Comprising 172 named islands, and located in the Salish Sea roughly between Seattle and Vancouver, the San Juan Islands offer an idyllic slice of Pacific Northwest scenery, plus charming small towns and friendly locals. Accessible by both ferry and plane, some of the top things to do in the San Juan Islands include whale-watching, cycling, and kayaking. The three main islands—beautiful and cultural San Juan Island, horseshoe-shaped and hilly Orcas Island, and quaint and bike-friendly Lopez Island—are a good place for first-timers to begin, as well as popular escapes for nearby city-dwellers.
There’s never a bad time to visit, but the islands come to life in the summer with music festivals, scenic hikes, and farmers markets. However, this season tends to be the busiest and most expensive time of year, so consider visiting during fall or spring when you can enjoy the beaches and trails without the crowds. Cozy up in a cabin and watch the leaves change color, or take an art tour of the archipelago to discover emerging artists.
Ferries run between the islands of the archipelago, and you’ll have the option to bring your car or bicycle across for transport on the island. If you do plan to bring your car, it’s recommended that you make a ferry reservation ahead of time to ensure there’s space. It’s also possible to rent cars on the larger island of San Juan, or you can take advantage of its trolley network to explore.
The San Juan Islands are a treasure trove of dining opportunities, and the local restaurants feature fresh seafood and cozy comfort food. Buck Bay Shellfish Farm offers the best of both worlds with dishes, including steamed clams and crab mac and cheese. As you dine, you can take in views of the bay, where the oysters and clams are grown and harvested.
