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When you’re looking for a day trip from the Seattle area, San Juan Island should be tops on your list. Car ferry, scenery, and donuts…oh my! If you plan carefully, you really can do it all in just one day! I’ll describe how to make it all work for a picturesque day in the PNW (Pacific Northwest), including 5 fun family things to do on San Juan Island.
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- Where is San Juan Island?
- What is the best time of year to visit the San Juan Islands?
- VIDEO: Things to Do on San Juan Island
- Do you need a car on San Juan Island?
- How do I get to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington?
- How long is the ferry ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor?
- San Juan Island Ferry Reservations
- How much is the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor?
- 5 Fun Family Things to Do on San Juan Island / Day Trip Itinerary
- Other Things to Do in Friday Harbor
- SBT San Juan Island Restaurants Summary
- Maybe Stay Longer Next Time?
Where is San Juan Island?
San Juan Island is part of a group of islands called the San Juan Islands. Yep, for reals. It’s part of Washington State, even though it’s closer to Victoria, BC, than to Seattle. It’s just east of the bottom part of Vancouver Island, in the Salish Sea.
San Juan Island is the most populous of the San Juans, as Friday Harbor (the major ferry port) is the San Juan County seat.
What is the best time of year to visit the San Juan Islands?
Although the San Juan Islands are in what’s called a “rain shadow,” they most definitely still get rain. As much as we planned for and postponed our ferry sailing, we ended up going on a rainy day. This, however, did not stop us from seeing everything on our itinerary and (frankly) enjoying the precipitation. (It’s a good thing we brought our rain jackets, one of many important items on our Ultimate Packing List!)
The bottom line is that every day of the year is great for a visit to the San Juan Islands. That said, summer time weekends can be super busy, so plan accordingly.
VIDEO: Things to Do on San Juan Island
Do you need a car on San Juan Island?
If you want to explore more of the island than just Friday Harbor, families will need a vehicle. Adventurous couples can rent a super cute scoot coupe to tour the island, but they only seat two, and it’s not ideal for rainy days.
With a vehicle, you and your family can circumnavigate the entire island in a matter of hours. You’ll be able to see more of the island and really maximize your time there.
How do I get to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington?
The Washington State Ferries (part of WSDOT) has several sailings to choose from, and the schedule is adjusted seasonally. However, unless you want to rouse your family in the middle of the night, the sailing in the 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. region might be your best bet for the outbound.
Even still, with our 9:00 a.m. ferry time, WSDOT suggests that parties arrive at the ferry terminal 45-60 minutes prior to departure. As such, we left our lodging in south Whidbey Island at 6:45 a.m. to make it to the Anacortes ferry terminal by 8:00 a.m. Yes…seriously.
Sailing during daylight hours is a must, as this route is one of the most scenic car ferry rides in the world! Click To TweetHow long is the ferry ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor?
Check the San Juan Island ferry schedule for available sailings.
If you are only planning to go to San Juan Island, try to find a sailing that goes directly from Anacortes to Friday Harbor. Our sailing made a stop at Orcas Island en route, causing the trip to be around 1 hour, 47 minutes.
Our 4:30 p.m. sailing from Friday Harbor back to Anacortes was direct and only took 1 hour, 12 minutes.
San Juan Island Ferry Reservations
It is highly recommended that you make reservations for this ferry ride. Many of the other ferries throughout Washington State are first-come, first-serve only. The ferries to the San Juan Islands, however, do take reservations. In order to avoid disappointment at arriving to a fully loaded ferry, again, make a reservation in advance.
Your reservation is just that…a reservation. You will actually pay when you arrive at the ferry terminal in Anacortes (and you don’t have to pay again when you leave Friday Harbor to come back!).
NOTE: If you didn’t get the exact sailing(s) you wanted, or you just need to make a change, more spots open up 2 weeks prior and then 2 days prior to each sailing date. And, it’s free to make changes to your reservation!
How much is the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor?
If you make a reservation and are a no-show, WSDOT will charge you $20 ($10 each way).
If you arrive as scheduled, the current San Juan Island ferry cost for a vehicle, 2 adults, and 2 kids is approximately $100.
5 Fun Family Things to Do on San Juan Island / Day Trip Itinerary
While you’re on the ferry, besides taking in the gorgeous natural scenery all around, use the time to have a snack. It’s probably been a while since breakfast, and you don’t want any hangry family members.
After you drive off the car ferry in Friday Harbor, immediately head out of town. Over the next few hours, you’re going to drive counterclockwise around the entire island.
1) Fresh Doughnuts in Roche Harbor
Yes, you had a snack on the boat, but hello…fresh doughnuts!
Lime Kiln Cafe in Roche Harbor serves a full breakfast and lunch menu, but you’re here for the doughnuts! I would say Lime Kiln Cafe is a hidden gem, but the amazing doughnuts are well known and well documented at this point!
(NOTE: Just outside the cafe are several individually locking bathrooms. They are pretty clean, so take advantage of these nice facilities being available on this side of the island.)
2) San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
Also in Roche Harbor is the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. This kid-friendly park has no playground, but kids will have fun following the various trails that lead to sculptures of all kinds.
While admission is free, donations are encouraged.
3) Lime Kiln Point State Park
Ever thought about going whale watching from land? Lime Kiln Point State Park (aka Whale Watch Park) is quite possibly the best place in the U.S. to view orcas from land.
So, while many people pay for expensive whale watching cruises in the San Juan Islands, you can have a chance to see a variety of marine life right from this state park…for a fraction of the cost.
A couple of the best places for viewing are at the lighthouse or nearby sea cliff, which is connected by a marked trail.
The Washington State “Discover Pass” is required for day visits to state parks and access to other state-managed recreation lands. You can purchase a one-day pass for $10, or an annual pass for $30.
If you’re planning to be in Washington State for even just a few days, the annual pass is definitely the way to go. Just display the hang tag in the front window of your vehicle, and you’re good to go! The annual pass is even transferable between two vehicles.
Enjoy the outdoors on the short hike from the parking lot to the whale cliff to the lighthouse and back. It’s doable for the whole family!
4) Cattle Point Lighthouse
The most southeastern point of San Juan Island is called Cattle Point. Parking is available here, and the area offers a picnic shelter and a short trail to the Cattle Point Lighthouse.
The rocky coastline is also accessible from the trail, for more viewing of marine life and the open water.
5) Back to Friday Harbor
It’s time to complete the circle and head back to Friday Harbor. This time, you can stick around for a little while, before your outbound ferry arrives.
Fish & chips is the perfect late lunch, and The Bait Shop has excellent fish & chips!
Depending on when you visit San Juan Island, you might not have to eat your fish & chips while standing under an awning from the rain. But, you know…on a rainy day during COVID-19, ya gotta do whatcha gotta do! The food was still fabulous!
After lunch, park your vehicle in the ferry line, and grab some coffee at San Juan Coffee Roasting Co. Hang out around the ferry landing until your ferry arrives. Then, enjoy the scenic ride back to Anacortes.
Other Things to Do in Friday Harbor
When you return to Friday Harbor, keep an eye on time for your return ferry. In the meantime, here are some more things to do in Friday Harbor:
- Shopping – Friday Harbor is a super cute town to walk around.
- Food – There are tons of restaurants and eateries.
- The Whale Museum
- Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal – Watch the ferries come and go!
SBT San Juan Island Restaurants Summary
Doughnuts: Lime Kiln Cafe in Roche Harbor
Fish & Chips: The Bait Shop in Friday Harbor
Coffee: San Juan Coffee Roasting Co. in Friday Harbor
Maybe Stay Longer Next Time?
If you would like to stay overnight and spend more time on the island, the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau has some good info on lodging options.
And, for a multi-day trip, visit the other San Juan Islands that are serviced by WSDOT Ferries:
- Orcas Island
- Lopez Island
- Shaw Island
Bon voyage!
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