Why Visit San Juan Island for your February Valentine’s Getaway?

Close yet feels like Worlds Away

San Juan Island is only 65 miles and a gorgeous ferry ride from Seattle (and Vancouver, British Columbia). Or if you don't feel like driving, treat yourself to a scenic seaplane flight with Kenmore Air and set foot on the island just 45 minutes after leaving Lake Union in downtown Seattle. Once here, on the shores of the serene Salish Sea, on our tiny isle without any traffic lights, billboards or chain-food restaurants, feel the slower pace of island time envelope and relax you.

Teaser of Spring

San Juan Island lays in the Olympic Rain Shadow and enjoys over 247 days of sunshine when the rest of Washington State is draped under clouds and drizzle. In addition, February brings a teaser of Spring: mild weather, the first spring flowers and baby animals to lift your spirits and provide some extra vitamin D.

It Plans Itself

Go ahead and plan a few must-dos like massages and a crazy fancy dinner, but then, just let your vacation unfold on its own. Check at the Whale Museum, across the street from our cute Friday Harbor hotel to find out where the latest whale sightings have happened and then go there. Follow the sound of the music to find a free, live concert in one of the comfy bars after dinner. Or stumble upon an author reading or the farmers market and soak it all in.

So much Culture

San Juan is proud to be home of more working artist than any other county in our State. Find three museums and nine galleries, a fabulous community theatre and two bookstores with extensive local sections in Friday Harbor alone. Explore San Juan Island’s Sculpture Park, the National Historical Parks and two historic lighthouses. After all this inspiration, maybe dip your toe into your own creative expression with a drawing or sculpting class at the delightful Alchemy Art center in the woods.

The Best Food

Welcome to the “gourmet archipelago”. San Juan Island and Friday Harbor are speckled with lovely farm-to-table restaurants, like COHO, just steps from our Bird Rock Hotel, and the Duck Soup, a former wood shed in the forest, serving not only local and seasonal, but also foraged foods from land and sea. Don’t miss the Market Chef, our local connoisseur deli, making everything, including their breads, fresh, from scratch. An extra special treat, offered only this time of the year, is a Friday night Farmers Feast at the Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm in their rustic Net Shed overlooking the water.

Massages and Swimming

Indulge in a massage and facial at the cute Spa at Earthbox, our sister hotel, just three blocks from us. Add a pool pass for the day of your service and lounge in their heated, indoor pool and jacuzzi before getting pampered.

Long Walks on the Beach

Explore the beautiful beaches and parks along the west side of the isle. Look for orcas, go birding, play in the tide pools and have a sunset picnic. Walk along the prairie as the first spring flowers are emerging as the raptors are riding the thermals above.

Explore Friday Harbor on Foot

Our Bird Rock Hotel is within walking distance of everything in Friday Harbor. Go see a movie after dinner, have a nightcap at the waterfront, do a self-guided tour of historic downtown, explore the poetry gardens, all without having to look for parking, sit in traffic, or designate a driver.