As you step off the San Juan Island ferry into Friday Harbor, the quintessential charm of the place hits you square on. It is all at once a seaside port town and a throwback to 1940’s resort glamour. Not to say that everything isn’t up-to-date – San Juan Island has modern hotels and contemporary, chef-run restaurants. It’s just that the overall feel of the place, to me, is reminiscent of a laid-back, simplistic life dictated by the charm of island waters.
After visiting San Juan Island from the Seattle area numerous times over the years, these are the places I’d prioritize for a first trip: scenic lighthouses, whale-watching viewpoints, lavender fields, Roche Harbor, easy coastal stops, and a few places worth booking ahead.
The best time of year to visit the San Juan Islands are the shoulder seasons of late Spring and Fall. Think fewer crowds and lower prices overall.
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Things to Do on San Juan Island, Washington
Friday Harbor whale watching is the most popular activity in the San Juan Islands and San Juan Island is by far the busiest of the islands. But look beyond the savory seafood restaurants, family-run bookstores, trendy art galleries, and lavender shops of Friday Harbor – there is a myriad of other things to do, all over the island.
Now, I like my islands sparsely populated, and I can’t say that San Juan Island is exactly that – it has its fair share of residents and tourists. But it’s my favorite island in Puget Sound just because of the wide variety of attractions. From great shopping to Pacific Northwest seafood caught just a few nautical miles offshore, to moped riding, to seaside hiking, to alpaca and whale watching, to lavender harvesting….
This island has it all.
Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor whale watching is the most popular activity in the San Juan Islands and San Juan Island is by far the busiest of the islands. But look beyond the savory seafood restaurants, family-run bookstores, trendy art galleries, and lavender shops of Friday Harbor – there is a myriad of other things to do, all over the island.
Go Whale Watching
Friday Harbor whale watching is the most popular activity in the San Juan Islands and San Juan Island is by far the busiest of the islands.
Best time to go: May through September is the main whale watching season, with summer being the busiest and most popular time. Spring and fall can be quieter, but sightings are less predictable.
How long to spend: Plan on 3–4 hours for a whale watching tour, plus extra time before departure to check in and walk around Friday Harbor.
Best for: First-time visitors, wildlife lovers, families, photographers, and anyone who wants the classic San Juan Island experience.
Cost/reservation notes: Whale watching tours are one of the activities I’d recommend booking ahead, especially for summer weekends. Prices vary by company and tour length, so check current rates before your trip. I have been on and highly recommend this tour!
Nearby stops: Most tours leave from Friday Harbor, so pair this with lunch at Friday’s Crabhouse, shopping in town, or dinner at Cask and Schooner.
See English Camp
ENGLISH CAMP A historical site that was founded by the early settlers who were…you guessed it…British dudes. Back then it was an honest to gosh fort, with a fortified building at the edge of the water where soldiers could stick their guns out of tiny windows to defend the land.
Best time to go: Spring through fall is best for walking the grounds comfortably. Go earlier in the day if you want a quieter visit.
How long to spend: Plan on 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how much of the historic area and trails you want to explore.
Best for: History lovers, families, casual hikers, and visitors who want more context for the island beyond pretty views.
Cost/reservation notes: No reservation is typically needed, but check current park information before your visit if you want ranger programs, seasonal access details, or updated hours.
Nearby stops: Pair this with Roche Harbor, San Juan Islands Sculpture Park, or Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm.
Visit Lime Kiln Point State Park
LIME KILN LIGHTHOUSE at Lime Kiln Point State Park. This was my favorite spot on the island and THE BEST place to whale watch in the entire Puget Sound area. Although we were there in early May, just when whale watching season starts, so the whales were being fashionably late, i.e. no sightings during our visit.
Best time to go: Late spring through early fall is best, especially during whale watching season. Sunset is especially beautiful here, even if the whales decide not to show up.
How long to spend: Plan on 1–2 hours to walk the trails, visit the lighthouse area, watch the water, and take in the views.
Best for: Whale watchers who prefer land-based viewing, photographers, couples, hikers who want an easy scenic stop, and anyone who loves dramatic coastal views.
Cost/reservation notes: This is a state park, so a parking pass is required. No reservation is usually needed just to visit the park. You can get a one-day parking pass for $10, or if you have a Discover Pass (good at LOTS of parks across Washington State).
Nearby stops: Pair this with Pelindaba Lavender Farm, Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm, or Roche Harbor if you are exploring the west side of the island.
Visit Cattle Point Lighthouse
LIGHTHOUSE SAN JUAN at Cattle Point. This was a bit of a challenge to find, as there were no signs. Probably because, after finally finding the small parking lot, and hiking the 1/2 mile trail to the lighthouse, we found it was being renovated. Couldn’t get anywhere near it.
Still, we enjoyed the trail, which included a few exciting yards where the trail got DANGEROUSLY close to the seaside cliff.
Best time to go: Go on a clear day if you can. Morning or late afternoon is especially pretty for views and photos.
How long to spend: Plan on 45 minutes to 1 hour, including time to find parking, walk the trail, and enjoy the coastal views.
Best for: Lighthouse lovers, photographers, hikers who want a short walk, and travelers who enjoy quieter scenic spots.
Cost/reservation notes: No reservation is needed, but be aware that access around the lighthouse can change if there is restoration or maintenance work. Wear shoes with decent grip because parts of the trail can feel close to the cliff edge.
Nearby stops: Pair this with South Beach, American Camp, or a scenic drive around the south end of the island.
Visit Pelindaba Lavender Farm
LAVENDER FARM Lush and gorgeous sprigs of lavender begin their bloom in May, and by July, the entire farm is bursting with awe-inspiring purple perfection. They have an entire shop in Friday Harbor with gifts ranging from lavender-infused honey to room spritzers to body lotion.
Best time to go: July is usually the dreamiest time to visit if you want those full purple lavender fields. May and June can still be pretty, but the bloom may not be at its peak yet.
How long to spend: Plan on 30–60 minutes, depending on whether you just want to browse or take your time walking the farm and shopping.
Best for: Garden lovers, photographers, couples, gift shoppers, and anyone who wants a peaceful, fragrant stop that feels very San Juan Island.
Cost/reservation notes: Check the farm’s current hours before you go, especially outside of summer. If you are mainly shopping, you can also visit their shop in Friday Harbor.
Nearby stops: Pair this with Lime Kiln Point State Park, Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm, or English Camp.
Stop at Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm
KRYSTAL ACRES ALPACA FARM These guys are soooo cute. But they’re kind of stuck up, i.e. they’re snobby. Try and strike up a conversation with one of them. Just try it. They will walk away from you.
The working farm has a large gift shop. Get your wool sweaters here!
Best time to go: Late morning or afternoon works well, especially if you are already exploring the west side of the island.
How long to spend: Plan on 30–45 minutes, or longer if you want to browse the gift shop.
Best for: Families, animal lovers, quirky-roadside-stop people, and anyone who wants a quick break between scenic stops.
Cost/reservation notes: Check current hours before visiting since farm and shop hours may vary by season. Bring a little shopping money if you want to leave with alpaca socks, sweaters, or gifts.
Nearby stops: This is easy to combine with Pelindaba Lavender Farm, Lime Kiln Point State Park, and English Camp.
Go Beach Combing
BEACH COMBING San Juan Island has plenty of secluded beaches, and in the off-season, you can easily have a beach all to yourself. Just heed the signs for private beaches, as crossing the sign is considered trespassing on private property.
Best time to go: Off-season is wonderful if you want solitude. For tidepooling or beachcombing, check the tide schedule and aim for low tide.
How long to spend: Plan on 30 minutes to 1 hour, or longer if you find a quiet beach you love.
Best for: Slow travelers, families, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants a peaceful break from the more touristy stops.
Cost/reservation notes: No reservation needed, but respect private property signs. Not every beach on the island is public, so pay attention before wandering down a path or driveway.
Nearby stops: Beach combing pairs well with Cattle Point, Lime Kiln Point State Park, or a scenic drive around the island.
English Camp is a historical site that was founded by the early settlers who were…you guessed it…British dudes. Back then it was an honest to gosh fort, with a fortified building at the edge of the water where soldiers could stick their guns out of tiny windows to defend the land.
Rent a Moped or Tiny Car
SUSIE’S MOPEDS Rent either a moped or tiny car, weight restrictions apply, by the hour or the day. This is a fantastic way to explore the island.
Best time to go: Dry days are best, especially if you are renting a moped. Summer gives you the best chance of good weather, but shoulder season can be less crowded. The one time we rented a scooter, it rained! But it was still fun.
How long to spend: Rent for a few hours if you only want to explore near Friday Harbor, or a full day if you want to make a loop around the island.
Best for: Couples, adventurous travelers, visitors who walked onto the ferry, and anyone who wants a fun way to explore without bringing a car.
Cost/reservation notes: Check current rental rates, weight restrictions, insurance requirements, and driver requirements before booking. Reservations are smart in summer.
Nearby stops: This is a great way to connect several stops in one day, including Roche Harbor, Lime Kiln Point State Park, Pelindaba Lavender Farm, and Cattle Point Lighthouse.
Explore Roche Harbor
This is a delightful little resort on the west side of the island, opposite from Friday Harbor to the east. That 1940’s vibe I talked about in the beginning? Yeah – it’s here!
There is much history to this place; in the early days, it was strictly a lime excavation area, with original buildings that housed the workers and their families. There is a church, a hotel, and even a yellow brick road!
Best time to go: Late morning through afternoon is ideal so you can walk around, enjoy the harbor, and still have time for another nearby stop. Summer is lively, while spring and fall feel quieter and more relaxed.
How long to spend: Plan on 1–2 hours if you are walking around, or longer if you want to eat, shop, or linger by the marina.
Best for: Couples, history lovers, photographers, slow travelers, and anyone who loves resort-town charm.
Cost/reservation notes: Walking around Roche Harbor is an easy, low-commitment stop. If you plan to eat at one of the restaurants or stay at the resort, make reservations during peak season.
Nearby stops: The San Juan Islands Sculpture Park is right across the entrance from Roche Harbor Resort, so these two are very easy to combine.
Go Kayaking
KAYAKING the waters of Puget Sound.
Best time to go: Summer is the easiest season for kayaking because the weather is warmer and tour options are more plentiful. Spring and fall can be beautiful, but dress for colder water and changing weather.
How long to spend: Plan on 2–4 hours for a guided kayaking trip, depending on the route.
Best for: Adventurous travelers, wildlife lovers, active couples, families with older kids, and anyone who wants to experience San Juan Island from the water.
Cost/reservation notes: I’d recommend booking this guided kayak tour unless you are experienced with cold-water paddling and local currents. Reservations are especially important in summer.
Nearby stops: Many kayak tours leave from or near Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, or protected bays around the island, so pair this with whichever area your tour departs from.
Visit San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
Across the entrance from Roche Harbor Resort is a pretty good sized sculpture park. Donations accepted! Bring your picnic lunch!
Best time to go: Late morning or afternoon is great, especially on a dry day. This is a good flexible stop because you can make it quick or linger.
How long to spend: Plan on 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how much of the park you want to wander.
Best for: Art lovers, families, photographers, picnic people, and anyone already visiting Roche Harbor.
Cost/reservation notes: Donations are accepted, so bring a little cash or check the park’s current donation options. No reservation is usually needed.
Nearby stops: This is directly by Roche Harbor, so visit both together. It also pairs well with English Camp.
Where to Eat in Friday Harbor, Washington
While in Friday Harbor, these are some of the best places to stuff your face.
Friday’s Crabhouse for casual eating with a harbor view. Bring your pooch!
Cask and Schooner, delightful seafood fare.
The Hungry Clam is a budget lover’s dream. While I don’t recommend the greasy deep-fried seafood, their breakfasts are pretty great.
Bakery San Juan, the best freshness on the island.
Where to Stay in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Friday Harbor House – for those with a little more cash to spend. They offer a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, which you can enjoy on their grounds overlooking the ferry docks.
Discovery Inn – perfect for the budget traveler. Updated and comfortable rooms, with a hot tub (no pool).
I’ve stayed at both places and recommend them highly!
How to Get to San Juan Island
The most common way is by San Juan Islands ferry, via the Washington State Ferry system, from Anacortes, WA. Read about my love of this mode of transportation. You can walk on, take your bike, and even your car! Taking your car along, for just a few dollars more roundtrip, allows you full access to explore the islands at your leisure. Depending on which of the San Juan Islands you want to go, there are different packages available.
For something a little more indulgent, hire a plane. Regional flights take off from Boeing Field, Lake Union or Lake Washington. Or hop on the San Juan Clipper from Seattle. From Seattle, it is roughly a 3.5-hour journey, where you can stroll the deck and immerse yourself in the incredible surroundings of the archipelago all around you and the Olympic Mountain range in the horizon. On a clear day, the views are breathtaking. The Clipper also has great packages to Victoria, B.C.
Whichever way you choose, it will be a gorgeous journey.
Ready to Plan Your San Juan Island Trip?
If San Juan Island is calling your name, I’d start by booking your hotel in Friday Harbor. Staying close to the ferry makes the whole trip easier, especially if this is your first visit or you want to walk to restaurants, shops, and whale watching tours without worrying about driving after dinner.
For a splurge-worthy stay, I recommend Friday Harbor House. It has beautiful views over the ferry docks and feels perfect for a romantic or relaxing island weekend.
For a more budget-friendly option, Discovery Inn is a comfortable choice with updated rooms and a hot tub, especially if you’d rather save your money for whale watching, kayaking, or a long seafood dinner.
I’ve stayed at both and would happily book either again. Check your dates early, especially for summer weekends, because Friday Harbor lodging can fill up fast.