Top Things to do in San Juan Islands
Countries
Top 5 Farms in San Juan Islands, San Juan Islands
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. 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.
2. 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
3. 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
4. Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm and Country Store
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By luvtotravelpdx - Oregon City, United States
We were driving around the island and saw these darling alpacas. The farm and store were closed but I e-mailed the owners and they let us come to the store. Kris was so friendly and like most small businesses, hurting. I was able to purchase 3 skins of the softest wool I have ever felt and will make a scarf that I will treasure forever. My husband bought a pair of the alpaca socks and just loves them. Thank you, Kris, for letting us visit your store!
5. OrcaSong Farm
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
OrcaSong Farm is a botanical destination, working farm and education center for everyone. A place that nurtures the joy of healthy eating, herbal medicine, practical farming, creativity and connecting with others.
