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James Mead Maya
The unique formations on Sucia Island
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Barbara Marrett
Fresh produce can be found throughout the many markets during your visit.
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Barbara Marrett
The offerings at the decadent Friday Harbor Chocolates.
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Barbara Marrett
A stunning view in Roche Harbor.
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Patrick McEvoy
Wildlife sightings are common throughout the San Juan Islands.
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Jim Maya Photography
Spectacular nature can be found both off and on the water.
Words by Erin Wygant
With a series of ports, rich history, vibrant culinary and arts communities, and endless activities, the San Juan Islands are a popular boating destination for good reason – they feel like home.
Enjoy the small-town charm of Friday Harbor and the history of Roche Harbor on the most populous island in the region, San Juan. Spend time exploring the bays and coves of Orcas Island or enjoy a slower-pace on Lopez Island. No matter which island you choose, the San Juan Islands are a place of small-town traditions with much adventure. Like any journey, some local insight will help you find the hidden gems and make your trip one to remember.
Friday Harbor
This bustling port is home to waterfront bars and restaurants, public art, outdoor adventures, and more. Everything from wooden classics to shiny new cruisers line the docks, where you’ll also find gas, showers and laundry facilities. If you picture yourself at a cool little craft beer tavern on the waterfront, check out the brand-new Cease and Desist, a Friday Harbor beerhouse with a front row seat to watch ferry and boater traffic.
Though a small town, Friday Harbor boasts a myriad of activities to keep busy. Whether you want to enjoy a whale watching tour, brush up on your natural history at The Whale Museum or marvel at new exhibits in the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, you’ll find the walkable town is full of attractions. Try some port while docked at the port and savor the sweetness at Friday Harbor Chocolates, downtown, which not only serves locally-made chocolates, but specializes in imported ports and domestic port-style dessert wines. Sip, taste and stroll your way through what Condé Nast Traveler dubs one of America’s 20 Most Beautiful Small Towns.
Roche Harbor
Roche Harbor, a favorite boating destination, is home to the historic Roche Harbor Resort. Stop by the 130-year-old Hotel de Haro and spot Teddy Roosevelt’s name in the guestbook or learn the history of the once mighty lime kilns and walk the surrounding trails to “haunted” cemeteries and a mausoleum. Additionally, the nearby San Juan Islands Sculpture Park is one of the largest sculpture parks in the world with its 125-plus outdoor pieces.
When you’re hungry for local fare, consider the Madrona Bar and Grill where you can enjoy the newly renovated dining room and island-inspired menu while taking in a sunset ceremony as the marina staff retire the colours. Roche Harbor is truly a boater’s paradise with three restaurants, a well-stocked company store, kayaking and paddle board opportunities, whale watching tours, and a fresh seafood hut that brings fresh-caught Dungeness crab and spot prawns right to the dock.
San Juan Island
For the more adventurous traveler, explore the island by scooter, bike, transit or trolley. Take in the island views from the west side – and be sure to keep an eye out for whales! Lime Kiln Point State Park, also known as Whale Watch Park, is a 20-minute ride from Friday Harbor and offers commanding views of Vancouver Island and local wildlife. If you forget to pack a snack for your travels, grab a bite at the Saturday Farmers Market.
For more information on seeing whales, kayaking and incredible bicycling opportunities while you’re in the Islands, visit www.visitsanjuans.com/what-to-do
Orcas Island
The village of Eastsound, just a short walk from the county docks, is full of vibrant art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants and interesting shops. Stop by Doe Bay Wine Company to taste their new blend from The Orcas Project or visit Roses Bakery Café for fine locally-sourced dining. If it’s thrills you’re after, try the new Harry Potter-themed escape room.
Nestled on the southwest side of Orcas Island, Deer Harbor is another great boating destination all-year. With nearby dining and lodging options, this cozy harbour is a favorite place for families and couples to enjoy small-town charm in the Islands. One of the popular marinas on Orca Island is Deer Harbor Marina where – in addition to its marina services – offers a range of events throughout the summer and provides a gateway to many activities including tours and charters for whale watching, kayaking, and fishing that leave right form the marina.
Rosario Resort, with its rich history, stunning spa and beautiful mansion, is a popular boating destination in the Islands. Enjoy a delicious meal at the mansion or a game of shuffleboard on the lawn. Tie up to a buoy at Doe Bay Resort & Retreat and relish in the creative lodging options, beautiful soaking tubs and farm-fresh food.
If you’re looking for new ways to travel around the island, try the E-bikes at Wildlife Cycles on Orcas Island as it offers rentals and is open every day during the summer. Take the bikes to Moran State Park for a peaceful day at Cascade Lake or a rewarding hike up Mount Constitution.
Lopez Island
Lopez Village in Fisherman Bay is a short walk from the marinas and offers boaters a variety of shops and local eateries. The village recently welcomed two fun, new food trucks – El Taco ‘Bout It and Maison de Poutine. The taco truck featuring fresh local meats and vegetables and the poutine truck serving frites, cheese curds, and gravy, will satisfy any craving after a day on the water. For more upscale dining, try Ursa Minor, located in the heart of the village. Recently featured in the New York Times, Ursa Minor is known for its unique take on island-inspired foods.
Moorage can be found at the Lopez Islander Resort in Fisherman Bay. From here, you can rent bikes and kayaks to further explore the island. With space for roughly 30 boats, a fuel dock and county store, boaters visiting the resort can enjoy access to the swimming pool, jacuzzi, showers and laundromat. Islands Marine Center on Fisherman Bay has moorage for 100 boats, a small store, fuel and more. You can also find buoys at Spencer Spit State Park.
More Inside Tips for Boaters
Experience the joy of island-hopping through the 172 islands in the archipelago. Whether you explore the China Caves of Sucia Island, encounter the friendly deer on Jones Island, or take a picnic to Posey Island State Park, the outer islands offer endless adventure.
Erin Wygant lives in Friday Harbor where she is the content marketing and outreach coordinator for the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau.
For all the details on lodging, dining, travel, activities and to plan your next trip to the San Juan Islands visit www.visitsanjuans.com.
Heading to the San Juan Islands? Here are a few Marinas and Moorage Options to Checkout.
There’s something exciting about visiting Washington State by boat from British Columbia. The stunning beauty continues in the San Juan Islands where there’s always a new event, destination, or unique shopping and dining experiences to discover. Plus, the region offers many accessible marine services. Gas and diesel, parts and supplies, full marina amenities, you name it – there’s nothing more gratifying than requiring boating services at a moment’s notice, making a trip here even more convenient and enjoyable.
Here are a few marinas to consider during your next journey south of the border:
Deer Harbor Marina – Orca Island
With modern dock facilities that can accommodate boats up to 37 m (120 ft), fuel, pump out facilities, beer and wine sales, and more, this marina is a gateway to many activities and is centrally located in the region to make an ideal home base for a few days or as a destination point.
For more details visit www.deerharbormarina.com
Rosario Resort and Spa – Orca Island
One of the great aspects of this Orca Island destination is its transient moorage fees includes usage of the resort’s family pool, showers, restrooms and the many marine services including 30 or 50-amp power, potable water and fuel. The scenic resort also offers great dining options and is nearby to more services. It’s series of plush accommodations are also impressive, as is the dining.
Port of Friday Harbor – San Juan Island
Located in The Town of Friday Harbor, this marina has free WiFi, a Shell fuel pier, potable water, on-site laundromat, restrooms, showers plus pump-out facilities. Being right in Friday Harbor, there’s access to many services including food markets, restaurants, hardware stores, laundry, lodging, chandleries, art galleries theaters, and more.
Lopez Islander Resort Marina – Lopez Island
With its accommodations, the Lopez Islander Resort Marina offers transient moorage, ranging from fishing boats to large yachts, and some of the added services for cruisers include showers, laundry facilities and access to the swimming pool and jacuzzi. There’s also a choice of dining options and all rooms at the resort overlook Fisherman Bay.