San Juan Island Washington Map

Located in the northwestern part of Washington State, San Juan Island is a popular destination for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture. With its stunning natural scenery, rich history, and vibrant arts and food scenes, this island is a must-visit for anyone heading to the Pacific Northwest.

Top Attractions

If you’re looking for things to do on San Juan Island, there’s no shortage of options. Some of the top attractions include:

• The Whale Museum
• Lime Kiln Point State Park
• San Juan Island National Historical Park
• Roche Harbor
• San Juan Islands Sculpture Park

The Whale Museum

The Whale Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the island’s marine life. You can see skeletons of various marine mammals, learn about the local orca population, and even listen to whale songs.

Lime Kiln Point State Park

Lime Kiln Point State Park is a great spot for whale watching. The park is known for its resident orca whales, which can often be seen from the shore. It’s also a beautiful place for a picnic or a hike.

San Juan Island National Historical Park

San Juan Island National Historical Park is a must-visit for history buffs. The park preserves the site of the Pig War, a dispute between the United States and Great Britain over the island’s ownership in the mid-1800s. You can see old buildings and learn about the conflict at the visitor center.

Roche Harbor

Roche Harbor is a picturesque village with a marina, shops, and restaurants. It’s a great place to wander around and take in the scenery.

San Juan Islands Sculpture Park

The San Juan Islands Sculpture Park is a unique outdoor art museum. You can see sculptures by local and international artists as you stroll through the park’s trails.

Hidden Gems

While the island’s top attractions are definitely worth visiting, there are also plenty of hidden gems to discover. Here are a few:

• Mt. Young
• South Beach
• English Camp
• San Juan Island Cheese
• Friday Harbor Labs

Mt. Young

Mt. Young is a great place to get a panoramic view of the island. You can hike to the top of the mountain for even better views.

South Beach

South Beach is a beautiful, secluded spot for a picnic or a swim. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but the views are worth it.

English Camp

English Camp is the other half of the San Juan Island National Historical Park. It was the site of a British camp during the Pig War. You can see old buildings and learn about the camp’s history.

San Juan Island Cheese

San Juan Island Cheese is a great place to sample local cheeses and wines. They also offer cheese-making classes.

Friday Harbor Labs

The Friday Harbor Labs are part of the University of Washington. They offer tours and educational programs about marine science.

Food Scene

San Juan Island has a thriving food scene, with plenty of restaurants and cafes serving up fresh, local fare. Some of the top places to eat include:

• Duck Soup Inn
• Coho Restaurant
• The Whale Tale Cafe
• Mike’s Cafe and Wine Bar
• Cask and Schooner

Duck Soup Inn

Duck Soup Inn is a cozy, upscale restaurant serving Pacific Northwest cuisine. They source their ingredients from local farms and fisheries.

Coho Restaurant

Coho Restaurant is another great spot for local cuisine. They offer a seasonal menu featuring ingredients from the island’s farmers and fishermen.

The Whale Tale Cafe

The Whale Tale Cafe is a casual spot for breakfast and lunch. They serve up delicious sandwiches and baked goods.

Mike’s Cafe and Wine Bar

Mike’s Cafe and Wine Bar is a popular spot for dinner and drinks. They have a wide selection of wines and craft beers, as well as a menu featuring local seafood and produce.

Cask and Schooner

Cask and Schooner is a cozy pub serving up comfort food and local brews. They have a great selection of burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Budget-Friendly Tips

While San Juan Island can be an expensive destination, there are ways to save money. Here are a few budget-friendly tips:

• Visit in the off-season
• Stay at a campground or hostel
• Bring your own food and drinks
• Take advantage of free activities, like hiking and beachcombing

Visit in the off-season

The summer months are the busiest and most expensive time to visit San Juan Island. If you can, visit in the shoulder season (spring or fall) or even in the winter to save money.

Stay at a campground or hostel

Accommodations on the island can be pricey, but there are affordable options like campgrounds and hostels. You can also find vacation rentals that are more budget-friendly if you’re traveling with a group.

Bring your own food and drinks

One way to save money on meals is to bring your own food and drinks. There are plenty of picnic spots on the island, so pack a lunch and enjoy the scenery.

Take advantage of free activities

There are plenty of free activities on San Juan Island, like hiking and beachcombing. Take advantage of these to save money on entertainment.

Outdoor Adventures

San Juan Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top outdoor adventures to try:

• Whale watching
• Kayaking
• Hiking
• Biking
• Fishing

Whale watching

San Juan Island is one of the best places in the world to see orca whales. Take a whale watching tour to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way to explore the island’s coastline. There are plenty of outfitters that offer kayaking tours and rentals.

Hiking

San Juan Island has plenty of hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Some of the most popular hikes include Mt. Young, American Camp, and English Camp.

Biking

Biking is a great way to explore the island’s backroads. You can rent bikes on the island or bring your own.

Fishing

The waters around San Juan Island are teeming with fish. You can fish from shore or hire a charter to take you out on the water.

Historical Landmarks

San Juan Island has a rich history, and there are plenty of landmarks to explore. Here are a few:

• American Camp
• English Camp
• The Pig War Monument
• The San Juan County Courthouse
• The San Juan County Historical Museum

American Camp

American Camp was the site of a United States military camp during the Pig War. You can see old buildings and learn about the camp’s history.

English Camp

English Camp was the site of a British military camp during the Pig War. You can see old buildings and learn about the camp’s history.

The Pig War Monument

The Pig War Monument commemorates the peaceful resolution of the dispute between the United States and Great Britain over the island’s ownership.

The San Juan County Courthouse

The San Juan County Courthouse is a beautiful building that was built in 1906. It’s still in use today.

The San Juan County Historical Museum

The San Juan County Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the island’s history. They have exhibits on everything from the island’s Native American history to its more recent farming and fishing industries.

Family-Friendly Activities

San Juan Island is a great destination for families. Here are some of the top family-friendly activities:

• San Juan Island Washington Map