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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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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Emerald Queen Casino de Havilland Otter

How to Get from Tacoma to San Juan Island

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Emerald Queen Casino Seaplane

While technically a part of Washington State, San Juan Island feels a bit like a foreign country. Heck, some of its rocky coves are closer to Canada than the American mainland. And traveling from Tacoma to San Juan Island is no small feat — until recently. Reaching the quaint Olympic Rainshadow destination is now as simple as catching a 55-minute scenic flight from Tacoma’s Ruston Way seaplane terminal. 

Located within the Olympic Rainshadow, San Juan Island offers a sun-filled reprieve from the drizzle of T-town. The following outlines the four most common ways to travel from Tacoma to San Juan Island. 

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Friday Harbor House Fire Pits

Friday Harbor House Weekend Getaway

Fire Pits at Friday Harbor House

Island life is slow and beautiful in Friday Harbor. Here, the streets feature roundabouts rather than stoplights and restaurants showcase farm-to-table cuisine. Perched one block above the Friday Harbor Marina, Friday Harbor House is ideally positioned for the ultimate weekend getaway. 

This quaint San Juan Island hotel offers expansive views of seaplanes landing and ferry boats docking. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of the entire downtown core, while still feeling removed enough to give you a sense of solitude. Not to mention, it’s home to one the best restaurants on the island — The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House. 

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Hotel de Haro at Roche Harbor Resort. Photo by Jack Riley

Ultimate Guide to Spring at Roche Harbor Resort

Roche Harbor Resort Hotel de Haro. Photo by Jack Riley

While summer boating roots run deep at Roche Harbor, this historic destination also blooms during the shoulder season. The site — a former lime quarry and manufacturing plant in the late 1800s — is now the pinnacle of luxury on San Juan Island. Modern lodging options (along with more modest historic ones), a host of dining establishments, and a plethora of nearby things to do make Roche Harbor the ultimate destination for families, couples, and gal-pal getaways.

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