Sublime San Juan Islands
Your Getaway to the San Juan Islands
Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature. Storm-watch from the grassy dunes at Cattle Point Lighthouse and watch for whales while hiking the bluffs around Lime Kiln Point State Park. Soothe your spirit at local spas and enjoy fresh seasonal dining with sublime water views. Here’s to you in 2025, with this winter wellness plan powered by the San Juan Islands.
Wild Hikes
For a classic hike with wild scenery, Young Hill Overlook in San Juan Island National Historical Park is marquee. At just 2.2 miles round-trip, you’ll get big views of the Salish Sea and nearby islands. Make a detour to the English Camp cemetery, a memorial to seven Royal Marines who died on the islands in the 1860s. The beautiful Garry oaks here are from restoration efforts by the National Park Service. Red-bark Pacific madronas stand out on this trail, too.
Lime Kiln Point State Park is nicknamed Whale Watch Park for good reason. It’s long been lauded as one of the best places on the planet for spying whales. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions or even orcas. Hike the short Lime Kiln Point State Park Loop for a bounty of vantages or take the short out-and-back trail that leads to two overlooks ideal for spotting whales.
Please don’t approach the wildlife. They’re wild for real, and not maintaining a respectful distance puts you and the animals at risk.
Hiking in the San Juan Islands
Top of Young Hill photo by Barbara Marrett.
Storm Troopers
We’re not sure how storm watching became such a relaxing way to spend time, but the drama of the sea and the dance of waves during winter can be both thrilling and humbling.
Among the very best spots for taking in the seasons of the sea is Lime Kiln Point State Park. The lighthouse here—constructed in 1919—is a dramatic perch for taking in the sea-nery, which can include orcas, gray whales, and humpback whales.
At the southeastern tip of the island, you can do a short hike to Cattle Point Lighthouse amid a grassy dunescape. After visiting Cattle Point, make a stop at South Beach—a nearby off-the-beaten-track spot for catching a sunset along the bluffs. For added drama, check tide predictions and time your trip so it aligns with a king tide.
Cattle Point Lighthouse photo by Jack Riley.
The Wonders of Wildlife
You may think winter is for the birds, and you’d be right! Winter is for the birds, and some of the best bird viewings happen in the San Juan Islands. The islands are part of the Audubon’s famed Puget Loop, made up of prominent birding locations in Washington State.
Bald eagles and osprey are not uncommon, and keep an eye out for the stunning northern harrier and short-eared owls—often seen at San Juan’s American Camp. If you’re exploring the islands’ wetlands and lagoons, you may hear a deep trumpet-sound… that’s the trumpeter swan, the heaviest bird in North America.
Winter Wildlife in the San Juan Islands
Trumpeter Swan photo by Monika Wieland Shields; Harlequin Duck and Surf Scoters photos by Ken Rea; Hooded Merganser photo by James Mead Maya.
Bask and Glow
Spirit your worries away at Roche Harbor Resort’s Afterglow Spa. A San Juan Stone Massage can warm your body, loosen your muscles, and promote deep relaxation. Sink into one of the spa’s mineral-infused tubs, and take a moment to clear your mind in the sauna.
Roche Harbor’s waterfront location. Inhale the scent of the nearby cedar forest as you stroll and shop. Stores have everything from locally inspired clothing and housewares to original gifts you won’t likely find back home. The Company Store market has a variety of food and a notable wine and beer offering. Look for artist booth pop-ups with works by local artists.
Tip: San Juan Islands Sculpture Park is nearby, with over 150 creations amid its 20 acres and five trails (including access to Westcott Bay’s shoreline). Spend time at interactive spots like The Starfish Project— a sandy area for creating your own art using found objects such as shells and driftwood.
It doesn’t get much more down to earth than Earthbox Inn & Spa. This renovated motor inn features a heated indoor pool and on-site spa and is super dog friendly. In fact, much of the San Juan Islands is dog friendly, with everything from dog daycare to beautiful beaches for your four-legged pal to enjoy with you. There’s a dog bowl outside most stores in Friday Harbor and plenty of patio dining spots that allow dogs. Earthbox Inn’s location is just a few blocks from downtown and the Friday Harbor ferry landing makes exploring easy. The Inn can also provide lots of great info on anything from best hikes to galleries and cultural sites.
Afterglow Spa photo by Charles Peterson; Roche Harbor photo by Jack Riley; Earthbox Spa photos by Sara Parsons; Sculpture Park photo by Mio Monasch.
Culture & Art
When in whale land, visit The Whale Museum. Go on a tour or opt for the Exploration Guide. Stroll the Gallery of Whales for some natural history and visit exhibits like the one paying tribute to Sooke, the famous young orca who sadly passed away in 2012.
The San Juan Islands Museum of Arts (SJIM) is celebrating its 20th year in 2025. With a focus on visual arts, SJIM illuminates emerging and established artists, including collaborations like the First Nation Artist Collection. Upcoming exhibitions in 2025 include Crush, by Kenda Francis, whose colorful and profound paintings tell the story of pressures on wildlife.
For an immersive experience to learn about the history of the San Juan Islands, visit the campus of The San Juan Historical Museum. Its heritage farmstead location has the first San Juan County jail, the original farmhouse, and other structures to explore. The property’s Museum of History has artifacts and photos depicting the San Juan Islands through the years.
Culture and Art of the San Juan Islands
Whale Museum photo by Slater Moore; SJIM photo by Michael Bertrand; San Juan Historical Museum photos by Wolter McKinley.
Food & Drink Guide: San Juan Islands
Drinking beer on an island is even better when that beer is authentic to the location. And San Juan Island Brewing Co. is that spot. The beer from here is locally produced in Friday Harbor. Old World ales and lagers are the focus, and the outdoor patio is not only dog friendly, but you can bring your own snacks to pair with your drinks. Inside you can order traditional pub fare and bring the whole family.
Small-batch coffee sourced from small farms is the wheelhouse of San Juan Island Roasters. They’re best in brew for ethical, sustainable practices, and tasty coffee blends produced from premier Arabica green beans.
For a gourmet journey through the San Juan Islands, Coho Restaurant focuses on a menu that optimizes seasonal freshness. Splurge for the 4-course tasting menu or order a la carte.
Dine at the water’s edge in Friday Harbor at Downriggers. Watch the ferries come and go on the Salish Sea as you choose from a menu of locally harvested seafood, including oysters. Sunset is a nice time to have a reservation here.
For a cozy dining experience in the woods, Duck Soup is tucked outside busier settings. Overlooking ponds, the inside is comfy with booths and a fieldstone fireplace. The outside patio (seasonal) is rustically elegant with a stone fire-pit to warm nearby loungers.
San Juan Island Brewing Co. photo by Kestrel Bailey; beer sampler photo by Brandon Fralic; Friday Harbor photo by Robert Harrison; Coho Restaurant photo by Lindsey Smith; Downriggers photo by Downriggers; Duck Soup photo by Stephanie Forrer.
