The San Juan Islands span 172 named islands and reefs, however just three are served by regularly scheduled flights from Seattle; San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island. Best known for their epic views, untouched wildlife, and regionally-inspired cuisine, the San Juans offer a wide range of things to do for families, couples, and friends.
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/spring-day-on-Orcas-Island.jpg380720Mikaela Juddhttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/logo_kenmoreair_340-300x32.pngMikaela Judd2026-03-31 04:57:002026-03-31 17:13:3125 Things To Do In The San Juan Islands (2026)
Orcas Island has all of the ingredients for a perfect getaway in the Pacific Northwest. There are beautiful lodging options, miles of hiking trails that traverse a rich topography and offer stunning views. You’ll find a plethora of great island dining options featuring fresh seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and locally-crafted libations.
This isn’t the destination for a fast-paced dance club, though you will find a handful of restaurants and bars that host live music nights. But the things to do on Orcas Island are plentiful and rewarding. Artist studios. Golfing. Farmers markets. Clothing optional soaking tubs. The list goes on and on. These are some of our favorites.
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Hiking-on-Orcas-Island.jpg380720Mikaela Juddhttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/logo_kenmoreair_340-300x32.pngMikaela Judd2026-03-03 04:52:002026-03-04 16:05:4735 Things To Do on Orcas Island in 2026
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.
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Rainy-day-in-Friday-Harbor.png380720Mikaela Juddhttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/logo_kenmoreair_340-300x32.pngMikaela Judd2026-02-27 05:00:002026-03-04 15:41:43Top Rainy-Day Activities in the San Juan Islands
There are proposals. And then there are stories you’ll tell for the rest of your life.
In the Pacific Northwest, we are spoiled with backdrops that feel almost cinematic with glacier-capped peaks rising above evergreen forests, quiet coves edged in driftwood, islands that seem to float in mist. It’s a place that already feels like magic. Arriving by seaplane simply turns the volume up.
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/KenmoreAir_EmettJoseph1.jpg7191083Scott Meishttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/logo_kenmoreair_340-300x32.pngScott Meis2026-02-16 18:53:572026-02-17 19:01:16How to Plan a PNW Engagement by Seaplane
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!
A fetching slice of paradise, Friday Harbor is the largest town in Washington state’s sunny San Juan Islands. Often a homebase for travelers, the plethora of things to do in Friday Harbor without a car make it alone with a visit.
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kenmore_Air_Seaplane_Friday_Harbor_1.jpg7211087Mikaela Juddhttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/logo_kenmoreair_340-300x32.pngMikaela Judd2025-08-11 05:00:002025-08-12 17:42:5711 Things to Do in Friday Harbor without a Car
When searching for the ideal place to stay on Orcas Island, you’ll discover a plethora of remarkable options. This enchanting destination, nestled within the picturesque San Juan archipelago of Washington State, offers a range of accommodations that cater to diverse preferences. From charming bed and breakfasts tucked in lush forests to luxurious waterfront resorts boasting breathtaking views, Orcas has it all.
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Orcas-Island-Resorts.-Outlook-Inn-in-Eastsound.jpg380720Mikaela Juddhttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/logo_kenmoreair_340-300x32.pngMikaela Judd2025-07-06 15:30:002025-07-14 17:23:20Where to Stay on Orcas Island
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.
Though the quaint archipelago tucked within the Salish Sea is technically part of Washington State, it feels a bit like its own country. Heck, some of its rocky inlets are closer to Canada than they are to the American mainland. But the 172-plus islands in the Olympic Rainshadow don’t require a passport and are relatively easy to access — if you know what you’re doing.
The following outlines 9 ways to travel from Seattle to the San Juan Islands. But at its most primitive level, there are only two ways to get here: by boat or plane. The nature of being surrounded by water on all sides makes this remote destination exactly that, remote. That’s part of the charm, part of what keeps this paradise a destination worthy of visiting year-round.
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kenmore-Air-Otter-and-Cattle-Point-Lighthouse.jpg380720Mikaela Juddhttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/logo_kenmoreair_340-300x32.pngMikaela Judd2025-01-10 05:00:002025-03-19 16:17:449 Ways to Get from Seattle to the San Juan Islands
Washington’s gourmet archipelago is undoubtedly known for its sun-filled summer days and fruit-laden farmers markets. But don’t assume this sweet little paradise closes up shop during the winter. While some businesses and residents like to hibernate until spring, there are still plenty of relaxing things to do on San Juan Island during the holidays.
In fact, visiting the San Juan’s during the winter might even be your favorite! The slower pace and lack of crowds give you more freedom to linger and enjoy your getaway. Not to mention, getting to San Juan Island from Seattle is as easy as catching a 45-minute scenic flight from Boeing Field!
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Friday-Harbor-Golden-Hour.-Photo-by-BrendanHunter.jpg380720Mikaela Juddhttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/logo_kenmoreair_340-300x32.pngMikaela Judd2024-12-12 16:38:112024-12-12 17:45:05Relaxing Winter Escape to San Juan Island