5 Worst Planning Mistakes when visiting San Juan Island (and how to avoid them)

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Visiting beautiful San Juan Island with its stunning wildlife, breathtaking nature, rich history and culture is the most relaxing, awe-inspiring and rejuvenating experience. Planning such a getaway can be a little intimidating, especially when you haven’t been to the island before and ferry travel is involved.  But don’t worry, we’ll give you the insiders scoop.  Here are the most common mistakes when planning a trip to San Juan and how to avoid them.

San Juan Island with little Kids

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Ice Cream

I’m Eva and I’m eight. San Juan Island is my favorite place and Orca whales are my favorite animals. First I get to take the ferry to come visit (make sure your Mom & Dad make reservations!), that’s so cool. There are puzzles on the tables that other people have started and if I get tired of that I can walk (no running, yes, Mom!) around the ferry boat about 12 times and then we are in Friday Harbor.

Art Destination San Juan Island

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Pristine San Juan Island, nestled in the crystal-clear waters in the north of Washington State, is known for its breathtaking nature, diverse wildlife and rich history. It is also home to incredibly talented and creative people, inspired by their serene surroundings, rivaling the cultural offerings of big cities. We are honored with more working artists per capita than anywhere else in Washington State.

How to Plan a San Juan Holiday Getaway

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South Beach - San Juan Island, Washington

Late fall and winter are marvelous times to visit San Juan Island. The Olympic Rain Shadow graces the island with crystal clear, sunny days while other Washingtonians are donning fleece and rain gear. The peak season is over, the beaches and trails are empty, some restaurants and adventure providers close, but with a little insider knowledge and planning, you can treat yourself to an unforgettable island holiday for half the price of a summer vacation.

My Favorite Savor the San Juans Events

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Fall on San Juan Island, Washington

October is a lovely month in the San Juans. Long sunny Fall days give way to crisp, starry nights. Our hard working island farmers harvest the abundant fruits of their labor, and in turn, our skilled island chefs create delicious feasts, living up to our fame as the “gourmet archipelago”.  Island artists delight with new creative works, inspired by nature and paradise. Savor the San Juans is a month-long medley of food, art and culture, so rich that it’s hard to decide what to do. Here are several of my absolute favorite Savor events.

Whale Watching for Father's Day

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San Juan Safaris San Juan Outdoors Whale Watching

My Dad was born in Seattle. He grew up here and enthusiastically does all the outdoorsy things you are supposed to do as a Washingtonian, hiking, skiing, camping, fishing. He wears shorts in January and doesn’t own an umbrella. He loves the ocean and us three kids and, until very recently, he had never seen an Orca whale from up close.

Bird Rock Hotel Washington