San Juan Islands

An archipelago between Seattle and Victoria, with the town of Friday Harbor, orca watching, sea kayaking and lavender farms.

The San Juan Islands lie in the far northwest of Washington State, USA, in the Salish Sea between Seattle and Victoria, Canada. The archipelago comprises more than 400 islands and reefs, of which San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island and Shaw Island are served by ferry. Sitting in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, the islands enjoy sunny, dry and cool summers with little rain, making them the Pacific Northwest's most popular island getaway.

Each of the three main islands has its own character. San Juan Island is the liveliest: Friday Harbor, where the ferry docks, is the islands' only incorporated town, with the Whale Museum, restaurants and whale-watching boats. Lime Kiln Point on the west coast is one of the few places in the world where you can see orcas from shore; Roche Harbor at the north end is an elegant marina; and English Camp and American Camp on the island tell the story of the 1859 "Pig War" border dispute. In summer you can also visit lavender farms. Orcas Island is the largest and most mountainous: from the summit of Mount Constitution in Moran State Park you can look out over the islands and Mount Baker, and the village of Eastsound has galleries and cafés. Lopez Island is flat and famously friendly, perfect for cycling.

Getting there: take a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes, about 1.5 hours' drive north of Seattle; it's about 1–1.5 hours to Friday Harbor and about 1 hour to Orcas, and vehicle reservations are required in summer. There is also a direct passenger fast ferry from Seattle (summer only) and seaplanes. On the islands, most people get around by car or bike, and San Juan Island has a round-the-island bus in summer.

Plan to stay 3–4 days, perhaps spending a night on each of two islands. Whale-watching trips last about 3–4 hours; the Southern Resident orcas are unpredictable, and most operators offer a free return trip if none are seen. The water is very cold, so always kayak with a guided tour and wear thermal gear.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries