How to Plan an Easy & Fun Winter Getaway to San Juan Island

San Juan Island in Winter is delightful, affordable and uncrowded. While we do have these useful tips for you, anytime you visit San Juan Island, there is no need to over-plan. Leave room to simply be and let the day unfurl, wander, be curious, and let the island’s magic ensue.

Weather

Winter in the San Juans is temperate. We do get our share of rain, wind, frost and even snow sometimes. More often though, it’s crisp and sunny, because we are tucked between the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island, and get to enjoy living in the light of the Olympic Rain Shadow. It rains roughly half as much here as in Seattle, and even on very dreary days, the sun often makes an appearance for a rather dramatic sunset.

Ferries & Taxis & Bikes, oh my

The Washington State Ferry, serving San Juan Island from Anacortes, runs year-round in (almost) every weather and is worth the trip alone--it's such a gorgeous ride. Car reservations are recommended, but not as crucial as when travelling in Summer.

Alternatively, you can leave your car in Anacortes, at the ferry landing, and walk on the ferry, which has the added benefit of being much more affordable than bringing your vehicle. The ferry docks in downtown, completely walkable Friday Harbor. Public transportation is not available during the Winter months, but taxis are, as well as bicycle and moped rentals.

Getting to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island

Take advantage of lodging and spa specials

Before you go always check our amazing lodging and spa specials and remember to book direct. When you book through our website or over the phone (360-378-4000 ext 1), you communicate with us here on the ground, the same folks who check you in and bring you more pool towels. We know our property inside and out, know the cutest dog-friendly room, the quietest or most romantic places to stay and the best options for a family of five or your six girlfriends and you. You can book spa treatments, whale watch tours and in-room goodies, like chocolate and champagne, with us. There are no hidden fees, lost reservations or hassle with changing or cancelling your booking and we always offer the best prices and match if you happen to have found something cheaper somewhere else.

Fun at the Earthbox Inn & Spa in Friday Harbor

Al Fresco Lunches with a view

Eating out for all meals can get spendy. How about eating your lunch outside instead? Grab some local, smoked seafood, a crusty bread and a bottle of wine and go to the whale watch park to look for Orcas. Or head to South Beach with s'more makings and hot cocoa and have a winter bonfire with a view, before coming back to the hotel and warming up in our hot tub. Ask us at the front desk for bottle openers, compostable cutlery, paper plates and cups.

Art & Markets

There are nine galleries, three museums and countless shops offering local arts and crafts within a three-block radius of our Earthbox. The Winter’s Farmer’s Market offering food, arts and crafts, live music and chair massages, is held every first and third Saturday at the Brickworks. Explore the free (donations welcome), dog-friendly San Juan Sculpture Park on the north end of the isle, displaying over 150 sculptures on 20 acres along five trails through the woods and along beautiful Westcott Bay. The park is a great place for a picnic as well.

Hiking & Birding & Wildlife Watching

Winter is an incredible time for birding in the San Juans. Over 300 seabirds call the island their Winter home. One of the best places to watch birds is on the south shores of Cattle Point Light House in American Camp National Historical Park, where the Haro Strait meets the Strait of Juan de Fuca. You’ll also find Steller sea lions there, as well as seals, foxes, bunnies, eagles and sometimes Orca whales. Bring those binoculars. Check out our 5 Favorite Hikes in this article.