The Perfect 2- or 3-Day San Juan Islands Itinerary

From the bow of the Washington State Ferry, the wind is strong and the skies are a clear, bright blue. The boat carves a path between several of the San Juan Islands; while the ferry only services four of them, there are over 400 islands in this archipelago. With so many to choose from, how on earth can you plan a simple yet memorable San Juan Islands itinerary?

After living in the Pacific Northwest for several years, I was fortunate to spend a weekend island hopping, whale watching, and immersed in the history of the San Juans. PNW locals love to visit these islands because there’s something for everyone: outdoor adventure, history, good food and wine, and wildlife, just to name a few!

In this post, I’ll share a ton of travel tips to help you plan a San Juan Islands itinerary for a weekend getaway. This won’t cover everything – in fact, my suggested 2-day and 3-day San Juan Islands weekend itineraries only visit two of the four main islands – but it will give you the guidance to sample what the San Juans have to offer. Don’t be surprised if you come home and immediately want to plan another trip!

Short on time and just want to see the itinerary? Click the Table of Contents and then click “A 2- or 3-Day San Juan Islands Itinerary” to jump to that section.

In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the traditional lands of the Semiahmoo, S’Klallam, Á,LEṈENEȻ ȽTE (W̱SÁNEĆ), Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group, Lhaq’temish (Lummi), Samish, Tulalip peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

This post was originally published in April 2020, and was updated most recently in November 2022.

San Juan Islands Travel Tips

When it comes to planning a San Juan Islands weekend itinerary, there is so much to cover – ferry schedules and choosing islands and what to do on each… As such, I have to include a lot of travel tips to help you cover all the details!

How to Get to the San Juan Islands

It’s a little complicated to visit the San Juan Islands, but I promise it’s worth it! It’s a 90-minute drive north from Seattle to the town of Anacortes. From Anacortes, you have to board a Washington State Ferry to one of the four ferry terminals in the San Juan Islands: Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, or Shaw islands.

There are several ferry routes to choose from, depending on which island(s) you want to stop at; the best way to plan your trip is by visiting the WSDOT website and consulting their timetables.

Pro-tip: Book reservations for the Washington State Ferry in advance if you plan to visit the San Juan Islands, especially in summer. Reservations are usually available two weeks and two days before sailing.

Which of the San Juan Islands Should You Visit?

When you plan your trip to the San Juan Islands, it’s important to consider which island(s) you want to visit. 

• San Juan Island – San Juan Island is the second largest island by size, but the most populated by far. On San Juan Island, you’ll be able to choose almost any activity: food and wine tasting, outdoor experiences, whale watching tours, or just strolling and shopping in towns like Friday Harbor.
• Orcas Island – Orcas Island is the largest island in the San Juan archipelago, but is less populated and developed than San Juan Island. With a slower pace of life than its smaller sibling, Orcas is perfect if you want to go camping, hiking, or cycling across a surprisingly diverse landscape.
• Lopez Island – Lopez is the third island you can visit from the ferry system. Cycling is especially popular, as is wine tasting from local vineyards.
• Shaw Island – Shaw is the least developed of the four islands you can visit by ferry; there isn’t even a gas station on this island! Shaw is good for a day trip if you can time the ferries right, or camp overnight in one of the island’s state parks.

What to Pack for a San Juans Weekend Trip

The San Juan Islands have some of the best weather in all of Western Washington, thanks to the geography of the Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound. As such, pretty much everything on my Seattle packing list will work for a weekend on the San Juans – it never hurts to bring a rain jacket in case of unseasonably damp weather, or just as an extra layer.

How to Go Whale Watching in the San Juan Islands

Whale watching is one of the main experiences in the San Juan Islands, which is perfect as there are waterways all around!

There are several resident pods of orca whales that live in the waters around the San Juan Islands year-round. The best place to set out for a tour is from Friday Harbor; it’s the closest to the places you can usually see whales.

As I mentioned, these whales are all part of pods that are classified as “residents” of the waters around the San Juan Islands. They don’t migrate away throughout the year, and this gives scientists a chance to really study them.

There are several providers of whale-watching tours from Friday Harbor. Tours with San Juan Island Whale & Wildlife Tours start from $125 for adults and $115 for children.

San Juan Island Travel Guide

As the second-largest but most populous of the San Juan Islands, the namesake San Juan Island is where most travelers visit. San Juan Island has the largest tourism base, historic sites across the island, and plenty of different experiences to enjoy, from museums and old military forts to whale-watching tours and wine tastings.

On San Juan Island, there are two primary communities: Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor.

• Friday Harbor: Where most tourist amenities can be found, including hotels, restaurants, and tour providers. From Friday Harbor, you can set out on a whale-watching tour, drive to see some of the historic and cultural sites on San Juan Island, or just relax in your waterfront hotel room and eat at some of the delicious restaurants.
• Roche Harbor: A private community, though there are still a few things to do by way of shops and restaurants, and one main hotel, the Hotel de Haro. Roche Harbor has a slightly more posh feeling than Friday Harbor and is a great escape if you’re just looking for a luxury getaway without planning to see much of the island.

Things to Do on San Juan Island

There is absolutely no shortage of things to do on San Juan Island, as it’s the biggest and most established island for visitors. I have an entire list of things to do on San Juan Island, but for now, here are some of the highlights:

•  The Whale Museum is a must-visit for all travelers; this small museum highlights the cultural and historical significance of Orca whales in the area.
• There is plenty of hiking throughout the state parks. The most popular is Lime Kiln State Park, where you can also watch for whales off the shore.
• Lots of people visit the San Juans specifically to see the resident orca pods, so booking a whale-watching tour is also essential.
• Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are also popular options if you love water sports.
• The local lavender farm and alpaca farm are both good options if you want to be less active.
• Food and drink lovers will also want to stop by either San Juan Vineyard or San Juan Island Distillery.

But there’s so much more! Be sure to check my full list of things to do on San Juan Island, if you want more ideas or more detail about these ideas.

Speaking of food and drink though…

Where to Eat on San Juan Island

You’ll find the most restaurant choices on San Juan Island in Friday Harbor:

• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but I usually skip it in favor of brunch. For that, try Cynthia’s on Nicolas Street. Delicious, savory, and filling, the tomato skillet baked eggs was a perfect dish for a day of exploration.
• If you’re a no-breakfast-just-give-me-coffee kind of person, sip a lavender latte at The Bean Cafe, which uses lavender products from Pelindaba Lavender.
• For lunch, enjoy a made-to-order sandwich from The Market Chef, which you can take away with you to keep exploring, or enjoy with a bottle of wine on their patio.
• Cask & Schooner Public House & Restaurant is located right on the main street in Friday Harbor. This English-style pub is great for a casual dinner. If you want to really enjoy the British vibe, opt for bangers and mash or sticky toffee pudding.
• For a fancier option, try The Bluff Restaurant in Friday Harbor House. Enjoy Pacific Manila Clams or the Butcher’s Cut while overlooking the harbor; watch the lights twinkle on boats as you enjoy cobbler made with berries picked right on San Juan Island.

Outside Friday Harbor, here are some good options:

• Duck Soup is located on the shores of Dream Lake on inland San Juan Island. They’re known for delicious local ingredients and seasonal dishes.
• In Roche Harbor, Lime Kiln Cafe offers a casual, waterfront dining option along the main pier.
• Similarly, McMillin’s waterfront restaurant and dining room is a more upscale option that usually draws a crowd for dinner each day.

Where to Stay on San Juan Island

From hotels to vacation rentals and traditional bed and breakfast options to camping, you can find almost any kind of accommodation on San Juan Island. Here are a couple of choices:

• If you want a hotel with a view, Friday Harbor House or the Hotel de Haro in Roche Harbor are your best options. Be prepared for the cost that comes with stunning waterfront views!
• The Island Inn at 123 West is an interesting blend of accommodation styles, with both private suites and private rooms that share common areas.
• If you’re looking for something smaller or more private, Bird Rock Hotel or Earthbox Inn & Spa are good options.
• For vacation rentals that are more unique, consider Churchill Plaza #1, this Artist’s Suite, or at the Cannery Inn (Room 1, 2, 3, 4).
• If you want to camp, there are four campsites on San Juan Island: The Fairground, Lakedale Resort, County Parks, and Free Horse Farm.

Orcas Island Travel Guide

Though Orcas Island is bigger in size than San Juan Island, it is smaller in attitude and draws a totally different crowd of locals and visitors. From the moment you disembark the ferry, you’ll see why locals call Orcas “the gem of the San Juans.”

• The largest town on Orcas is Eastsound, home to 3,700 people. Located ‘in the bend’ of horseshoe-shaped Orcas Island, it’s also the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the whole of the island. You can reach either end of the island within a 30-minute drive.
• Other small communities you can pass through include Westsound, Olga, and Deer Harbor, where I stayed at the Blue Heron Bed & Breakfast.

Things to Do on Orcas Island

On Orcas Island, the main attractions are all provided courtesy of mother nature. If you want to experience nature, Orcas is the place to do it.

Moran State Park is the main attraction, home to 38 miles of hiking trails and the 2,398-foot Mount Constitution. Whether you hike, bike, or drive to the top, you can enjoy stunning views from the top of the mountain – the highest point in the San Juan Islands.

Kayaking, whale-watching, and sailing are the other main physical activities to choose from on Orcas Island. As you’ll find on all of the San Juans, cycling along Orcas’ winding roads is another popular activity for those who love to combine fitness with sightseeing.

The west side of Orcas Island hides a beautiful treasure for the ones with an appreciation for art. Orcas Island Pottery is a lovely place tucked in the woods with an overlook of the water and mountains. You’ll find a wide selection of beautifully designed pottery by local artisans. 

However, even if you don’t enjoy or desire to purchase pottery, the trails, gardens, and views are incredible. Take the journey down the meandering driveway amongst the giant trees and you’ll be overwhelmed by the quiet peaceful sanctuary that awaits you here. The pottery, including the myriad of styles, types, and colors is a nice compliment to the wonder of this place.

Open for more than 35 years, Darvill’s Bookstore is an independent bookstore that’s a must-hit stop during every island visit. It stocks all the standards, but its fantastic selection of local island and PNW theme books and magazines will inspire you to explore the area deeper. They also have a quaint coffee stand in the back where you can start reading your last literary purchase. 

Beware, this is a dangerous store! You will have a hard time leaving with only one thing. So consider it if you’re visiting with limited suitcase space.

Where to Stay on Orcas Island

Most accommodation on Orcas Island is rustic and local. I consider that a plus since you’re looking to actually experience the San Juan Islands.

Based on that, here are some of my favorite properties:

• For a guesthouse option, the Orcas Hotel is a stone’s throw from the ferry terminal. In Eastsound, the Outlook Inn is a well-located option with stunning waterfront views.
• If you want to experience nature without sacrificing comfort, Orcas Island is a surprising glamping hotspot. Leanto has beautiful glamping options in Moran State Park.
• The Blue Heron B&B has changed a lot since my stay – they now offer traditional bed & breakfast rooms, glamping, a trailer, and even the option to sleep aboard a 74-foot schooner.
• For vacation rentals, a couple of options catch my eye: this gorgeous modern home has plenty of space, this huge home with room for the whole family, and – let’s just call it what it is – this hobbit house that I might literally never leave.

Lopez Island Travel Guide

For most travelers, visiting San Juan and/or Orcas island is enough for a San Juan Islands weekend trip. Lopez Island is less visited and thus more local, and as you’ll see firsthand. You can wander through Lopez Village or cycle along Lopez’s easy, flat roads to one of the wineries and farms for a tasting tour.

Things to Do on Lopez Island

As mentioned, one of the most popular activities on Lopez Island is cycling. It’s best “paired with a destination: Lopez Island Vineyard & Winery has delicious local wines, in search of a geocaching spot, or through historic Lopez Village.

Where to Stay on Lopez Island

Like Orcas Island, accommodation on Lopez is more rustic and cozy – but you won’t sacrifice comfort in the process.

• Edenwild Boutique Inn is one of the most modern options, with beautiful rooms and easy access to the heart of Lopez Village.
• If you’d prefer a vacation rental all to yourself, you could rent a quiet cabin, a seaview cottage, or take over a boathouse.
• There are also a few camping options on Lopez Island, including Odlin County Park and Spencer Spit State Park – as well as Lopez Islander Resort.

Shaw Island Travel Guide

Shaw Island is the smallest of the four ferry-serviced San Juan Islands. It’s a mere 10 square miles in size. This makes it perfect for a day trip: you can catch a ferry from one of the other islands in the morning, spend the day walking or cycling around, have a picnic, or enjoy the scenery, then catch the ferry back.

There are no restaurants, hotels, or markets, so be sure to bring anything you need with you for a day trip to Shaw Island. If you forget something, the small general store and deli might have it, but it’s best to bring what you want to know you have it.

A 2- or 3-Day San Juan Islands Itinerary

With all that to choose from, you might wonder how to actually plan a San Juan Islands weekend trip. Don’t worry – I can help with that too! If you only have a weekend to visit the San Juan Islands, I recommend spending one day on Orcas Island and one day on San Juan Island. That plus travel time will take up the whole weekend – and you can always plan a trip back to visit Lopez and/or Shaw.

Day 1 – Arrive & Relax (Orcas)

For a weekend on the San Juan Islands, I recommend you set out on a Friday in the mid-afternoon to beat the rush hour traffic in Seattle. You’ll arrive in time for an early dinner in Anacortes; I have a complet guide for visiting Anacortes to help you there.

Since you have a ferry reservation, you’ll be able to drive right on, park your car, and get out to stretch your legs during the ride to Orcas Island. Once you arrive, it will probably be getting late, so head to your accommodation for the night. There’s plenty of time for an adventure tomorrow!

Day 2 – Seeing Sights & Ferry Rides (Orcas/San Juan)

Rise and shine early to make the most of this full day! On Orcas Island, start by traveling to Eastsound, the largest community on the island, for breakfast. Afterward, you can make a quick visit to Moran State Park for a hike before heading to the ferry terminal.

Catch a midday ferry from Orcas to San Juan Island, where you’ll spend the rest of the weekend.

On San Juan Island, disembark the ferry and stop in Friday Harbor for lunch. Then it’s time to head out to explore the island! You can head straight to Lime Kiln State Park, or make your way to American Camp or English Camp for a history lesson. For dinner, consider your options: you could start with an appetizer and drink up in Roche Harbor before heading back to Friday Harbor for the main part of the meal.

In the evening, take a short stroll through Friday Harbor to enjoy the twinkling lights on the water and cozy storefronts and restaurant windows. If you love pubs, end with a nightcap at Cask & Schooner Public House before calling it a night.

Day 3 – Whale Watching & Return Home (San Juan)

On your final day in the San Juan Islands, you could rise early to rent a stand-up paddleboard and get your heart pumping before brunch. Then it’s time to board a boat for a whale-watching tour, which usually takes 3-4 hours.

After your tour ends, you can enjoy lunch in Friday Harbor before either boarding the ferry home or doing one last expedition on San Juan Island. The ferry from San Juan Island to Anacortes takes about an hour. You could either grab dinner in Anacortes again (and maybe stay a night to explore more!) or head back to Seattle.

And that’s it! Have any other questions about planning your San Juan Islands itinerary? Let me know in the comments below!

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