San Juan Islands Scenic Byway Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The view getting off the ferry at Friday Harbor in San Juan Island. The perfect weekend getaway in western Washington!

If you’re driving, you can drive on the ferry from Anacortes. However, for a quicker trip from downtown Seattle, you can walk on the Clipper at the Seattle waterfront (no cars) and sail all the way directly to Friday Harbor! If you’re lucky, you may see some orcas - I saw about a dozen, including calves jumping out of the water when I went in July last year!

Friday Harbor is a fun little seaside town with lots of little cafes and shops.
The view getting off the ferry at Friday Harbor in San Juan Island. The perfect weekend getaway in western Washington!

If you’re driving, you can drive on the ferry from Anacortes. However, for a quicker trip from downtown Seattle, you can walk on the Clipper at the Seattle waterfront (no cars) and sail all the way directly to Friday Harbor! If you’re lucky, you may see some orcas - I saw about a dozen, including calves jumping out of the water when I went in July last year!

Friday Harbor is a fun little seaside town with lots of little cafes and shops.
Kayaking and looking for whales. I booked a tour and since it was early in the season we had the guides to ourselves! It was one of the best tours of nature I've ever had. We even saw killer whales hunting seals but sadly I could not capture then in picture.
We rented these fun little go-cart cars to tour the island.  It was so much fun!  They gave us a map and pointed out the highlights to explore:  beaches, a lighthouse, a lavender farm, whale watching!  So many things to discover!
Since Nature has no set schedule like us humans, it takes patience and a bit of luck to see resident Orca's, but luckily the K Pod family was in a playful mood yesterday!

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and holiday homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Fairmont Empress

Fairmont Empress

4.5 out of 5
721 Government St Victoria BC
The price is £180 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
£180
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Victoria. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,635 reviews)
Every thing was walking distant, food, shopping

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Fairmont Empress
Huntingdon Hotel and Suites

Huntingdon Hotel and Suites

3 out of 5
330 Quebec Street Victoria BC
The price is £115 per night from 11 Mar to 12 Mar
£115
11 Mar - 12 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Victoria. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,982 reviews)
0

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Huntingdon Hotel and Suites
Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites

Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites

3.5 out of 5
740 Burdett Ave Victoria BC
The price is £115 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
£115
17 Mar - 18 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Victoria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,596 reviews)
Had a greeat stay staff was very accommodating and nice

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Chateau Victoria Hotel and 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.
The 'Captain's Suite' at Sea Star Lofts -- On the Waterfront!

The 'Captain's Suite' at Sea Star Lofts -- On the Waterfront!

Eastsound WA
Stay at this beach condo in Eastsound. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Darvill's Bookstore and Orcas Island Historical ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (194 reviews)
The setting and view were lovely and the space was very comfortable

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026

The 'Captain's Suite' at Sea Star Lofts -- On the Waterfront!
The Parkside Hotel & Spa

The Parkside Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
810 Humboldt Street Victoria BC
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Victoria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,282 reviews)
The Parkside was perfect for our family trip. Location was great for walking around the city. We loved the pool and the koi fish in the lobby!

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

The Parkside Hotel & Spa
Raintree's Sandcastle

Raintree's Sandcastle

3.5 out of 5
7854 Birch Bay Drive Blaine WA
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Blaine. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (597 reviews)
Beautiful views from our condo. The staff is amazing they made us feel very welcome,were helpful and informative.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Raintree's Sandcastle
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.

Cities near San Juan Islands Scenic Byway