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Getting Around San Juan Islands

Getting Around San Juan Islands

San Juan Islands Washington, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

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

Resorts like Roche Harbor Resort and Rosario Resort & Spa provide comprehensive 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, notably in the summer months.
  • 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 rentals for vacation have waterfront access.
  • Cons: Not as many 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, neighborhood 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 "a slower rhythm."

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 serve varied 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, notably in the summer months. Book well in advance.

Washington State Parks reservation system.

Essentials

Bring a Compact camping tent and a comfortable Sleeping bag.

Wearing clothes in layers for varying temperatures.

Experience

A quiet, rustic experience awaits at state park campgrounds.

Immersive nature experience.

Long-Stay Considerations

Benefits
  • exploration of the isles' unique charms.
  • Settle into a local pace of life.
  • Opportunity to do some cooking your own meals, reducing costs.
Challenges
  • Longer-term rentals may require more extensive vetting.
  • Vehicle transport considerations for extended periods.
  • Internet connectivity might change by location, particularly in the countryside.

Important Accommodation Notes

  • Book all accommodations well in advance, especially for popular times.
  • Read reviews carefully before booking, exclusively 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 might 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 individual island offers an unique ambiance; choose the one that is in line with your travel preferences.

Choosing San Juan Island

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

Choosing Orcas Island

  • Home to Moran State Park, offering extensive hiking plus picturesque scenery from Mount Constitution.
  • Eastsound The hamlet 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 calmer 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 area stores 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 book up fast, notably in the summer months.

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