San Juan Islands Beach Travel Guide

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Sunset over the San Juan Islands, Washington

The San Juan Islands (Maia/Wikimedia)

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San Juan Islands Beach Travel Tips

By Ludmilla Alexander

Bring your abacus—the 170 named islands are actually peaks of a sunken mountain range. Counting rocks and reefs, there are more than 300 islands.
See the majestic islands from above on a scenic air tour—the flights are a once-in-a-lifetime experience that won't break the budget.
Come ashore the islands of Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan. Orcas is full of galleries, shops, and restaurants; Lopez and San Juan are quaint spots for fishing and sailing.
Kayak alongside whales and dolphins.

San Juan Islands Travel Guide

On a late afternoon on a clear summer day, the sun slants low, suffusing the scene with a golden light. The fresh salt breeze and the low rumble of the ferry's engine lull you into a dream state. All around you, rising from a shimmering sea, are emerald-green islands, the tops of glacier-carved mountains inundated with water at the end of the last ice age. A bald eagle swoops from its perch on a twisted madrona tree. Off the port bow, you spot several fat harbor seals lounging on a rocky islet. As the engine slows, you glide toward a narrow wooden dock with a simple sign above it that reads ORCAS ISLAND. With a sigh of contentment, you step out onto the San Juan Islands and into a slower pace of life. Read More

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2 Questions | 1 Answers

I would like to travel by sea one way from Dominica (Roseau) to San Juan (SJU) on August 18 evening. I do not know where and how to book the ticket.
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Where can I shotgun deer hunt? I am looking for National Forest areas.
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Hotels

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The Rosario Resort

1400 Rosario Rd.
Eastsound, WA 98245 Map

Distance: 10.0 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class:

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Expert Rated & Recommended

Hotel Elements

410 Spring Street
Friday Harbor, WA Map

Distance: 0.3 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

Expert Rated & Recommended

West Beach Resort

190 Waterfront Way
Eastsound, WA 98245

Distance: 10.8 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

Expert Rated & Recommended

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Attractions

Sucia Island Marine State Park

Distance: 10.7 mi. (from destination center)

Description: An underwater scuba park, miles of hiking trails, and camping, clamming, and crabbing areas are... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended

San Juan Island National Historical Park

Distance: 2.4 mi. (from destination center)

Description: San Juan Island National Historic Park’s 1752 acres make it the second largest protected public... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended

Wooden Boat Foundation

380 Jefferson St.
Port Townsend, Washington 98368

Distance: 31.4 mi. (from destination center)

Description: A hub for wooden boat enthusiasts, the Wooden Boat Foundation is located in historic Port Townsend.... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended

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Airports

Major Airports near San Juan Islands

	Distance (mi.)
Vancouver International Airport	45.4 map
Seattle/Tacoma International Airport	82.1 map
Portland International Airport	205.2 map

Other Smaller Airports near San Juan Islands

	Distance (mi.)
Rosario SPB	10.1 map
Eastsound Orcas Island Airport	15.5 map
Victoria International Airport	20.6 map

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Flight Deals to San Juan Islands

Originating	From
Las Vegas (LAS) to Vancouver (YVR)	$354

Feature Articles

The Island Life
Living on "Island Time" in America’s Diverse Islands Means More Than Just Sand and Surf
October Romantic Travel Guide
July Active/Adventure Travel Guide
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outside
We know you want your fair share of life's peak moments—and you want to get good and wet along the way—so we've thoughtfully prioritized our ten favorite liquid adventures in the United States

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San Juan Islands Vacation Rentals

from: $75

Lopez Island-Ravens Rook Main House and Cabin- Handbuilt in the Northwest Style

Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Sleeps: 4

Amenities: Air Conditioning, CD Player, Coffee Maker, DVD Player, Full kitchen, Hair Dryer, Internet Access, Laundry, Linens, No Pets, Non-Smoking, Oven, Patio, Phone, Refrigerator, Stereo, Stove, TV, Utensils, Wireless Internet Access, Woodburning Stove

from: $136

2 Bedroom VACATION HOME in LOPEZ ISLAND, WA

Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Sleeps: 4

Amenities: BBQ, Blender, CD Player, Cable/Satellite TV, Coffee Maker, Computer Access, DVD Player, Fireplace, Full kitchen, Hair Dryer, Internet Access, Iron, Ironing Board, Laundry, Linens, Microwave, Non-Smoking, Oven, Pets OK, Refrigerator, Stereo, Stove, TV, Toaster, Towels, Utensils, VCR, Wireless Internet Access

from: $10

Whidbey Island Vacation Rental

Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8

Amenities: Alarm Clock, BBQ, Balcony, Blender, CD Player, Cable/Satellite TV, Coffee Maker, Computer Access, DVD Player, Dishwasher, Filtered water, Fireplace, Garage, Hair Dryer, Internet Access, Iron, Ironing Board, Laundry, Linens, Microwave, Non-Smoking, Oceanfront, Patio, Pets OK, Phone, Playground, Refrigerator, Restaurant, Sauna, Stereo, Stove, TV, Toaster, Towels, VCR, Wireless Internet Access, Woodburning Stove

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