If you’re looking for a quiet getaway or an active vacation, take a trip to the San Juan Islands. This archipelago is located right off Washington in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are known for their natural beauty and outdoor activities, making them the perfect place to unwind.
Whether you want to get up close to the Orca whales that call the area home or you prefer checking out some of the world’s best wines, these are the top things to do in the San Juan Islands.
A tour we think you'll love
1) Take A Cruise
Taking a cruise is a great way to see San Juan Island and the surrounding islands. While you have lots of choices, Emerald Isle Sailing Charters is a favorite among both locals and tourists. The luxury tours let you relax in the lap of luxury and see the native wildlife.
The San Juan Islands tour is perfect for those who enjoy marine wildlife and whale watching. Visit Emerald Isle Sailing Charters to see which tours are available and to book one for your trip to tour the island group and the Salish Sea.
2) Head To Friday Harbor
You can’t plan a trip to San Juan Island without spending a day in Friday Harbor. It’s just a short walk from the ferry, which lets you bring your personal or rental car. There are plenty of parking areas around Friday Harbor, but you can also rent a moped, bike, or scooter.
Island Stage Left puts on several productions every year that feature local actors. You can also head to the Spring Street Landing Aquarium. It’s the perfect place to see marine life once you finish a whale-watching trip. Friday Harbor is also home to a few spas and art galleries.
3) Take A Museum Tour
You don’t need to book a museum tour in advance because many of the top museums are in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Start at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art to see the modern art on display in the main gallery. The smaller gallery hosts up to 10 special shows every year.
Visit the Whale Museum to see a real whale skeleton and learn about conservation efforts in the San Juan Islands. Other museums worth a visit include the San Juan Aviation Museum and San Juan Islands Sculpture Park.
4) Visit Roche Harbor
Also on San Juan Island, Roche Harbor is a great place to get away from it all. More than 80% of the rooms in the Roche Harbor Resort have ocean views. You can take a whale-watching tour while staying here that takes you around Orcas Island or spend the day kayaking.
Both the local sculpture park and several hiking trails are close by. The resort will even give you a map of popular hiking trails. Many tourists love the views on the Young Hill Trail.
5) Try Camping
While some travelers love staying in fancy resorts, others prefer the comfort of the great outdoors. San Juan County Park on Vancouver Island offers 12 acres of land for campers. While it doesn’t have many amenities, it lets you commune with nature on the island’s west side.
You’ll find yourself close to the water and some of the wild animals that often play there. If you’re lucky, you may even see some of the Southern Resident Orcas. Make sure that you bring supplies as it’s often hard to hike back out for them. The South Beach of San Juan Island is also popular with those who love the outdoors.
6) Grab A Drink
This island group is a fun place to grab a drink and sample some you won’t find at home. Start at the San Juan Island Distillery. This distillery is home to Westcott Bay Cider, which is one of the oldest cider producers in the region.
Between the local climate and the grapes used, the distillery produces ciders and wines similar to those you might find in France. The San Juan Vineyards let you sample some of the local wines that won state and national awards. The craft cocktails at Downriggers are not to be missed, and your visit wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the San Juan Brewery and pub.
7) Tour The Pelindaba Lavender Farm
When it comes to relaxing, few things help you get in the mood as quickly as lavender does. At the Pelindaba Lavender Farm, you’ll find a gorgeous farm with acres of lavender growing wild.
The owners of the farm have a small store where you can pick up souvenirs to take home and products you may want to use during your stay. Shop for essential oils, pillows, and other fun items that use local lavender. While it’s free to visit, plan on spending at least an hour exploring the farm.
San Juan Islands Is A Spectacular Place To Spend Your Vacation
These seven San Juan Islands things to do represent just some of the top attractions and activities. You may want to explore the historic Lime Kiln Lighthouse to see one of the region’s oldest lighthouses, too. Start or end your trip with a luxury charter sailing tour.
Contact Emerald Isle Sailing Charters today to book the best tour around San Juan Island!
