San Juan Island

The San Juan Islands are made up of 4 islands (San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw). I visited the most inhabited island, San Juan, on a weekend attached to visiting Mount Vernon, WA for the annual Tulip Festival in April. From the ferry terminal in Anacortes (northwestern Washington), it takes about an hour and a half to Friday Harbor, the main port on the island. One of the best moments of my life was on San Juan at the Cattle Point Lighthouse.

Where to Explore

Cattle Point Lighthouse

When asking around and researching what to do in San Juan, not one person mentioned Cattle Point Lighthouse. To me, this was one of the most beautiful scenic drives and areas, next to Ireland's Cliffs of Moher and Australia's 12 Apostles. Maybe it was because it was unexpected (sorry about that), or because it was my first overnight trip on my own (woot!), or maybe it was just plain spectacular.

Lime Kiln State Park

This is the best place in the WORLD to view wild orca whales via a land structure. I was only there for about an hour and did not spot any. When they do have a sighting, it is documented and showcased inside the Lighthouse on the property.

Roche Harbor

The more ritzy-side of the island is in Roche Harbor. It makes you feel like you are back in time, although the homes here look brand new. The huge 'castle' at the top is owned by Bill Dutra, a fourth generation owner of a dredging company. In this town, I enjoyed a 5-hour sea kayaking tour through San Juan Outfitters. It offered scenic views of Henry Island, Canada, and many other small islands near San Juan. We also saw a lot of seals, birds, and were hoping to spot whales but that ended up not working out in our favor that day. Fortunately however, the weather was great which made for easier paddling!

HISTORY: Captain Lopez de Haro and his crew were the first Europeans to sail by the San Juan Islands in 1787. Hence the Hotel de Haro in Roche Harbor (built in 1886), and the Haro Straight - the body of land between the San Juan Islands and Canada.

Friday Harbor

The main port of the island has many cute shops and things to do in the area.

Where to Eat

McMillins Dining Room at Roche Harbor

John McMillin was a lawyer with a walrus mustache who found the largest deposit of limestone at Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. The McMillins Dining Room is named after him. This upscale restaurant was for sure a treat! I recommend the Dungeness Crab Bisque and their ravioli (don’t worry Ma, I had a salad too). This marks my first time going to a restaurant by myself - you should do this at least once in your life!

Salty Fox Coffee

Salty Fox Coffee is front and center at Friday Harbor and deserves to be just so. It had great coffee, fresh-baked cookies, and a cute gift shop on the inside!

Here are some goofy llamas I found on the island… see if you can spot the difference between the first and second picture X-D (Hint: the 2nd to the left llama is sticking his teeth out, and the one on the right put his tail up!)

I dare you to find this home on the island…!