San Juan Island in October

Welcome to San Juan Island’s secret season, when the weather, thanks to the Olympic rain shadow, offers long, sunny days and the isle is draped in warm Fall colors. October is for feasting on the local autumn abundance in cute farm-to-table restaurants, long walks on abandoned beaches and seeing off the Humpbacks before their migration to Hawaii. Explore the Fall exhibitions at the local museums and treat yourself to the acclaimed Friday Harbor Film Festival. Come Savor the San Juans this Fall.

Last Whale Watching Tour

Our friends at San Juan Safaris offer whale watching tours through October just steps from our hotel. In the Fall, just off San Juan Island, it is not uncommon to spot different families of Orca whales, porpoises, Stellar sea lions, Bald Eagles and other seabirds on guided whale watching tours. It is almost certain that you’ll encounter the majestic Humpbacks. In October they prepare for their Winter migration to Hawaii, where they mate and breed - a whopping 6,000-mile migration.

Saturday Farmers Market

The San Juan Island Farmers Market in the heart of Friday Harbor delights with local produce, meats, cheeses , island made goodies like flavored sea salts, freshly baked pastries and honey, as well as island arts and crafts, free live music and chair massages.

Saturdays from 9:30am to 1:00pm.

Spirit of Water with Chenoa Egawa

Deepen your connection to the Salish Sea and get inspired to honor and protect these life-giving waters with moving storytelling, song, and visual reflection by Chenoa Egawa (Lummi and S’Klallam). A community seafood feast is followed by an immersive evening of Indigenous song, ceremony, and teachings in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day and Orca Recovery Month.

Saturday, October 12, 2025, at Brickworks.

Makers Art Market

Explore and support island made arts and crafts in Friday Harbor’s adorable Grange Hall overlooking the waterfront.

Sunday, October 12, 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Grange Hall.

Friday Harbor Film Festival

The Friday Harbor Documentary Film Festival prides itself on presenting stories from the Pacific Rim and beyond to entertain, inspire, educate and enlighten. Located in quaint Friday Harbor, on gorgeous San Juan Island, you get it all: small town feel and big city entertainment in paradise. Meander from venue to venue, meet the directors and dress up fancy for the award Gala.

October 23 to October 26, 2025, all over walkable Friday Harbor.

Happy Hour at Duck Soup

Indulge in a delightful Fall Farm-to-Table dinner at this rustic, comfy, former shed in the woods. Besides local, seasonal fare, Duck Soup offers foraged goods from sea and land as well as handcrafted cocktails, all by a huge river stone fireplace. Come for Happy Hour and receive 25% off everything.

Happy Hour: Thursday through Sunday 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Farm Tours

Fall is for farm tours. Book yourself a private tour and tasting at Madrone Cellars, one of the isle’s finest wine and cider makers. Surrounded by Land Bank preserved land and shared property with Island Haven Animal Sanctuary, the winery is, in simple words, a happy place. Or add-on a tasting for two at their spectacular downtown tasting room right when you make your room reservation with us.

Treat yourself to October on San Juan Island. Don’t forget to book yourself a massage at our cute spa and check out our amazing Lodging Specials before you book.