Enjoy the simplicity and serenity of San Juan Island’s gateway town. Friday Harbor is central to the transport, culture and commerce on San Juan Island, but the town is small and only has 2,000 inhabitants. Visit the cafés, restaurants, craft shops, festivals and galleries to get a sense of the community spirit on the island. In summer visitors flock here from the mainland and the bars and restaurants hum with a good natured atmosphere.

Culture thrives in Friday Harbor. Browse the art market, only a stone’s throw away from the ferry landing at Brickworks Plaza. Shop for hand-made pottery, jewelry, clothing and soaps. In summer, enjoy live music and theatre shows in the open air, visit one of the many festivals or simply sit in one of the waterfront bars and soak in the stunning views.

Take a self-guided walking tour of churches, parks and historical buildings. Pause at the granite memorial from 1921 in Memorial Park, which commemorates the locals who died in World War I. Don’t miss the San Juan Historical Museum, located in an old pioneer farmhouse. Tours are available throughout the year and its lawns are also used for major festivals and free live music nights.

Waterfront restaurants serve fresh seafood, harvested on the island, and a wide range of international cuisines, suiting all budgets. Treat yourself to an ice cream for dessert and take a seat on one of the benches in town for some people-watching. 

To learn the names and habits of the resident orcas, head to the Whale Museum. Increase your chance to spot the seal colonies and pods of whales by joining one of the daily wild life cruises, kayak tours or scenic flights. During your trip you may meet the international graduate students of the Friday Harbor Laboratories, a world-renowned marine biology section of the University of Washington. 

The town sits on the east coast of San Juan Island. Ferries sail directly from Anacortes on the mainland and water taxis can drop you off at nearby islands. Friday Harbor’s airport is close to the town center and has connections to cities such as Seattle and Bellingham.

Accommodation in Friday Harbour

Hotel options in Friday Harbour are known to be a bit limited. Before you leave, browse the range on Expedia's up-to-date Friday Harbour lodging page.

The Friday Harbour Suites and Tucker House Inn are among the best accomodations that are to be found on the island.

No matter how fancy your hotel room is, don't spend your stay confined to your room or lying near the pool. There are endless experiences to be had!

This place has loads of activities on offer. Here are some suggestions to jump start your trip to Friday Harbour:

• Full-Day San Juan Whale-Watching Cruise & Lunch
• San Juan Whale Watching Tour from Seattle
• San Juan Islands Orca Wildlife Kayaking Tour
• Whale Watching Day trip from Seattle to San Juan Island
• One-Way Private Water Taxi from Anacortes to Friday Harbour
• Private Whale Watching Charter from Friday Harbour

For the entire list of options, head to our Friday Harbour things to do page.