Nicole & Jake
Things To Do
La Conner
With its historic buildings and a colorful downtown assortment of channel-front restaurants, inns, galleries, museums and boutiques, La Conner is a prime destination for those who appreciate a stroll. Soak up the saltwater scents and sounds as seabirds sweep overhead, or enjoy a drink out by the channel. Things just seem to move a little slower in a village where there isn’t a speed limit over 25 mph, and there are no stoplights or chain stores to be found.
Friday Harbor
A charming, historic, walkable seaport just steps from the ferry landing, with small, friendly shops and restaurants. You’ll find many of the San Juans’ whale and kayaking tours, The Whale Museum, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, the San Juan Community Theatre for plays and musical events, the San Juan Historical Museum, and a plethora of bed and breakfasts, hotels and inns, farm stays, camping, and more. Everything is within walking distance of the ferry landing, and it is easy to get around, including shuttle buses and a trolley to take you around the island, as well as bike, three-wheeled Scootcoupe, and moped rentals. From Friday Harbor you can also catch an inter-island ferry to Lopez, Orcas and Shaw Islands.
Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway
A premier byway sometimes referred to as Washington’s Big Sur (perhaps Little Sur would be more fitting), the 24-mile curvy route hugs the sheer sandstone cliffs of the Chuckanut Mountains. The only place where the Cascade Mountains meet the sea, Chuckanut Drive overlooks Samish Bay and offers gorgeous views of the San Juan Islands and Chuckanut Bay. Stroll through tulip fields in spring or find a cozy restaurant and feast on fresh shellfish. Search for treasures in shops or for beach glass along the water. Take a hike up past the tree line, or down along a white-sand beach. Several stops along Chuckanut drive include Bow, Oyster Dome, Larrabee state park, Woodstock Farm, Historic Fairhaven, and Bellingham.