Washington: San Juan Island

Posted by JSFashionista on 30 Sep 2011 / 0 Comment

For my tenth Northwest visit (counting both Seattle and Portland jaunts) my sister Lise and her husband Andy suggested we plan a trip to the San Juan Islands rather than spend Labor Day weekend as we had planned to in Seattle. I was excited about this idea as I had never explored outside of Seattle (Canadian Golf Islands, San Juan Islands…) and was eager to see what the New York Times ranked as #2 on their Top 41 Sites to visit in 2011.

How to travel from Seattle to San Juan Islands:

By Washington State Ferry - Most locals take the ferry from Seattle to the San Juan Islands. The ferry leaves from Anacortis, Wash., which is approximately 80 miles northwest of Seattle. Ferry schedule available online (click).

By Seaplane via Kenmore Air- If you’re lucky enough to try the seaplane route — as we were — it’s the way I’d suggest you travel. It’s both efficient (approximately 35 to 45 minutes from Seattle to San Juan Island), fun, and includes amazing sightseeing. There are two convenient Seattle locations, one at Lake Washington (15 minutes from northern Seattle) and one in Lake Union (more Seattle central). The perk of the Lake Washington location is the free parking and you get an extra 10-minute Sea Plane ride to Lake Union on your way to and from the San Juan Islands.

“Runway” of Sea Planes at airport

Myself, my brother in law Andy, and sister Lise

Where to Stay:

Lake Dale Resort - If you’re looking for a great centrally located resort/hotel this is an ideal option. It’s in the middle of Friday and Roche harbors and has something for everyone; hotel rooms, hotel lodge, camping, glamping (glamping = glamorous camping in canvas tents). For the record we went the “glamping” option which was great, campfires at night, hot water bags brought to your tent to keep your feet warm, even a communal breakfast “mess tent” for the “glampers and campers”.

The “Mess Hall” Tent

Our “tented tent”. Slept 3, 2 on Queen,

myself on the futon (quite comfortable!)

Pond behind the lodge; lodge deck with pond views

Amazing outdoor area behind the main lodge with views of the pond and an outdoor fireplace.

Perfect Sunset spot with a glass of wine!

Where to Eat -

Market Chef - This was a great spot suggested as something the locals love. They had a fabulous lunch I’d recommend the turkey sandwich (turkey with cranberry sauce and delicious fresh veggies) as well as the Key lime pie; definitely one of my favorite Key lime pies. 225 A Street. Friday Harbor, WA. 98250. 360-378-4546.

Andy (my bro in law, aka “bro” post key lime pie, thumbs up for sure!!

Duck Soup Inn - If you’re looking for a delicious restaurant I highly recommend Duck Soup Inn. It was one of the best meals I have had with amazingly rich, delicious, gourmet flavors. You definitely need a reservation (have your hotel call for you). My sister is a vegan and they made a delicious vegan dish for her, which she really enjoyed. 50 Duck Soup Lane. Friday Harbor, WA. 98250. 360-378-4878.

Roche Harbor -

On the other side of San Juan Island lies a great marina called Roche Harbor. This is mostly boaters sailing into dock and other locals vacationing at a waterside quaint community. It’s super cute to walk around (shop, eat, enjoy the gorgeous harbor….).

Very large harbor with tons of boats

Madrona - This is one of the two restaurants at Roche Harbor. It has a fabulous view of the harbor with a mellow bar scene (but the only bar of the two options) and great ocean views. We had light appetizers and entrees here, which were perfect for sharing. 248 Reuben Memorial Drive. Friday Harbor, WA. 98250. 800-451-8910.

Fun things to see/do on island:

Whale, Seal & Sea Lion Watch - The Northwest is known for its Orca whales (the black and white killer whales). Unfortunately, we went in August, about a month after they leave Seattle and migrate further north to follow the fish. If you do go to San Juan Islands try to go in June/July so you’ll able to see these amazing mammals. There are various Orca tour companies one to check out is Orca Whale Watch.

Line Kilm State Park - This is one of the most well known parks on San Juan Island with amazing views of whales, sea lions, otters. We saw two of the three during our visit (no whales) but it was still a great place to visit and do a light hike around. Well, for us NY City folk it was a “hike,” true North westerners would likely label it more of a “walk/stroll” around a park.

Wine Tasting at San Juan Vineyards - Being the huge wine fan/lover I thought it would be fun to check out the one winery on San Juan Islands. Lise and Andy were great sports so on one of the afternoons we indulged. For a vineyard that grows grapes on the island but doesn’t make all the wines on premises it was great. Obviously not Napa/Sonoma/Bordeaux but the wine we tried (almost all the whites and reds) were pretty tasty. We each found one or two we like so after doing the tasting we enjoyed a glass on the deck (picture below of my happy sister and her lovely hubby Andy). If you make it to San Juan Island definitely visit the San Juan Vineyards. It’s halfway between Friday Harbor and Roche so it’s a great stop over between visiting the two towns. 3136 Roche Harbor Road. Friday Harbor, WA. 360-378-9463.