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San Juan Islands

· Friday Harbor, WA

Why you should go…

The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau is the destination marketing organization for San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and the surrounding islands, headquartered in Friday Harbor. The bureau does not run its own walk-in visitor center, instead directing travelers to Chamber of Commerce visitor centers on San Juan, Orcas and Lopez Islands for maps and brochures. It promotes the islands' ferries, whale watching, kayaking and small-town waterfront communities.

  • #islands
  • #tourism
  • #ferry
  • #nature

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to San Juan Islands, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Friday Harbor Jolly Trolley

    Under $25

    Ride an open air trolley between Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor and San Juan Island's top sights.

    3.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    AdventureTerra

    $50+

    Guided tree canopy and rock climbing adventures in the San Juan Islands, no experience required.

    9.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Victoria

    Free

    Official visitor guide to Victoria, British Columbia's harbourside capital, with hotels, dining, and things to do.

    13 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Outer Island Excursions

    $50+

    Whale-watching boat tours from Anacortes searching for orcas, humpbacks and other Salish Sea wildlife.

    19 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Anacortes

    Free

    Visitor information center for Anacortes, the ferry gateway town to the San Juan Islands.

    20 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Oak Harbor

    Free

    Historic waterfront downtown on Whidbey Island revitalized through Washington's Main Street program.

    27 mi awayMore like this