Things to do in the San Juan Islands Archives

couple walking on the dock with a de havilland beaver

Top Romantic Getaways in the San Juan Islands

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.

October 9, 2023/by Mikaela Judd

The Ultimate Guide to 48 Hours in Friday Harbor, WA

Adventures, Things to do in the San Juan Islands

On the edge of the US and Canadian border, where the ocean flows freely between the two countries – water-locked drops of island oases can be found. With the Olympic Mountains lining the horizon and old-growth forests aplenty, the 250 days of sunshine beckon visitors and delight locals.

Friday Harbor, the largest of the San Juan Islands’ towns, is home to some of the finest restaurants, coffee shops, and artists’ studios and galleries. Here, whale watching enthusiasts enjoy the sights of resident and transitory pods; outdoor adventurists explore a variety of parks and trails; and boaters take full advantage of known and lesser-known coves, marinas, and shorelines.

August 15, 2023/by Mikaela Judd

17 Pacific Northwest Bucket List Must-Dos

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 29, 2022/by Mikaela Judd

Top Wedding Venues, Photographers & Florists in the San Juan Islands

Blog, Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Mar 18, 2022 Mikaela Judd

Top Wedding Venues, Photographers & Florists in the San Juan Islands

Pebble Cover Farm on Orcas Island by Satya Curcio Photography

Sweeping grasslands. Old-growth forests. Rocky shorelines. The San Juan Islands are enchanting. Like a moment out of time, they seem to be almost untouched. The clean air. The 220 days with sunshine. The enchanting views.

It’s what makes the San Juans the ideal wedding destination for couples with adventurous souls. The following outlines some of the best wedding venues, florists, and photographers — all home based in the San Juan Islands. Whether you’re eloping, want an intimate gathering or are planning a soiree for the whole crew, there’s magic to be found in the San Juans.

March 18, 2022/by Mikaela Judd

Calling All Book Lovers

Blog, Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Mar 14, 2022

The annual Orcas Island Lit Festival is returning June 3-4.

This three-day festival features panels, readings, and events highlighting the vibrant literary culture of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Authors range from Pulitzer Prize winners to gifted new voices. They herald from throughout the country, in a rich mix of local and national voices. Take full advantage of this uniquely intimate setting to engage with world-class writers, ask questions and explore their work.

March 14, 2022/by kenmoreairstg

Island Fibers on Lopez Island

Blog, Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Nov 2, 2021

How two local artisans support island agriculture through the Slow Fiber Movement.

There’s a rural beauty to Lopez Island, a slowness that’s earned it the nickname ‘Slowpez.’ This is thanks in large part to the generously flat terrain, where gently rolling hills are studded with farms and speckled with artisans. While the locally grown offerings are diverse — including beef, pork, and berries — the quaint 29.5 square-mile agricultural community is perhaps best known for its sheep.

Lopez Island wool products, in particular, are heralded throughout the United States and beyond for their exceptional quality and beauty. This is in no small part thanks to Maxine Bron- stein and Debbie Hayward, founders of Island Fibers.

November 2, 2021/by Mikaela Judd

Island Hopping with Kids

Blog, Things to do in the San Juan Islands

A weekend jumping from Orcas to San Juan Island.

Watch the sun slowly dip down from the comfort of your own balcony after you’ve scrubbed the dirt and washed the sand off your little ones from a long day of exploring. Instead of battling crowds and waiting in lines, introduce your children to the finer things in life like clams caught mere steps from where they are eaten. Spend your mornings walking out to an island made accessible only by low tide.

Listen in awe at the excited squeals from each discovery of sea stars, sea cucumbers, and crabs. Spend the day whale-watching and the evening on a sunset sail. From Lopez to Orcas and San Juan Island, each has its own distinct sense of place and will have a unique draw to visitors. When you cannot decide which island is right for you, don’t. Instead, plan an “island-hopping” adventure, combining the best of what a couple of islands have to offer.

September 8, 2021/by Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Washington’s Pig Headed War

Blog, Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Jul 26, 2021 Mike Vouri

Photo by Tomas Nevesely

The killing of a pig nearly plunged the United States and Great Britain into war in 1859. Fortunately cooler heads prevailed.

Long before the San Juan Islands were a vacation destination, they were the focus of an international crisis ignited by an unlikely incident: The shooting of a pig in a potato patch. This was the famous Pig War of 1859, when military and naval forces of the United States and Great Britain almost came to blows in midsummer after the death of the Berkshire boar.

But in the end, not a single shot was fired. The nations opted for peace, an outcome that was commemorated more than 100 years later with the creation of San Juan Island National Historical Park. The issue, aside from mid-19^th century notions of honor, was mainly about real estate.

July 26, 2021/by Michael Vouri

Paula West, Pottery Artist

Blog, Featured Artists, Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Jul 7, 2021 Mikaela Judd

In a small converted garage, roughly six miles southwest of Friday Harbor, you’ll often find Paula West covered in clay.

A Connecticut native, she came to San Juan Island in 1990 (by way of New Hampshire, California, Oregon, and Canada). It was here that she met her husband, Joe Cooper. And it was here she set up her studio in 1993.

July 7, 2021/by Mikaela Judd

6 Cuddle-Worthy Destinations in the San Juan Islands

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Oct 21, 2020 Mikaela Judd

6 Cuddle-Worthy Destinations in the San Juan Islands

Slow-paced island life, farm-to-table cuisine, and intimate accommodations make for the perfect winter escape.

Though the San Juan Islands aren’t as popular during the drizzly season, the relatively deserted towns make for a crowd-free adventure. The slow pace allows shop owners and artisans linger with customers. Cloudy days offer their own kind of beauty. Mist often clings to fields and shrouds shores, lifting like a translucent curtain.

The hikes remain beautiful and wildlife plentiful during the fall and winter months. But don’t feel pressed to go exploring. These cuddle-worthy destinations feature cozy fireplaces that may keep you indoors all day and all night. Whether it’s a solo getaway or a party of two, the San Juan Islands offer the perfect mix of solitude and hospitality.

October 21, 2020/by Mikaela Judd

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