Explore Friday Harbor- The Anacortes ferry stops right in Friday Habor. Hop off the ferry and explore the boutique shops or get a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants!

Oysters & a drink- One of our favorite things to do is enjoy oysters at Westcott Bay. Some of the freshest oysters you will ever have. Located on a beautiful property with a view of the bay where they oysters are farmed, visit Westcott Bay Shellfish Company for locally sourced oysters and seafood.

Whale watching trip - whale watching peak season in May - September, where one can witness orcas, porpoises, and humpback whales in their natural habitat.

Hiking and Biking- there are many scenic trails on the island. Popular trails include the San Juan County Park trails, Lime Kiln State Park trails, and the Perrigo Road Trail.

Susie's Mopeds- take a unique ride on the 48-mile loop around the island on two and three-wheeled motor vehicles or a 4-seater Chevy Tracker. So fun!

Kayaking and Paddleboarding- Explore hidden coves, secluded beaches, and more. Visit the San Juan Website for more information on rentals and tours!

Wine Tasting- Sip on award-winning wines at San Juan Vineyards, overlooking the picturesque valley. Savor the distinct flavors of island-grown grapes and learn about the local winemaking process.

Friday Harbor Historical Museum- Delve into the island's rich past, from its Native American roots to its early European settlers and bustling lime kiln industry.

Boat Rentals- Island Boat Rentals offers 21” welded aluminum boats with canvas enclosures, touchscreen navigation systems, and will seat up to six passengers. See the islands from the perspective that only a boat ride can give you. Fish, crab, whale watch, or just cruise with the tide. Crab/fishing license, tackle, and bait can be purchased at the Company Store.

English Camp- Step back in time at this preserved military base, used during the Pig War, a bloodless border dispute between the United States and Great Britain. Explore the fort, barracks, and learn about the fascinating history.

Lime Kiln State Park- Hike through the park and discover the remains of massive lime kilns, once used to produce lime for construction. Enjoy panoramic views of the Salish Sea and keep an eye out for whales in the distance!

Other Landmarks:

Grandma Cove

South Beach

Cattle Point Lighthouse

False Bay

Pelindaba Lavendar Farm

Whale Watch Park

Our wedding venue resort also has a ton of great things to do!

Pool- The Tarte Pool Center has an 82-degree heated pool, with a separate kid pool, and activities like ping-pong and water toys.

Tennis & Pickleball Courts- The resort provides rackets and balls! Two tennis courts are open from May to September. Ext. 1605 | 360-378-9800.

Bocce Ball- Two courts are in front of Quarryman Hall. Check out the Bocce balls at the Front Desk.

Hiking & Trails- Roche Harbor’s trail system winds all over the northern part of San Juan Island. Maintained in large part by a dedicated group of volunteers. The Trails Committee has created a wonderful map for locals and guests to use while out on the trails. Also, check out the mausoleum, an open-air rotunda memorial for the McMillan family, in the forest at the edge of the resort.

Historical Walking Tour- The resort has put together a historical walking tour to see the history of Roche Harbor. See more than a dozen significant areas around the resort, including the Hotel de Haro, the lime kilns, the chapel, and the wharf building.

Restaurants:

Lime Kiln Cafe- Order at the counter breakfast & lunch.

Madrona Bar & Grill- Casual coastal cuisine for lunch & dinner.

McMillin's - Fine dining dinner.

Beachtree Icecream & Espresso- opens at 7 am.

Landmarks:

The Space Needle - Great views of the city. Ticket prices vary depending on the time of day and demand.

Pike Place Market - explore the many vendors in the market, see the first Starbucks, check our the water views, grab some street food, or book a reservation at the famous Matt's in the Market.

University of Washington campus - Natalie's alma mater. Check out The Quad, Drumheller Fountain, and Suzallo Library.

Columbia Tower- more budget-friendly than the Space Needle, the tallest building in Seattle with panoramic views.

Lake Washington & Lake Union - I recommend swimming in Lake Washington at Madison Beach Park or Magnuson Park, and walking around Lake Union by the South Lake Union Park.

The Fremont Troll- Statue that sits under the Fremont Bridge.

The Amazon Spheres

Parks:

Kerry Park - small park in Queen Anne with views of the skyline and space needle.

Gasworks Park - Another great view of the skyline with Lake Union in the foreground. One of our favorites. Great spot for a picnic.

Discovery Park - a huge park that feels like you're not in the city! Views of the Puget Sound, and walk along the beach to the lighthouse!

Green Lake Loop - beautiful 2.8-mile loop around the lake with lots of people and dogs. Great spots nearby such as Retreat Cafe, Wooden City Tavern, Rositas, and more.

Golden Gardens - beach with a view of the sound near Ballard.

Our Fave Neighborhoods to check out:

Ballard, Fremont, South Lake Union, Capitol Hill, Green Lake.

Activities & More:

Fremont Sunday Market - explore the local vendor market and shops in the surrounding area. Walk on the water path below the market. Grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks or restaurants in the area.

Ballard- walk down Ballard ave and explore the many boutiques. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants such as Bar Sabine, Moshi Moshi, and Matador. Then stop by the Ballard locks and check out the fish ladder.

Seattle Art Museum

Seattle Aquarium

Rent a Hot Tub Boat or Donut Boat on Lake Union

Flatstick Pub - mini golf and drinks.

Drag Queen Brunch at Dreamland in Fremont

Attend a sporting event

Ride the ferris wheel downtown

Hikes:

Mt. Ranier - need reservation.

Lake 22

Snoqualmie Falls

Poo Poo Point

Rattlesnake Ridge

Day Trips:

Bainbridge Island, WA

Whidbey Island, WA

Deception Pass, WA

Leavenworth, WA

Vancouver, Canada

Portland, OR

Our Favorite Restaurants:

Ray's Cafe- seafood and sea view in Ballard!

Grappa - Italian with a Mediterranean flare in Queen Anne.

Duke's- seafood, and a view of South Lake Union at the SLU location.

Terra Plata - shareable dishes in Capitol Hill.

Matt's in the Market- in Pike's Market, great for lunch or dinner!

The Pink Door- famous Italian restaurant in Pike's Market known for having performers while you eat. Reservations are coveted so make one a month in advance.

Tacos Chuki's- quick steet tacos & more.

Agua Verde - Mexican food on the water in U District.

Other Coast Cafe - quick and delish sandwiches togo in Ballard.

Magnuson Brewery - local beers, picnic tables, and a water view! Get the fish tacos, burger, or kale salad with chicken.

Fremont Brewery- Grab food from a nearby restaurant and eat it here.

Gasworks Brewery- Located right on Lake Union, this is a great spot for views of the lake and a refreshing beer. They have a small menu of bites to eat!

For more restaurant recommendations based on neighborhood or type of food check out The Infatuation (I trust them with my life😉).