Things To DoThings To Do
Roche HarborRoche Harbor
Roche Harbor Resort has one of the oldest histories in the area, founded as a lime kiln in the late 1800s. It has multiple historical exhibits, as well as resort amenities including shops, a spa, and a pool, as well as hiking trails and nearby art garden. You can even rent kayaks to paddle around the protected harbor. For the more adventurous, there is a walking trail through the cemetery of the McMillin family that founded Roche Harbor to the family mausoleum that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The resort has several restaurants, including the Lime Kiln Cafe for breakfast and lunch, the Madrona Bar & Grill for casual indoor and outdoor dining for lunch and dinner, and dinner at McMillin's Dining Room for a supreme culinary experience including fresh local seafood.
English Camp Visitor CenterEnglish Camp Visitor Center
In the mid 1800s the San Juan Islands where contested territory between the United States and Great Britain. For several decades British soldiers were stationed on San Juan Island: Today their camp remains as a national historic park and visitor's center with views of the adjacent bay. It's a great way to learn about this unique part of local history.
American Camp Visitor CenterAmerican Camp Visitor Center
The matching site to the English Camp, this is where US soldiers were stationed on the south end of the island. There is also a visitor's center, however where this location shines is with easy walking trails on the hills and beaches offering sweeping views of the surrounding islands, the surrounding ocean, and the Olympic mountains.
Lime Kiln Point State ParkLime Kiln Point State Park
Located on the west coast of San Juan Island, the park offers spectacular views of the Haro channel and the Canadian Vancouver Island beyond. The lighthouse has been a navigational beacon for decades, and provides the best location on the island for land-based viewing of the local pods of killer whales that live here year-round. In addition to the lighthouse, driving down the coast road offers a number of scenic lookouts and hiking paths down to the water to further view the local nature.
Young HillYoung Hill
Young Hill is one of the highest points on San Juan Island. From the top it offers dramatic views of the whole archipelago and beyond. The hiking trail is relatively flat, with the trailhead across the road from the English Camp Visitor Center.
Friday HarborFriday Harbor
Friday Harbor is the central town on San Juan Island, and the county seat for the full archipelago. This is also where visitors coming by ferry arrive. Strolling about town is delightful, with a number of small curiosity shops, art galleries, and eateries to be found. It is also the location for a number of other activities, such as the Whale Museum, whale watching tours, and kayaking (see below).
The Whale MuseumThe Whale Museum
A small local Museum in Friday Harbor, it focuses on killer whales (orcas) that are so emblematic to the Pacific Northwest, their complex family structure, and the vital role they play in the local ecology.
Whale Watching ToursWhale Watching Tours
San Juan Island is one of the few places where you can see wild whales year-round. A number of companies offer whale-watching boat tours, most of which depart from Friday Harbor. The linked website lists a number of local companies that offer tours (make sure to select "San Juan Island" as your island in the drop-down. These eco-tours are fun activities and are great way to get out on the water and see the archipelago; we strongly promote them!
KayakingKayaking
the best way to appreciate the San Juan Islands is via the water. If you are looking for a fun way to get some exercise and see the sights, a kayak rental or kayak tour is a great activity! There are a number of companies that provide kayak rentals and tours, both in Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor. The link provides a number of company websites to choose from (make sure to select "San Juan Island" from the drop down).
Orcas IslandOrcas Island
If you have a bit more time, the other main island of the San Juans is Orcas Island. it is also accessible by the ferry system. In addition to activities like kayaking and whale watching, it has a large array of hiking trails, including lovely waterfall hikes, and the tallest peak in the islands, Mt. Constitution. Accessible by car and hiking trail, from the summit you can see from Vancouver BC to Seattle and three of the region's volcanos. Also on island are several spas, as well as a number of local artist communities and galleries.