5 August Must-Dos on San Juan Island

It’s Summer on San Juan Island. Orca whales and outdoor weddings. Art fairs and music festivals. Hiking, biking and kayaking. Where will you start? We’ve made a list of the fun activities and cool events you can experience in August, so you don’t miss out!

1. Lighthouse Tour at Whale Watch Park

The iconic Lime Kiln Lighthouse at Lime Kiln State Park is over 100 years old. Besides being a prime spot to have a picnic, take a hike and see the Salish Sea, the lighthouse also serves as an interpretive center in the Summer and is open for tours on weekends. The waters around the park are very deep. Orca whales and other wildlife are seen frequently feeding very close to shore.

2. San Juan Summer Arts Festival

Every Friday afternoon in August, from 4:00pm to 10:00pm, festive art and food vendor booths line Brickworks plaza in the heart of Friday Harbor. Try locally brewed beer and spirits while listening to live music. Get a henna tattoo, have your tarot cards read and shop for unique island souvenirs.

5. Bioluminescent Sea Kayak Tour

You can enjoy guided kayak tours from early Spring through late Fall on San Juan Island. There are just a few times though, you can go on a bioluminescent sea kayak tour. These amazing, reactive, glow-in-the-dark plankton are most visible after hot days during the new moon. Our friends at San Juan Outfitters offer 3-hour, bioluminescent sea kayak tours departing from Roche Harbor at 8:00 PM.

4. San Juan County Fair

Every third week in August some real island-life happens at the Friday Harbor Fairgrounds. This adorable country fair features 4-H events, excellent food, live music, fair rides, dances and local arts and crafts.

5. Concours de’Elegance

Every August the Rotary Club of San Juan lsland features their annual car show and Concours d’Elegance at San Juan Vineyard. Classes include: German, American, Other Countries, Custom/Modified/Hot Rod, and Motorcycles. Classes are open entry with all vehicles eligible for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd in Class, Best in Show, and People’s Choice awards.

Show off your Hot Rod or just come watch this spectacle of men and women and their machines.