May on San Juan Island

May might just be the perfect time to visit gorgeous San Juan Island. The isle is bathed in wildflowers, as the whales return and the pastures, prairies and the serene Salish Sea are dotted with baby wildlife. Whale watching tours are going out daily, just steps from our Friday Harbor hotel. The seasonal restaurants, shops and open-air markets are beckoning, yet the busy Summer season has not quite started yet. Come frolic and have the beaches to yourself!

Mother’s Day

Nothing is easier and more fun than spoiling your Mom on San Juan Island. Treat her to a massage and a facial at our comfy, onsite Spa at Earthbox. Take her to brunch at the waterfront and dinner to the fancy farm-to-table restaurant Duck Soup in the woods. Browse the cute shops and galleries in Friday Harbor for the perfect Mother’s Day gift and book her that pottery glass she always wanted to take.

Woman taking scenic photo on San Juan Island, Washington

Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

Treat yourself to this unique, Summer-only, guided kayaking trip with our friends at San Juan Outfitters. Glide through the serene Salish Sea as each paddle strike creates a phosphorescent glow of bioluminescent plankton and feel like you are living in a dream.

History Month Hikes

May is “History lives Here” month on San Juan Island. As soon as you step foot off the ferry, you are greeted by the gorgeous Portals of Welcome, a totem by Salish Coast artist Susan Point. Learn more about the Coast Salish People who have fished, gathered and hunted here since time immemorial at the comprehensive Visitor’s Center at American Camp National Historical Park. Check out pioneer life at the fun, outdoor Historical Museum in downtown Friday Harbor and take the self-guided historic walking tour through town (find free maps at the bookstore or the visitor’s center).

Memorial Day Parade & Arts Festival

Treat yourself to the Spring Awakening Memorial Weekend Arts Festival on May 24 & 25 in downtown Friday Harbor with live music, fun kids activities and refreshing craft beverages. Among the food to look forward to is COHO’s restaurant Anniversary Barbecue Bash on Sunday, 5/25 from 1-4. Don’t miss Friday Harbor’s inspiring Memorial Day Parade passing by our hotel on Memorial Day morning. May we never forget.