November on San Juan Island: Food, Art & Winter Wildlife

November on San Juan Island is a hidden gem, speckled with unique events focused around food, art, community and long walks on the beautiful beaches. Take advantage of our amazing off-season lodging specials and make sure to reserve a room with a two-person jetted tub or a fireplace at our cute hotel within walking distance of everything in Friday Harbor.

Winter Outings

Bundle up and head to the whale watch park in search of Orcas. Explore the lighthouse, whale watching platforms, under-water hydrophone, extensive trail system and stunning picnic spots. Next, visit the American Camp National Historical Park prairie for the most rewarding Winter birding experience. Watch bald eagles and hawks and every seabird you have ever heard of. Keep your eyes out for migratory snow owls which hunt during the day and compete with the other raptors. Both spots are drop-dead gorgeous at sunset.

Body & Soul

Take good care of your body, especially in Winter. Book yourself a relaxing massage and rejuvenating facial at the cute Spa at Earthbox. Add on a pool pass for the day and luxuriate in the heated indoor pool, sauna and hot tub. Treat yourself to yoga in a geodesic dome in the woods. The Flow Collective offers yoga Sundays and Tuesdays at the Alchemy Art Center’s geodesic dome.

Food & Farms

Don’t miss the San Juan Island Restaurant Week from November 14 to November 24, 2024 and enjoy delightful specials and deep discounts at participating restaurants, cafes wineries and farms.

Have a sumptuous lunch and look for lovely, island-made gifts at the Farmers Market on the first and third Saturdays of November.

Thanksgiving on San Juan Island

Can you imagine a Thanksgiving without any food prep, driving or getting the guest rooms ready? Bring the whole family to San Juan Island and have COHO restaurant spoil you with their Thanksgiving Feast. Reservations are a must.

Oyster Extravaganza

The Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm has an especially fun line-up this Winter: Bivalves & Bonfire on Fridays, 3:00pm-5:00pm followed by a Farmers Feast at 6:00pm, as well as a fresh oyster lunch every Saturday from noon to 3:00pm.

Art & Shopping

Browse magnificent island arts & crafts during the First Friday Friday Harbor Arts Walk. Join the Saturday Fall Family Art Days at the Island Museum of Art and unleash your creativity together as a family.

Do your holiday shopping--without ever having to step into a mall--at the Artisans' Holiday Market at Brickworks on November 29 and November 30, 2024.

Community

Team up with us Islanders on the first Sunday of each month for a community beach clean-up at Jackson Beach in Friday Harbor in our never-waning effort to keep the Salish Sea plastic-free.

Visit the whimsical Alchemy Art Center and their fully stocked ceramics, printmaking and photography studio for Community Arts Days every last Thursday of the month. Whether you are just curious, looking forward to making art together or are in the midst of a serious project, you will have tons of creative fun here.