Seattle - San Juan Islands flights from $179 pp/ow!
Seattle - Refuge Cove flights from $399 pp/ow!
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Their work has been called ‘petable’ art. While the initial base of island wood tends to be rough and splintered, the finished products are buttery smooth. They can be found in kitchens, offices, and wardrobes. Made by San Juan Island artists, River and Luna Wylde, these colorful pieces are as intriguing as they are functional.
The pieces range from charcuterie boards to tables and earrings. They make coasters, which are always a crowd-pleaser, and stunning sushi trays. Their Pride charcuterie boards are rainbow masterpieces, and their keychains are elegant and distinctive.
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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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