Where to Stay on Orcas Island
When searching for the ideal place to stay on Orcas Island, you’ll discover a plethora of remarkable options. This enchanting destination, nestled within the picturesque San Juan archipelago of Washington State, offers a range of accommodations that cater to diverse preferences. From charming bed and breakfasts tucked in lush forests to luxurious waterfront resorts boasting breathtaking views, Orcas has it all.
11 Featured Lodging Options on Orcas Island
While searching for where to stay, you’ll find a range of Orcas Island hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and private accommodations. The following list is curated (in no particular order) based on location, views, and comfort. But really, once you’re on the island, it’s hard to go wrong. This destination is a gem that delights no matter where you stay.
1. The Outlook Inn on Orcas Island
A charming and picturesque retreat, The Outlook Inn on Orcas Island is nestled on the stunning shores of Orcas Island. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, this historic inn offers a tranquil and idyllic escape for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway. With its elegant ambiance and modern touches of comfort (especially found in the Water’s Edge experience), it showcases the island’s unique charm. In addition to sweeping views and pristine gardens, the Inn is also home to New Leaf Cafe. With a focus on locally-sourced ingredients, this quaint restaurant is widely considered one of the best places to eat on Orcas.
2. The Village Inn at Eastsound
Unassumingly discrete, the Village Inn at Eastsound is tucked beside Main Street in Orcas Island’s downtown corridor. Directly across the street from Labyrinth Path (a boutique public park), it offers waterfront views and easy beach access. The newest lodging addition to the island, the third-floor set of rooms and communal areas were thoughtfully designed with comfort and convenience in mind. From a complimentary sparkling water dispenser and help-yourself breakfast staples (located in the common room) to the electric fireplaces and luxurious resort-style beds — the Village Inn is so comfortable you’ll want to linger while so conveniently located that exploring is far from a chore.
3. Rosario Resort
Built between 1906 and 1909, Rosario Resort is a rich combination of timeless elegance and natural beauty. It sits nestled at the edge of Cascade Bay, offering a protected marina that’s a favorite for boaters. Surrounded by lush forests and picturesque water views, its fine dining restaurant is known as one of the fancier dinner destinations on the island.
Paying tribute to the mansion’s builder, the Moran Mansion Museum showcases the life of Robert Moran, a shipbuilder and former mayor of Seattle, along with the property’s history. Of particular note is the 1931 Aeolian organ (featuring 1,972 pipes) and a 1900 Steinway Grand Piano. Visit on Saturdays at 4 PM (from June 17 through September 16) to witness these two powerful instruments in concert.
4. Doe Bay Resort
The lodgings here are rustic. (Don’t come expecting ultra-modern finishes or staff that cater to your every whim.) Doe Bay Resort doesn’t roll like that. It’s a slice of wild heaven with cozy cabins and down-to-earth yurts. Located on the southeast side of the island, it’s roughly a 20-minute drive from Eastsound, but feels a bit like its own little world.
Here, guests are treated to serene hiking trails and private beach access. Kayak rentals are available on-site, as is a cafe known for its garden-to-table cuisine (sourced directly from the resort’s garden). The real gem here is the soothing hot tubs and saunas. The clothing-optional spa is available to guests only on a communal or private basis. (Spa rentals must be made in advance and the duration of each rental is 90 minutes.)
5. West Beach Resort
As the name would suggest, West Beach Resort is located on the water along the west side of Orcas Island. Accommodations here are comprised of charming beachfront cabins. Tent and RV campsites are also available just a short walk from the waterfront, a rarity in the San Juans. (This is Orcas Island’s only RV park. It includes 30 amp power and water hookups at most spots.)
The prime location treats guests to a wide range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Particularly delightful are the sunsets on this side of the island, which can be easily watched from the rocky shore.
6. Orcas Hotel
Located on the southwest side of Orcas Island, just one block from the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal, the Orcas Hotel has been offering guests a place to stay since 1904. Featuring historic Victorian-style rooms, it is also home to a cozy cafe and restaurant. The dining focus here is on seasonal and local ingredients.
7. North Beach Inn
On the northern side of Orcas Island, North Beach Inn is less than a six-minute drive from the Orcas Island Airport and just eight minutes from downtown Eastsound. Accommodations feature several rustic cottages tucked beside the beach, along with a few slightly more inland — each offering stunning views and easy access to the rocky shore. One of the best places on the island to watch both the sunset and the sunrise, each cottage comes with its own fully equipped kitchen making it easy to prep and enjoy your own picturesque meals.
8. Pebble Cove Farm
A captivating sanctuary, Pebble Cove Farm offers visitors a uniquely rustic retreat. Here, lush green fields roll into towering trees. A private beach is tucked into a secluded cove. Vibrant orchards dot the landscape and farm animals abound. (Pebble Cove Farm is also an animal sanctuary.) Deeply committed to sustainability, this vegan farm utilizes organic and fair trade products whenever possible.
9. Inn at Ship Bay
Just outside of Eastsound, the Inn at Ship Bay is tucked beside (you guessed it) Ship Bay. It offers views of Cresent Beach (one of the longest stretches of public waterfront access on Orcas Island) and Madrona Point (the very center of Orcas Island). Here, the accommodations are unassumingly luxurious. But it’s the lush grounds (including a fertile garden) and exquisite restaurant that steal the spotlight. Just be sure to make a dinner reservation early, as they book up fast.
10. Beach Haven
On the western side of Orcas Island, Beach Haven is a rustic lodging destination with a selection of cabins and apartment-style rentals in their main lodge building. The views here abound, as guests are given access to the destination’s private beach and can partake in Beach Haven’s boat rentals. A small playground is also available, complete with a pingpong table.
11. Kingfish at Westsound
Best known for its exquisite restaurant, dinner here is not to be overlooked. Located along the protected cove in Orcas Island’s Westsound, it’s just a 10-minute walk from Westsound Marina (a hub for boaters and those arriving by seaplane). And while the lodging may not be the star, it’s exquisite in its own right — offering a quiet retreat with plush bedding, airy rooms, and abundant views.
What Locations to Consider When Choosing Your Orcas Island Accommodations
The largest island in the San Juans, Orcas island rentals can be found in a wide range of habitats. While it’s hard to go wrong with any location, there are four primary regions that lend themselves to the casual traveler:
- Eastsound. The downtown hub of Orcas Island, if an island without stoplights or fast food can have a downtown, Eastsound is the primary destination for restaurants, shopping, and events. It’s also conveniently located near the Eastsound Airport, Orcas Island’s wheeled plane airport.
- Olga. This small port town was once the bustling site of the island’s strawberry export business. Today, its location at the southeast tip of the island is known as a private and secluded gem.
- Doe Bay. The small town is located near Moran State Park and is best known for Doe Bay Resort — a slightly hippy resort where the spa is luxurious and the views abound.
- Deer Harbor. Tucked on the southwest side of the island, Deer Harbor offers a range of accommodations, along with a few choice restaurants.
How to Get Around Orcas Island
The largest island in the San Juans, Orcas is also home to the tallest peak — Mount Constitution. While you can certainly explore a lot of the island by foot, a set of wheels allows you to cover more territory. The following are three of the go-to ways to get around.
Orcas Island Car Rental (aka Orcas Island Shuttle)
This quaint car rental service operates on a 100% remote basis, which means they’ll deliver and pick up the vehicle anywhere on island. (Talk about convenience!) While the rental fleet is all used cars, the vehicles are clean and well-maintained. Each rental comes outfitted with complimentary water, a snack, and a fun CD audio guide of the island. Plus, the customer service here is also prompt and friendly, in keeping with island life. But they do book up fast during the summer months, so call with as much notice as possible.
Orcas Island Shuttle
Orcas Island Shuttle is an inter-island bus service that can be utilized on a one-way, round trip or day pass basis. They use an app to request pickup and track the shuttle’s live location, allowing you to see where the shuttle is and get an estimated wait time for pickup.
Wildlife Cycles
The hilliest island in the San Juans, biking on Orcas Island is not for the faint of heart. Wildlife Cycles offers a e-bikes that give you roughly a 40-mile range on Orcas’ hilly terrain. This can make a day of exploring on two wheels much more enjoyable.
