Friday Harbor House Weekend Getaway
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.
Getting to Friday Harbor House
The fastest way to get to Friday Harbor House is a direct flight from Kenmore, Lake Union or Tacoma to Friday Harbor Marina or from Boeing Field to Friday Harbor Airport. These convenient flights offer breathtaking views, while avoiding the drive to Anacortes and long ferry lines. As an added bonus, you can take advantage of our Friday Harbor House package and save when you book your flight and lodging together!
Friday Harbor House Weekend Getaway Recommendations
Activities
Restaurants, Breweries, and More
Friday Harbor Shops
36(ish) Hours at Friday Harbor House
This 36(ish) hour itinerary was specifically designed as a car-free weekend loaded with great food, epic views, and fun activities. But of course, any time on the island is well spent. Whether you have just a day or are planning to spend the whole week at Friday Harbor House, use this list for inspiration!
Friday
5 p.m. Check-In & Head to The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House
Keep the views coming after your scenic flight. No extra travel required. After checking in, drop your bags and head to The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House, located just off the main lobby. The ambiance here is classy, yet laid back. The seasonal menu showcases a wide range of cuisines including a luscious crab pasta and a Wagyu burger worthy of a steak restaurant. And don’t overlook the regionally inspired craft cocktail menu, which includes libations such as the American Camp featuring Woodinville rye, Bellewood apple brandy, demerara syrup, and orange bitters.
Saturday
8:30 a.m. Breakfast at The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House
While you’ll want to take full advantage of Friday Harbor House’s complimentary pour over coffee provided in each room, don’t overlook their breakfast. The early-morning fare is loaded with hearty and healthy options. Smashed avocado toast. A loaded brunch burger. An exquisite smoked salmon omelet packed with feta and spinach. And should you like your morning cuppa to include a little something extra, libations range from kicked up coffee and bloody marys to spiked juices and mimosas.
10 a.m. Explore Friday Harbor + Grab a Snack
Located on the northern edge of Friday Harbor’s downtown core, Friday Harbor House gives you easy access to galleries, novelty shops, bookstores and more.
Head to Griffin Bay Bookstore to find a new book. Love a good trivia game? Check the trivia board located behind the cash register for the day’s question! Are used books more your style? Serendipity is Friday Harbor’s used bookstore, housed in a historic home and brimming with gently loved titles.
Looking to find some flavor-bomb souvenirs? Don’t skip San Juan Island Salt, where island-made salt blends, curated novelties, and some of the best fresh-baked cookies are showcased. Salty at Heart Apothecary features a large collection of island-made goods (including Inspired Earth teas, Orcas Island Candle Company candles, and more). As you meander, consider grabbing a snack to take with you. Riptide Cafe (connected to San Juan Safaris) has a variety of local, freshly baked scones, muffins, savory pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. Salty Fox is another great place to grab a to-go bite — offering a selection of bagels and rice bowls.
12 p.m. Go Whale Watching with San Juan Safaris
May through October, the Salish Sea is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Sightings of orca whales, humpback whales, and gray whales are common. And no San Juan Islands based tour operator has a higher sightings rate than San Juan Safaris. Based out of Friday Harbor Marina, this wildlife tour operator offers the ideal half-day adventure.
In addition to whales, you’ll also get an up close look at the rocky shorelines and kelp forests. Seals and sea lions are frequently seen. Bird enthusiasts will have the chance to spot bald eagles, Pacific Loons, four gull species, white-winged scoter, and more along the salty waters.
4 p.m. Grab an Appetizer at Downriggers
Don’t head ‘inland’ just yet. Stick close to the water for a pre-dinner appetizer at Downriggers. The Dungeness crab tots are a surefire win. So too is the Oxtail Poutine!
6 p.m. Dinner at Coho
Don’t let the name fool you. There’s no salmon on the menu. In 2018, Coho permanently removed the prized fish from its menu in an effort to support the “overall health of the [Southern Resident Killer Whales].” But have no fear, the menu here doesn’t disappoint.
While the menu changes seasonally, anything featuring the housemade pasta is always a winner. Also keep an eye out for the steelhead. It’s exceptional.
8 p.m. Fireside Nightcap at The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House
End your evening with a fireside nightcap at The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House. The patio space offers relaxing adirondack chairs, from which you can enjoy a drink and watch the boats floating in the marina.
Sunday
8 a.m. Rocky Bay Cafe
Head to Rocky Bay Café for what Rachael Ray calls the ‘ideal hometown diner.’ Offerings range from eggs Benedict and corn beef hash to loaded breakfast burritos and French toast.
In the winter season, cozy up by the inviting Amish fireplace. Plus, be sure to take a peek at the monthly featured artist whose work is showcased on the restaurant’s walls.
9:30 a.m. Scoot Coupe Ride Around San Juan Island
Head to Susie’s Mopeds to pick up your Scoot Coupe rental. (Book in advance to reserve your ride as it’s not uncommon for them to be completely sold out during the busy months.) Susie’s has a pre-approved 48-mile loop around the island that stops by some of the most iconic spots, including:
- Cattle Point Lighthouse
- American Camp
- Pelindaba Lavender (the farm has closed, but the flowers will still be in bloom as you drive past)
- Lime Kiln Lighthouse
- English Camp
11:30 a.m. Shuck Your Own Oysters at Westcott Bay Shellfish
The ‘loop’ also takes you past Westcott Bay Shellfish — one of the oyster farms in the Pacific Northwest. The farm’s ‘Net Shed,’ is an open-air, waterfront restaurant where you can buy, shuck, and grill your own oysters.
A variety of beverages, small snacks, and clarified butters are also available. It’s hands down one of the best on-island experiences. Don’t know how to shuck an oyster? Have no fear. The helpful staff will show you the ropes.
1 p.m. Complete the 48 Mile Loop
After lunch, continue along the 48-mile loop. Further highlights include:
- Roche Harbor
- San Juan Island Sculpture Park
- The Farm at Krystal Acres
- San Juan Vineyard
3:30 p.m. Sample a Beer Flight at San Juan Brewing Co.
Founded by three locals, San Juan Island Brewing Co. is beloved by visitors and locals alike. The open beer hall offers views of the brewery’s operations and pours an impressive selection of full-flavored beers. Weather permitting, the outdoor patio is a delightful communal space. Woodfired pizzas and hearty burgers round out the offerings, making this the perfect place to relax and refuel before your flight home.
