Friday Harbor Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Juan Island showing boating, a marina and a bay or harbour
San Juan Island which includes aircraft, an aircraft and boating
San Juan Island which includes a city and street scenes
San Juan Island which includes sailing, boating and night scenes
San Juan Island featuring boating and island views

This small town on San Juan Island is home to some special historic sites, festivals, open-air markets, craft shops, galleries and parks.

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.

Inn to the Woods B&B
Inn to the Woods B&B
3.5 out of 5
46 Elena Drive, Friday Harbor, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Reuben Tarte Memorial Park and Mt. Grant Preserve ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (81 reviews)
"We loved the property and the breakfast was delicious. Lovely room and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 31 May 2025

Inn to the Woods B&B
The Orca Inn
The Orca Inn
2 out of 5
770 Mullis St., Friday Harbor, WA
The price is £96 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
£96
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (989 reviews)
"Close to everything."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

The Orca Inn
Friday Harbor Suites
Friday Harbor Suites
2.5 out of 5
680 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA
The price is £227 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£227
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a free ferry terminal shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"N/a"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Friday Harbor Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vintage Island Home 2 Blocks From Town. 4 Bdrs, 2 Kitchens, 3 Bath. Can Sleep 14
Vintage Island Home 2 Blocks From Town. 4 Bdrs, 2 Kitchens, 3 Bath. Can Sleep 14
Friday Harbor, WA
Stay at this holiday home in Friday Harbor. Enjoy tennis courts, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions San Juan Islands Museum of Art and Whale ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (151 reviews)
Great spot
"This was a great house to stay in. Plenty of space lots of light."

Reviewed on 13 Apr 2025

Vintage Island Home 2 Blocks From Town. 4 Bdrs, 2 Kitchens, 3 Bath. Can Sleep 14
The Paddle Shack: Oceanfront deck with multiple levels. Hot Tub! Amazing views!
The Paddle Shack: Oceanfront deck with multiple levels. Hot Tub! Amazing views!
Friday Harbor, WA
Stay at this holiday home in Friday Harbor. Enjoy a sauna, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Whale Museum and San Juan Historical Society and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
Wow, wow, wow.
"We've been to the San Juans several times. This lovely peaceful quiet home with a simply gorgeous view was a pure delight. The kitchen was equipped wonderfully, the beds were great and we loved every minute. I wish we were still there! Thank you. Wow!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

The Paddle Shack: Oceanfront deck with multiple levels. Hot Tub! Amazing views!
Downtown Friday Harbor! Newly Built! (CP)
Downtown Friday Harbor! Newly Built! (CP)
2 out of 5
Friday Harbor, Washington
Stay at this apartment in Friday Harbor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Whale Museum and San Juan Islands Museum of Art are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Enjoyed our Stay
"We really enjoyed our weekend on the island. I’m glad we chose Blue Water Suites for our 2 night stay. It was a great location. I personally loved the community style main area. Everyone was respectful and kind. I definitely plan on staying again next year!"

Reviewed on 22 May 2025

Downtown Friday Harbor! Newly Built! (CP)
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Friday Harbor

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We hired bicycles and cycled round the island. Great experience

Cities near Friday Harbor