Insider Guide to the San Juan Islands
Some folks take years to become acquainted with the San Juan Islands. There’s a certain beauty in slowly acquainting yourself with the hemlock and peeling Madrone. The gourmet archipelago’s constantly evolving topography grows to as many as 743 rocks at low tide, showing off unspoiled coves and blue-green tidal waters. But for those who don’t have a decade (or more) to explore the rolling farmland, craggy coastline, and quaint island towns — we have the next best thing.
Tips from locals.
We reached out to folks who call the San Juans home to learn some of the favorite places to walk, eat, and toast on the three biggest islands: San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island.
Maximize your time exploring these sun-filled destinations with regularly scheduled flights from Boeing Field, Lake Washington, Lake Union, Victoria and Tacoma!
7 of the Best Things To Do On San Juan Island (as recommended by locals)
What’s the best place to take a hike on Orcas Island?
Katie Sellers
General Manager at Outlook Inn
Turtleback Mountain Preserve. There is a 1,295 feet elevation gain over 5.7 miles that leads to sweeping views of the islands, and my dogs can go on a leash!
What’s your favorite place to sit and enjoy the view of Lopez Island — with a pastry?
Stephanie Smith
Owner & Head Baker at Holly B’s Bakery
I love to pop over to the beach stairs right by Haven Kitchen & Bar. It’s not a big fancy park, but it’s close by and gets me out for some fresh air. You can stand at the railing or run down the stairs to sit on a log. The view goes up the channel between San Juan and Shaw Islands and seems to go forever on a clear day.
Where’s your favorite place to enjoy a cup of tea on San Juan Island?
Bobby Ryan
Owner of Inspired Earth Botanicals
Sipping tea outside, whether it’s during the chilly winter months or the warm summer months, is always a peaceful and grounding experience. It really does soothe the soul. One of my favorite beaches is 4th of July Beach! It’s a short and easy, flat terrain hike in with a very long stretch of smooth rock coastline. It’s got shady spots, sunny spots, and the outskirts of the beach are often lined with beautiful pieces of driftwood logs that I can lean up against.
Whether you’re flying solo, or with loved ones, it’s a fabulous spot to bring in a jug of iced Inspired Earth – My Spicy Lover tea and relax! During wintertime, while witnessing the wild waves and being brushed with the brisk breeze, this same tea blend is very comforting when it’s piping hot!
Whether you’re flying solo, or with loved ones, it’s a fabulous spot to bring in a jug of iced Inspired Earth – My Spicy Lover tea and relax! During wintertime, while witnessing the wild waves and being brushed with the brisk breeze, this same tea blend is very comforting when it’s piping hot!
Where’s your favorite place to go for a walk on San Juan Island?
Savannah Wilson
Marina Office Staff at Roche Harbor Resort
Cattle Point on the south end of the Island. It’s full of natural beauty and there is also a ton of wildlife from bald eagles soaring overhead to rabbits, foxes, and deer roaming the prairies. If you’re lucky, you may even see whales swimming by. There are views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, including Baker and Mt Rainier over 130 miles away! It is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery of San Juan Island.
Where’s your favorite place to pick up picnic supplies on San Juan Island?
Erik and Andrea Anderson
Owners of Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm
We love fresh raw oysters as a cornerstone of any picnic, but the addition of some local goods from other farms it is hard not to enjoy the taste of the splendors of island living (like what you find at Net Shed Market). A few of our favorites are Sunnyfield Farm Goat Cheese, Girl Meets Dirt preserves, and just about anything from Bakery San Juan, but a crispy baguette and a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie rounds out this picnic nicely!
Outside of The Orcas Project Tasting Room, what’s your favorite place to enjoy a glass of wine on Orcas Island?
Cole Sisson
Owner of Doe Bay Wine Company
My favorite hidden spot for a glass of wine has got to be Café Lascaux, the wonderful little bakery in the heart of Olga. Chef Dante Miller (long-time Chef at the beloved Roses Bakery) prepares incredible pizza, garden fresh sandwiches, and rotating lunch specials at this local destination. There’s no better compliment to his cuisine than picking out a glass or bottle of wine from the curated list to pair with your feast. Dante does a fantastic job of balancing local wines from the islands along with European classics and they are all fairly priced.
You can have a glass at the art gallery inside or sneak out to one of the tables on the lawn. This is the perfect oasis for a mid-afternoon glass and where you’ll find me when I’m looking for a simple, tasty and relaxed glass of wine. (Another insider tip — just 2 minutes down the road you can continue your search for the perfect glass by stopping at Buck Bay Shellfish Farm.)
You can have a glass at the art gallery inside or sneak out to one of the tables on the lawn. This is the perfect oasis for a mid-afternoon glass and where you’ll find me when I’m looking for a simple, tasty and relaxed glass of wine. (Another insider tip — just 2 minutes down the road you can continue your search for the perfect glass by stopping at Buck Bay Shellfish Farm.)
Outside of San Juan Brewing Co. — what’s the best place to enjoy a pint?
Sean Alyward & Tim Alyward
Part Owners at San Juan Brewing Co.
Westcott Bay Shellfish. That would be where we would always go. — Sean
Definitely. That’s where I would go outside the brewery. It’s just out of town. It’s a different vibe than being in town. It’s an entirely unique place. — Tim
Definitely. That’s where I would go outside the brewery. It’s just out of town. It’s a different vibe than being in town. It’s an entirely unique place. — Tim
