Things to know -
You need an advanced reservation for the ferry if you are taking a vehicle. Walk on with or without bikes don’t need reservations. Even with a reservation, you must arrive early (for coming back to Anacortes too)!!! There are picnic tables and nice views to enjoy while you wait in line.
It’s not unheard of for a ferry to break down leaving you stranded for a time on the islands. If you have a 8 pm reservation and the ferry for the 6 pm reservation broke down. They will load the 6 pm cars before the 8 pm cars. Just know that this is a possibility, not a probability. It’s always nice to have jackets and some extra snacks just in case something happens to the ferry.
If you plan on staying overnight on the islands, be sure to have a reservation first. There is not a lot of lodging on the islands.
San Juan Island is the main island. The ferry lands at Friday Harbor which is a small town filled with eateries and shops. It’s easy to get around on foot. The island is very pet friendly. If you bring your car, be sure to visit Roche Harbor too.
Orcas Island has a few shops at the ferry landing. Mt. Constitution is on this island. It has amazing views. If you want to tour this island, you will need a car (or bike if you are in good shape).
Lopez Island is mostly farm land. It isn’t really set up for tourism. If you want very low key, you might take your bike and enjoy the solitude.
Posey Island is a very small island that has a Washington State Park. You must have your own boat to access this island. Last I heard there was only an outhouse for this park, so if you want flushing toilets, I’d investigate further before arranging an overnight stay there.
The San Juan Islands are one of our favorite places to vacation. From the moment we get on the ferry, life slows down to “island” time which translates to relaxation. The island is very pet friendly and bike friendly.
Some of our favorite places to visit on the main island (San Juan) are:
Friday Harbor (the best place to buy groceries and other necessities)
Roche Harbor Resort (Hotel De Haro has a gorgeous flower garden, docks with huge yachts, a cute little grocery market, a nice clothing store, a few little gift shops, several restaurants, and our favorite - colors. Colors is the ceremony done when they lower the flags. It always ends with a canon shot. It’s always been a favorite of our kids.
American Camp National Park is one of two military camps on San Juan. We don’t spend a lot of time here, but it has interactive activities (Jr. ranger program) for the kids that help them learn about the history of the islands. Cattle point is here too. There are great views here. Sometimes whales can be seen from here.
English Camp National Park is the other military camp on the island. There is a formal garden here. This camp also participates in the Jr. Ranger program.
Lime Kiln Point State Park is the best spot to see the orcas from land.
The Mausoleum is located near Roche Harbor. It’s a fun little hike for the kids.
Lakedale Resort has fun activities for the family. The last time we visited the activities were not limited to guests of the resort. The resort has camping, glamping, cabins, and hotel rooms. We loved camping there.