Tag Archives places to stay friday harbor

Leaves transitioning from green to reds, oranges, and yellows signify another summer falling away. Here in the San Juan Islands, another sure sign of fall is when the streets seem to mirror the trees dropping their leaves as the once bustling sidewalks become less and less crowded.

As the seasons shift from summer to fall, there are many opportunities to tap into island time, enjoy the island at your own pace, and savor the San Juans – literally!

This fall marks the 15th year of the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau’s “Savor the San Juans“, a celebration of local farms, food, and films.

If you’d like to explore San Juan Island and are looking for a home base, Friday Harbor House is here to make our House your home. Stays between September 6 and October 31 will receive a 10% off our Best Available Rate with our Savor the San Juans & Save offer. Islander Tip – enjoy the less busy side of the island with a midweek stay and receive a bottle of San Juan Vineyards wine.

Our charming and modern hotel, steps from town and ferry landing, offers some of the best hospitality and views in Friday Harbor. Your room features a cozy and romantic atmosphere, with a king bed, picture window, gas fireplace, and an oversized jetted tub.

To inspire your trip here’s an inside look at all the island has to offer in celebration of “Savor the San Juan’s.”

San Juan Island Farm Tours
San Juan Island is home to an abundance of farmers. We celebrate their dedication to offering fresh and delicious bounty throughout the year. From educational presentations and delicious foods to free kid’s activities, pressing cider, and friendly farm animals, there is truly something for everyone.

When: September 22-25
Where: Visit Farm Tours San Juans for the latest info.

San Juan Island Farmers Market
If traveling out to the island’s plethora of farms doesn’t fit your schedule, not to worry, as multiple farms can be enjoyed at the San Juan Island Farmers Market!

The lively and vibrant market features delicious island-raised produce, fruit, dairy products, fresh local seafood, shellfish, meats, and cheese.

Don’t miss the prepared food vendors that bring market shoppers delicious bounties like freshly baked goods, local seafood paella, San Juan Sea Salt, and homemade pasta from Orcas Island.

Many of the island artisans can also are scattered amongst the food vendors selling their unique quality crafts!

When: Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. until October 1
Where: Brickworks

Savor, then Sip San Juan Wines
For local wine, San Juan Vineyard is a beautiful vineyard with 30 serene rolling acres, a winery, a historic tasting room, and fire pits for relaxing and is located just on the outskirts of town.

While visiting, you can sip from a line-up of award-winning wines, including estate-grown estate-grown Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine. The grapes grown on their island estates are transformed into light, refreshing white wines and pair perfectly with seafood and light meats.

Book our Savor the San Juans offer, stay midweek, and receive a bottle of San Juan wines.

Cheers to Local Beer!
If beer is more to your taste, join San Juan Island Brewing Company for their Oktoberfest Celebration.

Enjoy a variety of local handcrafted beer, a German-themed menu, live music, costume contests, and games and activities for all ages.
When: October 1 and 2 from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: San Juan Island Brewing Company

Friday Harbor Film Festival
If you’re interested in experiencing some of the art scenes on the island, then the Friday Harbor Film Festival is for you. Each year the festival invites dedicated, talented filmmakers to highlight their documentary films’ unique ability to inspire and enlighten audiences. This year’s documentaries highlight island cultures, marine ecology, heroic adventures, sustainable agriculture, and more stirring stories of human interest.

When: In theaters on October 21 – 23. Cozy up in your hotel room October 24 – 30, when on-demand screenings are available.
Where: San Juan Community Theater

Along with scheduled Savor the San Juan activities, the island in fall has so much to offer, from shopping in town to exploring parks, hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.

Our brunch menu at The Restaurant offers the perfect pre-adventure fuel for your day with views that will excite you for what’s to come!

After checking items off your San Juan Island bucket list, come back to The Restaurant to relax and enjoy our locally-sourced dinner menu. Indulge while watching the ferries come and go, sip in the breathtaking sunset views from the patio, then unwind in the comforts of your room.

No matter what activities fill your stay, after a busy day of reaping the bounty of San Juan Island, relax and make yourself at home back at Friday Harbor House. We are here to help make your experience unforgettable.

Spring is here once again, and it’s time to tell winter to take a hike.

Sunnier skies, longer days, blooming trees and flowers, and the promise of a warm summer ahead.

It’s a time of regrowth and renewal, and we’re sure we won’t have to impress upon you its figurative significance given the last year or so we’ve had.

While things may not quite be back to the way they were just yet, the new season presents a fabulous opportunity to get outside and break free of the winter doldrums.

And if you ask us, nothing does the trick quite like a hike.

Besides a stay in our comfortable guestrooms, of course!

The San Juan Islands are a hiker’s paradise, with plenty of opportunities for fun adventures and lasting memories.

It was a tough call, but we narrowed the list down to five of our favorite hikes.

And a quick note on our difficulty grades you’ll see below: while the hikes range from Easy to Challenging, this is simply as they relate to each other.

Even Challenging ones do not require any sort of significant mountaineering experience, and are suitable for hikers of nearly all experience levels.

Just remember to stay hydrated!

san-juan-islands-lime-kiln-state-park

Dead Man’s Cove to Lime Kiln State Park

Difficulty grade: Easy

The lighthouse at Lime Kiln State Park is one of the most iconic photo-ops on the San Juan Islands.

And while the lighthouse may look quaint, nearby Dead Man’s Cove holds some colorful history.

The west side of San Juan Island, including Dead Man’s Cove, used to be a stopping point on a long smuggling route from Seattle all the way to the Far East.

So while you may not find any gold doubloons in a treasure chest, you will have one beautiful addition to your Instagram feed.

Young Hill

Difficult grade: Medium

Standing proudly on the northwest corner of San Juan Island, Young Hill offers up some of the most spectacular panoramic views around.

A 650-ft. climb to the top will offer you a viewpoint of Henry Island, Roche Harbor, Spieden Island, the Canadian Gulf Islands, and more.

Simply start at English Camp, take the trail to the southeast, carefully cross West Valley Road, and you’re on your way.

And you can let us know when you return whether you think it’s a large hill or a small mountain.

san-juan-islands-english-camp

English Camp National Park to Westcott Bay

Difficulty grade: Easy

Speaking of English Camp, this time we’ll be heading in the opposite direction down toward the water.

Instead of going southeast, go north from English Camp toward Roche Harbor, and you’ll make your way to Westcott Bay.

This one is a more leisurely hike that sometimes even verges on just being a wander.

Ideal for folks not looking add too much elevation gain.

And the best part? You’ll be rewarded at the end with delicious seafood in a rustic outdoor setting at Westcott Bay Shellfish Co.

Mount Constitution

Difficulty grade: Challenging

This is the highest point in the San Juan Islands, and in fact the second highest island mountain in the contiguous United States.

So if you’re ready for something a cut above a leisurely stroll or a nature walk, this one’s for you.

Lace up those hiking shoes, stretch out those leg muscles, and get ready for truly spectacular views!

And to sweeten the deal even further, you’ll be treated to an observation station at the summit modeled after a medieval watch tower.

So between the mountain and the tower, you’ll be standing a cool 2,452 feet above sea level.

Cascade Falls

Difficulty grade: Easy

Just south of the Mount Constitution trailhead lies Cascade Falls and Cascade Lake.

While this hike may be short, it offers a serious dose of forest tranquility and waterfall views.

Between the rustling trees, the beautiful falls, and the winding river which flows down to Cascade Lake, it won’t be hard to find your moment of zen.

And of course, be sure to take pictures and tag us on Instagram @fridayharborhouse for a feature on our page.

Happy hiking!

To get away from it all has a new meaning these days.

Before, it used to mean getting away from the buzz of everyday life.

It used to mean packing your bags and heading for your favorite relaxation destination.

You know, the one that starts with ‘F’ and ends with ‘riday Harbor House.’

We digress.

Nowadays, though, getting away from it all means something a little different.

Before, it was mental, spiritual, and physical.

Now, it’s mental, spiritual, and really physical.

Not only do we want to separate ourselves from our usual lives, we want to separate ourselves… from everyone!

2020 hasn’t been the easiest year, we know.

Now, more than ever, we could all use some relaxation, and a break from our cares and concerns.

Enter, your Friday Harbor vacation.

Because there’s nothing like a trip to the islands when you’re really looking to get away from it all.

And we’re not just distanced from the city bustle.

We’ve taken over a dozen new steps to ensure that that distance extends to our inn, and into our rooms and halls.

The wellbeing of our team members and guests is of paramount importance for us here at Friday Harbor House.

In light of COVID-19, we have upped our sanitation standards even further around our property.

That means that you can feel comfortable and confident on your San Juan escape.

For example, we’ve enhanced our cleaning and sanitation standards throughout event spaces, common areas, and heart-of-house spaces.

We’ve placed down physical distancing layouts, markers and signage in common areas, and in meeting and event spaces.

We’re even utilizing modern electrostatic sprayers and ultraviolet light to sanitize surfaces and objects.

And of course, we can’t forget about our good old-fashioned outdoor spaces.

Never before have we been more thankful for our open-air balconies and patio that open directly to Friday Harbor’s fresh air and stunning views.

And the cool, pristine air of the islands is in endless supply.

So, when you’re ready, pack your bags, and plan your “get away from it all” trip, island style.

We’ll be waiting for you (waiting six feet apart, of course).

Have you made Spring getaway plans yet?

If not, April is a great time to visit us!

The weather is warming up and the sun is shining more every day here in the PNW.

Of course, because of the better weather, there are more things to do in the San Juan Islands.

The month of April is the kick-off for the San Juan Island Farmers Market.

Every Saturday through October from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., you can find the market at the historic Brickworks community center.

It’s just two blocks from the ferry landing.

The SJI Farmers Market features delicious island-raised produce including berries, eggs and dairy products.

You can shop for fresh, local seafood, shellfish, meats and cheese.

Also, don’t miss the freshly cooked and prepared food vendors.

Market customers can munch on delicious items all made from local ingredients:

freshly baked goods
local seafood paella
San Juan Sea Salt
homemade pasta

While you walk around the Farmers Market and shop for island-grown flowers, you can listen to and enjoy live, local music.

The Market hosts a wide range of talented, local artists and community organizations each week.

Visit the SJI Farmers Market Facebook page for additional information.

April is also the kick-off month for Spring Family Art Days (FAD).

Most Saturdays, from 1-5 p.m., you can join the art of discovery at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA).

Spring FAD continues the year-long family fun where everyone learns and creates.

You can even take your art home that day.

Art ideas will include marine life of the Salish Sea and ecological concerns of local and global nature.

April 6 – Paint a townscape of Friday Harbor – include those you’d like to see! Acrylic painting on plywood.
April 13 – Work on building a 3-D house. Explore igloos, huts, pueblos, and longhouses. 3-D poster board construction.
April 20 – Help children in need! Make original cards and small 3-D items to sell. Graphic design.
April 27 – Trash to treasure never looked so good! Build artful things out of recyclable items.

Next, consider shaking up your weekend plans and stay two nights with us at Friday Harbor House.

In our Sip San Juan package, you can look forward to sipping wines at San Juan Vineyards, a tasting at San Juan Distillery, and sampling great brews at San Juan Island Brewing.

There’s no better way to explore the island – cheers!

This package includes:

Two-night stay at Friday Harbor House
Wine tasting for two at San Juan Vineyards
Distillery tasting for two at San Juan Distillery
Beer sampling for two at San Juan Island Brewing

Have a reason to celebrate?

Everyone deserves a celebration.

Whether an anniversary, birthday or just a great accomplishment, celebrate with a getaway!

When you arrive, toast with sparkling wine and indulge in house-made chocolate truffles.

They will be waiting for you in your room.

Then indulge in a delicious dinner for two at the restaurant.

You can also relax in your oversized jetted tub with the Lavender Mini-Essentials Collection from Pelindaba and feel refreshed after a restful night’s sleep.
This package includes:

One-night stay
Bottle of sparkling wine and house-made chocolate truffles in room upon arrival
$50 dining credit
Pelindaba Lavender Mini-Essentials Collection (body wash, hand & body lotion, massage oil, body butter and a tea light candle)

No matter your reason for visiting, come spend time with us in the Islands during the Spring season!

The first few weeks after the holidays can be tough and seem like there’s nothing to look forward to, but there is always something fun in the month of love – Valentine’s Day!

So, get away and join us in Friday Harbor.

During the Month of Love, sneak away for an intimate midweek retreat to celebrate your love.

Arrive to scattered rose petals, sparkling wine, fruit, cheese, and chocolate covered bourbon-soaked cherries.

Relax in your luxurious guestroom before setting off to explore the island.

Then enjoy some time unplugged with your sweetheart, whether you prefer to snuggle up by the fire or sink into a romantic bath.

If you can’t escape during the week, our Island Enchantment package is perfect for you.

Leave the hustle and bustle behind and experience a two-night stay.

Your trip includes a 60-minute couples massage provided in the privacy of your room.

Wander the town together holding hands and enjoying the shops and galleries.

Then sink into a romantic bath with an aphrodisiac bath bomb that will fill your jetted tub-for-two.

Check out all the Friday Harbor House packages and specials!

If you and your love are interested in exploring the island, there are a whole host of fun activities and events to engage with.

Beginning on Feb. 2, stroll through the San Juan Islands Museum of Art for the 2019 Artists’ Registry Show.

The show features the works of 70-plus artists from San Juan County and the art spans painting to jewelry, sculpture to textiles, mixed media to printmaking.

Enjoy free admission on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

If you want to check out a movie with your love, on the first and third Tuesday (from Jan. 15-June 4), the Friday Harbor Film Festival screens The Best of the Fest at The Grange.

The February films include: Feb. 5: Big Sonia and Feb. 19: Rumble.

Then on Sunday, February 24, at San Juan Community Theatre, Friday Harbor Film Festival holds its’ annual Oscars Fundraiser Gala!

Dress up and enjoy a glamorous, fun evening watching the Oscars live on the big screen at Whittier Theater with your love.

No matter your interest, you will find an activity or event to celebrate with your someone special during the month of love.

We can’t wait to see you!

Fall is a magical time in Friday Harbor.

The air is crisp, the leaves are changing color, and San Juan Island offers an abundant amount of things to do.

It is one of the best times to visit the island.

One of the biggest happenings in the San Juan Islands during fall is Savor the San Juans.

This two month long medley of food, art, farms, and culture offers a variety of activities that showcase a true island experience.

From farm tours and film festivals to special events around the island like our very own Hunter’s Full Moon Dinner, there are a variety of activities that highlight the amazing San Juan Islands.

Book our Savor the San Juans special and join us in celebrating this fall feast for the senses.

Join us on Oct. 23 for our Hunter’s Full Moon Dinner and experience an adventure-filled evening when the October moon is at its fullest.

Enjoy a six-course tasting menu which will be revealed upon arrival to surprise and delight your taste buds.

Dishes will be inspired by the October Hunter’s Full Moon Dinner, featuring selections from our forest and waters.

Tickets are $99 per person and include a six-course tasting menu.

There is also an optional $35 wine pairing.

Call 360.378.8455 for reservations or book online here.

Some other fun activities to do on San Juan Island during fall include hiking, biking, wine tasting, exploring beaches, shopping, and more.

With the holidays right around the corner, downtown Friday Harbor offers a variety of shops and boutiques for you to peruse.

Afterwards, head back to Friday Harbor House for a delectable dining experience with breathtaking views.

Warm up by sipping a craft cocktail by one of our outdoor firepits or roasting a delicious s’more.

Come experience the beauty of fall in Friday Harbor.

Book your adventure today!

Looking for the perfect, intimate wedding venue?

Look no further than Friday Harbor House.

Perched on the bluff with breathtaking views overlooking the scenic harbor, Friday Harbor House is the quintessential San Juan Island wedding spot.

Our new outdoor dining space offers an ideal al fresco option.

Learn more about our wedding offerings here.

San Juan Island also offers a variety of romantic and fun activities to add that special touch to your wedding week/weekend.

Rent mopeds or Scoot Coupes from Susie’s Mopeds with your bridal or groom party and cruise around the island before the big day.

Go zip lining at San Juan Island Zip Tour to get your adrenaline pumping before walking down the aisle.

Sip and taste wine at San Juan Vineyards with the whole family to kick off the wedding celebrations.

Or calm your nerves and get pre-wedding pampered with a couple’s massage at Lavendera Massage.

The possibilities are endless.

Want to skip the hassle of wedding planning and just escape to Friday Harbor for an intimate celebration for two?

Our Island Elopement package is the perfect way to celebrate your love and offers everything you need for a memorable start to your life together.

Package includes:

Your ceremony on the scenic bluff, San Juan Room, or a guestroom (subject to availability and weather)
One-night stay in a Harbor View room
Rose petals and house-made chocolate truffles in room upon arrival
Iron Horse Wedding Cuvée and keepsake Friday Harbor House etched flutes
San Juan Florist petite bridal bouquet and boutonniere
Personalized wedding cake for two handcrafted by Felicitations
$100 dining credit for dinner for two in our in-house restaurant

Additional Services include:

Photographer (pricing varies depending on vendor)
Officiant (pricing varies depending on vendor)

Whether your want to celebrate with friends and family, or have a more intimate celebration for two, Friday Harbor House is here to help make your dream wedding come true.

We love celebrating love.

Our new deck is complete and ready to be enjoyed!

Come experience our new outdoor space with the same amazing views.

The new outdoor space consists of a new patio with expansive decks on both sides along with a lush lawn with three firepits.

Talk about the ideal hangout spot.

The new space provides a distinctive, relaxed setting for guests to enjoy the restaurant’s popular island-inspired cuisine.

Enjoy our delicious dining options including daily brunch, dinner, and our fantastic new summer happy hour offered daily from 5-6pm.

Top it off with breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands.

View all of our menus here.

Relax.

Unwind.

Catch up with friends and family.

Soak up the sunshine.

Make s’mores on our firepits.

Sip on delectable craft cocktails while watching boats go by in the harbor.

Revel in stunning island views.

No matter how you enjoy it, it’s the perfect place to gather this summer.

Along with our new outdoor space, we’ve also expanded our kitchen and added a new wood stone oven to the restaurant!

We are FIRED UP about this new addition.

From wood fired pizzas and sandwiches to small plates and carefully crafted main dishes, the expanded kitchen and new oven allows us to create even more delicious menu options.

Come savor our authentic dining experience that guests have come to know and love. Plus more.

Don’t miss all the exciting changes at the restaurant this summer.

Join us!

Learn more about our new outdoor space here.

A big thank you is in order!

We are very excited to announce that Friday Harbor House has qualified for TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame!

We’ve earned a Certificate of Excellence every year for the past five years based on outstanding guest reviews.

Thank you to our guests and team for helping us achieve this amazing award!

This achievement could not have been possible without them and without you.

Our guests are our top priority and we are honored to provide excellent and memorable guest experiences to last a lifetime.

So, THANK YOU!

Summer in the San Juan Island offers endless adventure and beauty.

From whale watching and kayaking to hiking and zip lining, you are sure to have a memorable experience.

After a day of exploring and adventure, return to your tranquil guestroom at Friday Harbor House to relax and rejuvenate.

One of the best experiences while visiting the islands is whale watching.

The San Juan Islands offer amazing whale and wildlife watching excursions that depart just steps from Friday Harbor House.

San Juan Safaris and San Juan Island Outfitters are just a couple of the wonderful companies that offer tours in the area.

You can choose between whale watching from a boat or get up close and personal via kayaks.

Another thrilling option offered on San Juan Island is zip lining.

San Juan Island Zip Tour offers a unique way to experience the island and its natural beauty.

Looking for another fun way to see the island?

Rent a moped, electric bike or car, or scoot coupe from Susie’s Mopeds and cruise around San Juan Island in style.

Enjoy wine tasting, distillery tasting, and beer tasting?

Then our Explore San Juan package is perfect for you.

Package includes:

Two-night stay at Friday Harbor House
Wine tasting for two at San Juan Vineyards
Distillery tasting for two at San Juan Distiller
Beer sampling for two at San Juan Island Brewing
Picnic pack, including wine, cheese and crackers, jerky and house-made chocolate truffles, in a Friday Harbor House tote bag
A guide to Friday Harbor House’s favorite picnic places and scenic sites

Minimum two-night stay required.

San Juan Island is also home to several amazing hikes and outdoor areas to explore with breathtaking views.

San Juan County Park and Lime Kiln Point State Park, just to name a couple, offer gorgeous views and the perfect place to enjoy your picnic.

However you want to explore, let Friday Harbor House offer the perfect home base for your island getaway.

Come experience summer in San Juan Island.

Plan your adventure today!