San Juan Islands, WA

Travel Guide

Lime Kiln Point State Park featuring heritage architecture, rocky coastline and a lighthouse
Orcas Island which includes mountains, mist or fog and landscape views
English Camp showing a lake or waterhole
San Juan Islands which includes fishing, a sunset and boating
Washington showing mist or fog, fishing and a lake or waterhole

Off the coast of Washington, this archipelago offers pleasant vacation escapes, with clean air, beautiful waters and comfortable temperatures year-round.

Ride a ferry to one of the four main San Juan Islands for a relaxing Pacific Northwest vacation. Stay in one spot, ferry between islands or rent a sea kayak to venture to some of the hundreds of smaller named and unnamed landmasses and reefs.

Start your trip on San Juan IslandOpens in a new window in Friday HarborOpens in a new window, the county seat and biggest town. Visit the Whale Museum to learn about the large mammals living year-round in the waters around the islands. Whale watch from Lime Kiln Point State ParkOpens in a new window or from a tour boat. Look for orcas, humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, sea lions and porpoises. Drive or cycle on the scenic byway to Roche HarborOpens in a new window past lavender and alpaca farms and the English Camp San Juan Islands National Historical ParkOpens in a new window. Learn about the Pig War between the U.S. and Canada over ownership rights to the islands.

Orcas Island is named after an 18th-century viceroy to Mexico and the patron of a Spanish explorer, not after orca whales. However, you can also observe the giant mammals from its shores. Climb Mount Constitution in Moran State Park near Eastsound and notice the town’s historic homes. See the works of more than 45 local artists at Orcas Island Artworks in Olga.

Lopez Island’s 63 miles (101 kilometers) of sandy shoreline offer views of Mount Baker. Bike around the island to farms growing grapes, apples, pears and kiwis. Lopez Village has restaurants, a museum and shops to serve the island’s 2,500 year-round residents and many more tourists.

Bring a picnic onto the inter-island ferry to Shaw Island. If you walk or bike, the ferry is free. Visit the beaches of Shaw County Park, where you can camp overnight year-round. Rent sea kayaks and explore other islands and reefs not served by ferries.

The San Juan Islands are part of Washington State. Traveling here from SeattleOpens in a new window or VancouverOpens in a new window, Canada, takes roughly 3 to 4 hours. Drive to Anacortes, Washington, and ride the Anacortes-Friday Ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.

Friday Harbor Suites

Friday Harbor Suites

2.5 out of 5
680 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA
$183 nightly
The price is $203 total per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
$203 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Total with taxes and 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Friendly, helpful staff. Great location. Safe. Walkable to local restaurants, ferry, stores. Dated decor. Difficult to figure out air conditioner remote control. Floors could use a deep cleaning."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Friday Harbor Suites
The Orca Inn

The Orca Inn

2 out of 5
770 Mullis St., Friday Harbor, WA
$141 nightly
The price is $157 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$157 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total with taxes and 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! (1,003 reviews)
Orca Inn
"The room was very clean the best part , but was so small a night stand was not bedside. We had a queen size bed. The tv would benefit travelers if streaming sites were available. It’s a mile from town but uphill most of the way, still not a bad walk if you’re not carrying large luggage. The shampoo ..."

Reviewed on Aug 22, 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! (84 reviews)
"Very kind staff. Our trip was for our honeymoon, so the staff decorated our room with rose petals, and they gave us complimentary mimosas and a bottle of wine. Quick access to Friday and Roche Harbor."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 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.
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)
Downtown location with charm
"The units are either new or just renovated. Still has the new smell. Very clean and awesome setup! Super comfy beds. We have a family of four and it was perfect for us. Super convenient. Don’t let the “no parking spot” scare you. We always found a daytime spot right out front, and an overnight spot ..."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Downtown Friday Harbor! Newly Built! (HB)
Beach house,  heated pool, hot tub, private beach, shared dock

Beach house, heated pool, hot tub, private beach, shared dock

Friday harbor
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions English Camp and Wescott Bay ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
Camp
"We felt like we were at a week long summer camp while having a comfortable bed and a clean private shower ! The kitchen is very well stocked enabling us to make breakfast, lunch and dinner easily. The setting is serene with spectacular views of the bay and surrounding trees. We felt we truly got ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Beach house, heated pool, hot tub, private beach, shared dock
Neil Bay Waterfront Family And Pet Friendly Property!<br>PCUP00-13-0010

Neil Bay Waterfront Family And Pet Friendly Property!<br>PCUP00-13-0010

Roche Harbor
Stay at this vacation home in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions San Juan Islands Sculpture Park and Roche ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (236 reviews)
Fantastic location
"Home is just as described and well stocked with everything you need and more."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Neil Bay Waterfront Family And Pet Friendly Property!<br>PCUP00-13-0010
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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