- It’s an Island!
In order to get to San Juan Island you need to take some unorthodox transportation… Most common of which are ferries and seaplanes. Even if you’re just headed home, getting to ride on either makes the experience feel like an adventure.
The ferry route is considered to be one of the most beautiful rides in the world. From Anacortes, WA the ferry ride out to San Juan Island takes about an hour, and it includes sweeping views of the islands and straits, as well as the mountains in the area. On board you will find puzzles, artwork, and conversation to pass the time. Make sure you spend some time looking out the windows searching for wildlife.
Taking a seaplane out to the island is an incredible experience. Taking off from Lake Union in the center of Seattle, Kenmore Air’s seaplane route offers views of the heart of Seattle, the Puget Sound, Olympic Peninsula, and the whole San Juan archipelago. Plus the take off and landing are super smooth!
- The island is close to fun adventures on the Mainland!
Here on the Island we are only an hour and a half drive outside of Seattle, and a 45-minute drive to Bellingham, WA. We also have mountains everywhere! I can spend the day out on the water, catch a ferry off island, and then be hiking up at 6,000 feet above sea level the next day.
We are also just a hop, skip and a jump away from some killer spots in British Columbia, Canada. During the spring, summer, and fall there is a ferry that runs over to Sidney, BC, the gateway to the city of Victoria.
- Friday Harbor is adorable.
Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is adorable! Its’ people are friendly, it has great ice cream, and the view from town is gorgeous. There is also so much to do! From visiting any of our numerous museums, to going out on a whale watching cruise, to renting mopeds to explore the rest of the Island. Friday Harbor has the quintessential small town feel, and has not become too touristy in the past years.
- Our sunsets are unreal!
Enough said.
- We have abundant wildlife in our waters and on land!
The Salish Sea ecosystem has a huge variety of wildlife in its waters. From barnacles, crabs, octopus, and urchins to seals, sea lions, and whales there is a lot to look for in the marine environment! We are well known for our killer whales here in abundance from May through September, but it is not unusual to see them outside of that time period. Though we are famous for our large marine mammals, I urge you to spend some time exploring the waters’ edge! There are so many fun tidepooling spots along the west side of the island at low tide.
In addition to the sea critters keep your eyes peeled for deer, fox, bunnies, and eagles around the island. If you are a birder, you will be in heaven! From the sea birds found in our tranquil waters to the hundreds of songbirds that frequent out trees, your eyes and ears will continuously be perked!
