Things to do in San Juan Islands: Vacations, Tourism, and Hotels

What to do in San Juan Islands

Nature is the name of the game on the San Juan Islands, a collection of some 700 islands in the Puget Sound off Washington’s coast. Only four of the islands—San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw—are served by a ferry; these four host the area’s restaurants (from casual to fine), art galleries, inns, and antiques shops. Adventurous travelers can reach some of the other islands, such as Matia and Turn, by sailboat or sea-kayak. Orca whales are the stars of summer, and dolphins, porpoises, harbor seals, and sea lions can make appearances anytime. Seabirds, such as gulls and cormorants, nest on the grassy isles, while bald eagles prefer the tops of the pine and fir forests here. It’s a lush environment, but that doesn’t mean it rains constantly. Because the islands are in the Olympic Mountains’ rain shadow, they receive only half as much precipitation as Seattle.

Family Vacations to San Juan Islands, Washington

Sorry, we have no nearby hotels in our system.

Traveler Reviews of San Juan Islands

lennie rates San Juan Islands

saw orcas on several whale watches. scenery was gorgeous! artist colonies everywhere! (bought a whole line of sea-star inspired pottery!) definitely a place to put on your bucket list! we stayed on san juan and orcas islands, and had a wonderful time.

Submitted on January 03, 2013

San Juan Islands Travel Q&A

Answer this
1 Answer

im going to Seattle Sept. 18th thru 23rd. Can I take a Ferry to the Islands and where can...

im going to Seattle Sept. 18th thru 23rd. Can I take a Ferry to the Islands and where can I get the Ferry?
Asked on August 24, 2010 by an anonymous user | 73 views

Answer this
1 Answer

Where can I shotgun deer hunt? I am looking for National Forest areas.

Where can I shotgun deer hunt? I am looking for National Forest areas.
Asked on November 04, 2008 by an anonymous user | 52 views

See All »