A variety of activities are available if you are interested in spending some time on San Juan Island (or the other islands) either before or after your trip. Here is a sampler of ideas on San Juan Island that include bicycle rentals, viewing The Whale Museum, historic Roche Harbor, a picnic at Whale Watch Park, visiting the British & American Camps, etc.
Bicycle Rentals
San Juan Island (as are Orcas, Shaw & Lopez) is a superb place to bicycle. Island Bicycles (360)-378-4941 located in downtown Friday Harbor rents bicycles by the hour, day or week as well as dispensing friendly, helpful information.
Located 2 blocks from the ferry terminal in downtown Friday Harbor, the museum is a place where people can learn about and enhance their appreciation of whales. It has exhibits as well as providing education and research to promote responsible stewardship of whales and the marine ecosystems upon which they depend.
An historical landmark that was founded more than 100 years ago, Roche Harbor was at one time the largest producer of lime and cement west of the Mississippi. Theodore Roosevelt slept in the hotel which is still open for business. Now, it is a resort with beautiful flower gardens, a restaurant, swimming pool and tennis courts.
Also, be sure to check out the Westcott Bay Sculpture and Nature Reserve outdoor sculpture park at the entrance to the resort.
The only nationally designated whale watching park in the nation is located at Lime Kiln Park on the west side of the island. This is arguable one of the best places on the west coast to see Orca and minke whales, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals and bald eagles from land. Bring a picnic lunch and some binoculars and plan on some serious “hang-time!”
These parks commemorate the days when the United States and Great Britain almost went to war over a pig. This was the so-called Pig War, which came close to erupting after an American settler shot a pig owned by Great Britain's Hudson Bay Company. During the summer the national park service presents an excellent series of programs and special events. They are both good bicycle and picnic destinations. The British Camp also has a great hike to the top of Mt. Young where you get superb views of Haro Strait and some of the other islands.
If you enjoy wines and wine tasting be sure and sample the local wines at San Juan Vineyards. They’ve converted an old school house into a delightful tasting area complete with an outdoor deck and veranda.
It is relatively easy to hop on an inter-island ferry from San Juan Island to either Orcas, Shaw, or Lopez Islands for a day of cycling, sightseeing or whatever.
