Sensational Things To Do at Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands

Winding lanes with few cars, mesmerizing views of leafy hedgerows and calm settlements – this is what the San Juan Islands are. The San Juans are an archipelago in the U.S. state of Washington, known for islets and landfalls that lie splayed between the Puget Sound waters and Vancouver Island. 

Don't visit the San Juan Islands for the cafes and casinos; instead come here to experience fishing, whale watching, beachcombing, sailing, hiking, cycling, paddling, crabbing, clamming, and panoramic sunsets. 

Friday Harbor is one of the most visited San Juan Islands tourist attractions. If you are arriving by private yacht charter, you'll arrive directly to Friday Harbor and it's definitely worth spending some time here. It is the only incorporated town in the San Juans – a charming, historic, walkable seaport just steps from the ferry landing, with small friendly shops and restaurants and a refreshing absence of fast-food chains – all within one square mile. The below mentioned sensational things can be completed in a day if you are visiting by private yacht charter.

1. Find Treasures on Spring Street – Friday Harbor is home to eclectic markets which boast the wide range of shops to browse, ranging from gift shops to galleries to boutiques and bookstores. You can shop for souvenirs such as jewelry, fine art, books, locally made women's clothing and gifts. Come here and venture out to find some of the real local treasures.

2. Have Delicious Friday Harbor Food & Beverages – Friday Harbor is full of extravagant restaurants. Whatever your mood, you’re sure to find a Friday Harbor restaurant prepared to please you. Savor the flavors of locally harvested oysters, reef-net caught salmon, locally raised meats, fresh Island grown vegetables, fruits, cheeses and more. Grab a glass of locally made wine, beer, cider and spirits with a gourmet meal. 

3. Find Underwater Museums at The Whale Museum – The most visited San Juan Islands tourist attraction on Friday Harbor is the Whale Museum. The museum is home to fun and educational exhibits about whales and a great gift shop that features marine mammal books, art, and gifts. The museum has been promoting stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research since 1979.

4. Explore the Creative side of Friday Harbor – The San Juan Islands Museum of Art organizes exhibitions of fine visual art from around the world. Also discover Friday Harbor's public art, including the stainless steel "Fluke" by Micajah Bienvenue and murals on the outside of The Whale Museum or even on a wall in Sunken Park near the ferry landing. Later, you can watch a performance at the San Juan Community Theater.

 

5. Take a Stroll Through the History – Take a step back in time with a visit to the San Juan Historical Museum. The museum complex consists of the original farmhouse, carriage house, root cellar, milk house, the first San Juan County jail, a pioneer log cabin, barn, and resource center. Take a leisurely stroll and learn about the historical background from a knowledgeable guide. 

6. Discover the Waterfront – While wandering through the docks in Friday Harbor, watch local marine life up close by visiting the Spring St. Landing Aquarium. It is a 400-gallon saltwater tank that houses a fascinating collection of local sea flora and fauna. This must see Friday Harbor waterfront destination while on a trip to discover San Juan Islands tourist attractions is located at the Port of Friday Harbor. From the docks, you may catch a glimpse of Popeye, a female harbor seal.

7. Outdoor Adventure Paradise – To explore the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor is the hub. You can participate in a guided kayaking tour or charter a kayak and row it on your own. You can grab a map and ride through the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway and the waterways of the islands on your own private boat charter.

Get ready to explore and be part of the best aforementioned sensational activities, ranging from strolling the docks, exploring the streets and shops of the charming historic Town of Friday Harbor— one of the most popular and a must visit San Juan Islands tourist attractions.