Experience San Juan Island

Getting there

By ferry, personal watercraft, seaplane, or yes on the backs of deers and bears, there are multiple ways to arrive at Orcas Island. For the purpose of this guide, we will focus on the most direct route from Anacortes, Seattle, or Bellingham.

Washington State Ferry. 1 (888) 808-7977. 2100 Ferry Terminal Rd, Anacortes, WA 98221.

Enacted by the Washington State legislature, in 2009, the Anacortes Ferry Terminal requires vehicles and their passengers, have a reservation prior to arrival. Vehicles, without a reservation, can be placed in standby status but this does not guarantee immediate passage. Those who secure boarding can anticipate a one-way tour of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Anacortes to Orcas Island. For more information, call or visit the Washington State Department of Transportation at https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

Kenmore Air Seaplane. 1 (866) 435-9524

Departing Seattle's South Lake Union and Kenmore's Lake Washington, passengers willing to spend more than a $40 WSF reservation can travel by air, arriving at Rosario's Resort in Orcas Island's Eastsound. For more information call or visit Kenmore Air's website at https://www.kenmoreair.com/destinations/san-juan-islands

Where to stay

Whatever the mode of transportation you choose to get you to San Juan Island, there is an option for those looking to rest for a short while, a weekend, or until motivation overcomes you. Based on an average rating, calculated by the number of reviews plus the rating, across multiple travel websites, we suggest the following. Note, the item in bold is where we stayed.

Hotels, Inns, & Motels

• Discovery Inn San Juan. 1016 Guard St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-2000

• Earthbox Inn & Spa. 410 Spring Street, San Juan, WA. (360) 378-4000

• Friday Harbor House. 130 West St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.  (360) 378-8455

• Lakedale Resort & Three Lakes. 4313 Roche Harbor Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.  (360) 378-2350

• Roche Harbor Resort . 248 Reuben Memorial Dr, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.  (360) 378-2155

• Tucker House Inn. 275 C St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-2783

Bed and Breakfast

• Harrison House Suites. 235 C St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.  (360) 378-3587

• Kirkhouse Bed & Breakfast. 595 Park St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (206) 854-4274

• Trumpeter Inn San Juan. 318 Trumpeter Way, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-3884

  Where we stayed - Harrison House Suites at the Tucker House Inn.

  Built in 1898, the affectionately named Tucker House was home to Clarence M. and Marie Tucker. An owner of a grist mill, Clarence would eventually sell the business moving onto work as county treasurer, as well as clerk at San Juan County Bank. Today the Tucker House is one third of the Tucker House Inn & Harrison Suites. The Harrison Suites, as they turn out, are just next door at 235 C Street. 

  Restored in 1905, this Craftsman-style home was original known as the Middleton House, and has remained at its current location. Originally built and owned by the Spencer family, the house remained in the family until 1992 when the home was converted into a Bed & Breakfast. With the addition of a second home, relocated from Roche Harbor, the Harrison House Suites, remain in the care of Anna Maria de Freitas and David Pass. 

  Committed to providing a welcoming stay while demonstrating their commitment to the environment, the caretakers invite you stay and learn more about their “green inn”. 

  Why you’ll like it

  Unlike so many bed and breakfasts, where the owners of the home occupy general spaces, we found the Harrison Suites quite open and it almost felt like a private residence. 

  Every afternoon, we found freshly baked cookies waiting for us, our rooms bedding and towels clean and restored, as well as the option to get our meals to go. Although our stay was brief, we took advantage of the location, being only a short distance from downtown including the Washington State ferry terminal. On our last morning, we were greeted by sack breakfasts, consisting of yogurt, soft boiled eggs, fresh fruit and pastries.

  If you are looking for an enjoyable stay, minutes from downtown Friday Harbor, then Harrison House Suites is for you.

Where to eat

One of the unique qualities of Friday Harbor is the quick access, as soon as you leave the Washington State Ferry Terminal. Whether grabbing an early breakfast, a quick cup of coffee before boarding an inter-island ferry, or a nightcap before turning in at the nearest lodging, there is something for you.

Breakfast

• Bakery San Juan. 775 Mullis St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-5810

• Cynthia’s Bistro. 65 Nichols St Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 317-7178

• Lime Kiln Cafe . 248 Reuben Memorial Dr, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.(360) 378-9892 

• Rocky Bay Cafe. 225 Spring St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-5051

• The Bean Cafe. 150 First St N, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 370-5858

Where we had breakfast - Rocky Bay Cafe

With an interior adorned with flags of almost every nation, Rocky Bay Cafe welcomes all with its made-from scratch breakfasts and lunches. What’s equally heartwarming for us is this yet another Veteran-owned restaurant, under the supervision of former Marine John Sable. 

During our visit, we indulged ourselves in a plate of Chicken Fried Steak, eggs over easy, a cup of black coffee, and a fresh baked donut. As we sat there we couldn’t help but notice the friendly guests that walked in, almost as if they were distant family or friends. 

Our breakfast arrived piping hot, the Chicken Fried Steak breading not burnt, and our egg nice and runny. In addition to our Chicken Fried Steak, the donut was warm and lightly toasted on outside, the coffee not too burnt. 

After paying our check we later learned that the tables at the Cafe have stories of their own. On our return we look forward to returning to Rocky Bay and learning more about each seat. 

Why you’ll like it. 

Overall, if you’re looking for a high quality breakfast but at a reasonable price, we suggest you skip waiting for weekend brunch or the nearby takeout cafe. Sit down with a plate of biscuits and gravy or a hearty Chicken Fried Steak, relax and take in the sights and smells of a small business eatery, and enjoy your stay at Rocky Bay Cafe.

Lunch

Ask yourself when’s the last time you had a fresh from the harbor plate of fish and chips, a plate of fresh-shucked oysters resting on an icy bed of ice, or a moist ground beef burger cooked medium-rare, and you have some idea of what’s in store for you in San Juan Island. From the simple sandwich, to tacos, or something from the sea, here is our list of suggestions during your stay on the island.

• Bakery San Juan. 775 Mullis St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-5810

• Cynthia’s Bistro. 65 Nichols St Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 317-7178

• Downriggers. 10 Front St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-2700

• Golden Triangle Thai Restaurant. 140 First St N, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-1917

• Madrona Bar & Grill - Roche Harbor. 248 Reuben Memorial Dr, Roche Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-5757

• Rocky Bay Cafe. 225 Spring St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-5051

• San Juan Bistro. 155 Nichols St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 370-5115

• San Juan Brewing Company. 410 A St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-2017

• The Market Chef. 225 A St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-4546

• The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House. 130 West St #101, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.  (360) 378-8455

• Spring Street Deli. 135 Spring St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 298-1775

• Tina’s Tacos. 485 Elsworth Ave, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 842-3228

Where we ate - San Juan Island Brewing Company

When reviewing the countless options, coupled with our website’s staunch focus on beer, we chose to eschew an opportunity to eat at highly rated restaurant likes Downriggers or Backdoor Kitchen and Catering, and instead visit a brewery. We recognize this isn’t what you’d expect but then again, come on, this is a beer website after all!

Owned and operated by brothers Sean and Tim Aylward, San Juan Island Brewing Company opened its doors in 2017. In some respects, San Juan Island Brewing is more a fraternity than a small business when considering the number of people needed to get this brewery off the ground. 

A few years ago, the brothers developed an idea for opening a brewery after countless discussions leading to the eventual proposal submitted to their step-father, Verne Howard. During this same period Nick Gislason, a former classmate of Sean Aylward at Friday Harbor High School, was interested in opening a brewery of his own. Long after, another avid brewer, Jess Viscigila was also considering his own brewery. After a few years of mulling things around, the group settled on a lot, just minutes from downtown and you guessed it, the Ferry Terminal. 

Throughout the construction process, the brothers, their friends, and family, have worked together with the common goal of opening a modest, 15-gallon brewery. Even after the brewery was completed and it was clear a restaurant was needed, the cooperative focussed on family and friends, who had the right experience for the job, and so far it has paid off for them. 

With a primary focus on traditional American-style ales mixed in with the occasional German-inspired lager, San Juan  Island Brewing Company has a large draft list that will pair with their American-style Pub menu, featuring pizzas, burgers, and recipes that incorporate ingredients from the island soil and the ocean. 

Why you’ll like it

Several minutes away from the ferry terminal, this is a great spot to grab a couple pints of India Pale Ale, paired with a medium rare bacon cheeseburger or wood stone pizza, while enjoying the sounds of locals and tourists talking amongst themselves. 

Where to drink

• Coho Restaurant. 120 Nichols St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

• Madrona Bar & Grill - Friday Harbor. 248 Reuben Memorial Dr, Roche Harbor, WA 98250

• The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House. 130 West St #101, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

• Mike’s Cafe & Wine Bar. 135 Second St S, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

• Tops’l Seafood Bar. 1 Front Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250

• The Bait Shop. 175 Spring St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

Where we drank - San Juan Island Brewing Company

Dinner

• Coho Restaurant. 120 Nichols St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.  (360) 378-6330

• Duck Soup. 50 Duck Soup Ln, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-4878

• Downriggers. 10 Front St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-2700

• Golden Triangle Thai Restaurant. 140 First St N, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-1917

• Madrona Bar & Grill - Roche Harbor. 248 Reuben Memorial Dr, Roche Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-5757

• Mike’s Cafe & Wine Bar. 135 Second St S, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-0265

• The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House. 130 West St #101, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.  (360) 378-8455

• Tina’s Tacos. 485 Elsworth Ave, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 842-3228

• Tops’l Seafood Bar. 1 Front Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 370-7191

• Van Go’s Pizza. 180 Web St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.  (360) 378-0138

Where we ate - Duck Soup (with a half-dozen oysters appetizer at Downriggers)

Much like our lunch selection, we reviewed the countless options from pizza to Thai, and from taco’s to surf and turf, before settling on Downriggers for our aperitif and cocktail needs, before journeying to Duck Soup for dinner

Opened in 1986, before reopening (due fire in the building) in 2016, Downriggers boasts waterfront views, complimented by locally sourced seafood, meats, vegetables, and ingredients.

Owned by Debbie & Hogan Rishel, Downriggers has a spacious dining area, and an equally accommodating lounge featuring large windows with views of the bay and nearby piers, encouraging enjoyment via a hand-crafted cocktail, beer, or wine, paired with a plate of fresh-caught oysters or other menu items. 

Walking off the calories accumulated from our lunch at San Juan Island Brewing Company, we sought refreshment in a uniquely conceived Manhattan with Bullet, carrot juice, an orange twist and paired with a plate of Westcott Bay, Judd Cove, and Capital farms oysters on the half shell. 

As a warm-up for the evening or before returning to the mainland, we highly recommend Downriggers for your next stop in Friday Harbor.

Located on the outskirts of town, just minutes from downtown Friday Harbor, lies the rustic restaurant known simply as Duck Soup. Opened in 1990 by chef Gretchen Allison, before selling to couple Kyle Nicholson and Emily Trujillo, Duck Soup showcases world-class dishes and drinks, supported by locally sourced ingredients. 

A student of sustainable agriculture at Evergreen State College and Western Culinary Institute in Portland (Oregon), Kyle is a traveled cook having spent time in kitchens from Park City, Utah, Oregon, and now Washington state. Eventually he and his spouse, Emily, sought the comfort of quiet, by moving away from the mainland and settling into the San Juan Islands. Prior to his work as chef at Duck Soup, Nicholson worked as Executive Chef at Friday Harbor House starting in 2011.

Equally accomplished in her own right, Emily Trujillo studied at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, shortly before managing the wine program at Pago, earning a best wine award in Salt Lake City Weekly. Still distracted by the allure of wine, she manages the program at Duck Soup while sharing her time with outdoor hikes in the nearby forests, and relaxing yoga. 

During peak travel, in the Spring and Summer, one can expect to be entertained by sunset-lit windows upon your arrival. Into the latter part of the year, as skies darken quicker, anticipate light-accented pathways guiding you from the driveway to the entrance. 

Upon your arrival, you are whisked into a calming space, filled with darkened corners, soothing music, and, depending on the time of year, a crackling fireplace. 

During our visit, in the off-season of November, our eyes adjusted to dimly lit space, dotted with candles, and the distracting chaos of the nearby hearth. Seated, we were immediately overwhelmed with a plethora of appetizers, before settling on a bowl of bread and butter and a plate of steam mussels, before settling on a manhattan. A few sips in, we admired the activity of the room, featuring guests young and old, smiling in between sips of wine or bites.

Following this course, we sought the comforts of seared sea scallops, resting on a bed of risotto, and paired with a pFriem Pilsner. A complementary pairing between the pilsner scallops, and fried risotto; each bite was a triumph and made for a wonderful interlude before a nightcap on the island. 

Make no mistake, Duck Soup is not a casual drive-in experience. Instead, we highly encourage you to make a reservation if you spend a night or weekend on the island.

Where to drink (cont.)

Coffee, Espresso, or Tea

Whether you fancy a quick cup of coffee before hopping on an inter-island ferry, a trip out to Roche Harbor, or maybe need to relax after strolling around Friday Harbor, we think you’ll appreciate a little pick me up. 

From the traditional bakery, to the Italian-inspired delicatessen, to a hole in the wall, you’ll find the fuel to power through your day or evening. 

• Bakery San Juan. 775 Mullis St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-5810

• Crows Nest Coffee Shoppe. 70 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 317-8474

• Cynthia’s Bistro. 65 Nichols St Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 317-7178

• Lime Kiln Cafe. 248 Reuben Memorial Dr, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-9892

• Rocky Bay Cafe. 225 Spring St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-5051

• The Bean Cafe. 150 First St N, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 370-5858

• The Market Chef. 225 A St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-4546

Where we grabbed coffee - Crows Nest Coffee Shoppe

Full disclosure, we really enjoyed our cup of coffee at Rocky Bay Cafe, but given how our evening fared, we needed a little pick me up. 

However, we couldn’t resist this hole in the wall, located just minutes from the Washington State Ferry terminal.

Serving everything from the traditional espresso, cappuccino, latte, and drip coffee, Crows Nest Coffee is a no frills, walk up, cafe. With a limited selection of snacks including no bake breakfast bars, the Crows Nest also has some challenging coffee recipes you might check out. 

Why you’ll like Crows Nest Coffee Shoppe

Ever had an Americano made with Coconut Water? Us neither, till we ordered one from their limited edition menu. Or maybe you’re one of those looking for a 1 pump, two sugar, non-fat dairy, latte, light on the foam. Whichever it is, the Crows Nest is accommodating for your in and out order, and they are contactless short on cash in their wallets.

Points of Interest

Below are a few suggested points of interest, as an escape away from the ferry terminal and downtown Friday Harbor.

image Northwest Beer Guide©

• San Juan Island Distillery. 12 Anderson Ln, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 472-1532

• Westcott Bay Cider. 12 Anderson Ln, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 472-1532

• The Whale Museum. 62 1st St N, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA 98250-8337. (360) 378-4710

• San Juan National Historical Park.

• Pelindaba Lavender Garden. 45 Hawthorne Ln, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA 98250-5008

• Lime Kiln Point State Park. 1567 West Side Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.