Must-see attractions in San Juan Islands

  • Spencer Spit State Park

    San Juan Islands

    Spencer Spit State Park is one of only four state parks on the San Juan archipelago. Two sand spits have formed a marshy lagoon that is a prime spot for…

  • Upper Cascade Falls, Moran State Park, Orcas Island, Washington

    Moran State Park

    San Juan Islands

    In 1911 Robert Moran donated 7 sq miles of his property to create this park on the eastern saddlebag of Orcas Island. The park is dominated by 2409ft Mt…

  • Turtleback Mountain Preserve

    San Juan Islands

    Saved from possible development when it was bought for $18.5 million as public land in 2007, Orcas' second mountain (rising to 1519ft) was in private…

  • Lime Kiln Point State Park

    San Juan Islands

    Clinging to the island's rocky west coast, this beautiful park overlooks the deep Haro Strait and is reputedly one of the best places in the world to view…

  • San Juan Island National Historical Park

    San Juan Islands

    Known more for their scenery than their history, the San Juans nonetheless hide one of the 19th century's oddest political confrontations, the so-called …

  • Whale Museum

    San Juan Islands

    If you have time for only one sight, visit the excellent Whale Museum, a small but cleverly arranged space dedicated to the life of the orca (killer whale…

  • San Juan Historical Museum

    San Juan Islands

    In an 1890s farmhouse on the outskirts of Friday Harbor, the San Juan Historical Museum commemorates early pioneer life on San Juan Island. While the…

  • Orcas Island Historical Museum

    San Juan Islands

    Housed in a series of six original homesteader cabins dating from the 1880s, this island museum relates the pioneer and local history of Orcas and the San…

  • Watmough Head

    San Juan Islands

    This scenic area at the island's southeastern extremity holds three trails, the best being the under-a-quarter-mile stroll to Watmough Bay, a stunning arc…

  • Shark Reef Park

    San Juan Islands

    A nice little walk through the forest leads to the shore and rocky reef. Expect to see lots of seals. The trailhead is easy to find: head to the airport…

  • Turn Island State Park

    San Juan Islands

    Turn Island is a hit with beach campers and especially kayakers. The marine park is part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

  • San Juan Islands Museum of Art

    San Juan Islands

    Housed in the most swanky, modern building in town. Visit to see rotating exhibits featuring primarily Pacific Northwestern artists.

  • Cattle Point

    San Juan Islands

    At the south of the island, this is one of the best places to look for orcas from the shore.

  • Moran Museum

    San Juan Islands

    Set in the Rosario Resort & Spa, these rooms around the hotel's lobby tell the life and times of former Seattle mayor, shipbuilder and groundbreaking…

  • Port Stanley Schoolhouse

    San Juan Islands

    The restored 1917 schoolhouse is run by the local historical society and offers a good photo op. To get to the schoolhouse from Lopez Village, take the…

  • Lopez Island Historical Museum

    San Juan Islands

    This tiny museum exhibits antiquated farm machinery, early pioneer photos and various rotating exhibitions. What it lacks in scale it makes up for in…

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