Top Things to do in San Juan Islands
The 9 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in San Juan Islands, San Juan Islands
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. San Juan County Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
This park offers some of the best whale watching.
2. Shark Reef Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By jbk51691
Still trying to figure out why this is named Shark Reef Sanctuary? A definite must visit. Hike down to the water and then continue to the left on the trail till it is in front of the large rock island. There were lots of seals swimming around when we arrived and then they all decided to take naps along the rocks on the island. I counted almost 50 seals!! When hiking from the parking area dont stop right when the trail ends at the water. i saw many do this and they missed the big attraction. Continue on the trail to the left otherwise why bother.
3. Lime Kiln Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 745 reviews
This 36.32-acre park, located on the west side of San Juan Island, boasts over 2,550 feet of scenic shoreline.
Reviewed By E6573WEryanb - Ellensburg, United States
Great place to explore with kids and adults. My wife, 2 girls (8 & 11), and I spent a over half a day of our vacation walking the trails, beach combing in Deadman Bay, and then watching the sunset. There are picnic tables all along the trail from Lime Kiln lighthouse south/east to Deadman Bay that you can hang out at, watch for whales/orcas, and then later watch the sunset. The park is free BUT you do need a Discovery Pass to park since it's a state park (this is a Washington State permit that you can buy a day pass or year pass for on site). There are bathrooms on site, a small gift shop (that did take debit/credit cards), and there was a small food truck that offered food (never went to close to it to see what the options were though). Well worth your time if you're on SJ island.
4. 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.
5. Odlin County Park
6. Judd Cove Preserve
7. Iceberg Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By 903HeatherB
This was a nice walk with great views. The parking lot is actually before the road ends. There are not a lot of parking spaces, so on a nice day, I imagine you would need to go early. Signage was not great, but we figured it out. You actually have to walk through a neighborhood to get to the rest of the trail.
8. Coho Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
9. Otto Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
