Accommodation & Where to Stay: San Juan Islands

Accommodation Types

From boutique hotels in town centers to larger resorts. Bed & Breakfasts provide a personalized stay with local insights. Vacation rentals (VRBO, Airbnb) offer more space and privacy, ideal for groups or longer stays.

Resorts like Roche Harbor Resort and Rosario Resort & Spa offer extensive amenities and luxurious experiences.

Camping & Outdoor Lodging

Available at state and county parks (Moran State Park, San Juan County Park, Spencer Spit State Park).
Offers the most budget-friendly option and an immersive nature experience.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially in summer.
Consider a Compact camping tent and a comfortable Sleeping bag.

Hotels & B&Bs

Variety of services, amenities. B&Bs offer personalized stays with homemade breakfasts.

Vacation Rentals

Ideal for families/groups, offering more space, privacy, and kitchen facilities.

Resorts

Large properties with spas, golf courses, multiple dining options for comprehensive experiences.

Booking Strategies

Advance Booking & Platforms

Advance booking applies for all seasons, especially peak summer and weekends.
For popular rentals/resorts, book up to a year in advance for prime dates.
Trusted Platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com for wide selections. VRBO, Airbnb for rentals.

Policies & Fluctuations

Walk-in rates are generally not negotiable. Spontaneous walk-ins are difficult in summer.
Review deposit requirements and cancellation windows before booking to avoid fees.
Prices are highest in summer, moderate in shoulder seasons, and lowest in winter.

Neighborhood Guide: San Juan Island

Friday Harbor Pros

Most amenities, highly walkable, convenient hub.

Friday Harbor Cons

Can be busy/crowded in summer, especially ferry dock.

Roche Harbor Pros

Upscale dining, beautiful marina, more secluded.

Roche Harbor Cons

Further from Friday Harbor, limited dining options.

Neighborhood Guide: Orcas Island

Each main island offers distinct areas, each with its own character.

Eastsound Village

Pros: Good selection of restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and shops. Close to Moran State Park.
Cons: Can be busy during peak season. Limited public transport outside the village.
Safety: Very safe.
Noise Levels: Lively village atmosphere during the day; quiet evenings.

Deer Harbor/Westsound

Pros: Secluded, scenic, good for relaxation, some resorts and vacation rentals offer waterfront access.
Cons: Fewer amenities, driving needed for more options.
Safety: Very safe.
Noise Levels: Very peaceful and quiet.

Neighborhood Guide: Lopez Island

Pros: Very relaxed, flat terrain ideal for cycling, friendly community, local shops and cafes.
Cons: Fewer dining and activity options compared to San Juan or Orcas.
Safety: Very safe.

Proximity: Central for Lopez Island.
Noise Levels: Exceptionally quiet and peaceful.
Embraces a slower "island time."

Accommodation Recommendations Examples

Luxury

San Juan: Friday Harbor House, Roche Harbor Resort. Orcas: Rosario Resort & Spa.

Mid-Range

San Juan: Earthbox Inn & Spa. Orcas: Outlook Inn. Lopez: Lopez Islander Resort.

Budget

San Juan: San Juan County Park (camping). Orcas: Moran State Park (camping). Lopez: Spencer Spit State Park (camping).

Accommodation for Different Travelers

The islands cater to diverse needs, from solo adventures to family getaways.

Family & Solo Travelers

Family-Friendly (San Juan): Vacation rentals (VRBO/Airbnb), Lakedale Resort.
Family-Friendly (Orcas): Vacation rentals, West Beach Resort (cabins).
Solo Traveler (San Juan): Harrison House Suites, B&Bs in Friday Harbor.
Solo Traveler (Orcas): B&Bs in Eastsound, The Orcas Hotel.

Long-Stay & Unique Stays

Long-Stay (All Islands): Vacation rentals offer ample space and amenities.
Unique/Historic (San Juan): Roche Harbor Resort (historic village).
Unique/Historic (Orcas): Rosario Resort & Spa (historic mansion, museum).
Unique/Historic (Lopez): The Edenwild Inn (Victorian-era building).

Camping Tips

Book Early

Campsites fill quickly, especially in summer. Book well in advance.

Washington State Parks reservation system.

Essentials

Bring a Compact camping tent and a comfortable Sleeping bag.

Layered clothing for varying temperatures.

Experience

A quiet, rustic experience awaits at state park campgrounds.

Immersive nature experience.

Long-Stay Considerations

Benefits

exploration of the islands' unique charms.
Settle into a local pace of life.
Opportunity to cook your own meals, reducing costs.

Challenges

Longer-term rentals may require more extensive vetting.
Vehicle transport considerations for extended periods.
Internet connectivity may vary by location, especially in rural areas.

Important Accommodation Notes

Book all accommodations well in advance, especially for popular times.
Read reviews carefully before booking, notably for vacation rentals.
Confirm specific amenities and accessibility needs directly with the property.
Be aware of minimum night stays, common in peak season.

Understand cancellation policies to avoid unexpected charges.
Some smaller properties may not have 24/7 front desk services.
Consider location relative to planned activities and ferry terminals.
Pets may have restrictions or additional fees at some accommodations.

Neighborhood Guide: Specifics for Your Stay

Each island offers an unique ambiance; choose the one that aligns with your travel preferences.

Choosing San Juan Island

Friday Harbor is a bustling town center with most amenities.
Direct ferry access and whale watching tours depart from here.
Access to Lime Kiln State Park (whale watching from shore) and historic sites.
Roche Harbor offers an upscale, resort-focused experience on the northwest side.

Choosing Orcas Island

Home to Moran State Park, offering extensive hiking and scenic views from Mount Constitution.
Eastsound Village is the cultural and culinary hub with galleries and diverse dining.
More rugged and hilly terrain, ideal for outdoor adventurers.
Offers a balance of relaxation and active pursuits.

Choosing Lopez Island

Laid-back Vibe

Known as "Slowpez," it offers a more tranquil and relaxed experience.

Ideal for unwinding
Escape the crowds
Peaceful atmosphere

Cycling Paradise

Its relatively flat terrain makes it a premier destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Bike-friendly roads
Scenic routes
Easy access to attractions by bike

Community Feel

Lopez Village provides a quaint hub with local shops and a friendly community atmosphere.

Local farmers markets
Artisan shops
Engage with locals

Seasonal Considerations for Accommodation

Peak Season Summer

Highest demand and prices for all accommodation types.
Book as early as possible, up to a year in advance for prime spots.
Ferry vehicle reservations are critical; lack of reservation can lead to long waits.

Off-Peak Season Winter

Lowest prices and fewer crowds. Many businesses may have reduced hours or be closed.
Limited accommodation options available, notably on smaller islands.
Prepare for cooler, wetter weather.

Accommodation Tip

For a quiet, rustic experience, consider staying at a campground in one of the state parks.

Book well in advance, as sites fill quickly, especially in summer.

Accommodation & Where to Stay