Top Things to do in San Juan Island
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in San Juan Island, Washington (WA)
An island vacation on San Juan Island in…Washington? San Juan might not be a tropical retreat, but this scenic scape proudly features beaches, orca pods and one of the country’s largest lavender farms. Lime Kiln Point State Park is the perfect place for whale watching, while Pelindaba Lavender Farm will set you up with a lifetime supply of the fragrant purple plant. The bustling Friday Harbor is a jackpot of restaurants and shops, plus unique attractions like the 19-acre sculpture garden at Westcott Bay Reserve.
Restaurants in San Juan Island
1. Reuben Tarte Memorial Park
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Lime Kiln Point State Park Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 353 reviews
Visit the Interpretive Center while you are at Lime Kiln Point State Park. Come learn about the orca whales that frequent our shores, the historic lime kilns & lighthouse that are in Lime Kiln Point State Park. The Interpretive Center staffed by Friends of Lime Kiln Society (FOLKS) volunteers and all donations support the Center and other FOLKS programs & projects in Lime Kiln Point State Park. There is also a small gift shop in the Interpretive Center.
Reviewed By AmASassyRedhead - Woodinville, United States
Such a gorgeous spot to hike around or just sit on the rocks or benches and enjoy the scenery. And, it you're lucky - you'll see some orcas swim by. Everytime we visit San Juan Island - this is one of the first places we go - something very special and enchanting about Lime Kiln Point.
6. Stuart Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Rob-Fiona - Victoria, Canada
My husband and I moor our boat in Reid Harbour for a few weekends every summer and will ever travel over and just have a bbq on the boat for an evening; it is absolutely one of our favourites! We live in Victoria, BC so it’s only about a 25 minute boat ride from Sidney. We love how remote it feels as there are no ferries that go to this beautiful island. Times stands still when you are at Stuart Island. ????
7. Turn Island State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
8. Eagle Cove Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
9. South Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
10. Posey Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
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