Top Things to do in San Juan Islands
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10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. Custom Coastal Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
We offer single day to multi week professionally skippered all inclusive yacht carters for up to 12 guests for day trips and 6 guests for our overnight trips. We offer charters in the San Juan islands of Washington state, as well as multi week charters on BC and up to Alaska.
2. San Juan Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
I'm Corey and I have a passion for setting pots at the bottom of the sea bed and catching Shrimp and Crab. I want to share the experience from start to finish of catch Shrimp and Crab. With my unique charter you are guaranteed dinner! Heck, we will even cook it for you ! I grew up on the water of the san Juan Islands and want to share my passion with everyone that comes on board .
3. Serendipity the used book place
4. Afterglow Spa at Roche Harbor Resort
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Warm, personable and inviting, the perfect complement to your experience at Roche Harbor. Afterglow Spa offers facials, bath and body treatments, massage and nail services.
Reviewed By janmonahan - Centerville, United States
My husband gave me the gift of a 90-minute massage from Afterglow. They treated me like royalty. I was greeted by Adam one of the massage therapists. He was fantastic. If I could see this guy every week I would. He worked my tired muscles with lavender oil and a firm but gentle therapeutic touch. I sat in the steam room for longer than I should have but, I couldn't help it...it felt so good. Please tell Adam he did a great job.
5. San Juan Community Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Adrian22
San Juan Community Theatre is a superlative venue for concerts, plays and more. Offering great views and acoustics from everywhere in the house, it's as intimate as it is professional. Enjoyed an amazing time, sold-out show, with the singular folk-rock legend Al Stewart (creator of "Roads to Moscow" and countless other brilliant songs) - and his band, The Empty Pockets. Very fortunate to be in such a room for such an experience. A credit to staff, volunteers and community.
6. REC retreats
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
REC Retreats is a magical destination in the heart of the San Juan Islands. Several event opportunities exist; all allow participants to briefly live the unparalleled island-life and experience the embrace of "community" (this is really important at REC Retreats!) * Register for an all-inclusive recreational and educational weekend retreat. Learn a new skill during an engaging, one-day workshop. Check out our website for the schedule. * Have you always wanted to lead your own retreat? Plan your dream event at REC Retreats. * Reserve dates for your small corporate retreat. Focus on projects off-site without distractions.
7. A Massage by the Sea
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Beautiful Orcas Island is one of many islands in the archipelago of the San Juan Islands outside of Canada and the United States. Being a favorite vacation spot for over one hundred years attracts families especially in the summer months. The whimsical "by the sea" themed studio of A Massage by the Sea is located in the lovely Seastar Lodging building on the water in uptown Eastsound Washington. Carefully selected Organic Aromatherapy oils are tailored to each persons liking. We specialize in a variety of holistic healing therapies, Medical Massage, Injury treatments as well as standard therapeutic and relaxation styles of massage. Creating ambiance is our specialty, all five therapists draw upon 10 to 20 years of experience in the massage spa industry. So whether your here solo or plan to indulge in the popular side by side sessions for couples, duet family/friends or for Mother Daughter the experience will be a highlight of your vacation.
Reviewed By ianwP6566ZE - Seattle, United States
Massage by the Sea has a lovely atmosphere, with mermaid iconography abundant, and the vibes you get when you're sitting in the lobby, reinforce the level of care that Roxanne (the owner) displays toward your body. She utilizes hot stones, essential oils in ayurvedic fashion, Tibetan Singing Bowls, Tuning Forks, and a wonderfully heated massage table to relax you and de-toxify your body. I frequently request her services, because she makes me feel good, she is knowledgeable about the human body, and has over 20 years of experience with massage. I think she is a unique masseuse because of her level of expertise, and her ability to utilize all of these tools to make sure your pain goes away. Drink plenty of water afterward! I will forever employ her services! Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Protocols, you will have to wear a mask, have your temp checked at the door, and go through a check-list to ensure safety, She also wears a mask when she performs massage. The environment felt very safe and clean!
8. Doe Bay Wine Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
We are a Bottleshop featuring small production Wine, Beer and Cider from around the world. We are also a tasting room featuring our wine, "The Orcas Project", paired with cheese and charcuterie boards. We offer private events and host weekly tastings and dinners.
9. Pacific Catalyst
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Unique small ship cruises in the sheltered inside passage of SE Alaska, British Columbia, and the San Juan Islands of Washington as well as the Sea of Cortez, Baja California aboard the historic wooden vessels M/V Catalyst & M/V Westward. A larger cruise ship alternative...a smaller, more intimate, cruising experience.
10. Orcas Island Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
The largest of the San Juan islands is also one of the prettiest, with rocky terrain for hiking and dramatic shorelines for kayaking and whale watching.
Reviewed By 606kathryna - Dupont, United States
This museum has lots of information of the early settlers and life on Orcas island. They have moved several small original settlers' cabins to the site and have plenty of artifacts. It was larger than I thought it would be. I spent about 45 minutes browsing the exhibits. I really enjoyed the museum and would bring more family to see it. Admission was free but you could give a suggested donation.
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