For most vacations, the worst part of the trip is the travel. Dealing with lines at airports and traffic jams on the road can put a real damper on getting to your destination.
But what if I told you that there is an island destination in Washington where, instead of spending your time stuck in your car or jammed in a row of narrow seats, you can spend it out on the deck of a ferry watching the islands glide by and keeping an eye out for resident orcas?
Well, this place is real, and it is the San Juan Islands. This cluster of islands in the far northwestern corner of the state is home to quant, laid-back towns, picturesque harbors, more wildlife than you can shake a stick at, and plenty of opportunities to relax.
Islands to Visit in the San Juans
The San Juan Islands are made up of over 170 islands that range from bustling tourist centers to small rocky shoals barely breaking the surface of the water. Some of these islands only hold a few isolated cabins; others are uninhabited and designated as marine state parks, while the largest are home to towns with all the modern amenities you’d expect to find.
San Juan Island
You could say that all roads (or ferries, in this case) lead to San Juan Island and its bustling town center of Friday Harbor. It is here that you’ll find the most lodging options and in-town touristy things to do, like whale watching, museums, and restaurants.
Don’t be fooled. Even though the town gets busy on weekends or when the ferries are unloading, it is still small, and once you get outside of town, the island very quickly takes on a rural feel.
Some can’t-miss spots on the island include the boater’s paradise of Roche Harbor and Lime Kiln State Park. Here, you can spend the day watching for orcas as they feed in these salmon-rich waters between the United States and Canada.
Orca Island
Orca Island is an adventurer’s paradise with numerous protected bays, the tallest mountain in the San Juans, and easy access to a nearby island that is a kayaker’s paradise.
The town of Eastsound sits as the commercial hub of this horseshoe island, but even then, that isn’t saying much. Here, you’ll find a few quaint shops, some restaurants, and a few touristy things like whale watching and kayaking tours, but that’s about it.
The real fun on Orca Island lies in the small towns that are scattered throughout and its many outdoor opportunities.
Take an evening to drive (or hike) up to the top of Mt. Constitution, where you can look out over the entire region, or rent a kayak and make the two-mile crossing to Sucia Island, which is home to miles of trails, stunning bays, and numerous camping spots, but zero residents.
Lopez Island
Making a visit to Lopez Island feels like stepping back in time 50 years. Instead of bustling towns catering to visitors, you have miles of gently rolling hills dotted with farms and the occasional inn or bed and breakfast. This is the place to go if you want to truly unwind and experience a slowed-down version of island life.
Bring your bike and explore the country roads, or book a stay on a working farm and watch the workers tend to the gardens.
The island’s uncrowded beaches are also a perfect place for a picnic while you watch the day float on by.
Shaw Island
Shaw Island is the least developed of the four major islands within the San Juans. Other than a small general store, there are virtually no commercial options here. There is one county park with a dozen or so campsites, so for travelers really looking to get away from it all, this is the place to go.
How to Get There
Most travelers to the San Juan Islands arrive by ferry, which is run by the state of Washington. These massive boats can haul people, cars, and supplies, keeping these isolated islands up and running. All of the ferries leave from the nearby town of Anacortes.
During the summer months, these ferries fill up quickly, and reservations are highly recommended. Otherwise, you may find yourself waiting in line for multiple sailings until there is room for your car. But if you’re a walk-up or bike-on passenger, you are pretty much guaranteed a spot on any sailing of your choosing.
There are also private transportation options like water taxis and float planes, which don’t offer a way to get your car to the islands but can make the trip much shorter.
Once on the islands, there are inter-island ferries that run daily, which allow you to island hop and explore other parts of the San Juans.
Our Top 5 Things to Do in the San Juans
There are so many things to do on these bucolic islands that it is hard to narrow it down to just five, but if we could only make one trip in our lifetime, these would be on the list.
Explore Lime Kiln Point State Park
This state park on the western edge of San Juan Island is one of the best whale-watching spots in the region. Bring a blanket to spread out on the rocks and watch for pods of orcas, which frequently travel through these waters.
The park is also home to a small lighthouse that only adds to the charm of this island setting.
Go Whale Watching
If watching for whales from land isn’t your jam, try hopping on a whale-watching charter, which can take you straight to them. There are numerous charter options out of both Orca and San Juan Islands, so finding one shouldn’t be an issue.
Kayak to Sucia Island
If you are an experienced kayaker, then making the voyage from Orca Island to nearby Sucia Island should be a bucket list trip. Plan it as a day trip, or pack your gear and set up camp on one of the island’s numerous campsites scattered throughout its narrow bays.
Hike to the Top of Mt. Constitution
Mt. Constitution offers breathtaking views of the islands and ocean that make up this gorgeous area. While you can drive to the top, isn’t it more fun to throw on some hiking shoes and truly earn the reward from the top?
Eat Oysters at Westcott Bay Shellfish Co.
What better place is there to eat fresh oysters than right at the farm where they are grown? On San Juan Island, make sure to visit Westcott Bay Shellfish Co., where you can grab a lunch of fresh oysters at picnic tables that look out over the waters where they are grown.
