The first time I ever saw Orca whales was at Lime Kiln State Park on San Juan Island. My husband, daughter and I had hiked all day in the woods above the park and sat on a picnic bench overlooking the Salish Sea at sun set. We were alone, marveling how beautiful the view was, when suddenly the entire Resident Orca J-pod joined us. Really close to shore, too! So close in fact that I looked an Orca straight in the eye!!

There is so much to do on beautiful San Juan Island and in cute Friday Harbor, it may be hard to decide how to prioritize your stay, especially if it’s your first time visiting. Follow our 10 tips to get a sense of this unique island, it’s rare wildlife, astonishing nature, rich history and culture and, most importantly, to have fun.

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.

It’s Spring and San Juan Island’s meadows and mountains laugh in flowers. The lush farm valleys are dotted with baby sheep and cows and blooming orchards. The Humpback Whales are returning from Hawaii with their new calves. Bald Eagles are teaching their young how to fly. Experience all that on a leisurely walk or a brisk hike on San Juan Island.

Visiting San Juan Island is a bucket list item for sure. It’s one of the few and arguably best places to see Orca whales from land in the world.  It is the site of the last war ever fought on American soil. It’s home to more Bald Eagles and working artists than any other county in Washington State.  And to top it all off, it’s just drop-dead gorgeous here!

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!

When life gives you short days and long nights, go stargazing! With over 247 clear days (and nights) per year and low light pollution, San Juan Island is uniquely (and stunningly) suited to observing the beautiful needle pricks in the cloak of night. At times you can see meteor showers, the northern lights, satellites and the most spectacular full moons shining on the glistening Salish Sea. And the best part: it’s the quiet season. We here at the Earthbox are running amazing specials, you may find yourself alone with the Loons on the beach and get into your favorite restaurant without reservations.

Is your kiddo between 6 and 11 and totally into Orca whales? Does a night alone with your Sweetie - sans bébés - on your San Juan Island getaway sound utterly romantic? Why not leave your child at the Friday Harbor Whale Museum for a night! Yes, seriously!

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.