Ultimate San Juan Islands Girl's Getaway Guide: Scenic Byway Road Trip, Best Eats and Top Things to Do

Rich with natural beauty, fresh seafood and local art, the San Juan Islands in Washington state have long been one of my favorite getaways. These rugged, tranquil islands offer a mix of adventure and relaxation that's perfect for a girls' getaway.

The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway road trip (by ferry and car) provides the best way to experience the wild shores and charming villages of the islands. Lopez Island isn't officially part of the scenic byway, but I couldn't resist adding it anyway.

Editor's Note: The writer was hosted.

I followed the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway guide, available to download at the San Juan Islands Visitor Bureau website.

Highlights: What You'll Learn in This Post

• The Route: How to seamlessly navigate the Scenic Byway by ferry and car (including a scenic detour to Lopez Island).
• My Handpicked Spots: Where to find the best local artisan shopping, estate wine tastings and waterfront dining.
• The Logistics: Real-world tips on vehicle reservations, park passes and a look inside the historic Hotel de Haro.
• My Favorite Detour: Why I couldn't resist adding unlisted Lopez Island for its spectacular waterfront parks, relaxing countryside, and wild beauty.

Here's my detailed itinerary to experience the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway, packed with tips and suggestions to make the most of your time on the islands.

Are you ready to explore off the beaten path?Let us inspire you!

Day 1: Ferry to Friday Harbor + Roche Harbor

The Washington State ferry from Anacortes, Washington, takes 1.5 hours to reach Friday Harbor (#1 on the map) on San Juan Island.

While it sounds like a long time, the trip flies by on deck. You can:

• Grab fresh snacks in the galley
• Keep your eyes peeled for whales
• Enjoy the crisp sea breeze on the outdoor viewing deck

Lunch: Spring Street Deli

Grab a quick sandwich and chips at this hole-in-the-wall deli on Spring Street, just a block and a half from the ferry landing.

• The Menu: Choose an iconic signature sandwich or build your own.
• Dietary Friendly: All sandwiches are made to order with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Afternoon: Whales + Shopping + Wine

Friday Harbor is the official first stop on the scenic byway. Spend your afternoon discovering what makes the island’s largest town so much fun:

• Shopping: Explore one-of-a-kind boutiques packed with locally made artisan goods, nautical home decor and fresh bakeries.
• The Whale Museum: Learn about the region’s resident orcas and marine life.
• Jackson Beach Park (#2 on the map) : Dip your toes in the water and hunt for driftwood.

SheBuysTravel Tip:If you plan to visit state parks, such as Lime Kiln on San Juan or Moran on Orcas, you'll need a Washington State Discover Pass. Grab an annual pass ($45 at the time of publication in July 2026) at ACE Hardware in Friday Harbor, or buy a day pass ($10, good for one day at multiple parks) at park parking kiosks.

San Juan Vineyard (#15 on the map)

As you leave Friday Harbor and head toward Roche Harbor, make a stop here. Their award-winning, estate-grown Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine wines are delightfully crisp and refreshing on a warm afternoon.

Check In: Hotel de Haro

I've always wanted to stay in the historic Hotel de Haro and was thrilled to finally get the chance. Roche Harbor Resort offers a variety of accommodations, but I love the Hotel de Haro’s authentic vintage feel.

Located in the center of the resort, the front gallery is the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a snack or glass of wine and watch the evening “retiring of the colors” flag ceremony.

The elegant, vintage rooms feature soft linens, comfortable beds and classic tile bathrooms. I stayed in the John Wayne suite, which features an enormous bathroom with a clawfoot tub big enough to swim in.

Explore Roche Harbor Resort (#14 on the map)

It's hard to beat the charmingly old-fashioned feel of Roche Harbor resort. It's one of my favorite places to slow down, take a stroll and relax.

My Top Spots at Roche Harbor:

• The Company Store: For local snacks and travel souvenirs.
• The Resort Pool: For a leisurely, sun-soaked swim.
• The Chapel: For quiet moments and a beautiful view of the marina.
• The Mausoleum: A scenic walk with a poignant historical destination.
• The Courts: For a casual game of bocce ball.
• The Spa: For much-needed pampering and a massage.
• San Juan Islands Sculpture Park (#13 on the map): To see over 150 unique outdoor art installations set in nature.

Dinner: Downriggers at Friday Harbor

Offering fresh seafood, steaks, burgers and entrees using locally sourced ingredients, Downriggers is a staple in Friday Harbor. I loved the butternut squash risotto almost as much as the panoramic views of the marina and ferry dock.

SheBuysTravel Tip:If you haven't already, make a reservation for dinner at McMillin's Dining Room (Roche Harbor's premier culinary experience) for tomorrow night.Many of the best waterfront dining spots book out weeks in advance, especially for prime sunset windows. Coordinate with your group and lock in your evening reservations for spots like McMillin's Dining Room or Downriggers before you leave the mainland.

Day 2: Exploring San Juan Island

Breakfast: Lime Kiln Cafe

Overlooking the marina, Lime Kiln Cafe is the go-to spot for house-made donuts and coffee. They also serve hearty sit-down breakfasts-try the pork and yam hash for something sweet, tangy and filling enough to fuel a full day of exploring.

Morning: Alpacas + Historic Sites + Beaches

Stop by the Company Store before leaving and pick up snacks and picnic supplies. Restaurants are sparse on the west side of the island and cruising the scenic byway will take most of your day.

English Camp, San Juan Island National Historical Park (Stop #12)

We've been to English Camp several times and it's one of my favorite places on the island. A small formal garden is filled with blooms throughout the summer and the visitor center tells the story of the 1859 boundary dispute between Britain and America (famously known as the Pig War).

San Juan County Park (Stop #10)

This park offers panoramic views of Haro Strait and a small stretch of beach. While there is too much seaweed near the shore for a comfortable swim, it's a popular place to launch kayaks, play in the water and unpack a picnic.

The Farm at Krystal Acres (Stop #11)

Is there anything cuter than a fuzzy, friendly alpaca?

SheBuysTravel Tip: Arrive between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to feed the alpacas and shop at the farm store. No reservations are needed, but check their hours online before heading out so you don’t miss them, as we did!

Lunch: Picnic at Lime Kiln Point State Park and Lighthouse (Stop #9)

Bring your picnic to the Lime Kiln lighthouse, find an open table and settle in to watch the water. Lime Kiln Point is celebrated as one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the world. Even if you don’t spot any whales, the wide views of Haro Strait and the historic lighthouse make it well worth the visit.

Show your annual Washington State Discovery Pass or bring cash for the parking lot kiosk ($10 day pass).

Afternoon: Lighthouse + Historic Sites + Beaches

SheBuysTravel Tip:Cell service can be incredibly spotty or cut out entirely on the rugged west side of San Juan Island, and some carriers will accidentally roam onto Canadian towers. Download offline Google Maps of the islands to your phone and grab physical maps from the visitor bureau so your group doesn't get turned around.

American Camp, San Juan Island National Historical Park (Stop #3)

The American Camp visitor center focuses on the Coast Salish peoples who lived on San Juan Island for millennia, as well as the Pig War history. Grab a selfie with the stout bronze boar, then walk across the parade grounds to see three preserved historical buildings.

South Beach (Stop #4)

At two miles long, South Beach is the longest stretch of public wild coastline in the San Juan Islands. Hiking trails connect it directly to the American Camp visitor center. We dipped our toes in the water, watched for whales and even spotted a bald eagle.

Cattle Point Interpretive Area and Lighthouse (Stop #7)

Cattle Point sits at the southern tip of San Juan Island. It's a windswept spot that's great for watching wildlife and passing ships.

• The Trail: A wide, sandy, 0.5-mile round-trip trail leads from a roadside pullout across the dunes to the lighthouse.
• The Interpretive Area: Farther down the road, this area features stairs leading down to a rocky beach and short hiking trails. (Discovery Pass required).

Have Extra Time? Head to Jakle's Lagoon (Stop #6) and Fourth of July Beach (Stop #5). Explore the area via several looping trails, including a 1.5-mile nature trail that leads up to Mt. Finlayson.

Dinner: McMillin's Dining Room

Feast on fresh seafood, steaks and seasonal dishes at Roche Harbor Resort’s premier restaurant. We savored fresh oysters and a tender pork chop coated in a Four Roses whiskey brown sugar glaze. Best of all, our window table gave us a front-row seat to the flag-lowering Colors Ceremony at sunset.

Day 3: Ferry to Orcas Island + Explore Orcas Island

Breakfast: Lime Kiln Cafe

Grab a quick egg sandwich or an avocado toast and coffee.

SheBuysTravel Tip:Buy a few fresh donuts to munch on during transit. The food service galleys on the inter-island ferries are often closed.

Morning: Ferry to Orcas Island

Riding the inter-island ferries is simple: check the schedule for the Friday Harbor ferries, check in with ferry staff 30–45 minutes early (45–60 in summer) and pull into your assigned lane.

While the main ferry to and from Anacortes requires strict online vehicle reservations, the inter-island ferries operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once parked, you can stretch your legs, grab coffee, or use the restroom until loading time. The scenic crossing takes between 1 and 1.5 hours.

Lunch: Options in Orcas Village

Grab a bite right next to the ferry terminal at Orcas Village (Stop #1):

• Orcas Hotel Cafe: For quick breakfast burritos, sandwiches, burgers and fresh salads.
• Orcas Village Store: A classic deli with hot pizza, made-to-order sandwiches and grab-and-go items.
• Harmony Hive Bistro: For fresh wraps and crisp salads.

Afternoon: Pottery + Scenic Views + Shopping

Deer Harbor (Stop #2)

This waterfront hamlet is all about getting out on the water. It is the main launch point for whale watching tours, sunset cruises and guided kayak excursions. Don’t miss the local gift shop floating on a barge in the marina!

Artisan Pottery Studios

• Crow Valley Pottery (Stop #3): Located in a historic 1866 log cabin, featuring the work of more than 70 regional artists.
• Orcas Island Pottery (Stop #4): The oldest pottery shop in the Pacific Northwest (opened in 1945), showcasing incredible local ceramic artists in a beautiful woodland setting.

Moran State Park (Stop #7)

This 5,252-acre natural jewel extends from sea level up to the highest point in the county. The park features 30 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, hidden waterfalls and three iconic stops:

• Mount Constitution(Stop #10): For 360-degree views of the surrounding islands and Mt. Baker.
• Cascade Lake (Stop #8): Great for swimming and relaxing by the shore.
• Mountain Lake (Stop #9): A tranquil spot surrounded by old-growth forest.

Eastsound Village (Stop #5)

Eastsound is the central hub of Orcas Island. It is highly walkable and incredibly charming, making it easy to spend hours browsing local boutique shops, fine art galleries and artisan bakeries.

Check In: Inn at Ship Bay

Set on a bluff overlooking the water, the Inn at Ship Bay is built around a historic 1869 farmhouse. The guest rooms sit in newer buildings, offering quiet countryside views and private patios or balconies facing the bay.

Included Amenities:

• Gas-log fireplace & seating area
• Mini-refrigerator & flatscreen TV
• Free parking
• Complimentary sodas, water, coffee and tea
• Outdoor Adirondack chairs positioned for watching the bay

Dinner: West Side Kitchen

This local eatery rotates its menu regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients. Expect incredibly flavorful Asian-inspired meals made with island-sourced components, like pork laab from a local Orcas farm or fresh oysters from Judd Cove. Grab a seat on the deck or pick up your dinner to go.

Day 4: Ferry to Lopez Island + Explore Lopez & Orcas Islands

Breakfast: Orcas Hotel Cafe

Get in line 45 minutes early at the ferry loading zone. Once your car is parked in its lane, walk down the hill to the cafe for an espresso and a breakfast burrito or avocado toast on the porch while you watch for the ferry to arrive.

Morning: Ferry Ride + Wild Beaches

The ferry drops you off at the Upright Head Ferry Dock (Stop #1) on the north end of Lopez Island. Though Lopez isn’t an official part of the driving byway, its waterfront parks are spectacular.

If you only have a short time, prioritize these three scenic spots:

• Odlin County Park (Stop #2): Perfect for a sandy beach stroll to watch for wildlife.
• Shark Reef Park (Stop #6): A short hike through old-growth fir and cedar leads to a dramatic, rocky shoreline looking out across the channel.
• Spencer Spit State Park (Stop #11): Features a unique sand spit, lagoon trails and great beachcombing.

Have more time to explore? Add these stops:

• Islandale (Stop #8): A grocery store and casual restaurant perfect for quick refreshments.
• Otis Perkins Day Use Park (Stop #5): A long, narrow beach ideal for birdwatching along the Fisherman’s Bay estuary.
• Historic Richardson (Stop #7): A vintage fishing port offering expansive ocean vistas.

Lunch: Options in Lopez Village

When hunger hits, head into Lopez Village. If you want creative comfort food, the Blue Heron Bistro does an amazing crab cake melt. For casual pub eats and a view of the marina, hit The Islander Bar and Grill. If you want a sit-down waterfront meal where seafood is the absolute star, grab a table at Haven Kitchen & Bar and order the linguini and clams.

Afternoon: Lopez Village + Ferry to Orcas Island

Before catching the ferry back to Orcas Island, save an hour for these final Lopez stops:

• Lopez Village (Stop #4): Browse the local indie shops, galleries and the Lopez Island Historical Society & Museum.
• Hummel Lake Preserve (Stop #10): A quiet inland lake perfect for birding.
• Lopez Island Vineyards (Stop #3): Drop by their tasting room to sample local island-grown wines.

Dinner: Madrona Bar and Grill

Located in Eastsound Village on Orcas Island, this spot overlooks the bay for beautiful waterfront dining. Start with a bowl of local steamed clams or Dungeness crab cakes, then choose from premium steaks, fresh-caught seafood, or giant entrée salads.

Day 5: Art + Scenic Views + Ferry to Anacortes

Breakfast: Cafe Aurora

Located in Eastsound, Cafe Aurora is a beloved local favorite. Choose a breakfast classic like a loaded burrito, or treat the girls to a hearty braised pork belly Benedict on their dog-friendly outdoor patio.

Morning: Art Galleries + Water Views + Shopping

Spend your final morning exploring the quiet, eastern tip of Orcas Island:

• Orcas Island Artworks (Stop #11): Located in a historic building in the hamlet of Olga, this gallery showcases handmade works by 40 local artists. Don't miss the James Hardman Gallery upstairs.
• Obstruction Pass State Park (Stop #12): A gentle, half-mile forest hike leads to one of the island’s largest beaches.
• Doe Bay Resort & Retreat (Stop #13): A relaxed, bohemian seaside resort. You can book a private garden spa rental, shop the resort boutique, or enjoy seed-to-table dining at the Doe Bay Cafe (reservations highly recommended).

Lunch: Brown Bear Baking

For a final island meal, head to Brown Bear Baking in Eastsound. Alongside their famous daily croissants and scones, they serve fantastic quiches, soups and savory handpies-like the mushroom pasty with gruyere and rich bechamel.

Return to Anacortes

The return ferry trip from Orcas Island back to the mainland requires a vehicle reservation. Make your bookings well in advance, arrive an hour before sailing and ensure you let the check-in booth know your final destination is Anacortes.

What to do while you wait at the Orcas ferry terminal:

• Relax on the grass park directly below the vehicle loading lanes.
• Grab last-minute road trip snacks at the Orcas Village Store.
• Pick up a final espresso and pastry from the Orcas Hotel Cafe.

SheBuysTravel Tip:Washington State Ferries releases vehicle reservations for the Anacortes routes in tiers-two months before the season starts, two weeks before the sail date and two days before the sail date at 7:00 AM PST. Set an alarm for the final 2-day window if you missed the initial release, as spots fill up within minutes.

Planning Your San Juan Islands Girls' Getaway: Essential Travel Tips

Getting There

Catch the ferries to the San Juan Islands at the Washington State Ferry (WSF) terminal in Anacortes. A few things to know about the ferries:

• Your ticket from Anacortes to Friday Harbor is a round-trip ticket.
• Making a reservation for your car and buying a ticket for your car (which includes the driver) are two separate transactions.
• The ferries take passengers to the three main islands: Lopez Island, Orcas Island (landing at Orcas Village, which provides easy car access to Eastsound Village) and San Juan Island (docking right in Friday Harbor).
• A direct ferry ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor takes about an hour.
• Keep your eyes peeled for whales and other wildlife.

What to Pack

The Pacific Northwest maritime climate is famous for its sudden shifts, meaning a single afternoon can move from warm sun to a chilly marine fog. Packing smart requires focusing on versatile layers and high-utility items:

• Outerwear: You’ll want broken-in trail runners for the hikes and a solid windbreaker. Even if it's blue skies when you board the ferry, the outdoor viewing decks get incredibly breezy mid-channel and the marine fog can roll in out of nowhere.
• Layered Clothing: Keep it casual and layer breathable base layers (like cotton tees), easily removable mid-layers (such as cozy flannels, cardigans or fleece pullovers) and comfortable leggings or jeans.
• Footwear: Forget the heels. You will want broken-in walking shoes or trail runners with excellent traction.
• Island Essentials: You'll appreciate polarized sunglasses to cut the glare on the water when you're watching for whales. Bring a reusable water bottle for trail hikes and a small daypack to comfortably hold your essentials and layers.

San Juan Islands Girls’ Trip: Frequently Asked Questions

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This story was originally published July 7, 2026 at 12:35 PM.