San Juan Island

A spectacular destination surrounded by the pristine waters of the Salish Sea, San Juan Island boasts beaches and pastureland, historic harbors and parks, museums and marinas. Activities abound and range from hiking and kayaking to shopping and museum-going. Experience the inspiring lifestyle on this gem of an island. The San Juans are accessible to the public by water and air. (Also see Orcas and Lopez islands.) The most common means of travel is by Washington State Ferry. San Juan Island is located approximately 90 miles north of Seattle and 80 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia.

San Juan Island features two main port locations: Friday Harbor, the County Seat and Washington State ferry terminals, and Roche Harbor, a boater’s delight. Both locations offer a full range of activities, including the best whale watching in the state. The Island also boasts two National Historical Parks — English Camp and American Camp. English Camp is northwest of Friday Harbor and has an English garden and an old block house, located right on the water, and is a great spot for a picnic. On the south side of the Island is American Camp, which has incredible sweeping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, wonderful beaches and miles of hiking trails. There are several state and county parks, as well as many private resorts which offer accommodations, dining and activities.

San Juan Islands residents take pride in their agricultural and nautical heritage. Conservation easements preserving open vistas across pastoral lands and museums filled with yesteryear's treasures attest to this. The islands, emerald gems on sparkling seas, have hosted visitors for hundreds of years.

Find out more at www.visitsanjuans.com.