Friday Harbor House. Prime Location. Fireside Views.

A picturesque refuge, Friday Harbor House is nestled on a bluff just one block above Front Street. The dead-end road offers a sense of quiet in the most populated of the San Juan Island towns, while the elevated perch treats visitors to expansive views of Friday Harbor Marina.

Here, you can watch seaplanes land and ferry boats dock. The careful (and patient) observer may also catch sight of an orca whale that frequents the regional waters from May through October. Want to learn more about these gentle giants? The 24-room inn is next door to the Whale Museum.

The guestrooms here are spacious, featuring king beds, gas fireplaces, and oversized jetted tubs. But the real delight is snagging a seat on the inn’s patio. Fire pits, a grassy lawn, and bistro lights set the stage for a sunset worthy of a cocktail (or two). And the food? The menu’s focus on sustainably-sourced ingredients is loaded with sharable appetizers and sea-to-table mains.

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