San Juan Islands for first-time visitors
 

My husband and I have lived in the Seattle area for many years and have never visited the San Juan Islands. We are thinking of making a trip this summer this fall. We think of ourselves as "city folks." We enjoy going to places where there is natural beauty to appreciate but also enjoy having plenty of things to do, such as visiting museums, shopping and going to restaurants. Which of the San Juan Islands would be best for us to visit?

I meant to say this summer or this fall. I have heard that the San Juan Islands are very crowded in the summer and lodging can be hard to find. Would early to mid-September be better?

I think SJI (Friday Harbor) is the only one that really fits your criteria. I've been there in the summer, and yes, it can be very crowded- go after Labor Day if possible.

Hi marvelousmouse,

What are your favorite attractions on San Juan Island and the Friday Harbor area?

I think the San Juans are much more places to relax and hang out than sightsee. Roche Harbor (opposite end of the island from Friday Harbor) is quite picturesque; there's whale chasing out of Friday Harbor, or sometimes you can see whales from the shore at Lime Kiln - http://parks.state.wa.us/540/Lime-Kiln-Point . English Camp - https://www.nps.gov/sajh/learn/histo...glish-camp.htm - is an interesting place to learn about the "Pig War" between the US and UK (settled by Kaiser Wilhelm). But it's all pretty low-key. But San Juan is a hoppin' place compared to Orcas or Lopez.

San Juan Island is our favorite. It's too bad rooms are so expensive there.

Here is a trip that we like: Seattle - Anacortes - Friday Harbor - Sidney - Tofino - Victoria - Port Angeles - Olympic Peninsula - Seattle.

The exchange rate in Canada is very favorable to those who have US dollars.

HTtY

PS In Friday Harbor we like to have a meal at Cask and Schooner, which offers a varied menu at reasonable prices.

I agree it's more a "hang out and relax" place. I'm not one to ask about attractions, unfortunately- it's where I take out of town family/friends so they can ride the ferry and explore the town. (The ferry ride is my favorite part).

Have you been to Vancouver Island? I feel like it fits your criteria better. But SJI is definitely beautiful!

Thanks for all the responses. I don't know if a "hang out and relax" place is for us. A few times when we vacationed at Ocean Shores and Long Beach, WA we got bored very quickly. The ocean was beautiful but we like to be out doing things and sightseeing. We enjoyed a trip to Vancouver, BC but have not yet gone to Victoria, BC, so maybe that is something to consider. Thanks again for the great suggestions!

I share your reaction to Ocean Shores and Long Beach.

San Juan Island has an interesting downtown and Roche Harbor is a delightful place. There is nothing like them in OS or LB. There are some nice drives on the island, and whale watching is an option.

Victoria is a delightful town. I have slightly modified my suggestion for you: Seattle - Anacortes - Friday Harbor (1-2) - Sidney - Victoria (2-3) - Port Angeles & Olympic Peninsula (1-2) - Seattle.

Book ferry reservations well in advance.

HTtY

happytrailstoyou, thank you for your observations regarding Ocean Shores and Long Beach. I'm glad to know it wasn't just us (who found these places boring).

But it's promising to hear that we might like San Juan Island's downtown and Roche Harbor. I will do some research on these areas!

If you are city people, you may well not find what you are looking for in the San Juans. The islands are beautiful, but if "visiting museums, shopping and going to restaurants" is what you are looking for, this may not be he right place for you. There are a few nice restaurants on each of the islands, but the shopping is quite limited. Accommodations are expensive.

I would suggest that you would enjoy Victoria more - it has some excellent museums, excellent restaurants, and there is lots of shopping. And going to Victoria (either visa the Washington State Ferries via Anacortes or via the Victoria Clipper) will take you through the San Juans so you have a chance to see a bit of the scenery.