Things To Do

DO: San Juan Island Farmer's Market (Saturday, 9:30AM-1:00PM)

Located at Brickworks, the San Juan Island Farmers Market is a town focal point on Saturdays. Stop by to check out the island produce, crafts, and delicious prepared foods and listen to music by the market band and guest musicians.

DO: Friday Harbor walking tour (self-guided)

Friday Harbor's historic structures are unique remnants of Washington's early history. Spared by the fires that, by 1900, had swept through most cities and towns in the state, Friday Harbor still has many of the original wood-frame buildings typical of the territorial era.

DO: Whale Watching @ Lime Kiln Point State Park

At Lime Kiln Point State Park, you can spouting orcas, fin-slapping Gray whales, and splashing porpoises from spring into fall. Set on a rocky bluff at the west end of San Juan Island, Lime Kiln Point is considered one of the best whale-watching spots on earth. The pods, which also include humpback and minke whales, pass through the area every May through September, with peak times depending on salmon runs. Visitors can see the action from a 1919-vintage lighthouse or from a nearby sea cliff. Keep an eye out for porpoises, seals, sea lions and bald eagles there as well.

DO: Travel the San Juan Island Scenic Byway

Choose between the North (~20 miles) or South/West (~40 miles; 2-3 hours with stops) routes and see San Juan Island. MOPED, SCOOTCAR, TAXI or RENTAL CAR – You can rent cars, mopeds, or scootcars. Try M&W or Susie's. TAXIS/TOURS - hire taxis/tour companies to take you. Try Rhode Trips Taxi & Tours, San Juan Island Taxi & Tours, or Friday Harbor Taxi. SHUTTLE BUSES – There are two shuttle buses in Friday Harbor: Friday Harbor Jolly Trolley or San Juan Transit. Both shuttles originate near the ferry landings. BICYCLE – Bring your own bikes or rent them.

DO: Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm

Krystal Acres is a scenic 60 acre farm with an ever-growing herd of more than 50 alpacas who enjoy the gentle slopes of sunny pastures and the shade of massive 100 year oaks. Stroll around the farm, then browse an extraordinary selection of alpaca sweaters, coats, and cuddly alpaca toys in the Country Store. The farm is open 10:30AM to 4:30PM in September.

DO: Pelindaba Lavender Farm

Open 9:30am - 5:30pm in September. Admission is free. Parking available.

IMBIBE: San Juan Island Distillery

Tasting Saturday from 1pm to 4pm. (same location as Westcott Bay Cider). "We make 14 different gins (really!), several delicious liqueurs and flavored brandies, and our premium award-winning apple brandy, which won gold and best in class from the American Craft Spirits Association, as well as best in class from the American Distilling Institute in 2014."

IMBIBE: Westcott Bay Cider

Tastings on Saturdays 1pm-4pm (same location as San Juan Island Distillery). Unique among small Washington wineries, Westcott Bay Cider produces and bottles crisp, refreshing ciders with a complexity and finish provided by using traditional cider apples grown in our San Juan Island orchard. These are vintage apples with wonderful names like Kingston Black, Yarlington Mill, Dabinett and Sweet Coppin.

IMBIBE: San Juan Vineyard

Tastings 11am-5pm. Groups of 6+ are encouraged to make a reservation. Founded in 1996, San Juan Vineyard is a producer of award winning estate-grown wines in the coolest-climate growing region of Washington State, the Puget Sound AVA. It has since become a destination winery, with it’s 1895 remodeled school house and estate grown wines.

IMBIBE: Madrone Cellars & Ciders

EAT: Bakery San Juan

Closed Saturday/Sunday so stop in early and stock up for the weekend! "Indulge your sweet tooth with our fresh pastries, cookies and fine cakes, or treat yourself to a satisfying sandwich or slice of artisan, thin crust pizza. We use wild yeast in the majority of our breads and pizza dough, so you can be sure your baked good is full of flavor, texture and deliciousness."

EAT: Cynthia's (brunch)

Cynthia’s Bistro offers Brunch all day is known for it’s innovative menu selections including a full espresso bar, fresh baked pastries, local and European wine selection as well as micro brews. Cynthia’s Bistro is housed in a renovated 1920’s home and is comfortable for small and large groups.

EAT: Rocky Bay Cafe (brunch)

The Rocky Bay Cafe' offers a full service breakfast menu all day with the lunch menu available from 10:30 to 2:00p.m. The Rocky Bay specializes in classic American breakfast and lunch menu items and is known for fast, friendly service, great food and a comfortable environment. Homemade soups, daily specials, and the mimosas. Oh yeah, fresh donuts everyday! Rocky the donut robot is up every morning helping the baker fill the donut case and preserving an island tradition.

EAT: The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House (brunch/dinner)

Open for breakfast and dinner. Seasonal menus highlight the freshest fare from local waters and farms. The bar features island-inspired craft cocktails, a robust wine list, and craft beer selections. Friday Harbor House is San Juan Island dining at its best. The restaurant at Friday Harbor House features expansive outdoor dining space that makes the most of its breath-taking vantage point. It was designed with creating truly memorable, island-inspired outdoor dining experiences.

EAT: Oyster Picnic @ Westcott Bay Shellfish Co (lunch)

Open Saturdays from 12pm -3pm in September. Go for a picnic, or you can order fresh oysters, clams, mussels for take-away. Westcott offers all the staples for the perfect oyster picnic, including raw oysters you shuck yourself (They don’t shuck for you, but they’ll give you a demo!), local bakery bread & cookies, salads, cheeses and charcuterie, beer, wine, and sodas. During September, they have small grills available (for a fee) to grill oysters, as well as a fire going in their fire pit. (Dress for the weather, as there is no indoor seating!) Picnic tables are first-come-first-served.

EAT: Market Chef Deli (lunch)

(CLOSED SAT/SUN) The Market Chef Deli is an artisan deli, cafe, and catering company utilizing island-grown and produced vegetables, fruits and meats. Cooking entirely from scratch, every day we offer unique sandwiches on baked-daily bread, organic salads and a constantly revolving deli case filled to the brim with eat-in or take-home entrees and side dishes. A fun, fast-paced and colorful atmosphere with beer, wine, and locally roasted coffees.

EAT: San Juan Bistro (lunch)

On the menu are gourmet sandwiches and paninis, savory soups, and fresh salads all with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Plus, they have amazing house-made desserts. If it is a nice day sit outside on the back patio!

EAT: Spring Street Deli (lunch)

Grab a quick sandwich or soup to go. You won't be disappointed.

EAT: Coho Restaurant (dinner)

This San Juan Island fine dining restaurant serves Island grown Pacific cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. Our culinary team creates exciting developed around the seasonality of fresh ingredients from the surrounding Islands. Each night, this “Best of the San Juans” restaurant menu showcases simple and artful fare that allows the flavors of the individual ingredients to resonate on the palate. Reservations recommended.

EAT: Backdoor Kitchen (dinner)

Backdoor Kitchen serves high-quality international food and drink in a unique and tranquil atmosphere. Supporting local farms whenever possible, we use only the freshest ingredients and prepare all our dishes from scratch. Join us soon for dinner or just drinks in our cozy bar, dining room, or heated patio. Reservations recommended.

HANG: Mike's Cafe and Wine Bar (dinner/vegan)

Go for an intimate dinner or a relaxing drink in the bar. Mike’s is a place where island visitors and locals mix easily. All the food is vegan.

HANG: San Juan Island Brewing Co

Open 11am-9pm. San Juan Island Brewing Co. is the local, independent craft brewery serving traditional Ales and Lagers alongside exceptional wood-fired pizza, burgers, and other pub-style offerings.

HANG: Herb's Tavern

"Oldest tavern on the island with the best burgers and fish & chips, so we have been told." Open til 2am.

HANG: Haley's Sports Bar & Grill

Casual tavern offering typical pub grub & spirits, plus multiple TVs for sports fans. Open until 10pm.

HANG: China Pearl Restaurant & Lounge

Not known for their food but has been known to have karaoke...

SUPPLIES: Kings Market

Since 1929, Kings has been the San Juan Islands' source for quality food, fresh products, gourmet items and an extensive beer and wine section. Open 7 days a week, 7:30am-9pm.