As your ferry glides through the San Juan Islands, feel yourself unwind. Watch for bald eagles and listen for the spouts of orca or humpback whales. You won’t find fast food, stoplights, or jet skis, you will find “orcaholics” and enclaves of creativite vitality.
Along with the relaxed vibe, there’s an undercurrent of excitement. Try kayaking past a sea lion haulout or hiking up Mt. Constitution for a panoramic view of distant snow-capped peaks and scattered islands below.
From nature-to-nurture, shuck a briny oyster at a shellfish farm or sample the evergreen essence of the Islands at a local distillery or winery. Finish the day with a visit to a pampering spa or open-air hot tub and discover the true meaning of la dolce vita. Less than an hour plane ride from Seattle, the San Juan Islands are Inspiration for the Senses.
ABOUT THE ISLANDS
The Islands are nestled between three great visitor destinations —Seattle, Vancouver B.C. and Victoria B.C—surrounded by the Salish Sea. Of the 172 named islands in the San Juans, three main islands—Lopez, Orcas and San Juan—have lodgings, attractions, parks and amenities for visitors.
One of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet, San Juan County is the first place to voluntarily embrace the 7 principles of Leave No Trace to encourage visitors to tread lightly on this fragile landscape.
At sea, orca, minke, and humpback whales ply glacier-scoured channels alongside porpoises, seals, and sea lions. On land, watch for red fox and black-tailed deer.
Find twice as much sunshine as the Seattle area year-round. See why the Islands are a magnet for artists and chefs. Experience bustling farmers’ markets, outdoor theatre, sunset sails, waterfront parks and wildlife cruises. Be seduced by “Island Time” in a place without bridges or malls.
GETTING HERE IS HALF THE FUN
There are many options for travelling to the islands:
- Ferries: A leisurely ride on a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes is now even easier when you make a vehicle reservation at www.takeaferry.com.
- Passenger Ferries: Hop on the seasonal San Juan Clipper from Seattle’s waterfront, the Puget Sound Express from Port Townsend, or San Juan Cruises from Bellingham, for a day or overnight trip.
- Flights: Take a scenic flight from Seattle, Portland or Victoria, Canada
The most populous of the San Juan Archipelago, San Juan Island offers both nature and nurture. Rolling hills sprinkled with farms brush up against driftwood-strewn beaches and bluffs perfect for orca spotting. Whale watching excursions and guided kayak adventures depart from Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor and Snug Harbor. Legend and lore is everywhere, and is captured in Island names, such as Smugglers Cove or Deadman Bay. Strike up a conversation with a local and you’ll find stalwart orca researchers, entrepreneurs, famous artists, composers, and outdoor guides: all with stories to tell.
Friday Harbor, the county seat, is a small easily walkable town lined with hanging flower baskets, sculptures, boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Museums of note include: the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA), The Whale Museum and the San Juan Historical Museum.
The historic village of Roche Harbor, on the north side of the island, is home to Roche Harbor Resort & Spa. A premiere destination wedding and retreat location, the resort is known for its 1886 Hotel de Haro, romantic Victorian gardens, marina, and unusual open-air mausoleum. Find five different lodging types from historic to luxury. Lose track of time in the nearby 20-acre San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. See more than 125 sculptures by Island and Northwest artists in a stunning location.
Stroll fragrant purple fields at Pelindaba Lavender Farm. Buy a loaf of bread and bottle of wine to accompany fresh shellfish at Westcott Bay Shellfish Company. Sample estate-grown wine at San Juan Vineyards. Sip crisp cider made from island apples or try gin, brandy and liqueur flavored with island-inspired essences at Westcott Bay Cider and San Juan Island Distillery.
Journey to where lush cedar forests lead to beautiful seas and stars twinkle brighter in the night sky.
TELLING ISLAND STORIES
Pigs, Potlatches and Pickaxes: Delve into the past at the San Juan Island National Historical Park where exhibits, historic buildings and re-enactors bring to life “The Pig War.” “The War,” 1859-1872, was a peaceful standoff between British and American troops over ownership of the San Juan Islands. Historical museums on all three islands offer a fascinating step back in time to the days of farming, mining, logging, fishing and island life. Coast Salish tribal history is also on display through art, museum exhibits, and cultural events like the Canoe Journey, honoring the First Nations.
Canvas for the Imagination: The Islands are considered an “arts hotspot” by the Washington State Arts Commission for the number of galleries and individuals earning a living from the arts. Find some of the Islands’ most acclaimed art outdoors—a sophisticated mix of sculptures, murals, and wood carvings in parks and on buildings. Galleries bring art from all over the region and the world to the Islands. Musicians, visual and performing artists, draw inspiration from the Islands’ beauty
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media