San Juan Island

San Juan Island is one the famous Island in Washington State. This Island is not connected with any bridge or road, so you have to travel by water or air to reach the Island. From some point you can see the Canada on the other end.

How to get there?

By Water

You can take a scenic ride on a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to the Island, which gives you a  beautiful view of the island. This ferry stops at four Island - Lopez Island, Orcas Island, Shaw Island or Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. 
Seasonal passenger ferries depart from downtown Seattle, Bellingham & Port Townsend.




By Air


By float plane or wheeled aircraft  you will get a more beautiful view from the top. You can see snow tipped Mount Baker, the Olympic & Cascade mountain ranges and the little islands stretching in every direction.
Sea-Tac Air porter shuttles services are also available to the islands.

Places to visit in San Juan Island

As it was our first time visiting San Juan Island, I did my home work and decided to follow the map. You can see the map and if you follow those numbers then you can circle whole Island and get back to Friday Harbor, which is boarding point for ferry. Follow the numbering shown in the map

1.Friday Harbor 

Friday Harbor is very 1st point if you are entering by water. This is Ferry landing and departing point. If you like to explore the town than Friday Harbor is the place for you. It is a historic town with art galleries, The Whale Museum, historical museum, performing arts center, Islands Museum of Art. We just drive by and head to the scenic route.

2.Jackson Beach

Jackson Beach is around two miles from Friday Harbor. There is a beach front park with picnic tables, So you can enjoy sunny weather, warm water and food. Many people bring their food, sit at the park and enjoy playing games.



3.American Camp Unit

From 1859 to 1874 US army soldier's Camp at this place during the Pig War "crisis," trails and seasonal ranger led programs. You can still see some of the old quarters formed by the army. 

4. South Beach 

This was my favorite spot on San Juan Island. Two miles long beach with spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains. The time when we visited this place no crowd as such on the beach just a handful of people, so it was quiet and fun to sit and relax.



5.Cattle point 

At Cattle Point you can see light house which built in 1935. It also has access to the beach, and some of the trails with stunning view of the water. Be careful and look around for deer, eagles and marine mammals from the shelter, picnic area and beach below.





6. Pelindaba Lavender Farm 

When we visited the Island Lavender season was almost over so we couldn't see blooming flowers of Lavender but we were able to see a farm field of it. Pelindaba farm has 20 acres of organic lavender farm which includes exhibits, distillery & 250+ handcrafted products.



7. Lime Kiln Point state park & 1919 Light house 

I would say best picnic point with incredible view and cold breeze. To save time we took our lunch with us and thought to eat whenever we are hungry. In these state park they have picnic table with water facing view and you can also see rocks and light house as well. You can possibly view orca whales from shore at "Whale Watch Park".




8. San Juan Country Park


If you don't like roaming around and exploring the Island then don't worry this county park is almost 2 acre big and it has campsites & kayak launch facility as well. So camp, grill, kayaking and relax.

9.Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm 

This farm is 70 acres big and you can see alpacas in this farm. Alpacas grow one of the world's softest, most luxurious fibers. The Country Store offers a wide selection of fine alpaca clothing, accessories, and gifts, and is where visitors can feel the amazing softness of alpaca.

10. English camp Unit


When Great Britain and the United States in 1859 agreed to a joint occupation of San Juan Island until the water boundary between the two nations could be settled, it was decided that camps would be located on opposite ends of the island. These was a Royal mariners camp during the 1859 - 1872 Pig War "crisis," trails, seasonal ranger led programs.

11. San Juan Islands Sculpture Park:- 20 acre outdoor sculpture park featuring over 125 works of art & nature reserve.

12. Roche Harbor

Roche Harbor is best town to enjoy dining and shopping experience. If you don't want to do that then rent a boat and enjoy water activities. Roche Harbor offers  hotel, suites, cottages, spa, marina, shops, gardens, dining, kayaking etc.






13. San Juan Vineyards

San Juan Vineyards was founded in 1996. This is the only winery on San Juan Island. It has award winning wines in historic school house tasting room & gift shop.




Comments

  1. Wow, so amazing! I have to visit San Juan Island :) Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you are welcome dear. If you need more details let me know

      Delete
  2. Oh wow. This looks absolutely magnificent. I hope to go one day.

    ReplyDelete
  3. How amazing - I wish I lived in the USA sometimes!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Awesome! This is definitely one for my bucket list!

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is one of my favorite places on earth! We used to visit when I was a kid--we went almost every summer. There was a little hole-in-the-wall bookstore called Griffin Bay Books that was so fun. It was in a really skinny space built between two existing buildings, and there was always a golden retriever sleeping by the front desk. Last time we went it had outgrown its old digs and moved to a bigger spot, but that is still one of the magical places that lingers in my memory from childhood. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have to visit here. So beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Looks absolutely amazing, such a fun looking trip! On the must visit list!
    http://www.aswestumblealong.com

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review of TriNova Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish

Review of Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers from Petitoy

Gujarati Toor Dal recipe