Planning a getaway to the San Juan Islands and have no clue what to do while you’re there? You’re in the right place!
This peaceful archipelago off the coast of Washington State offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, with its forested hiking trails, gorgeous coastal scenery, and some of the best wildlife viewing in the Pacific Northwest.
We know you’ll want to make the most of your time there. So to help, we’ve rounded up our top six favorite things to do on the San Juan Islands, including exciting experiences on both land and sea. Ready? Let’s get to it!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in San Juan was this four-hour whale-watching cruise! Between the orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, and bald eagles, there was always something to watch for. It was such a thrill!
San Juan Islands At A Glance
The San Juan Islands are pretty easy to explore once you know how everything works, but the ferries and distances between sights require a little planning. These are the tips we think are most important to know before you go!
Important Tip: Base yourself on the right island!
Choose your island carefully: For a first trip, we recommend staying in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. You can walk from the ferry to hotels, restaurants, shops, and whale-watching tours, making it the easiest base for a short stay. Orcas Island is better if hiking and outdoor adventures are your priority.
Plan your transportation: You can explore Friday Harbor without a car, but you’ll want one to reach places like Lime Kiln Point and other spots around San Juan Island. A car is even more useful on Orcas Island, where attractions are much more spread out.
Book ahead in summer: Summer is the busiest time in the San Juan Islands, so don’t leave accommodation, popular tours, or rental cars until the last minute. And if you’re bringing a vehicle on the ferry from Anacortes, reserve your crossing in advance since vehicle spaces can fill up.
How We’d Spend Three Days in the San Juan Islands
We’ve explored the San Juan Islands ourselves, and there’s a lot you can experience in just three days! To make planning easy, here’s a quick look at exactly how we’d spend three days on San Juan Island.
Day 1: 🐋 Whale Watching & Friday Harbor
Visit The Whale Museum, spot whales on a cruise, then end the day with a relaxing dinner and a stroll around Friday Harbor.
🛶 Day 2: Kayaking & Fireside Evening
Spend the day kayaking through the San Juan Islands, enjoy dinner with views across Friday Harbor, and end the night relaxing by the fire.
🌅 Day 3: History, Lighthouses & Roche Harbor Traditions
Today we visit American and English Camp, check out the views from Cattle Point Lighthouse, explore historic Roche Harbor, and watch the Colors Ceremony before heading back to Friday Harbor.
Things to Do on the San Juan Islands
1. Spend a day paddling through the San Juans
Tour Details
If you want to experience the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands up close, this full-day kayaking adventure will be right up your alley!
The tour departs from Friday Harbor and takes you paddling along Haro Strait, where you’ll get an up-close look at the islands’ forested coastline and the open waters of the Salish Sea.
You don’t need any previous kayaking experience to join. Before setting off, your guide will teach you the basics and make sure you feel comfortable on the water. They’ll also help you navigate the coastline and point out wildlife along the way, so keep an eye out for harbor seals, porpoises, sea lions, bald eagles, and possibly even an orca in the distance!
Partway through the adventure, you’ll pull up on a quiet beach for an included lunch. On a clear day, you can even enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains while you eat (so dreamy!).
The itinerary also includes a visit to Lime Kiln Point State Park, one of San Juan Island’s most beautiful coastal areas and another fantastic place to search for wildlife. Plus, each group is limited to 10 travelers, so you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and enjoy the peaceful surroundings without feeling rushed.
All of the kayaking equipment you’ll need is provided, but we recommend wearing layers and bringing sun protection and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Conditions can change quickly out on the water, and in our experience, it pays to be prepared!
2. Go whale watching from Friday Harbor
Tour Details
You can’t visit the San Juan Islands without looking for whales! That’s why we always recommend this four-hour cruise from Friday Harbor that takes you out onto the Salish Sea in search of orcas, humpback whales, and the many other animals that call these waters home.
Orcas are the sighting everyone hopes for, but they’re not the only stars of the show. The crew also keeps an eye out for humpback, minke, and gray whales, along with harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles. Of course, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but the anticipation is all part of the fun!
The outdoor deck gives you the clearest views when wildlife appears, while the heated cabin provides a welcome place to warm up between sightings. There are also restrooms onboard, and you can bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the four-hour trip, which is so convenient.
The boat leaves directly from Friday Harbor, so this tour is easy to fit into your plans if you’re staying on San Juan Island or arriving by ferry. Just bring warm layers (even in summer), as it can feel much colder out on the water than it does back in town.
Whale-watching cruises are incredibly popular, so we recommend grabbing your spot on this highly rated tour as soon as possible so you don’t miss out.
3. Experience the San Juans from high in the trees
Tour Details
If you’re looking for something a little different, this canopy tree-climbing experience on Lopez Island certainly fits the bill.
Don’t worry if you’ve never tried anything like this before. Professional guides provide all the equipment, talk you through the safety procedures, and teach you how to move up and down the ropes at your own pace. Depending on the group’s ability and confidence, you may be able to climb up to four different trees measuring 100 to 200 feet (30 to 61 meters) tall, which is just so cool!
Once you reach the canopy, you’ll be rewarded with an entirely new perspective on the forest and surrounding islands. Being suspended among the branches feels slightly surreal and completely different from visiting a regular lookout.
We also love that each group is limited to six travelers. It gives the guides plenty of time to help everyone get comfortable with the equipment, which is especially reassuring if you’re nervous about heights or new to climbing.
This adventure takes place on Lopez Island, so plan to catch the ferry across before your tour. Complimentary pickup is available from the Lopez Island ferry terminal, saving you the trouble of arranging transportation to the climbing site and making the experience easy without a car.
We’d also like to mention that the tour runs in most conditions, but severe rain or high winds may result in cancellation, so keep an eye on the forecast ahead of your tour date and make sure to dress in comfortable layers!
4. Visit Lime Kiln Point State Park
If you’re hoping to spot whales without joining a boat tour, Lime Kiln Point State Park should be high on your priority list!
This beautiful park sits on the rocky western shore of San Juan Island, overlooking Haro Strait and Vancouver Island. It’s known as “Whale Watch Park” because it’s considered one of the best places in the region to look for whales (and other marine life like seals, porpoises, and sea lions) from land.
Of course, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so bring binoculars and give yourself plenty of time to scan the water. The wait only makes it more exciting when you finally spot a fin or splash!
Even if the wildlife doesn’t cooperate, the coastal scenery makes Lime Kiln well worth visiting. The park’s historic lighthouse was built in 1919 and sits right above the water, creating one of the most recognizable views on San Juan Island. It’s a beautiful spot for photos, especially on a clear day.
You can also follow the self-guided interpretive trail, enjoy a picnic overlooking the water, or stop by the seasonal interpretive center. Volunteer-led lighthouse tours, guided walks, and marine mammal programs may also be available in the summer.
The park is open daily from 8 am until dusk, and you’ll need a Discover Pass to use the parking area; a day pass costs $10 USD and an annual pass costs $45 USD. Beyond the parking pass, there’s no admission fee, so it’s easily one of the best low-cost activities on San Juan Island.
5. Climb Mount Erie with a professional guide
Tour Details
If you’re looking for a serious outdoor adventure before or after visiting the San Juan Islands, this full-day rock-climbing experience on Mount Erie is definitely worth booking! Mount Erie is located in Anacortes, where ferries depart for the islands, so the tour is easy to add to either end of your trip.
The group meets at the summit of Mount Erie, where you’ll get incredible views over Fidalgo Island and the Salish Sea before you even begin climbing. Your guide will set up the ropes and ease you into the experience, helping first-time climbers learn the basics and build confidence, while offering more challenging routes to those with previous experience.
All the necessary climbing equipment is provided, but you’ll need to wear sturdy shoes and comfortable layers that allow you to move freely. And, since outdoor climbing can’t safely go ahead in the rain, know that the tour may need to be rescheduled if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself and experience the area beyond the usual hiking trails, trust us when we say that this is a day you’ll never forget!
6. Take in the view from Mount Constitution on Orcas Island
At 2,407 feet (734 meters) above sea level, Mount Constitution is the highest point in the San Juan Islands, and the views are every bit as impressive as you’d expect.
The mountain is located within Moran State Park on Orcas Island, and the summit is one of the best places to appreciate just how vast and beautiful the archipelago is.
On a clear day, you can see across the surrounding islands toward Mount Baker, the North Cascades, and Canada. For an even better view, climb the stairs inside the historic stone observation tower at the summit. From the top, you’ll get almost 360-degree views of the mountains, forests, and water, so don’t forget your camera!
You can reach the summit by driving along Mount Constitution Road or hiking up through the park. Cycling is also an option if you’re ready for a serious challenge.
When you reach the top, it’s definitely worth stopping by the Summit Visitor Center, where you’ll find exhibits about the Civilian Conservation Corps, Coast Salish people, and the history of Moran State Park.
Like Lime Kiln Point, you’ll need a Discover Pass for day-use parking, which costs $10 USD for one day or $45 USD for an annual pass. But other than that, the rest is free and totally worth it!
Where to Stay on the San Juan Islands
With the ferry terminal, waterfront, restaurants, and whale-watching tours all within easy reach, Friday Harbor is our top choice for where to stay on San Juan Island. It’s especially convenient if you’re visiting without a car, so we’ve picked three great hotels in Friday Harbor for different budgets.
Friday Harbor Grand – $$$
If you’re looking to treat yourself on your trip, Friday Harbor Grand should definitely be on your radar! We absolutely adore this historic B&B with its vaulted suites, soaking tubs, private decks, and a parlor complete with a Steinway Grand piano. The property itself was originally built in the 1880s as a home for a county judge, and it still has all the warmth and character of a private home.
The location here also couldn’t be better. The ferry terminal, waterfront, and whale-watching departures are less than a 10-minute walk away, so you’ll have the best of Friday Harbor right on your doorstep.
With prices ranging from around $225 to $350+ per night, we think it’s worth the splurge for a special-occasion trip or a slower two-night stay, especially if you prefer a relaxed, hosted atmosphere rather than a large hotel. Check availability and book your stay at Friday Harbor Grand here!
Island Inn – $$
If you’re traveling without a car, it’s hard to beat the Island Inn convenience. This boutique hotel is only one block from the ferry terminal, so you can step off the boat and be in your room within minutes!
We love this hotel because it offers a good mix of rooms, including more compact rooms for travelers who only need the basics and larger penthouses with kitchens, gas fireplaces, and steam showers. Some rooms also give you access to a shared communal living area where you can hang out between activities.
Rooms generally range from $175 to $450 USD per night, depending on the room type and time of year, which is excellent value for such a central location. See the latest room rates and book your stay at the Island Inn here!
Friday Harbor Suites – $
If you’re traveling with kids or want a bit more room to spread out, Friday Harbor Suites is a practical, budget-friendly choice worth considering. Every room here is a suite with a fireplace, microwave, refrigerator, and private balcony or patio. There’s also an outdoor hot tub, game room, and mini movie theater, so you have plenty to keep everyone entertained.
In terms of location, the ferry terminal and waterfront are around a 10- to 15-minute walk away, so the hotel isn’t quite as central as Island Inn. However, the San Juan Historical Museum is only half a block away, and we think the extra space is well worth the slightly longer walk if you’re staying with family.
You can expect suites to typically cost between $160 and $350+ USD per night, making it an affordable alternative to booking multiple hotel rooms. Browse current prices and secure your stay at Friday Harbor Suites here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
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Thanks for Reading!
It’s safe to say the San Juan Islands gave us plenty of adventures, and we loved exploring this beautiful corner of Washington! From cruising the Salish Sea in search of whales to kayaking along the coastline and soaking up those incredible island views, there’s so much to experience here. We hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas for your trip!
And if the San Juan Islands are part of a bigger adventure, be sure to check out all our USA blogs here, or have a look at some of our favorite guides below to keep planning. Cheers!
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The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.
