Top Things to do in San Juan Islands
10 Museums in San Juan Islands That You Shouldn't Miss
Start your Pacific Northwest vacation in style, with a seaplane or ferry ride to the San Juan Islands from Seattle. It’s the ultimate way to take in the beauty of this region that Mother Nature has so abundantly blessed. You have a choice of three alluring islands – Lopez, the most rural, a mix of rolling farmland and beaches; Orcas, the largest of the San Juan Islands and replete with verdant mountains and placid lakes; and San Juan Island, where vibrant Friday Harbor welcomes ferry and seaplane guests and offers an array of charming accommodations and gourmet eateries.
Whether it’s whale-watching and sea kayaking, touring an art gallery or browsing a local farmers’ market, the San Juan Islands offer pleasing diversions for every age and interest. For the best chance to view orca whales and other sea life, plan your trip between April and September – a number of tour operators are available throughout the islands. Rev up your energy level with biking tours through rolling meadows and farmland, go birding on San Juan Island, hike the region’s modest mountains – offering outstanding vistas from the top – or go charter fishing for the day. Other favorites include hiking to Lime Kiln Lighthouse on San Juan Island, taking a scenic flight over the area, attending an outdoor summer concert in the park and horseback riding.
Restaurants in San Juan Islands
1. The Funhouse Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
The Funhouse Discovery Center is a not-for-profit community center that fosters fun and learning with dozens of hands-on, kid-friendly science exhibits, complete audio and video production studios, huge library of educational films and documentaries, pitching cage, art studio, climbing wall and DSL computers to surf the Net or check e-mail! Most importantly, The Funhouse is a safe place for kids to hang out, learn, play and explore their creativity.
2. A Place to Play
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Discover and explore our delightfully unique, 2100 square foot, children’s museum style play place designed for ages 1 to 10. Whether you choose to stay and supervise your child or take advantage of our limited drop off care, our creative, clean space provides hours of imaginative, social and active play. With free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, snacks and drinks available for purchase and outside food welcome, we’re the perfect spot for the whole family to relax and enjoy. Come join in the fun!
3. Crow Valley School Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
The Crow Valley School is open Memorial Day until Labor Day and by appointment all year for private tours.
4. The Whale Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 750 reviews
Thank you for your interest in learning about The Whale Museum. The Whale Museum is completely reopened! We are open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm every day. Thank you for your support. https://whalemuseum.org/
Reviewed By V9009DDrichardd - Friday Harbor, United States
This place has a beautiful display of all things whales. Full skeleton and amazing photos plus some retail.
5. San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By jdankers - Monroe, United States
The 22 acre Sculpture Park on San Juan Island in Roche Harbor was the highlight of a recent get away trip my wife and I made. We spent several hours there along well maintained wooded trails, open fields and a pond, viewing a wide variety of stunning sculpture pieces of all sizes created by artists in the region. Among the art are plaques of poetry written by David Jenkins. There is something for everyone- Nature, wildlife (both real and created), and plenty of places to rest for reflection. This is a wonderful escape for the whole family to get outside and appreciate the beauty in the world. No admittance fee but donations are welcomed.
6. Lambiel Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
7. IMA - San Juan Islands Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
IMA (San Juan Islands Museum of Art) A short walk from the ferry, IMA is the first art museum in the San Juan Islands. Along with a revolving repertoire of major exhibits of fine visual arts and workshops, IMA also offers a forum for local artists to display their work as part of its Artists Registry. IMA raises and distributes money to support art in the Friday Harbor elementary and middle schools, and runs the popular free "Family Art Days" program every Saturday in July and August in the orchard beside the museum. IMA is a registered 501 C 3 nonprofit organization and depends on donations, memberships, fundraising and a cadre of experienced, capable and dedicated volunteers.
8. Island Studios
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By kiffieh - Belleair Beach, United States
Our third year in a row to San Juan Islands, and we always look forward to browsing and buying something at Island Studios! Very nice people work there and they are helpful.
9. Summit Learning Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Come learn about the natural and human history at the summit of Mt. Constitution. We are staffed by volunteers and all donations support Moran State Park. Come see our live newt exhibits or our kokanee tank. Learn about the television broadcast history by KVOS. Great hands on activities for kids and adults 11 am to 4 pm rain or shine.
10. Arctic Raven Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Islandwoman123 - Friday Harbor, United States
This is a gem of a Native PNW gallery. The owner Lee Brooks deals directly with the artists, visits reservations all the way to Alaska to find the best artists and works available . Highly recommended for quality and fair prices
