If you love salty air, scenic ferry rides, and tiny towns that feel like they popped out of a storybook, this trip is calling your name.
The San Juan Islands are located in the top-left corner of Washington, and getting there is half the fun.
Picture winding coastal roads, breezy ferry rides, and breathtaking views at every turn.
From secluded trails and secret beaches to fun pie stops and loud sea lions (seriously), this road-and-ferry trip is packed with long-lasting memories.
Let’s go!
1. Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Friday Harbor is a tiny, walkable waterfront town located on San Juan Island, packed with cute shops, waterfront eats, and amazing ferry views.
You can easily get there by taking the ferry from Anacortes on the mainland and the best part is that you can bring your car.
Friday Harbor is the island’s main hub, and super popular for whale watching (especially orcas) plus you can visit the Whale Museum or hop on a kayak tour right from town.
Friday Harbor spans 1.23 square miles, so you can stroll the whole town, grab a local lavender ice cream, and have time to catch sunset at the marina.
2. San Juan Island National Historical Park, San Juan Island
Just a 10-minute drive from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island National Historical Park is where things get seriously historic and a little weird.
This is where the U.S. and Britain nearly went to war over a pig (yes, really!).
Today, you can explore the open meadows of American Camp and the foresty trails of English Camp while learning all about the Pig War standoff.
There’s plenty of open space for picnics, bald eagle spotting, and beach wandering, with the occasional black-tailed deer making an appearance.
3. South Beach, San Juan Island
Right next to American Camp, South Beach is the island’s longest stretch of wild, driftwood-covered shoreline and it feels like the edge of the world.
It’s windy, wide open, and perfect for flying kites, building epic log forts, or just chilling by the ocean while watching the waves crash.
If you’re lucky, you might spot an orca way out in the distance or a fox trotting by like it owns the place (because honestly, it kinda does).
4. Lime Kiln Point State Park, San Juan Island
On the island’s rocky west side, Lime Kiln Point State Park is the go-to spot for watching whales right from the shore—no boat needed.
There’s a striking white lighthouse, plus easy trails that weave through madrona trees and lead to crazy-beautiful ocean views.
Bring binoculars because this is one of the world’s best spots to see orcas in the wild, especially when they cruise by in summer.
5. Roche Harbor, San Juan Island
All the way at the north end of the island, Roche Harbor is a charming marina village where boats sway on the water and everything smells like salt and cedar.
You’ve got the 1800s-era Hotel de Haro, a repurposed lime kiln art garden, and a daily flag ceremony that’s oddly emotional and weirdly addictive.
It’s the kind of place where you can grab an ice cream, wander the docks, and pretend you own a yacht, even if your ride is just a rental car.
Ferry Information
Next, head back to Friday Harbor (15-minute drive from Roche Harbor) as this is where you’ll catch the ferry over to Orcas Island.
The ferry from Friday Harbor arrives into Orcas Island Ferry Terminal.
The ride takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes and there are ~5 departures per day so plan which ferry you’ll take ahead of time.
6. Turtleback Mountain Preserve, Orcas Island
The first stop on Orcas Island is Turtleback Mountain Preserve, where the trails twist through forests and open up to stunning views of the other islands.
Quieter than the well-known Mount Constitution, the trails here deliver, especially the Ridge Trail, where the lookout feels like standing above the clouds.
Keep an eye out for soaring eagles, grazing sheep, and the occasional hiker doing a happy dance at the summit (totally normal, go ahead and join in).
7. Eastsound, Orcas Island
Just a 10 minute drive away, Eastsound is the biggest village on Orcas Island, but it still feels super laid-back and full of small-town beauty.
You’ll find indie bookstores, fresh pastries at Brown Bear (the morning bun is a must), and a waterfront park where hammocks and cheese are taken very seriously.
This is your spot for stocking up, people-watching, and catching a live fiddle band playing on a porch just because it’s Tuesday.
8. Moran State Park, Orcas Island
Just 10-minutes from Eastsound, Moran State Park is where you’ll trade your coffee cup for hiking boots.
With over 5,000 acres of forest, waterfalls, and lakes, this place has plenty to explore.
At its heart is Mount Constitution, where a drive or hike leads to a stone tower with unreal 360° views of the San Juans, Canada and maybe even Mount Baker.
There’s also swimming, kayaking, and campgrounds if you feel like sticking around.
9. Obstruction Pass State Park, Orcas Island
On the peaceful southeast end of Orcas, Obstruction Pass State Park stays under the radar, which is exactly what gives it its quiet magic.
You’ll hike through mossy woods on a short, shady trail and suddenly arrive on a rocky beach with tide pools, driftwood, and no soul in sight.
It’s tiny and perfect for skipping stones, spotting sea stars, or just zoning out to the sound of waves.
Ferry Information
Next, head back to the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal (35-minute drive from Obstruction Pass State Park) to catch the ferry over to Lopez Island.
The ferry from Orcas Island arrives into Lopez Island at the ferry port on the north side of the island.
The ride takes roughly 35 minutes and there are ~5 departures per day so plan which ferry you’ll take ahead of time.
10. Spencer Spit State Park, Lopez Island
Just 10-minutes from the ferry port, Spencer Spit State Park is where a long, narrow sand spit stretches out into the bay.
It’s mellow and super flat (Lopez is the “biking island” for a reason), and this park is great for beachcombing, clamming, or watching the sun sparkle on the water.
There’s also a cool little historical cabin on the spit and some of the best kayaking spots around if you’re into paddling with seals.
11. Lopez Village, Lopez Island
After the beach, drive 10-minutes over to Lopez Village, it’s small and probably the friendliest place you’ll ever visit (seriously, everyone waves here).
There’s Holly B’s bakery where the cinnamon rolls fly off the tray, plus nearby art spots, a community garden, and a grocery store selling local kombucha on tap.
It’s an incredible place to slow down, sip something fizzy, and browse for handmade mugs while chickens casually wander by.
(Holly B’s bakery normally closes over the winter and usually reopens in April.)
12. Shark Reef Sanctuary, Lopez Island
A 15-minute drive from the village, Shark Reef Sanctuary is a hidden trail that leads to a dramatic coastline where sea lions bark and the waves hit like thunder.
It’s an easy walk with a big payoff—think tall trees, mossy woods, and sudden ocean views with the Olympic Mountains shining on clear days.
Bring a snack and binoculars because this is an ideal place to unwind.
13. Watmough Bay, Lopez Island
On the island’s southern edge, Watmough Bay sits like a secret beach hideout, framed by cliffs, calm teal water, and giant rocks.
It’s a cozy cove backed by a massive sandstone bluff, perfect for swimming, beach picnics, or lying on a log pretending you live there now.
There’s no big sign and barely any parking, which keeps the crowds away so just follow the trail and let the magic find you.
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