The San Juan Islands feature Nature at its Finest
Washington's beautiful San Juan Islands are the perfect place to relax.
Located in the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, between Bellingham, Washington and Victoria, British Columbia, the San Juan Islands are a new vacation find for many who enjoy escaping the rat race of the city.
About the Islands
Technically speaking, there are more than 700 islands in the archipelago known as the San Juan Islands, though many seem to be merely rocks jutting out of the ocean. Visitors, however, will head to one of three islands that maintain a healthy tourist infrastructure – San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands.
All three are quite lovely, with moderate temperatures, less rainfall than neighboring Seattle, enticing wildlife, and sunsets that will knock your socks off.
San Juan Island is, by far, the most populous of the three islands and the one that is most often visited by tourists, making it the most crowded during peak season. Its location provides a wonderful view of the Olympic Mountains and you'll definitely be able to do some whale-watching here.
Orcas Island provides visitors with a more relaxing atmosphere than San Juan Island. At 58-square-miles, it's the largest of the three main islands and often touted as the most beautiful, especially by nature lovers.
The flat island of Lopez also offers amazing scenery minus the trappings of hotels, shops, and other things found on the other islands.
What to See
If you're looking for man-made attractions, you'll find most of those on San Juan Island, which is the county seat and home to the islands' most developed town, Friday Harbor.
Be sure to visit San Juan National Historic Park, site of the San Juan Island Pig War, a battle between the Americans and Brits over a border dispute. This rather unusual tale is sure to amuse you. A visit to the English Camp and American Camp will provide more information on this unique dispute.
The San Juan Historical Museum offers insight into 19th century life on the islands and the Whale Museum teaches visitors about the islands' favorite residents, the Orca, or Killer Whale.
Friday Harbor is also home to a number of art galleries and a few wineries. The latter offer both tours and tasting rooms.
On Orcas, visitors may want to head to the Orcas Island Historical Museum for a good overview of the island's past. In addition, the lovely Lambiel Home Museum showcases the work of nearly 200 local artists. This museum is open by appointment.
Don't miss the various pottery shops scattered throughout the island as well as the cozy town of Eastbound, Orcas Island's largest, full of fun shops and eateries.
Lopez Island also boasts its own historical museum and a fine vineyard, one of the first to use local grapes to make their wines. Head to Lopez Village to find shops and restaurants.
What to Do
Because it often takes a few hours to get aboard the auto ferry, many choose to leave their cars behind and explore the islands by bicycle. The flat terrain of Lopez makes it an especially good place for cycling enthusiasts.
Whale watching here can be accomplished on land or by sea. Whale watching cruises are plentiful but if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, head to Lime Kiln State Park on San Juan Island.
The San Juan Islands are also a terrific sea kayaking destination and many outfitters, particularly on San Juan Island, offer half- or full-day tours as well as extended sea kayaking expeditions.
Orcas Island is home to Moran State Park, where guests can enjoy five lakes, miles of hiking trails, and plenty of room to fish, bike, and camp. Orcas also boasts a nine-hole golf course.
Lopez Island has a number of county parks and a state park, ripe for exploring either on foot or by bicycle.
If you don't mind cold water, you might consider scuba diving in the San Juan Islands, quite a popular sport here despite the chilly water temperature. The clear waters of the Strait make for some fine diving.
When to Go
The San Juan Islands are teeming with vacationers during the summer, making it difficult to catch a ferry, book a room, or eat in a local restaurant without reservations. If you can manage a spring or fall trip, do it. You'll find the crowds more manageable and the prices lower. You may, however, encounter some businesses that don't stay open year-round.