Perfect 3-Day Fall Getaway on San Juan Island

Three days in the San Juans in autumn promise deep relaxation and the feeling of truly getting away from it all. Indulge your senses with just the right mix of fall festivities, art and culture, solitude amid breathtaking nature, wildlife, and charming community events.

Day 1 – Orca Whales & Fall Foliage

Welcome. You are here, in the heart of the Salish Sea, one of the world's extraordinary places to experience whales and other marine wildlife.

Picnic and Fall Foliage Hike at the Whale Watching Park

Grab a picnic lunch at San Juan Bakery, the Market Chef deli or the San Juan Food Co-op. Stop by the fantastic Friday Harbor Whale Museum to check where the whales were last seen and head to Lime Kiln State Park on the isle’s west side. Explore the light house, underwater hydrophone, whale watching platforms and interpretive trails. Walk along steep cliffs, lime kiln ruins and old growth forest with a keen eye on the water.

Hot Tub, Waterfront Dinner & a Show

Once settled in your room at the Earthbox Inn & Spa, take a pre-dinner dip in the indoor heated pool and unwind in the oversized jacuzzi. Walk the two blocks to the waterfront and have a fresh seafood dinner and handmade cocktails overlooking the harbor.

Meander town for free live music or a poetry reading. See the latest movie at the historic Palace Theater kitty corner from our Friday Harbor Hotel or treat yourself to live theater or a comedy show just a block away.

Day 2 – Art, Oysters & the Top of the World

Start your day at Rocky Bay Café across the street for a sumptuous American Breakfast and drive through lush farmland to the San Juan Island Sculpture Park along gorgeous Westcott Bay. Experience sculptures, poems, interactive art and native birds. While they're still open for the season, head to Westcott Bay Shellfish Company for a fresh oyster lunch by the water.

Visit English Camp National Historical Park, its barracks, cemeteries and formal English garden. Garrison Bay is home to Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, Osprey and many other seabirds. If you are up for a steep, 1.5 mile hike, climb Mt Young and see all the other islands from its top.

For dinner treat yourself to Duck Soup, San Juan’s original farm-to-table restaurants in the woods.

Day 3 – Spa Day, Friday Harbor & Dramatic Sunsets

Sleep in. If your visit falls on a market Saturday, meander to the San Juan Island Farmers Market for fresh coffee, pastries, and locally made treats. Go for a swim and sauna and the Open Sky signature massage – incorporating hot stones, exclusive body oils and a mini facial massage - at our cute, onsite Spa.

Stroll through Friday Harbor, explore boutiques, galleries, wine bars and antique shops. Find the poetry gardens, outdoor sculptures and historic buildings. Have the best Fish & Chips in town at Hailey’s Bait Shop and the last ice cream of the season where the ferry lands.

Bundle up and go to South Beach at American Camp National Historical Park. Observe loons, snowy owls, otters and sea lions while the sun sets over the snow covered Olympics and the moon rises over Lopez Island.

Return to Friday Harbor for a special seasonal dinner at COHO Restaurant to celebrate your last evening on the island and have a nightcap at Cease and Desist overlooking the sailboats bobbing in the harbor.

Ready to start planning your San Juan Island vacation?

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San Juan Island – the Perfect 3-Day Fall Getaway

Ready to start planning your San Juan Island vacation?