Top Things to do in San Juan Island
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Top 10 Free Things to do 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. Serendipity the used book place
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. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Arctic Raven Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Islandwoman123 - Friday Harbor, United States
This is a gem of a Native PNW gallery. The owner Lee Brooks deals directly with the artists, visits reservations all the way to Alaska to find the best artists and works available . Highly recommended for quality and fair prices
8. WaterWorks Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
WaterWorks Galley is San Juan Island’s premiere gallery for contemporary artwork. Established in 1985 with the concept of showcasing artists based in the the Pacific Northwest and the San Juan Islands. A recent addition is Art jewelry. The work of the gallery’s painters and sculptors reflect the unique Northwest experience. Artists and their visions evolve and change, stimulated by the changing times we live in. Cheers
9. San Juan Island Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By DigitalRabbit - Los Gatos, United States
San Juan Island Distillery makes an amazing number of alcoholic beverages from hard cider to gins, brandy, and liqueurs. They use local apples and botanicals. Gin lovers will especially enjoy tasting the result of modifying both the base and the botanical ingredients. You can't taste everything and stay sober. So I suggest first visiting their website to see what appeals to you, and then narrow your tasting to just a few of those items. Then plan for a repeat visit another time! If you are staying at the nearby Roche Harbor resort, it is possible to walk the one mile or so to the tasting barn.
10. Pelindaba Lavender Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 563 reviews
Pelindaba Lavender Farm, spread over 25 beautiful acres with lake and Olympic Mountain views, has become one of the San Juans' most popular visitor destinations. More than 200 lavender-based, botanical, culinary, personal care, therapeutic, household & pet care products are handcrafted and sold on-site.
Reviewed By DoloresJacoby - West Palm Beach, United States
The store in town is lovely to visit and the staff is very helpful. They have everything lavender from creams, pet formulas, oils and even ice cream. I’ve wanted to visit the farm outside town fir three years and finally made it! One can arrive by car, moped or a $10 trolly ride and hop off for a nice two hour visit. The lavender fields are breathtaking and the only ones on San Juan Island. Owned by a gentleman from South Africa
