Top Things to do in San Juan Islands
10 Sights & Landmarks 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. Buck Bay Shellfish Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By Y8905VKbeckyw
It had been several years since we'd been to Buck Bay Farm, and boy, had it grown! No longer a single room and counter, there are now essentially three rooms/barns to serve you: a restaurant/bar area, a barn where you can select your own clams, oysters, etc, and the original shed with the shellfish market portion. Staff are doing a terrific job of keeping things clean and trying to ensure social distancing, quite a feat when you consider the crowds they're serving. If you stop, be sure to try their halibut ceviche (so amazing, we had to return a second day to have it), fish & chips (salmon--hubby said it was amazing), or pick up fresh shellfish for dinner. The crab we picked up--though certainly a bit tedious to clean--was well worth the effort! We'll certainly return on our next trip.
2. Shaw Island Library and Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
3. Orcas Island Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 340 reviews
Reviewed By karencN3549PQ - Defiance, United States
Once you take the drive down the path you find a beautiful setting with a great display of pottery throughout the yard and shop.
4. 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.
5. Westcott Bay Shellfish Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Shellfish farm and restaurant, growing oysters, clams and mussels. Open seasonally to the public. From Memorial Day to Labor Day open Wednesdays -Mondays 11-5 (closed Tuesdays). Off-season (September - April), open Saturdays 12-3PM. Reservations for eating at the Tide Tables highly recommended.
Reviewed By maydull
This isn't just a place to eat, it is a destination. Best value and best overall oysters I've had. The perfect PNW food experience
6. Schooners North
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By shirleyb816
I am never so happy as being out on the water no matter whether in: a fishing, paddle or power boat, kayak, small sailboat or masted tall ship. The three hour afternoon sail on Schooner North’s eighty-foot Spike Africa was smooth sailing with picturesque sights of: islands, yachts, and smaller sailboats dotting the water. The 1230 afternoon sail was on a lovely, sunny July 3rd day.[ My family had already lunched locally at Friday Harbor’s “where the locals eat” Rocky Bay Cafe.] There were about twenty passengers on that large, elegant wooden two-masted schooner with a crew of about three. Spike Africa was built about forty years ago by an inveterate sailor Bob Sloan. Spike Africa was constructed of fir over oak. Fir is a local tree in the San Juan area. “She” has been completely refit which started in 2009. Her classic design and beautiful wood made sailing on her a wonderful adventure. Passengers sat and moved fore and aft sitting on the cabin top deck (with or without available cushions) or on the wooden deck itself throughout the sail. Many of us sitting right on the deck stretched out to enjoy the feel of the sailing. As we sailed on that tall ship, we spotted many stationary boats lined up along the Salish Sea. As Spike Africa approached that area, many on board immediately spotted orcas... one, then two, three and then four of them all rising and diving. This rare and exceptional sight didn’t last “just for a few minutes,” but for at least thirty to forty minutes. By maintaining proper distance from those swimming northward orcas, we were thrilled watching the continual movements of the orcas and not only saw their: fins, heads, bodies but even their flapping tails. (I think the flapping of the tails scare the fish that they were chasing.) Did we get tired or jaded watching those magnificent orcas during our afternoon sail? No, not at all. As the time of our three hour sail continued, we were again surprised and delighted to see that another pod of three orcas joined the previously mentioned four orcas. That was just another extraordinary plus to our time and sights of our Spike Africa sail. The crew not only was very proficient, cautious, and knowledgable, but also very passenger friendly. On a ten point (ten being highest) scale, I would rate our experience and enjoyment ELEVEN. I cannot be remiss in not mentioning both Gary (a sailor himself) and Bernadette who work in the office. I had many phone and e-mail “conversations” with them before our sail and afterwards. I recommend Schooner North expeditions as a destination TO DO experience. When I return to the San Juan islands, I will book a whole day trip. We had booked the Spike Africa to enjoy: the movement of the tall ship, the smell of the seas, the feel of the breezes, and the sight of the sea and landscapes. We were additionally rewarded with rare and long sightings of orcas. What a special experience it was being out on the Spike Africa! btw--San Juan Island is reached by car ferry (yes, there is a senior discount) from Anacortes, WA (which is about a two-hours drive north from Seattle.)
7. Horseshu Guest Ranch
8. Judd Cove Preserve
9. Lime Kiln Point State Park Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 353 reviews
Visit the Interpretive Center while you are at Lime Kiln Point State Park. Come learn about the orca whales that frequent our shores, the historic lime kilns & lighthouse that are in Lime Kiln Point State Park. The Interpretive Center staffed by Friends of Lime Kiln Society (FOLKS) volunteers and all donations support the Center and other FOLKS programs & projects in Lime Kiln Point State Park. There is also a small gift shop in the Interpretive Center.
Reviewed By AmASassyRedhead - Woodinville, United States
Such a gorgeous spot to hike around or just sit on the rocks or benches and enjoy the scenery. And, it you're lucky - you'll see some orcas swim by. Everytime we visit San Juan Island - this is one of the first places we go - something very special and enchanting about Lime Kiln Point.
10. Pelindaba Lavender Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 563 reviews
Pelindaba Lavender Farm, spread over 25 beautiful acres with lake and Olympic Mountain views, has become one of the San Juans' most popular visitor destinations. More than 200 lavender-based, botanical, culinary, personal care, therapeutic, household & pet care products are handcrafted and sold on-site.
Reviewed By DoloresJacoby - West Palm Beach, United States
The store in town is lovely to visit and the staff is very helpful. They have everything lavender from creams, pet formulas, oils and even ice cream. I’ve wanted to visit the farm outside town fir three years and finally made it! One can arrive by car, moped or a $10 trolly ride and hop off for a nice two hour visit. The lavender fields are breathtaking and the only ones on San Juan Island. Owned by a gentleman from South Africa
