It’s not always sunny in Friday Harbor, only about twice as much as in Seattle. San Juan Island lays in the Olympic rain-shadow and enjoys on average 247 sunny days per year. Spring is an amazing time to visit when the Humpbacks are returning from Hawaii with their calves in tow, the isle is carpeted with wildflowers and baby animals are frolicking everywhere on land and sea. All the while the cute boutiques and restaurants in walkable Friday Harbor are showing off what’s new. All that’s missing is you.
Whale Watching Tour
Treat yourself to one of the first guided whale watching tours of the season and search for Orcas, Humpbacks, the occasional Grey Whale and other wildlife. San Juan Safaris’ fast, double decker Osprey is not only San Juan Island's largest whale watching boat, with plenty of space to stretch out, Osprey also features a galley, where you can purchase grab and go items, concession snacks, a variety of soda, beer, wine, hot chocolate, coffee, water and more.
Friday Harbor Art Scene
Explore Friday Harbor’s three museums and eight galleries in walking distance to the ferry, while taking plenty of cocktail and dessert breaks along the way. Poke your head into the Seize & Desist Beerhouse or the San Juan Brewery for free, live, danceable music. Treat yourself to the Salish Sea Early Music Festival at Brickworks or Volar Flamenco en Vivo at the Grange. Explore the poetry gardens on the waterfront and by the Community Theatre and don’t miss the awe-inspiring Portals of Welcome totem at Fairweather park overlooking the harbor.
Baby Wildlife Everywhere
You haven’t lived until you saw the baby foxes frolic on the prairie of American Camp National Historical Park. Respectfully observe baby seals and sea lions sunning on off-shore rocks, waiting for their moms to return from hunting. Watch Bald Eagles teach their chicks how to fly and tread lightly. Keep your pup on a leash always and never get closer than 75 feet to wild animals, to keep them wild and healthy.
Spring Wildflower Hike
San Juan Island’s meadows, mountains, forest floors and prairies are abloom with Fairy Slippers, Fawn Lilies, Blue Camas, Indian Paintbrush, Buttercups and much more in Spring. You can’t pick or replant them, they won’t keep. You just have to be there, in the moment, and enjoy their sweet smells and the way they sway with the wind.
Spa Day
Indulge in a spa day at the adorable Spa at Earthbox. Treat yourself to the most relaxing massage and a Spring facial. Add on a hydrotherapy pass and enjoy their lovely indoor heated pool, sauna and hot tub on the day of your treatment.
When in Rome
The San Juan Islands are often called the “gourmet archipelago” for the many, outstanding farm-to-table restaurants offering local, seasonal fare made from scratch with love. Have a wine tasting at one of Friday Harbor’s five wine bars. Don’t miss the Oystertale on Friday Harbor’s waterfront, serving the freshest mollusks and sushi, paired with the finest Champagne and seasonal cocktails. Acclaimed COHO Restaurant offers a First Seating this time of the year, a four course set menu for just $45 if you come dine between 5:00pm and 5:30pm.