San Juan Islands
Time Needed: multi-day
Experience Type: scenic views, wildlife
Scattered across the Salish Sea, the San Juan Islands offer an escape of misty harbors, scenic trails, and whale-filled waters. Explore charming seaside villages, kayak past rocky shorelines, and savor panoramic views that make this Pacific Northwest archipelago truly unforgettable.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Go Whale Watching – Join a guided cruise from Friday Harbor or Rosario Harbor to spot orcas, humpbacks, seals, and bald eagles in their wild coastal habitat.
- Kayak the Islands’ Waters – Rent kayaks to paddle past forested shores and hidden coves. If conditions are right, glowing bioluminescence lights up the water beneath your kayak.
- Explore Friday Harbor – Stroll the docks, shop local boutiques, visit The Whale Museum, and wander the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park’s whimsical outdoor art trail.
- Tour San Juan Island National Historical Park – Learn about the 1859 “Pig War” and explore historic sites at English Camp and American Camp, both with scenic hiking trails.
- Go Island Hopping – Ride the Washington State Ferries to explore San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw Islands, each offering its own unique charm and scenery.
Plan Ahead: Whale-watching season in the San Juan Islands runs April–October. Join a naturalist-led cruise from Anacortes to spot orca, humpback, and gray whales, plus seals, sea lions, porpoises, and soaring seabirds amid spectacular Pacific Northwest scenery.
Photo Credit: Jason Hummel Photography/State of Washington Tourism