San Juan Island Destinations

Places to go on the island.

From whale watching at Lime Kiln to oyster shucking at Westcott Bay, here are the island's best destinations — with taxi fares so you can plan your day.

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Explore

Parks & Nature

Lime Kiln Point State Park NormsDiner / CC BY-SA 4.0

Lime Kiln Point State Park

World-class whale watching from shore

One of the best places on Earth to watch orcas from dry land. Perched on the rocky west side of San Juan Island, Lime Kiln Point puts you right at the edge of Haro Strait where resident and transient orca pods cruise past — sometimes close enough to hear them breathe. The historic 1919 lighthouse makes a stunning backdrop, and even on days without whales you'll likely spot harbor porpoises, seals, and bald eagles. The interpretive trail along the shoreline is an easy walk with wildflowers in summer.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
8.9 miles · ~17 min
1-2
$45
3
$45
4
$49
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
10.2 miles · ~19 min
1-2
$65
3
$70
4
$74

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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American Camp Buidhe / CC BY-SA 4.0

American Camp

Windswept prairies, beaches, and Pig War history

The south end of San Juan Island feels like a different world — wide open prairies, dramatic bluffs dropping to the sea, and a quiet stretch of driftwood-covered beach. American Camp is half of the San Juan Island National Historical Park, preserving the spot where U.S. soldiers camped during the famous Pig War standoff of 1859 (the only casualty was the pig). Walk through the restored officers' quarters, hike the trails out to Cattle Point, or just find a spot on the bluff and watch for eagles riding the thermals. It's one of the most photogenic places on the island.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
5.9 miles · ~12 min
1-2
$33
3
$35
4
$36
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
15.3 miles · ~25 min
1-2
$73
3
$85
4
$90

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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English Camp Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 4.0

English Camp

Forested trails and a waterfront barracks

The quieter, greener counterpart to American Camp sits on Garrison Bay near the north end of the island. English Camp is where British Royal Marines set up during the Pig War boundary dispute, and the beautifully restored white barracks and formal garden still sit right on the waterfront. Behind them, trails wind through old-growth forest up to Young Hill — a moderate climb rewarded with panoramic views of the San Juan Islands, Mount Baker, and the Canadian Gulf Islands. It's one of the best short hikes on the island.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
8.8 miles · ~17 min
1-2
$40
3
$45
4
$49
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
3.4 miles · ~8 min
1-2
$42
3
$43
4
$44

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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San Juan County Park EcoTaxi

San Juan County Park

Sunset camping on the west side

Tucked into Smallpox Bay on the island's west side, San Juan County Park has some of the best sunset views you'll find anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. The small campground fills up fast in summer, but the day-use area is open to everyone — bring a picnic, explore the rocky shoreline, and watch the sun drop behind Vancouver Island. It's also the starting point for the hike up Mount Young, where you get sweeping views of Haro Strait and the Olympic Mountains.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
10.2 miles · ~19 min
1-2
$44
3
$50
4
$54
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
7.8 miles · ~14 min
1-2
$59
3
$60
4
$62

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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Cattle Point Adam W. Ritchey / CC BY-SA 4.0

Cattle Point

Lighthouse views at the island's southern tip

The southernmost point of San Juan Island rewards visitors with a dramatic landscape — windswept grasslands, a picturesque lighthouse, and unobstructed views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the snow-capped Olympic Mountains. Cattle Point got its name from the Hudson's Bay Company, which ran sheep and cattle here in the 1850s. Today it's a great spot for watching ships pass through the strait, spotting seals on the rocks below, and catching some of the island's most spectacular sunrises. The short trail from the parking area to the lighthouse is easy and wheelchair-accessible.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
6.8 miles · ~13 min
1-2
$36
3
$38
4
$39
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
16.2 miles · ~27 min
1-2
$77
3
$91
4
$96

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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📷

Reuben Tarte County Park

A local secret on the north shore

One of the few places with public access to San Juan Island's northern shoreline, Reuben Tarte is a quiet gem that most tourists never find. Two small crescent-shaped pebble beaches are separated by a rocky point you can scramble over, with tide pools to explore at low water. From the bluff overlook you can see Saturna Island, Waldron Island, Sucia Island, and Orcas Island. Seals play in the kelp beds offshore, and orca whales occasionally pass through. Named after the Seattle businessman who bought the Roche Harbor Lime & Cement Company in 1956 and transformed it into today's Roche Harbor Resort.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
10 miles · ~19 min
1-2
$44
3
$50
4
$54
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
4.5 miles · ~10 min
1-2
$48
3
$49
4
$50

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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Explore

Beaches

South Beach National Park Service / Public Domain

South Beach

Miles of driftwood with Olympic Mountain views

The longest public beach on San Juan Island stretches along the southern shore at American Camp. It's not a tropical beach — think massive driftwood logs, smooth stones, and views of the Olympic range rising across the strait. On clear days the snowcapped peaks look close enough to touch. South Beach is a favorite for beachcombing, kite flying, and long walks. Swimming is for the brave (the water stays cold year-round), but wading and exploring tide pools keeps most visitors plenty entertained.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
8.1 miles · ~17 min
1-2
$40
3
$45
4
$49
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
17.5 miles · ~31 min
1-2
$86
3
$92
4
$97

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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Fourth of July Beach Adam W. Ritchey / CC BY-SA 4.0

Fourth of July Beach

A sheltered cove on the scenic west side

This small, sheltered cove on the west side of the island is one of San Juan's hidden gems. Protected from the prevailing winds, Fourth of July Beach is warmer and calmer than the exposed south-side beaches, making it one of the few spots on the island where you might actually want to swim on a hot day. The rocky shoreline is full of tide pools, and the surrounding forest provides shady spots for picnicking. It's part of San Juan County Park, so facilities are nearby.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
7 miles · ~14 min
1-2
$39
3
$40
4
$42
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
16.4 miles · ~28 min
1-2
$79
3
$93
4
$99

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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Eagle Cove

Eagle Cove

Quiet south-end escape off the beaten path

If you want a beach mostly to yourself, Eagle Cove is your spot. This small, south-facing cove on the southeast corner of the island gets far fewer visitors than South Beach but delivers stunning views across the strait. The beach is a mix of sand, gravel, and rocky outcrops — perfect for exploring. Bald eagles nest in the trees above (hence the name), and harbor seals often haul out on the offshore rocks. It's a peaceful place to spend an afternoon away from the crowds.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
6.1 miles · ~12 min
1-2
$33
3
$35
4
$36
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
15.5 miles · ~26 min
1-2
$75
3
$88
4
$93

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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Jackson Beach

Friday Harbor's closest beach — walkable from town

Just two miles from the ferry landing, Jackson Beach is the most accessible real beach near Friday Harbor. The long pebbly shoreline faces east across Griffin Bay toward Lopez Island, with driftwood lining the shore and views of the North Cascades on clear days. There's a free boat launch, picnic shelters with BBQ pits, fire rings, and beach volleyball courts. Several kayak rental companies operate from here, making it a popular launch point for paddling adventures. History buffs will appreciate the remnants of an early 1900s salmon cannery on site, and the adjacent Argyle Lagoon is a University of Washington biological preserve teeming with marine life.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
1.5 miles · ~6 min
1-2
$20
3
$20
4
$20
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
11.2 miles · ~21 min
1-2
$65
3
$75
4
$79

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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Explore

Attractions & Experiences

Roche Harbor Resort Glenn Gilbert / CC BY-SA 3.0

Roche Harbor Resort

Marina village with sunset colors ceremony

Originally a limestone quarry town, Roche Harbor has reinvented itself as one of the most charming resort villages in the San Juans. The historic Hotel de Haro dates to 1886 and has hosted Teddy Roosevelt. Stroll the marina, browse the shops, grab fresh seafood at one of several restaurants, or wander through the quirky sculpture park in the woods. The swimming pool area is open to the public with an admission fee and includes a food and snack bar. Within walking distance you'll also find pickleball and tennis courts, a trail system, elevated harbor views, and the San Juan Island Distillery. The highlight for many visitors is the nightly colors ceremony at sunset — a tradition where the flags of the U.S., Canada, Britain, and Washington State are lowered to the sound of the national anthems while the sky turns orange over the harbor.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
10.4 miles · ~20 min
1-2
$46
3
$52
4
$57
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
0 miles · ~0 min
1-2
$40
3
$40
4
$40

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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The Whale Museum Chris Light / CC BY-SA 4.0

The Whale Museum

Learn about the resident orcas of the Salish Sea

Right in the heart of Friday Harbor, the Whale Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the Southern Resident orca pods that call these waters home. The museum houses real whale skeletons, interactive exhibits on marine biology, and a listening station where you can hear live hydrophone feeds from the strait. It's a great first stop before heading out to Lime Kiln to try spotting the whales in person — you'll know what to look and listen for. Kids especially love the hands-on exhibits and the gift shop.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
0.2 miles · ~2 min
1-2
$20
3
$20
4
$20
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
9.8 miles · ~18 min
1-2
$62
3
$67
4
$71

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm Dclemens1971 / CC BY 4.0

Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm

Shuck your own oysters on the waterfront

One of the most uniquely San Juan Island experiences you can have. Westcott Bay Shellfish grows oysters, clams, and mussels right in the cold, clean waters of Westcott Bay near Roche Harbor. Visitors can buy shellfish by the dozen, grab a shucking knife, and sit at the outdoor picnic tables overlooking the bay. Bring your own wine, crackers, and lemon — they supply the oysters and the view. It's casual, it's delicious, and it's the kind of thing you'll tell people about when you get home. Don't leave without checking out their merch — the oyster-branded hoodies, t-shirts, and hats make great souvenirs.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
9.5 miles · ~19 min
1-2
$44
3
$50
4
$54
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
2.2 miles · ~7 min
1-2
$45
3
$45
4
$45

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm Chris Light / CC BY-SA 4.0

Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm

Meet friendly alpacas — great for families

A visit to Krystal Acres is one of the island's most smile-inducing experiences. The farm is home to dozens of alpacas with big eyes, quirky personalities, and impossibly soft fleece. Walk through the pastures, feed the animals, and browse the farm store for locally made alpaca wool products — scarves, hats, socks, and blankets. It's a perfect stop for families with kids, but honestly, adults seem to enjoy it just as much. The alpacas are gentle and curious, and the farm setting with views of the surrounding countryside is lovely.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
8.2 miles · ~16 min
1-2
$37
3
$42
4
$46
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
3.5 miles · ~8 min
1-2
$42
3
$43
4
$44

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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San Juan Vineyard Bernt Rostad / CC BY 2.0

San Juan Vineyard

Wine tasting in a pastoral island setting

San Juan Vineyard sits in a converted 1896 schoolhouse on the road between Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor, surrounded by rows of Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine grapes — two cool-climate varieties that thrive in the island's mild maritime weather. The tasting room is cozy and unpretentious, and the wines are genuinely good. Pair a tasting with the vineyard's peaceful grounds and you've got a perfect afternoon stop, especially on the way to or from Roche Harbor. They also carry wines from partner vineyards in Eastern Washington.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
3.7 miles · ~9 min
1-2
$25
3
$26
4
$27
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
6.3 miles · ~11 min
1-2
$51
3
$52
4
$53

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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Roche Harbor Disc Golf Runner1928 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Roche Harbor Disc Golf

19-hole wooded course near Roche Harbor

One of the best-rated disc golf courses in the Pacific Northwest, tucked into the woods just a mile from Roche Harbor Resort. The 19-hole course plays through tight, technical lines between towering firs and around a large open meadow. Bring your own discs or rent from the resort — midrange discs and putters are your best friends on these wooded fairways. The course is free to play, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and covers a pleasant 2-mile walk. With a 4.6-star rating from hundreds of players, it's a must-play if you've got discs in your bag. Designed by Daryl Bacon and open since 2007.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
8.5 miles · ~16 min
1-2
$37
3
$42
4
$46
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
1.7 miles · ~7 min
1-2
$40
3
$40
4
$41

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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San Juan Golf & Country Club JenRAdams / CC BY-SA 4.0

San Juan Golf & Country Club

Island golf, pickleball, and a cold drink at the turn

The only golf course in the San Juan Islands sits just a few minutes north of Friday Harbor on Golf Course Road. The 9-hole layout plays like a full 18 thanks to dual tee boxes on every hole — giving you a legitimately different experience on the second loop. The course is beautifully maintained bent grass set against island scenery, and the Greenside Grill serves burgers and cold beers with a view. Beyond golf, the club has become a pickleball hotspot with 8 court lines, plus traditional tennis courts. Whether you're a serious golfer, a casual pickleballer, or just looking for a laid-back afternoon, it's a great stop.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
2.8 miles · ~8 min
1-2
$25
3
$25
4
$25
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
12.3 miles · ~23 min
1-2
$69
3
$80
4
$85

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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Duck Soup Inn Adam W. Ritchey / CC BY-SA 4.0

Duck Soup Inn

Acclaimed dining tucked into the island woods

Duck Soup has been a San Juan Island culinary destination for decades. Tucked into the forest on the north side of the island, this intimate restaurant specializes in fresh, locally sourced Pacific Northwest cuisine — think wild salmon, foraged mushrooms, and herbs from the garden out back. The wood-paneled dining room has a warm, lodge-like feel, and in summer you can dine on the outdoor deck surrounded by trees. Reservations are essential during peak season. It's the kind of meal that becomes a highlight of your trip.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
5.3 miles · ~11 min
1-2
$31
3
$32
4
$33
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
4.8 miles · ~10 min
1-2
$50
3
$50
4
$50

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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📷

The Bud Hut

Cannabis dispensary in Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor's cannabis dispensary, conveniently located right in town. Stop in for flower, edibles, concentrates, and accessories from Washington State producers. The staff are knowledgeable and welcoming whether you're a first-timer or a regular. Easy to combine with a ferry arrival or any other downtown stop. Round-trip rides available for $35.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
0.4 miles · ~2 min
1-2
$20
3
$20
4
$20
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
9.8 miles · ~18 min
1-2
$62
3
$67
4
$71

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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📷

The Local Dispensary

Cannabis dispensary in Friday Harbor

Another great option for cannabis in Friday Harbor, offering a solid selection of flower, edibles, and more from Washington State licensed producers. Located in town and easy to reach from the ferry or anywhere in Friday Harbor. Round-trip rides available for $35.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
0.4 miles · ~2 min
1-2
$20
3
$20
4
$20
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
9.8 miles · ~18 min
1-2
$62
3
$67
4
$71

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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Explore

Hiking

Mount Finlayson Loop National Park Service / Public Domain

Mount Finlayson Loop

Panoramic summit views from American Camp

A 3-mile loop through forest, meadows, and past three lagoons to the highest point in American Camp at 290 feet. Despite the modest elevation, the summit delivers panoramic views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, Lopez Island, and the Canadian Gulf Islands — dramatic because you rise from sea level with nothing blocking the view. The trail starts at the Jakle's Lagoon parking lot on Cattle Point Road. Watch for red foxes trotting through the prairie and bald eagles riding the thermals. Spring and summer bring wildflower meadows. About 1.5 hours, moderate difficulty with ~380 feet of gain.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
8.3 miles · ~15 min
1-2
$41
3
$43
4
$45
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
17.7 miles · ~29 min
1-2
$81
3
$96
4
$102

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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American Camp to South Beach National Park Service / Public Domain

American Camp to South Beach

Prairie walk through Pig War history to the beach

An easy 2-mile roundtrip from the American Camp western entrance parking lot through the historic Parade Grounds and down to South Beach. Walk through the white picket fence to see the restored 1859 Officers' Quarters, pass Robert's Redoubt (a Pig War-era artillery earthwork), and descend through open prairie to the island's longest public beach. From South Beach, a left fork leads to Grandma's Cove or you can loop back through the Parade Grounds. Red foxes are commonly spotted in the grasslands. On clear days, the Olympic Mountains fill the horizon across the strait.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
5.9 miles · ~12 min
1-2
$33
3
$35
4
$36
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
15.3 miles · ~25 min
1-2
$73
3
$85
4
$90

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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Young Hill (Mount Young) National Park Service / Public Domain

Young Hill (Mount Young)

Best summit hike on San Juan Island — 650 ft with 360-degree views

The highest public-access point on San Juan Island at 650 feet, Young Hill delivers the best summit views on the island. The 2.2-mile roundtrip trail starts at the English Camp parking lot and climbs through groves of Pacific madrone and Garry oak — both actively restored by the National Park Service. At 0.3 miles, a short side trail leads to the English Camp Cemetery, a memorial to seven Royal Marines who died here in the 1860s. The summit panorama takes in Haro Strait, the Canadian Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, Orcas Island, Mount Baker, and the Olympics. Moderate difficulty with ~500 feet of gain, about an hour round trip.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
8.8 miles · ~17 min
1-2
$40
3
$45
4
$49
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
3.4 miles · ~8 min
1-2
$42
3
$43
4
$44

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

Book a Ride
Lime Kiln Coastal Trails NormsDiner / CC BY-SA 4.0

Lime Kiln Coastal Trails

Shoreline walks, whale watching, and historic lime kilns

Lime Kiln Point State Park packs 1.6 miles of trails into its 42-acre park, and every step has something worth seeing. The coastal path runs right along the water's edge past the 1914 lighthouse and an underwater whale listening station — this is one of the best land-based orca watching spots on Earth. The Upland Trail climbs through forest to the park's historic lime kilns, where interpretive signs explain the 1860s lime-burning industry that shaped the island's economy. For a longer adventure, the Deadman Bay extension adds a rugged half-mile along steep rocky outcroppings. Bring binoculars — harbor porpoises, seals, and bald eagles are regulars. Discover Pass required for parking.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
8.9 miles · ~17 min
1-2
$45
3
$45
4
$49
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
10.2 miles · ~19 min
1-2
$65
3
$70
4
$74

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

Book a Ride
Bell Point Loop Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 4.0

Bell Point Loop

Easy shoreline loop from English Camp with an oyster detour

A flat, family-friendly 1.5-mile loop that follows the shores of Garrison Bay through mature madrone forest from the English Camp parking lot. At the halfway point, a spur trail leads to Bell Point itself — a small waterfront picnic area with views of Roche Harbor and sailboats anchored in the bay. The real bonus is the optional Westcott Bay detour: at 0.7 miles, a connecting trail adds about 1.2 miles roundtrip through coastal forest along Westcott Bay, passing wetlands and an old farm site. From there it's a short road walk to the Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm for oysters — making this the only hike on the island that ends with fresh shellfish and a cold drink.

From Friday Harbor (one-way)
10.7 miles · ~22 min
1-2
$47
3
$58
4
$62
From Roche Harbor (one-way)
5.8 miles · ~14 min
1-2
$59
3
$60
4
$62

If we are in the Roche Harbor area, we can apply a $20 discount to these rates.

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