Top Rainy-Day Activities in the San Juan Islands

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couple on a rainy day in Friday Harbor

Originally Published Dec. 19, 2019 | Updated Nov. 13, 2024

Thanks to being located in the heart of the Olympic Rain Shadow, the San Juan Islands enjoy an average of 270 days with sunshine. But, that doesn’t mean it never rains. The lush forests and fertile farmland are proof that they San Juans get their fair share of drizzle — especially during the cooler months. Luckily, there are a plethora of things to do in the San Juan Islands when it rains.

There are a variety of ways to get from Seattle to San Juan Island and Orcas Island, the fastest and (in our humble opinion) most beautiful way is to fly. We offer regular flights from Boeing Field to Eastsound Airport and Friday Harbor. Seasonally, we also offer seaplane flights from Lake Washington and Lake Union to the San Juan Islands.

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HAVN tubs

Destination-Worthy Self-Care

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HAVN in Victoria

Like chicken soup for the soul, self-care offers the opportunity to relax and recharge. It’s the soothing remedy for a fast-paced life where meetings can pile up and deadlines loom. 

But the practice of self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. From ocean-side soaking tubs and rejuvenating facials to farm-to-table cuisine, we all need something a bit different. As the summer season tapers into cool crisp days, take a moment to let yourself relax and replenish. Discover some of the best destination-worthy self-care getaways in the San Juans, Victoria, and beyond!

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Orcas Island Winery on Orcas Island

The Charms of Orcas Island Winery

Orcas Island Winery

Sleepy grand firs, a rolling grass field, firepits, picnic tables, and a modern wood barn that seems to have been plucked from a romance novel: just a few of the reasons to visit this slice of vino paradise. Nestled at the base of Turtleback Mountain, Orcas Island Winery has become a community hub for locals and visitors alike. 

With a boutique tasting room and a spacious (emphasis on space) outdoor venue, the family-owned winery feels like visiting your chosen family. Dog- and kid-friendly, it’s often a lively affair where parents lounge while littles roam. During the summer, live music and food trucks regularly take up residency on Friday nights — offering a festive atmosphere filled with laughter.

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dinner party

What to Know About Savor the San Juans (2024)

Close up shot of unrecognizable group of friends cheering with red wine

Known as the gourmet archipelago, the San Juan Islands are home to some of the region’s best farm-to-table chefs. Thanks to their remote location, locally sourced ingredients aren’t just a nicety — they’re a necessity. The dining scene is laid back chic, with joints that would welcome you in heels as quickly as they would jeans. And the ambiance? It’s filled with rustic charm and stunning vistas. 

This is the kind of foodie destination that calls for lingering. During Savor the San Juans, inquisitive diners can get a behind the scenes look at the islands’ farms, meet chefs, and partake in seasonal events. 

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San Juan Island Cattle Pint Lighthouse by Jack Riley

Insider Guide to the San Juan Islands

Cattle Point Lighthouse by Jack Riley
Photo by Jack Riley

Some folks take years to become acquainted with the San Juan Islands. There’s a certain beauty in slowly acquainting yourself with the hemlock and peeling Madrone. The gourmet archipelago’s constantly evolving topography grows to as many as 743 rocks at low tide, showing off unspoiled coves and blue-green tidal waters. But for those who don’t have a decade (or more) to explore the rolling farmland, craggy coastline, and quaint island towns — we have the next best thing.

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Top Casual Restaurant: San Juan Island Brewing Co.

san juan island brewery

Never has a bar felt so much like visiting someone’s home. And never has someone’s home had such enjoyable beer. San Juan Island Brewing Co. has all the elements that make a rural pub a quintessential part of a community — a large space, down-to-earth service, and local ownership. But unlike the English pub with dodgy cuisine and standard drinks, this San Juan Island watering hole has a gastropub worthy menu (at affordable price points) and seassionable beers flavorful enough to win awards (while tame enough to enjoy a few pints without wanting a nap). 

“This whole place is driven by the community,” explained Tim Alyward, part owner at San Juan Island Brewing Co. 

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Roche Harbor by Jack Riley

2 Days in Roche Harbor

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Roche Harbor Resort by Jack Riley
Photo by Jack Riley

You don’t have to be a boat lover to enjoy this boater’s paradise. Roche Harbor’s richly preserved history offers nineteenth-century clapboard buildings, old gardens, and incredible sunsets – all perfect for relaxing. Enjoy local seafood, some of the best doughnuts in the Pacific Northwest, and views of the surrounding mountains. 

Whether you arrive by boat or seaplane, be sure to keep an eye out for pods of local orcas. They can frequently be seen playing in the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands, especially during the summer months.

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Fog rising in Friday Harbor Marina

San Juan Island Facts

Fog rising in Friday Harbor

A serene haven, San Juan Island’s natural beauty unfolds in every direction. The rolling hills, lush forests, and rugged coastlines feel almost untouched by time. Here, the air is crisp and tinged with the scent of saltwater. Sea-to-table and farm-to-table cuisine reigns supreme. Artists flourish and community thrives.

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Exploring Orcas

Ultimate Things To Do On Orcas Island This Summer

Orcas Island Summer Getaway

A towering peak, protected pebble-covered beaches, and a thriving farm-to-table food scene has earned Orcas Island a cult-like following. Visitors and locals alike rave about the horseshoe shaped gem, where the sun is more likely to shine than not and the views abound. While it’s hard to go wrong with any activity, the following showcase some of our favorite things to do on Orcas Island this summer. 

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Nancy McDonnell Spaulding

San Juan Island Artist & Author: Nancy McDonnell Spaulding

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San Juan Island Artist and Author Nancy McDonnell Spaulding

“One of the things that drives my art is the desire to protect beautiful places,” said Nancy McDonnell Spaulding. An accomplished San Juan Island artist and newly published author, Nancy’s work does so by showcasing simple pleasures — often found tucked among awe-inspiring sights. 

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