Top Things to do in San Juan Islands
What to do and see in San Juan Islands, San Juan Islands: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Judd Cove Preserve
4. 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.
5. English Camp
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
Reviewed By IdahoKelly - Idaho Falls, United States
We were on mopeds and visited English GaRden en route around the garden. I loved the site -how beautiful! Lively little bay and hood historical markets. Worth the turn off from scenic route -no park fee
6. American Camp
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By PullmanCougar - Pullman, United States
The best part about American Camp is the beaches and coves on the south side of the park. South Beach is the longest public access beach in the islands and Grandma's Cove is an interesting little stretch of beach as well. Trails lead all the way to Cattle Point with a view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca most of the way. Foxes, deer, and eagles can be seen while hiking the trails. We hiked the trails in the rain and it was still beautiful. The visitor's center was closed for the season and outhouses were locked, but it was still a great place to visit.
7. John S. McMillin Memorial Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By DigitalRabbit - Los Gatos, United States
Each time I've visited the mausoleum I've been astounded by its peaceful setting and the symbolism built into the memorial. Everything from the broken column, number of steps, placement of chairs, is full of meaning that is well documented on the Internet (see Wiki). The short walk is enjoyable and often the memorial is not crowded. I visited off season and didn't see anyone else either on the trail or at the memorial. It made for a very tranquil experience.
8. City of Friday Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By V9009DDrichardd - Friday Harbor, United States
Visited, found a job and stayed in paradise. Love all that you can do on visit island. Come and see the beauty.
9. Pineapple Diary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
10. Chimera Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
