Things to do in the San Juan Islands Archives | Page 3 of 11

How to Get from Tacoma to San Juan Island

Things to do in Tacoma, Things to do in the San Juan Islands

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.

May 2, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

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

Ultimate Guide to Spring at Roche Harbor Resort

Things to do in the San Juan Islands

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.

April 4, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

Sunrise from Mount Constitution by Travel Trend

Top Orcas Island Sunset Locations

Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Mount Rainier at Sunrise from Mount Constitution by Travel Trend

Sunsets in the San Juan Islands are visceral. Visits here seem to draw you to rocky shorelines and towering peaks (we’re looking at you Mount Constitution) to bask in the burst of burnt oranges and bright magentas as they fade into gentle pastels. While no one island in this remote archipelago far surpasses another, Orcas Island sunset locations do include the tallest peak and most convenient ‘town’ access.

March 29, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

Family Shoot on the Beach. Photo by Satya Curcio

Vacation Photos in the San Juan Islands

Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Family Shoots on the Beach. Photo by Satya Curcio — *An insider’s guide to taking the best share-worthy photos in the San Juan Islands. Photo by Satya Curcio.*

From family vacations and romantic getaways to the ultimate girls’ trip, the San Juan Islands offer a backdrop for magical moments. While the remnants of such memories can be lovingly preserved in a half-faced selfie, such pictures are rarely worthy of a Christmas card. What’s more, often key players (ahem mom) remain neatly tucked behind the camera.

For many, booking a professional photo shoot isn’t high on the priority list when planning a vacation. Where to sleep, eat, and play takes center stage. But for those wise souls who slip in a rendezvous with a photog, the result can be much more powerful than just a great Instagram post.

March 26, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

New Leaf Cafe’s Executive Chef Andrew Martin

Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Nestled along the inner edge of Orcas Island’s 57-square-mile ‘horseshoe,’ Outlook Inn’s New Leaf Café has long been recognized as a culinary gem. The hotel and eatery can trace their roots back to the late 1800s, when the site was first opened as a general store of sorts. Both the hospitality and the culinary prowess has evolved (thankfully). The island’s jail is no longer located out back and dental services are no longer offered next to bulk staples, like rice and beans.

March 12, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

Ultimate Day Exploring San Juan Island with Susie’s Mopeds

Things to do in the San Juan Islands

San Juan Island is magical. Exploring San Juan Island in a Susie’s Mopeds scout coupe is arguably the best one day adventure from Seattle. Fresh air. Unparalleled views. This is the kind of Seattle to Friday Harbor trip you’ll consider extending.

March 2, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

Orcas Island Facts

Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Fondly known as the ‘Emerald Isle,’ Orcas Island is 57.3 square miles and shaped like a horseshoe. Or two saddlebags. Or a trapezoid. No matter your shape preference, the idyllic destination is home to stunning vistas, exquisite cuisine, and inspiring artists. This is an island to be loved. See just how much you love Orcas by testing your knowledge in a true and false test.

January 30, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

Island Foodie Getaway: Outlook Inn + MATIA on Orcas Island

Things to do in the San Juan Islands

With its diverse topography and remote location, Orcas Island feels more like an island castaway rather than an oasis with a luxurious hotel and one of the nation’s top restaurants. But that’s what you’ll find. MATIA on Orcas Island is a dining destination worthy of a trip and the Outlook Inn is a refined hotel perched at the water’s edge.

January 25, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

20 Things To Do In The Pacific Northwest

Princess Louisa Inlet and Chatterbox Falls, Roche Harbor, Things to do in Canada, Things to do in Seattle, Things to do in the San Juan Islands, Things to do in Victoria, West Coast Wilderness Lodge

There are hills to hike, waterfalls to explore, and plates of eggs Benedict to devour. This is your ultimate Pacific Northwest travel bucket list. And, it’s just in time for kicking off the New Year!

It’s loaded with seaside cocktails, DIY brewery tours, and can’t-miss donuts. It features remote fishing destinations, sea-to-table cuisine, and some of the most Instagram-worthy spots around.

December 28, 2023/by Mikaela Judd

San Juan Island Lodging Tips

Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Saltwater Farm — *Photo by* *Bradley Radlab*

Nestled in the Salish Sea, this gem promises not only breathtaking landscapes, but also an array of cozy lodgings that make your island retreat truly unforgettable. A picturesque haven in the Pacific Northwest—San Juan Island lodging ranges from marina views to mountain hideaways.

December 21, 2023/by Mikaela Judd