SAN JUAN ISLAND NEWS & PHOTOS
The best weekend getaways start with an incredibly beautiful way to get there, so beautiful, that the journey becomes its own reward. That’s how every vacation to San Juan Island begins, no matter your method of travel.
Nestled in the northern corner of gorgeous Washington State, protected from rain by the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island, surrounded by the sparkling Salish Sea and all its wonders, San Juan Island feels like worlds away, but is actually only 65 miles north of Seattle. Here are three easy ways to get to our little island paradise. Which unforgettable journey will you take?
1. Via Car Ferry
In the shoulder or off season, it is practical to have a car on San Juan Island, especially if you plan to venture to all the beaches and parks outside of town. The Washington State Ferry runs from Anacortes to Friday Harbor year-round, several times per day. Reservations are recommended. The crossing takes about an hour and your fare, paid in Anacortes, is round-trip. There is food service on most sailings, puzzles on the tables to be started or finished and room to roam after sitting in the car. The ride is stunning. The ferry route was designated one of Washington’s Scenic Byways in 2015 and it’s easy to see why. The islands are former mountain tops of a receding continent, much older than the American Mainland, carved by glaciers millions of years ago.
You can also leave your car in Anacortes and walk on the ferry, which lands in downtown Friday Harbor. You don’t need a reservation to walk on, just arrive at least 30-45 minutes ahead to make sure you have time to park your car and buy a ticket.
Insider Tip: When you leave the island, park your car in the ferry lanes a bit early (you can do so as soon as the ferry before yours left) to do your souvenir shopping in Friday Harbor.
2. Via Float Plane
The fastest and most adventurous way to get to the island is via a small plane with Kenmore Air. Fly high above the glistening Puget Sound and arrive on the island in just 45 minutes. It is breathtaking to see this gorgeous part of the world from above and maybe even spot some whales. Kenmore offers sea- and airplane rides directly to San Juan Island from Lake Union in downtown Seattle or Boing Field, as well as lodging packages and connections to and from SeaTac Airport.
Insider Tip: For a little extra adventure, ask if it’s possible to sit next to the pilot and co-pilot your flight.
The Tourists Hotel (today the cute Bird Rock Hotel), built in 1891, was one of the first hotels on San Juan Island and was very modern and high end for its time. It had indoor plumbing for all its rooms, a restaurant, pool hall and a bar. A travelling dentist provided dental services there, probably with anesthesia provided by said bar. Since the bar was for men only, a ladies’ reception room was also provided.
Did you know that the English word “to travel” etymologically comes from the French “travail”, which means “physical or mental exertion, task, agony” and even “torment”? Doesn’t sound very relaxing now, does it? The Anglo-French noun was borrowed into English in the late 13th century, long before cushy car rides, restful hotel rooms and romantic Farm-to-table- restaurants.
