You’ll discover something new around every bend in the road on San Juan Island. Meet the largest herd of alpacas in the islands, or spend your day picnicking in fields of lavender. Visit the iconic lighthouses and learn about the rich maritime history of the San Juans. Variety, beauty, serenity ... day after amazing day.
Considering a day trip? Use this itinerary to find the must-visit stops for your day of exploring!
Let us acknowledge that we reside on the ancestral lands and waters of the Coast Salish people who have called this place home since time immemorial and let us honor inherent, aboriginal, and treaty rights that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Friday Harbor is also home to a large marina. Spend time walking the docks, buying fresh seafood, or looking for Popeye the harbor seal. From the marina, you can take a number of tours and trips. Hop in a kayak or go out on a whale and wildlife watching tour to see the spectacular creatures that call the islands home. If you're looking for more outdoor adventures, spend the day hiking or biking through the island's many trails and scenic routes.
When you are ready to venture out of Friday Harbor, the Scenic Byway routes (North, South and West) take you through rolling farmlands, along stunning coastlines, and past some of the main attractions on San Juan Island, such as Cattle Point Lighthouse, American Camp, Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse, English Camp, San Juan Vineyards and more. Follow the signs for a truly beautiful adventure!
When you travel San Juan Island beyond Friday Harbor, you’ll journey through miles of farmland and stretches of forest on your way to American Camp or English Camp, both part of the San Juan Island National Historical Park, or to the two waterfront state and county parks. You’re bound to hear about the 1859-1872 Pig War ”Crisis,” when Great Britain and the United States settled ownership of the islands through peaceful arbitration—the national park marks the sites of the U.S. and British encampments.
American Camp includes the island’s longest stretch of beach, South Beach, and a network of forested and open trails along the coast, Jakle’s Lagoon and Mt. Finlayson. Orcas occasionally swim past this beach, and sharp-eyed youngsters may spot agates among the beach’s colorful stones. Close to Friday Harbor lies Jackson Beach, a popular picnicking, wading, and dog-walking/swimming spot.
Lime Kiln Point State Park on the island’s west side is also known as Whale Watch Park for good reason—the three local orca pods are frequent summer visitors. This is the only park in the world dedicated to shore-based orca whale watching. A seasonal interpretative center offers information on orcas and a history of the lime kilns and the nearby lighthouse, and you have a choice of forest and shoreline hiking trails.
Other popular stops: Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm in the middle of the island, where more than 50 endearing alpacas roam the gentle pasture slopes. Stroll around the farm and browse the store for alpaca everything—socks, scarves, toys, and sweaters.
At historic Roche Harbor on the north end of the island you’ll find several waterside eateries, a marina full of beautiful yachts, and local artisans’ booths in summer—showing off jewelry, wool, paintings, pottery, and more. Take a cycling or driving tour of the north side of the island.
The resort’s centerpiece, the Hotel de Haro, has stood since 1886, when what was a sleepy Hudson Bay Company camp became a full-fledged lime works and company town—remnants of the giant lime kilns are still there. Near the entrance to Roche Harbor you’ll find the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park—more than 125 sculptures placed in an open, 19-acre, natural setting. You can ramble among the sculptures or follow the nearby nature trail that takes you into a native forest and close to Westcott Bay Shellfish Company, home of the world-famous oysters. You can also visit the Westcott Bay Cider and San Juan Island Distillery, near Roche Harbor.
Welcome to Friday Harbor - the "Gateway to the San Juan Islands!" A charming, historic, walkable seaport, Friday Harbor is just steps from the ferry landing, with small, friendly shops and restaurants, and a refreshing absence of box stores and fast-food chains. In this visitor-, family-, and dog-friendly town, you’ll find a multitude of options to explore the island's history, arts, trails, and more.
Roche Harbor, found on the north end of San Juan Island, is an historic oasis and a boater's paradise. Visit the famous Hotel de Haro, walk the formal gardens, dine at one of the three restaurants, and soak in the history, grandeur, and beauty of this resort village and marina. Roche Harbor will capture your heart.
Come see the largest herd of alpacas in the San Juans on this 50-acre working farm on the beautiful West Side. Alpacas grow one of the world's softest, most luxurious fibers, and are also irresistibly cute. Alpaca fiber is the most sustainable, socially responsible, cruelty-free and functional fiber found in today's textile market. The whole family will enjoy a self-guided stroll around the beautiful grounds. Guided educational tours may be scheduled by calling a week in advance. The Country Store offers a wide selection of beautiful alpaca clothing, accessories, and gifts, and is where visitors can feel the amazing softness of alpaca fiber. The farm is easily found, just minutes from Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor Resort.
English Camp is bursting with history and natural beauty. The Royal Marines lived at English Camp during "The Pig War," and today you can visit sites including the parade ground, barracks, blockhouse, commissary, and formal garden. Visit the seasonal visitor center, hike to the top of Young Hill, or spend a day in the orchards.
This fully operational lighthouse, built in 1919 and located in Lime Kiln Point State Park, is one of the most popular and stunning locations on San Juan Island. Also known as "Whale Watch Park," it is one of the best places to view orca whales from land. The interpretive center is open and lighthouse tours are available from mid-May to mid-September.
American Camp is located on the southern end of San Juan Island. American soliders lived at American Camp during the peaceful 12-year joint British/U.S. occupation of San Juan Island, known as "The Pig War." Today, you can visit sites from the 1800s including the parade ground, laundress quarters, and officers quarters. American Camp also features a new visitor center, a network of trails, and the longest beach on the island - South Beach.
The Department of Natural Resource's Cattle Point Interpretive Area is just past the Cattle Point Lighthouse. Cattle appeared at the point in 1853, when the Hudson's Bay Company established a ranch on the southern end of the island. This lighthouse was built in 1935, but a navigational lantern has been on watch here since 1888. Look for deer, eagles and marine mammals such as seals and sea lions from the shelter, picnic area and beach below.
