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!
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.
It's February and we are all thinking about it: Valentine's Day. Should we do something? It's just a Hallmark Holiday. That said, it really is so sweet and validating to plan something special. And while I'm over chocolates and flowers, we could still use a little break. We can celebrate our love any day of the year and if it takes Valentine's Day to motivate us to plan a romantic getaway then let's not overthink it.
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.
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 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!
There is nothing easier than eating healthy when vacationing on San Juan Island. For starters, the entire island is fast-food-chain free. We islanders treat our farmers, fishermen and artisan cheese, wine and bread makers like the artists they are and deeply appreciate the care and hard work with which they steward our precious land and fragile sea....
On the north end of San Juan Island, nestled around a lake, butting up against pristine Westcott Bay, is the 20 acres Westcott Bay Sculpture Park. We visited on a sunny spring day, hoping to stretch our legs for a couple of hours and see something inspiring, maybe even holding the attention of the kids for a moment. Boy, did we get rewarded...
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.