What Not to Miss on Your Winter Road Trip to San Juan Island

Winter is an excellent time for a weekend road trip to San Juan Island to deeply relax, totally unplug and wholly recharge. We here at the Bird Rock Hotel have compiled a list of our favorite Fall & Winter activities and are always available to help you plan them, so you can spend your time solely focused on being present.

1. Spa Day

One of the perks of staying at Bird Rock is access to our sister hotel, with its cute lobby, gift shop and spa. The Spa at Earthbox offers massage and facial treatments with enticing names like "Soothing Sea" and "New Moon" . Imagine a stormy day while you are getting that deeply relaxing massage you promised yourself months ago.

The Spa at Earthbox in Friday Harbor, WA

2. Whale Watching

Most kayak and whale watch adventure providers close shop between October and March. Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching is one of the few going out as late as December, if weather allows. There is so much to see in Winter,--Humpbacks, Orcas, migrating birds, sea lions. Maya’s custom-built, luxurious, zodiac-style vessels have heated cabins with super comfy, theater style seats, allowing excellent viewing through the large cabin windows. Maya’s crew is knowledgeable, so much fun and known to go the distance (literally).

3. Romantic Dinner

That feeling when you enter a romantic restaurant in a small coastal town in the off season and it looks like the entire place was reserved just for you - priceless. Vinny’s Ristorante, an upscale Italian across the street from us, serving fresh, local seafood, is one such place.

4. Bonfire & Sunset

San Juan Island sits in the heart of the Olympic Rain-shadow and enjoys an average of 247 sunny days per year. Through the years we’ve learned, that even on stormy days the weather often clears up in the afternoons for a lovely beach outing for sunset. Head to South Beach in American Camp National Historical Park, make a fire in one of the designated fire rings, have a picnic and watch the seals, otters and foxes feed.

5. Museum & Art Day

There are three museums and seven galleries within blocks of our hotel, in addition to countless shops selling island made treats, gifts and crafts. The Friday Harbor Whale Museum across the street from our Bird Rock Hotel is fun for the entire family. Ask them for the latest Orca sightings.