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!!

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...

There is a lot of history to explore here!  In addition to a deeply-rooted Native American history, the isle has a most fascinating natural history and of course is best known for the Pig War of 1959 and its ensuing 12-year peaceful occupation by British and American forces. And the best part, history on San Juan Island is not explored in dark, dusty museums with long, boring descriptions of what went down. No. History on San Juan Island lives on the prairie and on the beach and is experienced in song and stories, by participating, listening, feeling and touching. Understanding the past has never been so much fun.

San Juan Island, with its clean air, awe-inspiring wildlife and breathtaking beauty, truly is a slice of paradise. It’s fragile too. On an island, environmental issues are less removed and more immediate. 

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.

Only 65 miles north of Seattle, San Juan Island with its breathtaking nature and charming slower pace coupled with exhilarating adventures, feels like worlds away. Spring Break is especially delightful, fun for the entire family and so easy to plan. Find your reasons to visit here:

Laura and Gary were the real thing, right from the start. I could tell by the little smile playing around Laura’s mouth at the mere mention of his name, by how Gary’s eyes lit up, his body softening when his Laura was near. I was over the moon when they announced their wedding and totally excited that they choose the Pelindaba Lavender Farm on San Juan Island as their venue.

If this is the year—the one where you pop the question--do we ever have a treat for you! We have scouted the most picturesque, ridiculously romantic, absolutely gorgeous places on San Juan Island to get engaged. All you need to do is get here, be true and promise to love each other until the stars go out and the tides no longer turn.

Please know, that we here at the Earthbox love people in love. We are here for you to help planning your surprise. It’s one of our favorites!

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!

“Love is not only something you feel, it is something you do.” ~ David Wilkerson

Nothing is easier than planning a romantic weekend getaway to San Juan Island, with its over 247 sunny days per year, breathtaking vistas, amazing wildlife and the cute coastal town of Friday Harbor. Come on up and celebrate your love. We have some tips to add extra romance: