Friday Harbor - San Juan Island

San Juan Island

San Juan Island is part of the spectacular San Juan Island Archipelago in WA, including Orcas Island, Lopez Island and Lummi Island.  It’s located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, enjoying 250 days of sunshine a year and a mild, temperate climate.

The main commercial center of San Juan Island is Friday Harbor, located on the east side of the island at the ferry landing.   Friday Harbor has a bustling ferry dock and marina, and a wide selection of restaurants, cafes and gift shops and boutique hotels.  The Whale Museum and Historical Museum are also popular attractions.

On the northern side of the island, visitors can also stay at quaint Roche Harbor, a 25-minute drive from Friday Harbor.  Roche Harbor is a true gem, with historic buildings, a formal garden and a unique old world charm.  

San Juan Island is beautiful to visit in all seasons.  In warmer months tourists rent mopeds and bikes to explore the idyllic country roads.  The west coast of San Juan Island is spectacular; and includes Lime Kiln Point Park and Lighthouse, Cattle Point Lighthouse, and the American and English Camps from the Pig War. The sparkling coastal waters are also popular for kayaking tours and whale watching tours.  

Ferry to San Juan Island

To get to San Juan Island, travel to Anacortes and board the Anacortes to Friday Harbor Ferry.  Wait times can vary based on demand, particularly during summer months when Friday and Sunday afternoons get very busy on San Juan island ferries. 

Top 8 must-do activities on San Juan Island

1. Explore the historic waterfront at Roche Harbor
2. Dine and shop at Friday Harbor
3. Book a kayaking or whale watching tour (see list below)
4. Rent a moped or bike to explore the island, from “Susie’s Mopeds”
5. Enjoy a glass of wine at the San Juan Island Vineyards
6. Visit the American and English Camps in the San Juan Island Historical Park
7. Go whale watching at Lime Kiln State Park and Lighthouse
8. Stop at Pelindaba Farms Lavender for gifts and a cutting field

Cellphone coverage

Please note, mobile phone coverage can be a little patchy on San Juan Island, therefore it's advised you print out maps and directions before leaving.

Lodging and Camping on San Juan Island

Review the list at the bottom of the page for popular vacation lodging, inns, hotels, rentals, and B&B’s. There is strong demand for accommodation in summer, so always book ahead.  Choose from:

• Romantic B&B’s & Inns:  Kirkhouse, Tucker House, Harrison House, Ferry Landing Suites
• Hip & Modern Hotel:  Bird Rock Hotel, 123 West, Friday Harbor House
• Rustic Lodge:  Lakedale Resort
• Budget:  The Orca Inn
• Vacation Rentals:  The San Juan Waterhouse, Rose Mountain Lodge
• Camping:  San Juan County Park (west coast, with lovely water views)

Driving Tour up the spectacular West Coast of San Juan Island

Most of the key attractions on San Juan Island are concentrated on the west coast; between Cattle Point in the south and Roche Harbor in the north.  Below is a 23-mile driving tour up the west coast:

• Stop 1 - Cattle Point Interpretive Area & Lighthouse:  Start at the Cattle Point Interpretive Area in the southernmost tip of San Juan Island, just a 20-minute drive from Friday Harbor.  The day use area features an interpretive center housed in an old radio compass station, and stunning cliff-top vistas across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  Cattle Point is a popular wildlife viewing area, with over 200 species of mammals and birds.  The trailhead to the lighthouse is not signed, but there is a pull-out directly before you reach the Cattle Point Interpretive Area, and a 10-minute walk out to the lighthouse.
• Stop 2 - American Camp:  American Camp is just a few miles north of Cattle Point in the San Juan Island National Historical Park.  The Visitor Center provides a fascinating overview of the 1859 – 72 Pig War between America and Britain over ownership of the San Juan Islands.  American and English troops occupied camps at opposite sides of the island until ownership was eventually awarded to America by Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany through peaceful arbitration.  There are some short walks from the American Camp Visitor Center to the historic Officers’ Quarters, and Redoubt defensive site.  It’s also recommended you take the 0.5 mile trail down to Grandma’s Cove.  If time permits, take the bluff walk to South Beach, the site of the first settlement on San Juan Island built in the late 1850’s.  The coastline views from the prairie are spectacular. 
• Stop 3 - Beaches near American Camp:  Visit some beaches near American Camp, including “South Beach” and “Fourth of July Beach”.  Both beaches are gravel, so wear sturdy shoes.  You will also see signs to Jackle’s Lagoon Trailhead, and can take a 0.6-mile hike to the lagoon from the parking lot, or hike the 3-mile Mt Finlayson Loop.
• Stop 4 - Pelindaba Farms Lavender:  Stop at the Gatehouse Store at Pelindaba Farms for locally crafted products, cutting field supplies, lavender ice-cream and lemonade, and educational displays.  From July to September you can explore fields of lavender
• Stop 5 - Lime Kiln Point State Park and Lighthouse:  For whale watching enthusiasts, Lime Kiln Park is considered the best location for spotting Orca whales in the world.  Sightings are most common June through September. There is also a short walk along the rocky shoreline to the iconic Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse.
• Stop 6 - San Juan County Park:  San Juan County Park has a bluff and grassed area popular for recreation and camping.  Take the stairs from the bluff down to the secluded beach.
• Stop 7 - Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm:  Pick up a gift at the store, and observe the Alpacas in the surrounding fields.
• Stop 8 - English Camp:  The English Camp from the “Pig War” features a Visitor Center (June to September), formal garden, and some historic structure.  Take the 2-mile hike to Bell Point for views of Garrison Bay.
• Stop 9 - Roche Harbor:  Explore the quaint village of Roche Harbor; including prominent landmarks such as historic Hotel De Haro, the Company Store, Banquet Court, Formal Gardens and Chapel.  The Sculpture Park is within walking distance of Roche Harbor.