We love sharing our island and providing a base camp for our guests to authentically experience, discover and explore our island’s stunning nature and rich culture. Pristine San Juan Island, its rugged shorelines, breathtaking beaches and great hiking trails are the precious home to rare wildlife.

Beautiful San Juan Island, nestled in Washington State between the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island, lays in the so-called Olympic Rain Shadow. Where Seattle is drenched in 58 inches of rain per year, San Juan Island experiences 250 sunny days per year with only 29 inches of yearly rainfall. And when you come visit on day number 251? Do not worry! Friday Harbor and San Juan Island offer an abundance of things to do, rain or shine!

My name is Louis and I own the Earthbox Inn & Spa. I’m in charge of making sure that my fellow dog brothers and sisters have a lovely vacation here at our hotel and on our island. I lay on all dog blankets before we hand them out. I meet and greet our dog guests in the lobby and tell them the best places to sniff, run and get your ears blown in the wind...

“Is not the kiss the very autograph of love?” – Henry Finck What can be more romantic than visiting a small island with breathtaking scenery and staying in a cute small town, where you can walk to everything? Kissing in such a place is more romantic. I have to admit I’m biased. Friday Harbor and San Juan Island are about the most romantic places in my world. My husband proposed here. We got married here. We visit often and retrace our steps…and kiss, with eyes and hearts wide open.

Updated June 2017 One of the rewarding things about working in a hotel on a small island in paradise, is to meet people from all over the world, from all walks of life, with different expectations about what is normal and what is exotic. All those people come to us with questions. Some of which we hear every year, others surprise us and we need to find the answers ourselves (we love that, so don’t stop asking!) We compiled the most frequently asked questions for your information and amusement, because as we all know, there is no such thing as a stupid question.

Don’t let the weather stop you from visiting the island this winter.  There’s so much to do—and see—even from the comfort of your car.  This is a great time to take a driving tour of beautiful San Juan Island, listening to lovely music and taking it all in.  We have found the perfect spots just for you, where you suddenly come around a corner and the vista before you simply takes your breath away.

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!

Winter is spectacular on San Juan Island. The Olympic Rain Shadow allows for crystal clear, sunny days to make you feel at times like you have landed in the Caribbean, but without the palm trees.

Taking your family on a road trip to an island is a brave and challenging adventure. Fear not!  We understand that the logistics can be complicated and the cost a little daunting, but we have some great travel tips for you, which will make your San Juan Island vacation the relaxing, memory making, fun break you and your family deserve.

Are you looking for a little more joy in your holiday season?  Visit us on San Juan Island, where the slower pace of island life will greet you the moment you step off the ferry, where the quaint small town Holiday happenings will fill your heart with joy and put a smile on your face. Create meaningful memories with your family without breaking the bank or your patience. For many of us we’ve forgotten how to really enjoy the Holiday Season. We encourage you to take break and to take back your holidays.