day if your tour is cancelled due to weather.
How Close Can You Get to the Whales on a Whale Watching Tour?
Western Prince Whale Watching Adventures follows all the guidelines and safety regulations to help keep the whales safe.
That means that Orcas, aka killer whales, can’t be approached within 200 yards in US waters, and 200 meters in Canadian waters.
The viewing distance is 100 yards away from humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales.
We hoped to see orcas during our whale-watching tour, but instead we experienced a rare sighting of a gray whale.
We were told the last gray whale sighting in the area was 5 years prior, which made it very special to witness.
What if You Don’t See a Whale During Your Whale Watching Tour?
It’s very rare to not see a whale on one of the public tours, which is why the tour company will give you a voucher for the value of your party’s reservation to use for a future booking.
The captains of the boats are in constant communication, providing the coordinates with each other when there is a whale sighting.
Enjoy the Scenic Views
We could see scenic views of Mount Baker in Washington State in the distance during our tour.
Mount Baker is 10,781 ft tall, the highest peak in the North Cascades, and the northernmost volcano in the United States, sharing the same boundary.
The animals on the tour aren’t limited to the water. We saw several bald eagles during the tour and several seals relaxing on the shore an island we passed by.
The naturalist on the trip did a great job of providing information about the local ecology during our tour.
We felt very comfortable and secure during our ride on the Hamilton jet boat. The vessel doesn’t have a propeller, which makes it quieter for viewing wildlife nearby too.
Stops for Art Lovers on San Juan Island
San Juan Island offers several art galleries for visitors to explore. It’s a small community with a large a level of talent in the area.
Arctic Raven Gallery
130 First Street South, Friday Harbor, WA
This fine art gallery focuses on the following types of artwork:
- Alaskan Art
- Inuit
- Northwest Coast Art
- Susan Point
- Iroquois Stone Carvings
If you find a piece you love, they can ship it anywhere in the world.
The San Juan Islands Museum of Art
540 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA
The San Juan Islands Museum of Art features art within two galleries and an installation space. The museum celebrates creativity through its exhibits, by providing education, and community events, including free Family Art Days.
If you want to continue learning more about the area’s history, check out the San Juan Historical Museum, a short walk from the art museum.
Explore Downtown Friday Harbor Shops
An assortment of souvenir shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars are within steps of the ferry landing.
Griffin Bay Bookstore is a great stop if you’re looking for a good book for your next vacation. There are also plenty of local coffee shops within a short walk of each other to help keep you caffeinated along the way.
Explore the San Juan Island Scenic Byway
The San Juan Island Scenic Byway has three sections, 30 miles along the Washington State Ferries routes, a driving tour on Orcas Island, and a driving tour around San Juan Island.
San Juan Island is a little over 55 square miles, 14 and a half miles long, and its maximum width is 6 and a half miles. It takes around 1.5 hours to drive the 43 miles around the island.
If you want to see as much as possible, you may want to break down your scenic drive into two separate days.
You can start with stops on the San Juan Scenic Byway – North (20 miles) for one of the days and the San Juan Scenic Byway South & West on the other.
San Juan County Park is a nice stop with scenic Strait views.
Enjoy the Views at Cattle Point Interpretive Area
5468-6432 Cattle Point Rd, Friday Harbor, WA
Cattle Point Interpretive Area consists of 112 acres located on the south end of San Juan Island.
Guests who visit for the day can enjoy beach access, hiking trails, birding, and picnic areas.
During our visit, we explored close to the portion of the waterfront near the coastal bluffs before it started raining.
We enjoyed the view from the top, followed by a short hike down the stairs to the beach area.
Unfortunately, we ran out of time before we could visit Cattle Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1935. The same location previously had a navigational lantern dating back to 1888.
Enjoy the Scenic Views at Lime Kiln Point State Park
1567 Westside Road, Friday Harbor, WA
This incredible state park is located on the west side of San Juan Island.
Purchase a day-use pass or if you plan on visiting the park multiple days in a row, consider a Discovery Pass, an annual pass for Washington Recreational Lands for greater value.
Hiking Trails at Lime Kiln State Park
There are several easy hiking trail options at the park.
From the parking lot, some trails take you down to the water. One is closer to the lighthouse, and the other is located near the whale watch area.
- Whale Watch Site Trail – 0.3 miles
- Lime Kiln Point State Point – 0.4 miles
- Lime Kiln Point State Park Loop Trail – 1.4 miles
Park guests can also view a restored and non-restored Lime Kiln during their visit.
Whale Watching at Lime Kiln State Park
Lime Kiln Point State Park is nicknamed “Whale Watch Park” because it’s the best place to see orca whales from the shore. In fact, it’s known as one of the best places in the world to see orca whales from the shore.
Orca whales are drawn to this area for its abundance of chinook salmon in the bull kelp beds close to the shore in 30-60 feet of water.
Near the kelp beds, the seafloor can reach depths up to 900 feet, providing the whales plenty of room to maneuver before targeting their prey.
Visitors may see sightings of whale pods, with orca, humpback, or minke whales as they pass through the area each May through September,
A local told me about a whale-watching group on Facebook called Whale Sightings in the San Juan Islands.
This is a great group to join for updates on whale activity around the island during and after your visit.
Enjoy the View From Lime Kiln Lighthouse
Lighthouse Rd, Friday Harbor, WA
Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse dates back to 1919.
We chose to take the trail along the bluff providing incredible vantage points of the lighthouse. The park is around 40 acres and has 2,550 feet of waterfront for guests to enjoy.
The scenic views from the lighthouse are stunning at every turn.
From the observation area of the lighthouse, you can enjoy the views that include Haro Strait to Victoria, B.C., and Deadman Bay.
You can eavesdrop to listen to the sounds underwater on the live hydrophone at the park.
Watch Sunset at Lime Kiln Point State Park
1567 Westside Rd, Friday Harbor, WA
Whale watching is definitely one of the top things to do at Lime Kiln Point State Park, but it’s also a great place to watch a beautiful sunset.
Several picnic tables are located along the edge that are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.
This park is also the best spot to watch a sunset because of all of the vantage points from the bluff.
San Juan Island National Historical Park – American Camp
4668 Cattle Point Rd, Friday Harbor, WA (Southern part of San Juan Island)
The San Juan Islands Historical Park has a rich history with two main historical sites. Even though “camp” is in the name, both parks are only available for day use for visitors, and there is no admission fee for either park.
War Over a Pig?
The National Park was established in 1966 as a visual reminder that individuals and nations can solve their problems peacefully without violence.
The two countries almost went to war over a pig.
That’s right, in 1859, a pig was shot by an American farmer that almost caused the United States and Great Britain to go to war over a border dispute.
Thankfully, no one died in warfare during the “Pig War,” and no blood was shed.
Military occupation of San Juan Island for the American Camp was from 1859 to 1872.
If you have more time, you’ll also want to check out South Beach, located within San Juan Island National Historic Park.
South Beach is the longest public beach in the San Juan Islands, with 2 miles of wild coastline to explore with views of Haro Straits and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Popular Hikes at American Camp
- Jakle’s Lagoon – 4.7-mile loop trail (moderate)
- 4th of July Beach – 0.4 miles out and back hike (easy)
- South Beach – 2.0 mile out and back hike (easy)
Be on the lookout for red foxes while on the trail.
You can access the trails from the parking lot.
You can learn more about the Pig War conflict and the Coast Salish peoples (affiliated tribes) in the San Juan Islands at the Visitors Center.
San Juan Island National Historical Park – English Camp
Friday Harbor, WA (Northern part of San Juan Island)
English Camp is located on Garrison Bay, 15 miles northwest of American Camp. The Royal British Marines occupied the camp for Great Britain from 1859 through 1872.
During the camp’s prime there were 27 structures, plenty of space for a parade ground, and a formal garden.
The grounds still have several historic buildings onsite to view during your visit and miles of trails to explore.
Young Hill is a scenic 2.2-mile round-trip moderate hike that takes hikers past English Camp Cemetery.
The totem poles honor of the ancestral land of the Coast Salish people, who fished and hunted in the area long before the Americans and British arrived on the island.
I would highly recommend stopping in the visitor center for a park map and watch the video about the park’s history.
Explore Roche Harbor Resort & Spa
248 Reuben Memorial Drive, Friday Harbor, WA
Roche Harbor Resort has dining, shopping, a variety of overnight accommodations, a marina, a local distillery, hiking trails, a spa, and more.
San Juan Islands were previously the largest site of lime production in Washington State from 1860 until the 1920s. The lime was used as an ingredient in the whitewash, mortar, and paint.
John S. McMillin, owner of Tacoma and Roche Harbor Lime and Cement Company is credited for Roche Harbor’s development.
He discovered the richest and largest deposit of lime in the Northwest at Roche Harbor and the company town is a result of the community created around the support and structure of the industry.
A Historic Hotel
Hotel De Haro was originally a 20-room hotel that dates back to 1886, built by McMillin, and is Washington State’s oldest continuously run lodging.
The hotel was originally built with one-foot-thick log walls, and guests can ask the front desk attendant to view the exposed logs.
Additional Things to Do in Roche Harbor
Attend the Colors Ceremony
The Colors Ceremony takes place 20 minutes before sunset, from early May through late September. They retire and lower the flags in a ceremony for the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Washington State, and Roche Harbor.
Visit Afterglow Vista (also known as McMillin Memorial Mausoleum)
The After Vista has the final resting place of John S. McMillin, the founder of the Tacoma and Roche Harbor Lime Company. John, his immediate family, and his personal secretary are buried at the elaborate site that would have cost $30,000 back in 1936.
Go on a Sea Kayak Tour
If you want to explore the Northwest side of San Juan Island via kayak, you’ll definitely want to check out the sea kayak tours offered by San Juan Outfitters.
The Bioluminescent Tour is a guided tour that I would have LOVED to have tried during our visit, but unfortunately, our dates didn’t align with their tours.
Explore the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park & Nature Preserve
9083 Roche Harbor Road, Friday Harbor, WA
I love any excuse to enjoy art and the outdoors simultaneously.
The San Juan Islands Sculpture Park & Nature Preserve is the perfect fusion.
There are more than 120+ unique sculptures at the 20-acre outdoor park.
The number of sculptures in the park can change if a sculpture on commission, that isn’t owned by the park, is sold.
The sculpture park is dog-friendly and has interactive exhibits for kids and adults.
Most of the sculptures featured in the park are by Pacific Northwest artists.
The park is open year-round from dusk to dawn. A donation is appreciated but not required.
There are 5 self-guided trails for visitors to explore.
- Pond Loop – 30 minutes
- Forest Path – 30 minutes
- Field Path – 20 minutes
- Nature Trail – 15 minutes
- Bay Trail – 10 minutes
There are several benches located throughout the park if you need a break or want to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Each month, there are monthly bird walks on the first Wednesday of the month.
116 species of birds have been observed at the sculpture park.
Get Creative at the Starfish Project
If you’re inspired to be creative during your visit to the sculpture park, you’ll want to spend time at The Starfish Project.
It’s an area where visitors can create their own sculptures or designs with found objects provided by the Park.
Whimsy Woods at San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
Check out the “Whimsy Woods” section of the trails if you enjoy quirky art.
The wooded trail has fun and unexpected art featured along both sides.
Many art installations have creative placement with the trees.
This is a whimsical trail that young kids will especially enjoy discovering.
Tour and Dine at a Working Oyster Farm at Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm
904 Westcott Dr, Friday Harbor, WA ( A short drive from Roche Harbor Resort and San Juan Island NHP – English Camp)
You can take a summer farm tour or make a stop to enjoy fresh oysters at a working shellfish farm.
The Tide Tables are a beautiful place to dine within eyesight of where the shellfish are harvested during the summer months.
Feed Alpacas at The Farm at Krystal Acres
3501 West Valley Road, Friday Harbor, WA
Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy a visit to The Farm at Krystal Acres.
The Farm at Krystal Acres has the largest herd of alpacas in the San Juans on a 70-acre working farm.
You’ll have lots of Instagrammable moments with the adorable animals on a self-guided tour.
Alpacas are smaller than llamas, and their wool is five times as warm as sheep’s wool.
If you want to feed the alpacas, special alpaca feed is available for purchase in the Country Store/ gift shop.
You’ll also find alpaca accessories, gifts, and clothing in the shop.
Wine Tasting at San Juan Vineyard
3136 Roche Harbor Road, Friday Harbor, WA
You can enjoy a wine tasting at the only operating winery producing estate-grown wines.
If you’re visiting with a group of 10 or more, you’ll want to make a reservation for the tasting room in advance.
Check the schedule for upcoming live music on Saturdays.
How Do You Get to San Juan Island?
The ferry boat is the most common way to visit San Juan Island, although you could take a small private plane to Friday Harbor Airport or a private boat.
We departed from the Anacortes ferry terminal to take the Washington State Ferry.
You’ll want to check the ferry schedule before your visit. If you plan on bringing your vehicle on the ferry, it’s recommended that you make a vehicle reservation for your desired timeslot in advance.
Vehicles on the Washington State Ferries are loaded on a first-come, first-served basis. Your advanced ticket does not guarantee any space on a specific sailing, but it does save you time at the ticket booth.
During peak season, the popular time slots for vehicles can fill up a few days in advance.
Guests with vehicle reservations are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before their scheduled sailing time. Walk-on passengers can arrive at the ferry terminal closer to the sailing time.
*Youth 18 and under are FREE, and seniors and riders with disabilities can receive reduced fares with proof of eligibility.
Once you arrive at the ferry landing, vehicles are directed off first, followed by walking passengers.
Do You Need to Stay in Your Vehicle During the Ferry Ride?
You can stay in your vehicle during the ride, or there is plenty of seating for passengers on the deck above. There is also a concession if you want something to eat or drink.
A bonus of taking a ferry ride around sunset is viewing the beautiful islands during the golden hour. Passengers can enjoy the views from the front and rear of the ferry.
In Friday Harbor, you drive to one of the lanes on Spring Street to catch the return ferry.
Passengers should plan to arrive early for the ferry, and the ferry boarding process runs efficiently when it’s time to drive onto the ferry.
Places to Stay on San Juan Island
There are a variety of accommodations available on San Juan Island ranging from hotels to vacation rentals.
A Relaxing Stay at Saturn’s Return
2687 West Valley Road, Friday Harbor, WA
Saturn’s Return is a farm/ inn in San Juan Island’s West Valley.
The property feels like a remote retreat, but you’re only 12 minutes from Friday Harbor, 11 minutes to Lime Kiln State Park, and 8 minutes from Roche Harbor.
We stayed on the second floor, where my husband and I stayed in the Queen bedroom.
My boys stayed in the Double full bedroom that had two double beds.
We shared a full private bathroom stocked with Sangre de Fruta organic toiletries from Bowen Island.
Breakfast at Saturn’s Return
Our family looked forward to the complimentary breakfast at Saturn’s Return each morning consisting of American, vegan, and vegetarian options.
The breakfast at Saturn’s Inn was a refreshing change from the traditional options for breakfast usually offered at chain hotels.
I loved learning about where each item on the menu was thoughtfully and locally sourced.
There are plenty of places on the property for guests to relax.
Common spaces for guests include a living room, a dining room, and a sunroom.
The Inn has lots of natural light providing additional areas to unwind if you’re an early riser.
Explore the Property at Saturn’s Return
If you walk around the grounds of the property, there is a stream that’s home to the island’s only native population of trout.
2 miles of walking trails are available for guests to explore on the 42 acres that take you through the meadow and the forest.
There is also a good chance that you’ll see local wildlife. We had a wild turkey greeting us one of the mornings of our stay.
I definitely recommend Saturn’s Return for anyone looking for a laid-back and thoughtful guest experience.
Additional Islands that are Part of the San Juan Islands
- Orcas Island -The largest island in the San Juan Islands, which also has the highest point from Mount Constitution, located at Moran State Park.
- Lopez Island – The third largest of the San Juan Islands, which is more rural and flatter than the other large islands.
Can you take a direct ferry to Vancouver Island?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct connection from San Juan Island to Vancouver Island, BC if you want to explore other area islands beyond the San Juan Islands, the quickest option would be a direct flight.
