San Juan Island, WA

Travel Guide

San Juan Island featuring a bridge, a coastal town and general coastal views
San Juan Island which includes island views and boating
San Juan Island which includes a house and a lake or waterhole
San Juan Island showing general coastal views
San Juan Island featuring a marina, boating and sailing
San Juan Island entices visitors with its quaint harbor towns, forest trails and the chance to see a range of wildlife, including endangered orcas.

San Juan Island may be just an hour away by ferry from the mainland of Washington State, but is so pristine and serene that it feels like a world away. Come here to experience natural marvels, historic sites, festivals and charming coastal villages with markets and galleries. Explore the coast and catch some fish or enjoy outdoor activities in fertile valleys, prairies, and forests.

San Juan Island is the second-largest island of the San Juan Islands archipelago. If you are visiting for limited time, simply browse the quaint shops, galleries and Farmer’s Market at Friday Harbor, the main town and entry point of the island.

It is definitely worth staying overnight or a few days to see a different side of the island. Head to the northern tip where the Roche Harbor offers heritage style luxury accommodation, lavish meals, a spa, cruises and kayaking tours around its picturesque marina. Marvel at the beautiful yachts as you dine by the water. At nearby English Camp, learn about the remarkable Pig War of 1859.

Be sure to bring your binoculars, because you can spot anything from deer to whales. Also scan the sky for bald eagles, which come here to nest in large numbers. To fully immerse yourself in nature, pitch a tent in San Juan County Park.

One of the best places to see a pod of orcas is at Lime Kiln State Park, which records the latest sightings on a sign near its lighthouse. You can also explore the shores under Cape San Juan’s lighthouse to see seals.

To get to San Juan Island, take a plane from Seattle (45 minutes) or ferry (60 minutes) from Anacortes. Take a vehicle over to the island, or rent one on the island. Taxis, shuttle buses and water taxis will get you around too.

With a year-round temperate climate and relatively dry weather for this part of the U.S., you will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy adventurous or leisurely activities in the outdoors.

Friday Harbor Suites

Friday Harbor Suites

2.5 out of 5
680 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA
The price is ¥27,437 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥27,437
¥30,358 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free ferry terminal shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,017 reviews)
"Really good place to stay when in Friday Harbor. Easy walk to dining. Some aircraft sounds but was not a problem in the room itself. Nice and very helpful staff."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2025

Friday Harbor Suites
The Orca Inn

The Orca Inn

2 out of 5
770 Mullis St., Friday Harbor, WA
The price is ¥13,292 per night from Oct 3 to Oct 4
¥13,292
¥14,708 total
Oct 3 - Oct 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
"The rooms are very small just a bit bigger than a train sleeper. The staff were wonderful. Rooms are clean ."

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2025

The Orca Inn
Inn to the Woods B&B

Inn to the Woods B&B

3.5 out of 5
46 Elena Drive, Friday Harbor, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Reuben Tarte Memorial Park and Mt. Grant Preserve ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
"I purchased this stay as a wedding gift for my nephew. He stayed there and loved it."

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

Inn to the Woods B&B
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Westcott Bay Waterfront pet friendly home. just minutes from Roche Harbor.

Westcott Bay Waterfront pet friendly home. just minutes from Roche Harbor.

Friday Harbor
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Friday Harbor. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (333 reviews)
"This is a special place. Right on the beach. House is as described, loaded kitchen , comfy beds and great location."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2025

Westcott Bay Waterfront pet friendly home. just minutes from Roche Harbor.
Downtown Friday Harbor! Newly Built! (HB)

Downtown Friday Harbor! Newly Built! (HB)

2 out of 5
Friday Harbor
Stay at this apartment in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi and balconies. Popular attractions Whale Museum and San Juan Islands Museum of Art are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Great location and very responsive host."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2025

Downtown Friday Harbor! Newly Built! (HB)
Perfect location to relax, unwind, renew and enjoy San Juan Island

Perfect location to relax, unwind, renew and enjoy San Juan Island

Friday Harbor
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions San Juan Islands Sculpture ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews)
"This is one of the nicest VRBO's I've stayed in over the last 20 years. Besides being sparkly clean, there were so many touches that made it extra special. The kitchen was stocked with many extras (and had great coffee makers). The beds were super comfy. The floor plan is great for a family. I would ..."

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2025

Perfect location to relax, unwind, renew and enjoy San Juan Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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