Top Things to do in San Juan Islands
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10 Free Things to do in San Juan Islands That You Shouldn't Miss
Start your Pacific Northwest vacation in style, with a seaplane or ferry ride to the San Juan Islands from Seattle. It’s the ultimate way to take in the beauty of this region that Mother Nature has so abundantly blessed. You have a choice of three alluring islands – Lopez, the most rural, a mix of rolling farmland and beaches; Orcas, the largest of the San Juan Islands and replete with verdant mountains and placid lakes; and San Juan Island, where vibrant Friday Harbor welcomes ferry and seaplane guests and offers an array of charming accommodations and gourmet eateries.
Whether it’s whale-watching and sea kayaking, touring an art gallery or browsing a local farmers’ market, the San Juan Islands offer pleasing diversions for every age and interest. For the best chance to view orca whales and other sea life, plan your trip between April and September – a number of tour operators are available throughout the islands. Rev up your energy level with biking tours through rolling meadows and farmland, go birding on San Juan Island, hike the region’s modest mountains – offering outstanding vistas from the top – or go charter fishing for the day. Other favorites include hiking to Lime Kiln Lighthouse on San Juan Island, taking a scenic flight over the area, attending an outdoor summer concert in the park and horseback riding.
Restaurants in San Juan Islands
1. Shark Reef Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By jbk51691
Still trying to figure out why this is named Shark Reef Sanctuary? A definite must visit. Hike down to the water and then continue to the left on the trail till it is in front of the large rock island. There were lots of seals swimming around when we arrived and then they all decided to take naps along the rocks on the island. I counted almost 50 seals!! When hiking from the parking area dont stop right when the trail ends at the water. i saw many do this and they missed the big attraction. Continue on the trail to the left otherwise why bother.
2. Buck Bay Shellfish Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By Y8905VKbeckyw
It had been several years since we'd been to Buck Bay Farm, and boy, had it grown! No longer a single room and counter, there are now essentially three rooms/barns to serve you: a restaurant/bar area, a barn where you can select your own clams, oysters, etc, and the original shed with the shellfish market portion. Staff are doing a terrific job of keeping things clean and trying to ensure social distancing, quite a feat when you consider the crowds they're serving. If you stop, be sure to try their halibut ceviche (so amazing, we had to return a second day to have it), fish & chips (salmon--hubby said it was amazing), or pick up fresh shellfish for dinner. The crab we picked up--though certainly a bit tedious to clean--was well worth the effort! We'll certainly return on our next trip.
3. Orcas Island Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 340 reviews
Reviewed By karencN3549PQ - Defiance, United States
Once you take the drive down the path you find a beautiful setting with a great display of pottery throughout the yard and shop.
4. Cattle Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Rocky promontory on San Juan Island that offers a dramatic view of the whales and wildlife of Puget Sound.
Reviewed By lilly_happy_traveler - La Conner, United States
This is a great beach to walk along and explore. We went when it was mid-tide so the tidal pools with sea anemones and all the other fun creatures weren’t accessible. It still was a great place to explore. There weren’t many people there on a Saturday which was great, albeit it is January in the midst of covid. I would definitely come back here.
5. Westcott Bay Shellfish Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Shellfish farm and restaurant, growing oysters, clams and mussels. Open seasonally to the public. From Memorial Day to Labor Day open Wednesdays -Mondays 11-5 (closed Tuesdays). Off-season (September - April), open Saturdays 12-3PM. Reservations for eating at the Tide Tables highly recommended.
Reviewed By maydull
This isn't just a place to eat, it is a destination. Best value and best overall oysters I've had. The perfect PNW food experience
6. Lime Kiln Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 745 reviews
This 36.32-acre park, located on the west side of San Juan Island, boasts over 2,550 feet of scenic shoreline.
Reviewed By E6573WEryanb - Ellensburg, United States
Great place to explore with kids and adults. My wife, 2 girls (8 & 11), and I spent a over half a day of our vacation walking the trails, beach combing in Deadman Bay, and then watching the sunset. There are picnic tables all along the trail from Lime Kiln lighthouse south/east to Deadman Bay that you can hang out at, watch for whales/orcas, and then later watch the sunset. The park is free BUT you do need a Discovery Pass to park since it's a state park (this is a Washington State permit that you can buy a day pass or year pass for on site). There are bathrooms on site, a small gift shop (that did take debit/credit cards), and there was a small food truck that offered food (never went to close to it to see what the options were though). Well worth your time if you're on SJ island.
7. San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By jdankers - Monroe, United States
The 22 acre Sculpture Park on San Juan Island in Roche Harbor was the highlight of a recent get away trip my wife and I made. We spent several hours there along well maintained wooded trails, open fields and a pond, viewing a wide variety of stunning sculpture pieces of all sizes created by artists in the region. Among the art are plaques of poetry written by David Jenkins. There is something for everyone- Nature, wildlife (both real and created), and plenty of places to rest for reflection. This is a wonderful escape for the whole family to get outside and appreciate the beauty in the world. No admittance fee but donations are welcomed.
8. San Juan Island National Historical Park
9. Judd Cove Preserve
10. Island Studios
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By kiffieh - Belleair Beach, United States
Our third year in a row to San Juan Islands, and we always look forward to browsing and buying something at Island Studios! Very nice people work there and they are helpful.
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