San Juan Islands Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Harbor Charm

• Morning: Catch an early Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor, costing approximately $75 for a vehicle and driver round-trip. Spend the crossing looking for porpoises before docking and grabbing coffee and a pastry at The Riptide Cafe near the landing.
• Afternoon: Explore the walkable downtown of Friday Harbor, visiting The Whale Museum to learn about the local pods for an entry fee of around $10 per person. Walk up Spring Street to browse independent bookstores and art galleries before checking into your hotel.
• Evening: Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at Downriggers overlooking the marina, where a meal for two with drinks will run about $120. End the night with a stroll along the docks to watch the seaplanes land at sunset.

Day 2: Whales and the West Side

• Morning: Drive 20 minutes west to Lime Kiln Point State Park, paying the $10 Discover Pass daily fee if you don’t have a pass. Hike the short trails along the bluffs and visit the historic lighthouse while scanning the Haro Strait for dorsal fins.
• Afternoon: Head north to Roche Harbor and grab a casual lunch on the deck at Madrona Bar & Grill for about $60. Afterward, wander through the sculpture park across the street or rent kayaks from the marina for a two-hour paddle costing around $50 per person.
• Evening: Stay in Roche Harbor for the traditional colors ceremony at sunset, where the flags are lowered to music. Drive back to Friday Harbor for a cozy dinner at Coho Restaurant, budgeting approximately $150 for a farm-to-table experience.

Day 3: History and Departures

• Morning: Drive south to American Camp, part of the National Historical Park, to see the sweeping grassy plains and foxes hunting in the fields. Walk down to South Beach, the longest pebble beach on the island, for a refreshing morning breeze.
• Afternoon: Stop by Pelindaba Lavender products store in town or visit a local farm stand for souvenirs before lining up for the ferry. Grab a takeout lunch from Market Chef, costing about $35, to eat while waiting in the ferry holding lanes.
• Evening: Board the ferry back to Anacortes, enjoying the golden hour views of the archipelago from the upper deck. Arrive on the mainland in time for the drive back to Seattle or your next destination.

Day 1: The Emerald Isle

• Morning: Arrive by ferry at the Orcas Island landing and drive 20 minutes to the village of Eastsound. Start with a hearty brunch at Island Skillet, where a full meal for two costs around $50.
• Afternoon: Browse the artisan shops in Eastsound, including the Darvill’s Bookstore and local pottery studios. Check into the Outlook Inn or a cabin at Doe Bay Resort, with prices ranging from $200 to $400 per night depending on the season.
• Evening: Dine at The Barnacle for craft cocktails and small plates focused on local produce, spending about $100. Take a twilight walk along the waterfront park in Eastsound before retiring for the night.

Day 2: Summit to Sea

• Morning: Enter Moran State Park and drive or hike to the summit of Mount Constitution. The view from the stone tower is free, but the state park requires a $10 day pass or annual Discover Pass.
• Afternoon: Drive down the mountain to Cascade Lake for a picnic lunch and rent a paddleboat or take a swim if the weather permits. Continue to the Doe Bay Cafe for a late lunch or early snack, known for its garden-side seating.
• Evening: Enjoy a fine dining experience at the Mansion Restaurant at Rosario Resort, located in a historic tycoon’s mansion. Expect to spend $150-$200 for a memorable meal with views of the sound, followed by a walk through the museum in the lobby.

Day 3: Artists and Hamlets

• Morning: Visit Orcas Island Pottery, the oldest pottery studio in the Pacific Northwest, located down a winding dirt road with a cedar treehouse on the property. Purchase a unique mug or bowl as a keepsake, with prices starting around $30.
• Afternoon: Drive to the tiny hamlet of Olga to visit the Orcas Island Artworks cooperative gallery. Grab a light lunch at the adjacent Catkin Cafe, budgeting $40 for two, before heading toward the ferry terminal.
• Evening: Arrive at the ferry landing early to visit the groovy Orcas Hotel cafe for a final coffee or glass of wine while waiting. Board the ferry back to Anacortes as the sun dips behind the islands.