Travel
Travel Note
Start Here
We know everyone says this, but it’s a real, real thing for San Juan Island. Summer is high season in the islands, and accommodations, ferries, and flights book up quickly (and get more expensive as the date approaches). Additionally, we expect the county fair will take place the same weekend as our wedding, which will bring even more folks to the island. If you’re planning to join us, we highly recommend booking your travel and lodging as soon as possible. Like, right now, even (seriously!). Ferries can sell out, seaplane seats disappear fast, and even Airbnbs tend to fill months in advance. The good news? With a little early planning, you’ll have your pick of gorgeous island stays, ferry times, and travel adventures, and we promise, it’s 100% worth the effort once you’re surrounded by that San Juan magic.
Travel Note
Flights to Seattle or Everett
You can fly into Seattle (SEA – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport) or Everett (PAE – Paine Field Airport) — both are great options depending on where you’re coming from and how you prefer to travel. Seattle (SEA) is the larger international airport with the most flight options, especially if you’re traveling from outside the Pacific Northwest. It’s about a 2.5–3 hour drive to San Juan Island (including the ferry), and it’s easy to rent a car right at the airport. If you want the widest selection of flights and don’t mind a little extra drive time (plan to take a puddle jumper or sea plane), SEA is your best bet. Everett (PAE) is smaller, quieter, and much closer to the Anacortes ferry terminal — roughly 1.5 hours away, which makes it a smoother travel day overall. It’s a great option if your city has direct flights to Paine Field (Alaska Airlines and a few others fly there) and you prefer an easier airport experience. Either way, you’ll end up heading north toward Anacortes to catch the ferry to Friday Harbor — the scenic start to your San Juan adventure! ⛴️✨
Travel Note
Busses and Shuttles to Anacortes
If you’re flying into Seattle (SEA) or Everett (PAE) and prefer not to drive, there are easy ways to reach the Anacortes Ferry Terminal by bus or shuttle — and you’ll get to enjoy the scenery along the way. From Seattle, you can take the Bellair Airporter Shuttle, which runs several times a day from Sea-Tac Airport and downtown Seattle directly to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. The ride takes about 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic, and tickets can be booked in advance on Airporter.com. It’s comfortable, reliable, and a great option if you want to relax and skip car rentals. From Everett, you can also catch the Bellair Shuttle or Skagit Transit connections that make their way north to Anacortes. The trip is shorter — roughly 1.5 hours — making Everett a great starting point if your flight lands there.
Travel Note
Sea Planes & Puddle Jumpers
If you’re feeling adventurous (or just want to skip the ferry lines), you can fly directly to San Juan Island by seaplane or small plane — a scenic and unforgettable way to arrive! Kenmore Air offers seaplane flights from Seattle’s Lake Union or Lake Washington straight into Friday Harbor Marina. The flight takes about 45 minutes, and you’ll glide over Puget Sound and the islands — it’s absolutely stunning. These are small, 6-passenger planes, so it’s an intimate (and very Pacific Northwest) experience. Point to Point Air and a few other regional carriers also fly small “puddle jumper” planes from Seattle, Everett, and other nearby airports directly to Friday Harbor Airport. These flights are quick (about 30–40 minutes) and are a great option if you prefer a regular runway landing instead of a splashdown. It’s a bit more expensive than the ferry but saves time and gives you a one-of-a-kind view of the islands. If you’re traveling light and want to start your weekend with an adventure — this is the way to go. 🌲💙
Travel Note
Ferries & Water Taxis
The Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor is the most classic (and scenic!) way to reach San Juan Island. The trip takes about one hour, winding through beautiful island views — it’s part travel, part sightseeing cruise. Ferry reservations are strongly recommended (and almost always necessary for cars). You can book directly on the Washington State Ferries website. Reservations open in three tiers — typically two months, two weeks, and two days before each sailing — and spots go quickly, especially for weekend departures. You’ll pay when you arrive at the terminal, but your online reservation guarantees your vehicle a spot on the boat. Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early for check-in if you’re driving on, or 30 minutes early if you’re walking on. If you’d rather skip the car, passenger-only water taxis are another great option. Companies and Island Express Charters (from Anacortes, Bellingham, and other ports) offer direct routes to Friday Harbor. These smaller boats can often be arranged for larger groups — perfect if you and a few guests want to travel together — but group bookings must be coordinated in advance. Whether you arrive by ferry or water taxi, it’s all part of the island experience — a slow, scenic transition into San Juan magic. 🌊✨
Travel Note
Hotels & Other Accomodations
There are plenty of great places to stay on San Juan Island — from charming boutique hotels and cozy inns to scenic Airbnbs and waterfront VRBOs. Wherever you choose, you’ll be surrounded by island charm (and likely a few deer wandering by). If hotels show that they're fully booked, they're likely not (if booking early). Give them a call and check with a person versus trusting the online sites! We’ll have transportation pick-ups in Friday Harbor to make it easy for guests to get to and from our wedding events without needing to drive. Exact timing and locations will be shared closer to the date, but if you stay in Friday Harbor, you’ll be covered for all group transport. We highly recommend staying in or as close to Friday Harbor as possible. It’s the main town on the island, home to most restaurants, shops, and ferry access — and it’s the most convenient spot for group transportation and activities throughout the weekend. For those who prefer a quieter escape, Roche Harbor also has beautiful resort-style accommodations, cottages, and marina views — just note that it’s about a 20–25 minute drive from Friday Harbor. If we come to find many guests are staying here, we aim (but can't promise!) to provide transportation! Wherever you land, book early (seriously, like ASAP) — San Juan lodging fills quickly in the summer months, and we’d love everyone to be close enough to easily join the celebrations!
Travel Note
On-Site Lodging at Saltwater Farm
Stay near us! And for those who want to stay right where the magic happens — Saltwater Farms (our wedding venue!) has a limited number of on-site airstream accommodations available. Guests can stay steps away from the celebration, walk to and from the events (and even stroll into Friday Harbor in about 15 minutes), and enjoy a little island adventure while they’re at it. There’s also camping available on the property if anyone wants to rough it — looking at you, PCT friends! 🏕️✨ If you're interested in this option, let us know directly.
Travel Note
Avoid Possible Island Confusion
As you look into lodging, it's possible options on various other islands may come up in your searches! While we love the other islands, it really only makes sense to stay on San Juan Island (unless you're a Blakely, Lopez, or Orcas local and heading home on your boat!)
Travel Note
Links to All Travel Resources
Point to Point Air – https://point2pointair.com Westwind Aviation – https://westwindav.com San Juan Airlines – https://sanjuanairlines.com Kenmore Air – https://kenmoreair.com Friday Harbor Seaplanes – https://fridayharborseaplanes.com Shuttle from SeaTac to Anacortes (Airporter) – https://airporter.com/shuttle/schedules/anacortes-san-juan-islands/ Island Express Charters – https://islandexpresscharters.com Paraclete Charters – https://paracletecharters.com Washington State Ferries Reservations (Wave2Go) – https://wave2go.wsdot.com/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx Tucker House Inn – https://tuckerhouse.com Earthbox Inn & Spa – https://earthboxinn.com The Island Inn at 123 West – https://123west.com Friday Harbor House – https://fridayharborhouse.com Juniper Lane Guest House – https://juniperlaneguesthouse.com Friday Harbor Suites – https://fridayharborsuites.com