The leaves are changing colors, the crisp air is returning and pumpkin spice everything is back. Fall is here!

Even with the changing of the season and summer coming to an end, there are still plenty of fun activities and things to do in Friday Harbor during the fall season.

Get your holiday shopping done early on Spring Street! There are a variety of great shops in Friday Harbor, from book stores to galleries and boutiques, you are sure to find the perfect gift as the holiday season approaches.

Enjoy documentaries?

Then mark your calendars for the Friday Harbor Film Festival!

You won’t want to miss this annual event showcasing documentary films that “Entertain – Inspire – Enlighten” us about the people, cultures and environment of the Pacific Rim.

The Friday Harbor Film Festival is celebrating its 5th year and will take place Nov. 3-5, 2017.

Experience the variety of museums!

Visit the Whale Museum and adopt an Orca, peruse through The San Juan Islands Museum of Art (IMA) and its rotating exhibitions, or step back in time at the San Juan County Historical Museum.

The possibilities are endless in Friday Harbor and San Juan Island – no matter the season!

After exploring Friday Harbor and San Juan Island, stop into the restaurant at Friday Harbor House to warm up and enjoy our featured fall cocktail, “Fall Fashioned.”

This delicious fall cocktail includes Duck Fat Bourbon, Coriander Simple Syrup and Black Walnut Bitters.

Sip, enjoy and experience Friday Harbor in the fall!

You never know when the mood will strike you.

Sometimes you just don’t feel like a home-cooked meal.

You want to set aside the pots and pans, grab the car keys (or the walking shoes), and head out for a meal.

Let someone else do the cooking! You’ve earned a night off.

And now, if you’re missing our Harbor House Burger on Tuesday and Wednesday, we bring good news:

We’re now open seven days a week!

Feeling some Tuesday brunch with Breakfast Poutine? Excellent!

Wednesday night, and you’ve got a craving for a Ribeye cooked to perfection? Done and done.

Because great food with friends shouldn’t just be a weekend thing.

See you soon!

Guestroom update: complete! The results are quite pleasing…

… okay, not just pleased. Thrilled!

The challenge was an interesting one: how do we take themes like modern and maritime, two of the “colder” design themes, and make them warm and comfortable?

Our new guestrooms reflect the San Juan Islands perfectly, replete with bright colors and furniture motifs that harmonize with and accentuate comfort rather than sacrifice it.

But enough of talking about them. See the rooms for yourselves below!

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Light wooden accents give each room a coastal lowland feel, and are a subtle nod to ship design and maritime tradition.

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Modern, functional furniture provides a counterpoint to the rustic feel of the wooden accents.

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And we can’t forget the oversized jetted tub to round out the room.

In the mood for a island escape? We’ve got you covered.

We’re just a ferry ride away. We’ll see you soon!

Photo: Ingrid Taylar

Much like the rest of the Pacific Northwest, the San Juan Islands are rife with natural beauty.

From the pastoral landscapes of the North Bay, to the sweeping fields of Cattle Point State Park, to the majestic beauty of San Juan National Historic Park, to the droves of whales swimming the islands surrounding waters, there’s certainly no shortage of vistas for the nature enthusiast to enjoy.

And it certainly helps that, despite the Northwest’s rainy reputation, the San Juan Islands receive an average of 247 days of sun per year.

But the one we’re likely most famous for is whale watching.

The San Juans are one of the most famous whale watching destinations in the world.

The Travel Channel named the San Juan Islands one of 8 Great Places for a Whale Safari.

Matador Network called us one of “The 12 best places in the US for checking out wildlife without the crowds,” saying that “You can sign up for one of the many operating whale watching tours, or you can head to Lime Kiln State Park and wait for the whales to blow your mind.”

An excellent idea.

But again, while we may whale watching paradise, the doesn’t mean it’s the only outdoor act in town.

The list goes on: biking, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, golfing, scuba diving. They’re all here on our beautiful island home.

So as we transition into summer, make a point to experience the natural beauty of the Northwest.

It’s closer than you think.

At Friday Harbor House, we have something of a penchant for appreciating the “undiscovered” aspects of life.

Take our location.

We love being nestled away in our little corner of the Northwest.

There’s something about being off the beaten path that’s at once comforting and exhilarating.

Familiar things in an unfamiliar place.

The comforts of home far away from home.

Take our restaurant.

Just think of how many new and future favorite dishes we (meaning the general “we,” as people) have yet to find.

We know the ingredients.

We have the recipes.

Just think of them in a slightly different way, and everything changes.

Take our bar.

If you’re a cocktail aficionado, it’s safe to say that you don’t lack for options.

A handful of spirits, and about a million different other permutations of ingredients that make for endless variety.

So much variety means that there’s always a new, exciting combination of components out there to discover.

A firewater frontier, if you will.

Whether it’s at our inn, in our restaurant, or on the islands themselves, expect all the warmth of home, along with just the right amount of unexpected.

It’s only fitting that your wedding happen at a place you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.

Tucked away in idyllic, pastoral islands, Friday Harbor makes for a destination wedding that is quintessentially Northwest.

Friday Harbor House’s stunning marina views offer an amazing ceremony site to exchange vows.

Incredible views, delicious food, and the comfort of knowing that your ceremony and reception are in professional hands.

Those are what make Friday Harbor House the perfect place to celebrate your special day.

Our guest services specialists are available to assist you with your reception menu selections, set up, and event coordination.

If you would like to discuss availability and costs or inquire about your dates, please contact our team at 360.378.8455 or [email protected].

Or fill out our online RFP form.

Learn more about other Columbia Hospitality properties for the wedding or honeymoon of your dreams.

To get into the true spirit of winter on the San Juan Islands, stop by the restaurant for a delicious brunch in the warmth of our newly renovated restaurant.

Enjoy Northwest twists on international favorites, like Korean pork belly egg fried rice, or chilaquiles with fried egg, salsa verde, simmered corn chips, spiced beef, and avocado.

Or, indulge in hearty Americana with the San Juan Classic: two eggs, bacon, sausage, San Juan toast, and cultured butter.

And of course, what brunch would be complete without a full Mimosa kit mixed tableside?

In the mood for a drink that’s a bit more wintry? We’ve got a Baileys & Coffee with your name on it.

View our full brunch menu here.

Stop by and enjoy winter in true island fashion!

In case you missed it: we now serve brunch at Friday Harbor House!

Join us daily for Espresso, Mimosas and Bloody Marys, and delectable favorites like Smashed Avocado Toast, Benton’s Benedict, and Northwest Chilaquiles.

The restaurant at Friday Harbor House is a welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike.

Islanders can wind down at the end of the day with a group of friends while hotel guests can enjoy a delectable San Juan Island dining experience.

Or, wake up to daily brunch and enjoy a latte or espresso alongside creative and comforting favorites and a breakfast cocktail.

All will enjoy taking in the panoramic views of the San Juan Channel, ferry landing and marina.

Seasonal menus highlight the freshest fare from local waters and farms, as well as island-inspired craft cocktails, wine and beer. Friday Harbor House is San Juan Island dining at its best.

View our brunch menu here.

Happy New Year, friends!

We’ve already gotten started on our New Years resolution to be the best island escape in the Pacific Northwest in two big ways:

Changing up our rooms, and changing up our menus.

First, the rooms.

We’ll be refreshing several of our guestrooms and some public space beginning Monday, January 9.

There will be minimal impact to your stay and work will be limited to daytime hours.

We look forward to unveiling our new look for your visit to the San Juan Islands in May!

We’re excited to announce that our breakfast program has changed from a continental breakfast to an a la carte brunch.

Our guests will now enjoy a complimentary made-to-order San Juan Classic breakfast daily including eggs, sausage, bacon, and toast served with juice and local San Juan Roasters coffee.

In addition to the San Juan Signature breakfast, you can order from the regular brunch menu and you’ll receive 25% off (excluding alcohol).

Here’s to “better” in 2017!

The holiday season is in full swing here on the San Juan Islands.

The days are shorter and colder, but that just means that there’s more time to get cozy inside by the fireplace with a warm drink.

It’s a magical time of the year. One that’s meant to be spent celebrating those closest to you.

We can’t of a better place to celebrate than together on the islands.

Escape the holiday madness and retreat to Friday Harbor House for a relaxing getaway where the seasonal island charm and celebrations are sure to warm your spirits!

Wander the streets of downtown surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights donning the local shops and parks.

Or, time your getaway to attend festive Friday Harbor events like the annual Holiday Boat Parade.

Top it off with a bottle of wine and house-made chocolates and your island holiday will be one to remember.

Package includes:

  • One-night stay
  • Bottle of wine and house-made holiday chocolates in room upon arrival

Click here to book now!

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