Top Things to do in San Juan Island
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What to do and see in San Juan Island, Washington (WA): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. 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
2. Schooners North
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By shirleyb816
I am never so happy as being out on the water no matter whether in: a fishing, paddle or power boat, kayak, small sailboat or masted tall ship. The three hour afternoon sail on Schooner North’s eighty-foot Spike Africa was smooth sailing with picturesque sights of: islands, yachts, and smaller sailboats dotting the water. The 1230 afternoon sail was on a lovely, sunny July 3rd day.[ My family had already lunched locally at Friday Harbor’s “where the locals eat” Rocky Bay Cafe.] There were about twenty passengers on that large, elegant wooden two-masted schooner with a crew of about three. Spike Africa was built about forty years ago by an inveterate sailor Bob Sloan. Spike Africa was constructed of fir over oak. Fir is a local tree in the San Juan area. “She” has been completely refit which started in 2009. Her classic design and beautiful wood made sailing on her a wonderful adventure. Passengers sat and moved fore and aft sitting on the cabin top deck (with or without available cushions) or on the wooden deck itself throughout the sail. Many of us sitting right on the deck stretched out to enjoy the feel of the sailing. As we sailed on that tall ship, we spotted many stationary boats lined up along the Salish Sea. As Spike Africa approached that area, many on board immediately spotted orcas... one, then two, three and then four of them all rising and diving. This rare and exceptional sight didn’t last “just for a few minutes,” but for at least thirty to forty minutes. By maintaining proper distance from those swimming northward orcas, we were thrilled watching the continual movements of the orcas and not only saw their: fins, heads, bodies but even their flapping tails. (I think the flapping of the tails scare the fish that they were chasing.) Did we get tired or jaded watching those magnificent orcas during our afternoon sail? No, not at all. As the time of our three hour sail continued, we were again surprised and delighted to see that another pod of three orcas joined the previously mentioned four orcas. That was just another extraordinary plus to our time and sights of our Spike Africa sail. The crew not only was very proficient, cautious, and knowledgable, but also very passenger friendly. On a ten point (ten being highest) scale, I would rate our experience and enjoyment ELEVEN. I cannot be remiss in not mentioning both Gary (a sailor himself) and Bernadette who work in the office. I had many phone and e-mail “conversations” with them before our sail and afterwards. I recommend Schooner North expeditions as a destination TO DO experience. When I return to the San Juan islands, I will book a whole day trip. We had booked the Spike Africa to enjoy: the movement of the tall ship, the smell of the seas, the feel of the breezes, and the sight of the sea and landscapes. We were additionally rewarded with rare and long sightings of orcas. What a special experience it was being out on the Spike Africa! btw--San Juan Island is reached by car ferry (yes, there is a senior discount) from Anacortes, WA (which is about a two-hours drive north from Seattle.)
3. Horseshu Guest Ranch
4. 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.
5. 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
6. English Camp
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
Reviewed By IdahoKelly - Idaho Falls, United States
We were on mopeds and visited English GaRden en route around the garden. I loved the site -how beautiful! Lively little bay and hood historical markets. Worth the turn off from scenic route -no park fee
7. American Camp
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By PullmanCougar - Pullman, United States
The best part about American Camp is the beaches and coves on the south side of the park. South Beach is the longest public access beach in the islands and Grandma's Cove is an interesting little stretch of beach as well. Trails lead all the way to Cattle Point with a view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca most of the way. Foxes, deer, and eagles can be seen while hiking the trails. We hiked the trails in the rain and it was still beautiful. The visitor's center was closed for the season and outhouses were locked, but it was still a great place to visit.
8. John S. McMillin Memorial Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By DigitalRabbit - Los Gatos, United States
Each time I've visited the mausoleum I've been astounded by its peaceful setting and the symbolism built into the memorial. Everything from the broken column, number of steps, placement of chairs, is full of meaning that is well documented on the Internet (see Wiki). The short walk is enjoyable and often the memorial is not crowded. I visited off season and didn't see anyone else either on the trail or at the memorial. It made for a very tranquil experience.
9. City of Friday Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By V9009DDrichardd - Friday Harbor, United States
Visited, found a job and stayed in paradise. Love all that you can do on visit island. Come and see the beauty.
10. 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!
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