San Juan Island, Washington: Best Things to Do, Eat & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to San Juan Island, Washington with our guide to the best things to do, top restaurants, and where to stay in Friday Harbor and beyond.

San Juan Island, the second largest of Washington’s San Juan Islands, is known for its temperate climate, easy-going island vibe, and multitude of outdoor recreation options.

A place where there’s seemingly an adventure around every corner, there is an activity here suited for almost every interest. Read below for our tips on where to stay and the best activities on San Juan Island, Washington.

Things to Do on San Juan Island

Kayaking

Joining a kayaking tour with Discovery Sea Kayaks is one of San Juan Island’s most popular activities, and for good reason. Offering half day, full day, sunset, and overnight trips, the experience guarantees awesome wildlife viewing (including potential whale encounters), quality equipment, and highly-skilled guides.

I had a blast on my two-day tour with them. Spending two days in nature, with nothing but the sound of our paddles hitting the water is an experience I’ll never forget!

Lime Kiln State Park

Lime Kiln State Park, also known as Whale Watch Park, rests on the west side of San Juan Island and is known for its gorgeous sunsets, diving opportunities, and excellent bird-watching. Not to mention the abundance of Orcas who hang out in the waters of Haro Strait.

If Lime Kiln Point State Park has you wanting to get out on the water rather than just watch from shore, a guided kayak tour launches you right into the same prime whale-watching waters, paddling the west side coastline with views of the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island in the distance.

Whale Watching

Speaking of whale watching, if you’re looking for an excellent experience, then a tour with Western Prince is the way to go. Their Western Explorer is an open-air, zodiac-style boat that gets you out fast to where the wildlife is, their tour sizes are kept small, and their captains and naturalists are very knowledgeable.

Friday Harbor

Known as “the gateway” to San Juan Island, Friday Harbor is a quaint town home to mom-and-pop shops, restaurants, museums, and tour headquarters. The beauty of Friday Harbor (besides visually of course) is that all the attractions in the town are within walking distance of the ferry landing.

Seaplane Tour

Booking a seaplane tour to take you over San Juan Island will not only offer you an unbeatable bird’s eye view, it will also provide you a fun narration from very knowledgeable guides so that you can fully grasp what you’re looking at from your perch high in the sky.

Bioluminescence Night Paddle

For a completely different kind of kayaking experience, a nighttime paddle out of Friday Harbor (book here) lets you see the water come alive with bioluminescence. Launching at dusk from Jackson’s Beach into Griffin Bay, you’ll paddle out among harbor seals as the sky darkens, then watch the water light up with a natural blue-green glow as your paddle disturbs the tiny organisms below.

Lavender Fields at Alchemy Art Farm

Easily reached from Friday Harbor, the lavender fields at Alchemy Art Center (formerly Pelindaba Organic Lavender Farm) are still open to the public and worth the short drive. It’s a perfect spot for photo opportunities!

South Beach

Located on the south of the island in the National Historic Park, South Beach is a pebble beach perfect for relaxing, lighting up a fire pit, or having a picnic. The beach is a quick seven miles from Friday Harbor and, in the summertime, often hosts live music. Don’t forget to keep your eye out for the adorable wild foxes if you head this way!

Cattle Point Lighthouse

Resting on the southeastern tip of San Juan Island is Cattle Point Lighthouse, a 34-foot white tower that provides a pretty contrast to the surrounding natural scenery. While the lighthouse was built by the US Navy in 1935, there has been a navigation lantern in this spot from as early as 1888.

San Juan Vineyard

Do you have a love for great wine, or just love strolling around pretty grounds while taking in lush scenery? Then a visit to the award winning San Juan Vineyard is for you. In operation since 1996, the vineyards feature wine tastings, tours, and even different events throughout the year.

The Whale Museum

Located in Friday Harbor, The Whale Museum first opened to the public in 1979 and since has been “promoting stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research.” A visit to the museum will teach you all about the whales of the Pacific Northwest, and they even have an adopt-a-whale program.

Must-Try Restaurants on San Juan Island

Duck Soup

Located four and a half miles from Friday Harbor, Duck Soup is a sophisticated restaurant that is out to give visitors a “sense of place” by procuring ingredients from local farms, fisheries and craft-makers. The space is beautifully styled in country décor making the atmosphere cozy and inviting.

San Juan Island Brewing

San Juan Island Brewing Co., located in Friday Harbor, is an independent craft brewery that serves locally-brewed ales and lagers. In addition to their excellent beers, they also offer traditional pub fare such as burgers and pizza.

Mike’s Cafe & Wine Bar

Located in downtown Friday Harbor, Mike’s Café & Wine Bar is a relaxing place to go for a locally sourced wine, beer, and healthy eats. The restaurant’s mission is to, and to help others, live sustainable, healthy lives with compassion for the planet, and so all their menu options are vegan.

Friday Harbor House

The restaurant located in the Friday Harbor House Hotel is a favorite for local islanders and visitors alike. Their menu options are created with fresh, local ingredients, and their daily brunch can’t be missed.

Where to Stay On San Juan Island

Bird Rock Hotel

Located right downtown in Friday Harbor, Bird Rock Hotel is a 15-room boutique location that features all kinds of rooms and amenities, including homemade scones in the morning, and access to their off-site indoor pool and fitness studio. The hotel even provides complimentary beach cruiser bikes!

Lakedale Resort

Located at Three Lakes rests Lakedale Resort, a destination that provides accommodations ranging from hotel rooms, log cabins, camping sites, to canvas-style “glamping” sites. Situated over 82 acres, Lakedale Resort is a haven for outdoorsy types, providing activities such as boat rentals, stand-up paddle boards, fishing opportunities, and so much more.

San Juan Island Packing Essentials

Sun Gear: A stay on San Juan Island basically means you’ll be spending much of your time outdoors, so make sure to pack sunglasses (these are my go-to budget sunglasses) and sunscreen (this is my absolute favorite daily sunblock).

Whale Watching Gear: While San Juan Island doesn’t get the amount of rain that Seattle gets, if you plan on going whale watching, you’re going to want to take a waterproof windbreaker and waterproof backpack cover. And don’t forget your binoculars!

Swim Gear: With so many water sports available, don’t forget to pack your favorite swimsuit and quick drying towel.

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