Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the San Juan Islands

The glistening Pacific Northwest waters, the inviting atmosphere, beautiful beaches, striking state parks, scenic landscapes and top-rated tourist attractions beacon travelers to the San Juan Islands. An archipelago located in the northwestern corner of Washington State, the San Juan Islands are a lush island paradise filled with panoramic views, long views of sea and mountains, and adventurous activities to enjoy. From the charming historic Friday Harbor to the most peaceful serene Moran State Park, the range of tourist attractions in the San Juan Islands is endless. Check out this guide of the top tourist attractions in the San Juan’s and a short list of things to do there. 

If you're looking for historic or culture or activities, the bustling town of Friday Harbor is the place to be. Friday Harbor is the San Juans’ whale and wildlife watching tour headquarter. You can also visit the San Juan Islands Museum of Art and the San Juan Historical Museum. The San Juan Community Theatre is known as a world-class facility for plays and musical events with artistic performances that will surely exceed your expectations. 

 

Moran State Park is a 5,252-acre park on Orcas Island boasting five freshwater lakes and 38 miles of hiking trails. You can admire the scenic views of Mount Rainer, Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges; do fishing in Mountain Lake, Cascade Lake or Twin Lakes; enjoy camping in one of the campgrounds of North End, Midway, and South End; try horseback riding along the 6 miles of horse trail available in the park; and look out for beautiful creatures that can be seen while in Moran State Park.

Also known as Whale Watch park, Lime Kiln Park is a richly diverse environment that is filled with rocky shoreline, wooded uplands, evergreen forest, and varieties of wildlife. The park provides great opportunities for hiking, beachcombing, picnicking, orca watching, and tours of Lime Kiln Lighthouse.

Also known as American and English Camps, this park is made up of sites that were built for the U.S. and British Army' camps during the Pig War. From a variety of trail experiences, the vast expanse of South Beach to the open prairie below the Visitor Center, the American Camp boasts a number of natural features for tourists to enjoy. The English Camp offers ranger guided walks, nature orientations, and a picnicking area for nature lovers. If you're looking for the best picnic spot, Cattle Point Interpretive Area is one of the best picnicking places on the island, located next to the American Camp.

Located just 80 miles north of Seattle, Roche Harbor is a fun and friendly boating destination. The mausoleum is located in Roche Harbor and can be traced by following a trail through the local cemetery. The so-called "mausoleum” is a pretty impressive spot worth checking out. The mausoleum is the final resting place of the McMillin family, who brought Roche Harbor to life.

The Fairweather Marina Park, is named after the Port Administrator Jack Fairweather, and is a peaceful respite away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. You will be delighted by sculptures, landscaping, and interpretive panels. This rejuvenating park is also a great place to attend outdoor concerts in the months of summer. 

With undulating landscape, a variety of fun activities, vantage points for spotting orcas, unspoiled areas, mesmerizing waterways, the San Juan Islands are a perfect place to go on a trip with your family, friends, or colleagues. Plan a yacht charter vacation for exploring this archipelago of San Juan Islands tourist attractions & get ready for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.