Activities on San Juan Island

Whale watching and the San Juan Islands are synonymous. But there’s a whole lot more to this area of Washington State than meets the eye. Outdoor adventures of all kinds are yours for the taking. Bioluminescent kayaking trips, wildlife boat explorations, hikes to mountain tops, and afternoons spent sailing the Salish Sea. And we do love our Orcas, who are in residence from March through November and are a jaw-dropping sight to see.

Friday Harbor is the bustling heart of San Juan Island. You’ll be captivated by its eclectic stores (no chains here), restaurants featuring delicious local seafood, art galleries, and a celebrated Saturday Farmer’s Market.

Farther from town are two national parks worth a visit, English Camp and American Camp, and both feature prominently in the infamous Pig War of 1859. Visit Lime Kiln Lighthouse to catch a glimpse of Orca killer whales from shore. Roche Harbor is located at the north end of the island and makes for an enjoyable afternoon outing. Walk the docks, eat clam chowder, and visit a historical lime production landmark. San Juan Island is also home to Pelindaba Lavender Farm, Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm, and the San Juan Island Distillery. In essence, we’ll keep you busy year-round!

Bicycling

Meat Machine Cycles
(360) 370-5673
Offering bicycle rentals, sales, and excellent service, Meat Machine is a knowledgeable bicycle shop for all your cycling needs.

Susie’s Mopeds

(360) 378-5244
A fun way to get to Lakedale and tour the island, Susie’s rents mopeds, Scoot Coupes, electric bikes and cars.

Boating and Kayaking

San Juan Safaris 1(800) 450-6858 or (360) 378-1323 Experienced local company providing whale watching and sea kayaking tours, as well as kayak rentals. Departures from Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor.	San Juan Outfitters 1(866) 810-1483 or 360-378-1962 San Juan Outfitters specializes in unforgettable guided sea kayaking adventures, whale watching and wildlife tours.


Golf

San Juan Island Golf and Tennis Club
(360) 378-2254
A 9-hole public golf course with a restaurant, banquet facilities, and pro-shop.

Museums

San Juan Islands Museum of Art
(360) 370-5050
Opened in 2015, in a modern glass and steel building, the IMA positions the San Juan Islands as a destination for art lovers around the world.

San Juan Islands Sculpture Park

(360) 370-0035
The largest sculpture park in the Pacific Northwest, on 20 acres with well-known artists and wandering nature trails.

The Whale Museum and Store
(360) 378-4710
The Museum provides a wealth of information about whales for kids, adults and researchers. Proceeds from the store, with all things whale related, directly benefit whale research.

Outdoor Adventure

Zip San Juan
360.378.5947

Experience zip lining through forests, across a wildlife inhabited lake, and over natural wetlands.

Parks and Recreation

Hiking Trails on San Juan Island (800) 887-8387 or (360) 378-8887 An overview of the best hikes to take on the island. Jakyll’s Lagoon is our favorite!	Pelindaba Lavender Farm (360) 378-4248 or (866) 819-1911 Stroll through the 25,000 organic lavender plants, browse the lavender products handcrafted on the farm and harvest your own lavender bouquets.
San Juan Island National Historical Park (360) 378-2902 or (360) 378-2240 There are two national parks on San Juan Island, English Camp and American Camp. This site explains how war in 1859 between the US and Britain was avoided.	Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm 3501 West Valley Rd., Friday Harbor, WA (360) 378-6125 The entire family will enjoy visiting the largest herd of alpacas in the San Juans on this 70-acre working farm, and purchasing fine alpaca clothing and gifts.

Whale Watching

San Juan Safaris (800) 450-6858 or (360) 378-1323 Whale watching, sea kayaking, and kayak rentals. Departing from Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor. Five-hour Orca search by kayak.	Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching (360) 378-7996 An intimate Orca whale watching tour in the pristine, wildlife rich waters of the San Juan Islands with naturalist and retired school teacher, Captain Jim.
San Juan Outfitters (866) 810-1483 or 360-378-1962 San Juan Outfitters specializes in unforgettable guided sea kayaking adventures, whale watching and wildlife tours.

Wine and Art

Roche Harbor Village Grab an ice cream cone and walk the docks of the marina, shop at local artisan booths, or eat a meal at one of three restaurants. Roche Harbor has something for everyone.	San Juan Vineyard (360) 378-9463 Taste some wine at San Juan Island’s only winery and vineyard, featuring award winning estate-grown wines.
San Juan Island Distillery (360) 378-2606 Take a spirited trip to the Distillery’s orchard and taste small batch cider, 14 kinds of gin, liqueurs and flavored brandies. Island Studios (360) 378-6550 An artist-run cooperative gallery featuring local artists.	Waterworks Gallery (360) 378-3060 Contemporary art & jewelry inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Artic Raven Gallery (360) 378-3433 A fine art gallery featuring Artic and Northwest Coast Native work with an excellent collection of masks, wood carvings and prints.