TravelingbeebryantRN & Flicks_withNick

I am going to travel back a little in time to talk a little bit about our Everett assignment. When we lived in Everett, WA, we were able to explore a lot of different places. Obviously, we visited Seattle a lot, but we also got the opportunity to explore the different islands, and Canada. If you look back, I’ve done a blog on a day trip to Seattle and Whidbey Island.

There are 172 named islands and reefs in San Juan County. Three ferry served Islands, San Juan Island (Friday Harbor), Orcas Island, and Lopez Island. One of my favorite islands in Washington is definitely San Juan Island, or most people know the area, as Friday Harbor. Friday Harbor has a large marina that offers a bunch of wildlife tours. I will go into more detail about the tours soon! I really would suggest an assignment outside of Seattle, with the idea of exploring the islands and Canada. It’s pretty incredible to see this part of the world.

Traveling to Friday Harbor

Hopefully the planning to get to Friday Harbor won’t convince you out of making the trip. It does take some planning… but it’s so worth it. If you are interested in visiting Friday Harbor, the first step is to grab a ferry. The San Juan Clipper was a ferry based out of Seattle. From this ferry in Seattle, you will directly go to San Juan Island. Unfortunately, this ferry is no longer being operated in 2024. Your best bet is to travel by ferry out of Anacortes. The Washington State ferry travels out of Anacortes to San Juan Island. The ferry takes approximately an hour. Play a game, read a book, grab a snack at the cafe, or simply just enjoy the views on the ferry.

My husband will forever judge me for the way home ferry nap. The Washington State Ferry transports people, semi-trucks, and passenger vehicles. That being said, you should consider making a reservation, especially if you plan on bringing a car with you. Car slots book quickly, especially on the weekends! If you plan on taking a car onto the ferry, plan to arrive 45-60 minutes before the ferry.

When you arrive on the ferry, you will be dropped right in downtown Friday Harbor at the marina. You can also travel to San Juan Island by private plane, seaplane, or boats, but most people, residents and tourists, take a ferry!

Where to stay on Friday Harbor

My husband and I visited Friday Harbor multiple times, when we had an assignment in Everett. We only took day trips from Everett, as it was an easy travel day. As for recommendations of where to stay, I can only give recommendations by word of mouth! I would suggest finding a Airbnb on Friday Harbor.

What to see and What to do

Honestly, I could walk around Friday Harbor, and get the views of the ocean, and be perfectly happy. It’s truly a happy place. Obviously, I know everyone’s not content doing that, so let’s talk about what you should explore!

Whale Watching Tours

I think this is where my whale obsession started. Most tourists visit San Juan Island for whale watching. San Juan Island is home to the resident J, K, and L pod of Killer whales (resident), and also has a group of transient killer whales that visit San Juan. Let’s just talk a little bit about the whales you’ll see in San Juan. The J, K, and L pod of killer whales (orcas) are endangered. They are frequent visitors, and residents of the San Juan waters. These orcas feed only on salmon.  The transient orcas are visiting orcas that feed on marine mammals. Along with whales, you’ll most likely see harbor porpoises, birds (if anyone knows me, they know I hate birds), and humpback whales (which are making a comeback in San Juan Islands). Friday Harbor has multiple companies that do whale watching. Whale sighting is not guaranteed, but you almost always see a whale during the summer months. Multiple whale watch companies help communicate whale sightings. We used San Juan Safaris for both our whale watches and had a great experience.

Our most interesting experience, a orca was trying to feed off a seal that was on shore. He did multiple laps around this tiny little island; he finally got his prey! Highly recommend their tour and informative tour guides!

Exploring downtown San Juan Island

Downtown San Juan Island is known as Friday Harbor. I love walking around exploring Friday harbor. This is where you’ll see the multiple whale watch companies, along with a lot of cute shops, and restaurants. They have a lot of cute souvenir shops, along with local handmade shops. The Printshop is a shop created by local artists that live on San Juan Island. They sell graphics on different media. I am currently on their website jogging my memory, and now I’m tempted to buy something. I blame you guys!

There are also a lot of different art galleries downtown if that spikes your interest, or if you are interested in different souvenirs. 

Whale Museum

The Whale Museum is a natural history museum located on Friday Harbor.

Lime Kiln State Park

The park is a 36 acre day use park with the iconic lighthouse located on a rocky cliff on the west side of San Juan Island.  It’s known for the best whale-watching spots on earth. 

Note: this is not a walkable destination from downtown San Juan Island. You’ll need a car to get there! It’s about 9 miles away from downtown.

The Farm at Krystal Acres

Alpacas. Do I need to say anything else? A working farm that has a herd of Alpacas. We unfortunately did not make it there, but we got our alpaca kisses somewhere else! Don’t you worry.

San Juan Vineyards

Small winery located in San Juan producing winning estate-grown wines.

Where to Eat

Salty Fox Cafe

This cafe is located directly on the marina when you get off the boat… Therefore, it is ALWAYS BUSY. It’s not just busy because it’s convenient, it is also great! We’ve gone to this cafe multiple times and have always enjoyed it. They have great breakfast and great coffee.

Address: 85 Front St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Yelp Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5.0

TravelingbeebryantRN’s review:⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 / 5.0

Flicks_withNick’s Review: 3.9 / 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Downriggers- Friday Harbor

Located on the downtown harbor serving seafood and American food. 

Address:10 Front St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Yelp Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3/5.0

TravelingbeebryantRN’s review:⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 / 5.0

Flicks_withNick’s Review:  3.8 / 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I hope you embrace your whale watching dreams in San Juan Island. If you do, please send me all the pictures of my orca friends! Stay up to date with all things travel, nursing, and of course Flicks_withNick’s movie reviews. Give us a follow on Instagram or subscribe to this blog.