5 Absolutely Amazing Bicycle Routes on San Juan Island

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Bicycling Adventures on San Juan Island

San Juan Island is known for its safe and scenic bike routes. If it’s a good work-out through picturesque farmland and panoramic views of the snow-covered Olympics over the wild Strait de Juan de Fuca you’re looking for, you will find it here! 

At Earthbox Inn & Spa, we’ve got you covered—from a safe spot to lock up your bike, to helping you plan your route, to sending you to our friends at Meat Machine Cycles if you need a rental or a quick repair

Important Summer 2025 Roadwork Update: A few of our usual routes are currently affected by construction—most notably Bailer Hill Road and Douglas Road, which are not ideal for biking at the moment. We recommend checking in at the front desk for up-to-date detour suggestions and alternate routes (we have some local favorites that are just as scenic and way smoother). There’s still plenty of incredible riding to be had!

Whatever ride you choose, you will be by the breathtakingly beautiful Salish Sea and no matter when you go, you will find moments of solitude and calm. Enjoy!

5 Best Places to Eat with Kids in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

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Ice cream in Friday Harbor

Eating out with kids in an unfamiliar place can be challenging, but also fun if you keep an open mind, especially in kid-friendly Friday Harbor, where kids are welcome anywhere and you can show up in jeans and a T-shirt, stroller in tow, even at the fanciest of places. Here are 5 places which are pleasurable for adults and serve yummy, kid-friendly food, which won’t burst your budget, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your trip.

The Best Time to visit San Juan Island

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Ferry to San Juan Island

Among the many things we love about San Juan island are the dramatically changing seasons. It is a completely different experience to visit in the height of Summer when the entire island is pulsing with life and people, as opposed to the middle of Winter when you can drive around an entire day without seeing another car. And the best part: all seasons are absolutely stunning. So really, all you have to figure out is which season is your San Juan Island season.  Or perhaps they all are!

A Day at the Museums on the Island

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San Juan Island, Washington

San Juan Island is known for its stunning vistas, amazing wildlife, rich history and bountiful culture. You can experience all of that in a single day at San Juan Island’s unique museums. Listen to the Orcas sing, visit the first county jail, watch Blue Herons fish among art. It doesn’t sound like your regular museum day, does it? It’s not--you are in for a real treat!

18 Packing Tips for Your Family Trip

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Visit San Juan Island

Do you regularly bring home tons of clean, untouched clothes from your trips? Are you at a total loss when it comes to decide how many outfits to bring for the kids on an island trip? Do you have trouble deciding what to bring when both sea kayaking and going to a fancy restaurant are on the menu for your weekend getaway? If you are visiting San Juan Island for a night from Seattle or for a week from Spain, we have some Earthbox guest-tested, Island specific packing tips for you.

Main Beaches on San Juan Island You Don’t Want to Miss!

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San Juan Island, Washington

San Juan Island offers not only astonishing beauty and wildlife, world-class whale watching, rich history, amazing art, and really good food, it also has spectacularly beautiful beaches. Whether you are a beachcomber or birder, want to go for a refreshing dip or are looking for tide pools filled with bright sea stars and anemones, our island has the perfect beach for that.

5 Awesome Places to go Swimming on San Juan Island

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5 Awesome Places to go Swimming on San Juan Island

The crystal clear, deep green waters surrounding San Juan Island look incredibly inviting for a swim, but take note--they are at a (brr….) 50 degrees, even in the Summer, largely too cold to take a dip, except for the young and hearty.  And yet, that doesn’t mean you have to go without a nice swim on your Summer island vacation. We found 5 lovely spots to play in the water on the isle. Find out which one floats your boat.

Top Activities for Family Reunions & Business Retreats on San Juan Island

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San Juan Island, Washington

San Juan Island makes for an amazing place for a family reunion or a business retreat. It is so close to Seattle, only 45 minutes by plane, and yet feels like you are far far away with its slower pace, pristine and breathtaking nature and unique things to do.

We at the Earthbox Inn & Spa have the guest rooms and conference center to accommodate reunions or retreats...