couple walking on the dock with a de havilland beaver
couple and a de havilland bever

While dinner out and a dozen roses are nice, we like to think a quiet fall getaway is the ultimate in perfection. Quiet getaways say, “I want to focus on you.” They offer a level of intimacy you don’t get with a staycation. There’s no laundry to wash or dishes in the sink. No one has to worry about vacuuming or mowing the lawn.

It’s just the two of you, together, in a little slice of heaven. Whether you want to stay in and lounge or get out and explore all that fall in the San Juans has to offer, the following are a few of our favorite romantic San Juan Island getaways that let the two of you be you.

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two women enjoy wine at caprio cellars
Wine tasting on the patio at Caprio Cellars in Walla Walla
The beautiful patio at Caprio Cellars in Walla Walla offers stunning views of the region — a perfect place to sample and savor a glass of vino.

It’s not convenient from anywhere. A 4.5-hour drive from Seattle, Washington, and a 3.5-hour drive from Portland, Oregon — Walla Walla isn’t a pop-over destination. (Unless, of course, you’re catching a Seattle to Walla Walla charter flight.) But the renowned Walla Walla wineries are well worth the trek.

Nestled in the southeastern corner of Washington State, Walla Walla wine country spans nearly 3,000 acres. It stretches into the northeasternmost tip of Oregon. And, it offers the ultimate girls’ weekend destination for those who want to unwind, relax, and sample some of the best wine in Washington.

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Downriggers San Juan Island Waterfront Restaurant
Downriggers on San Juan Island

Tamed, just enough to be welcoming, San Juan Island is rugged and rural in all the best ways. Thanks to its remote location, chefs aren’t just inclined to source locally, they need to. As a result, San Juan Island is one of the best foodie destinations in the Pacific Northwest. 

Want to maximize your time noshing? Catch a quick and easy flight from Seattle to Friday Harbor Airport, where you can start exploring immediately. 

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Washington State University Campus in Pullman, Washington by redfishweb
The campus of Washington State University in Pullman, Washington by redfishweb

There’s nothing quite like cheering on your home team in person. But for WSU football fans, making the trek to Martin Stadium can be a slog. Luckily, a charter flight to Pullman, Washington, means less commuting and more tailgating. 

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Victoria BC in the Fall 70 things to do
Victoria BC in the Fall

While the days grow shorter and the mornings crisp, fall may very well be the best time of year to visit Victoria, BC. Colorful leaves, mild weather, and stunning autumn blooms minus the summer crowds make this stunning seaside city an excellent choice for a quick and relaxing getaway.

Whether you choose to hop a flight direct from downtown Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbour or take our wheeled plane service from Paine Field, Boeing Field or Friday Harbor airport, zipping up to Victoria is an easy international escape.

Ready to get planning? Discover 70 unique and exciting things to do in Victoria, BC this fall, ranging from the best places to grab a bite to can’t-miss iconic landmarks!

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False Bay. San Juan Islands. Colleen Michaels header
False Bay. San Juan Islands. Colleen Michaels

Fall in the San Juan Islands is particularly unique. The weather is still sunny (thanks to the 247 average days with sunshine), while the summer crowds have begun to thin. Farm tours and festivals abound (thanks to Savor the San Juans). And, the foliage is bursting with color. In short, there are a plethora of fun things to do in the San Juan Islands this fall. 

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Museum of Glass Cone by Gagliardi Photography
Museum of Glass. Image by Gagliardi Photography

If your travels take you to Tacoma (which they should because Seattle’s sister-city is filled with underrated gems), do yourself a favor and visit the Museum of Glass. It’s a celebration of art, history, and the science of glassmaking. The captivating institution is home to the largest and most active museum glass studio on the West Coast.

Displays feature works by some of the most renowned glass artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. While exhibits lean towards contemporary art, classics are also on display. But the real draw here is the museum’s Hot Shop.

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Whitney Page and Melanie Trygg of Smörgåsbord on Orcas
Whitney Page and Melanie Trygg of Smörgåsbord

Fashion has a tendency to come with waste. New styles encourage new production and the inevitable casting off of yesterday’s trends — whether they be a wardrobe update or a home decor refresh. It’s only natural to feel the conflicting juxtaposition between discovering a new sweater or prized vase and protecting Mother Nature. At Orcas Island’s Smörgåsbord, located in the heart of Eastsound, two moms challenge this status quo. 

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Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Image provided by Klahoose Wilderness Resort.

Whether it be a remote wilderness lodge, a comfortable resort on the beach or a refined hotel in the city, there is getting away and then there is truly escaping. Being open to new experiences, whether that be trying new local foods, stepping out of your comfort zone by kayaking through a deep fjord or being brave and pulling up a chair to connect with strangers over a shared meal are all certain to make your experiences richer.

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Whale Museum in Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor Whale Museum

Few things are more thrilling than seeing an orca in the wild — except, perhaps, protecting them. Protection comes in all forms at Friday Harbor’s Whale Museum. Visitors are introduced to orcas, invited to learn about their habitat, and encouraged to participate in the preservation of these gentle giants. 

Founded in 1979, the museum is located on First Street. It’s just one block above the Friday Harbor Marina in downtown Friday Harbor. This year-round activity is housed in the historic Odd Fellows Hall. Constructed in 1982, the two-story wood structure served as a hub for the community’s social life.

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