San Juan Islands Scenic Byway
Details
- Designation State Byway
- Location WA
- Length 120 miles
Overview
The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway includes a 30 mile marine highway and driving tours on both Orcas and San Juan Islands. For centuries, this was a historic canoe route once traveled by the Coast Salish people. Today, Washington State Ferries (also a designated state scenic byway) ply these waters laden with locals and visitors traveling by car, by bike or on foot.
Points of Interest
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Anacortes
In the shadow of Cap Sante headland, Anacortes is the perfect basecamp for exploring Fidalgo Island, the Skagit Valley, Whidbey Island and the San Juan Islands. The charming downtown features murals depicting historical figures from the region. Amazing, fresh seafood is on every menu! Walk the Tommy Thompson parkway along the water’s edge, or drive through scenic Washington Park and see views of the Puget Sound islands and beyond. In the past, Anacortes was home to more than a dozen canneries, and was considered the “Salmon Canning Capital of the World.” The trash receptacles throughout downtown are decorated with colorful canning labels.
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Orcas Village
The Orcas Island ferry lands at Orcas Village, a tiny hamlet with a few shops, a post office, a historic hotel and a grocery store. Although generally quiet, "the Landing," as it is known by locals, is a meeting place for travelers and commuters. Octavia's Bistro is named after the Orcas Hotel's first owner and renowned cook; it is a place where guests can enjoy jazz and a glass of local wine.
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Eastsound Village
A fifteen-minute drive from the ferry brings you to the historic village of Eastsound, Orcas Island’s downtown. Nestled above Fishing Bay, this walkable village bustles with life—galleries, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and a history museum are at your disposal. After spending a day whale watching, or hiking up Mt. Constitution or Turtleback Mountain, stay for happy hour or dinner at a local restaurant, and enjoy a concert or play in the evening.
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Moran State Park
Pass through the welcome arch at Moran State Park on Orcas Island. The vast, varied terrain of this park includes 38 miles of hiking trails, 5 lakes and a natural preservation area. Hike, cycle or drive to the summit of Mount Constitution for panoramic views of the San Juan Islands, or go searching for waterfalls along many of the trails.
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Mount Constitution
Atop Mt. Constitution, the highest point on the San Juan Islands at 2,409 feet, there stands a stone observation tower, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. The tower offers panoramic views of surrounding islands, the Cascade Mountains and a variety of Canadian and American cities.
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Friday Harbor
Escape to a slower pace – come to Friday Harbor, a charming, historic, and walkable seaport just steps from the ferry landing, with small, friendly shops and restaurants, and a refreshing absence of fast-food chains.
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The Whale Museum
The Whale Museum, located in beautiful Friday Harbor, Washington, opened to the public in 1979 as the first museum in the country devoted to a species living in the wild. Today, our museum continues to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. Help support the Southern Resident orcas by making a donation, adopting an orca, or becoming a member of The Whale Museum. Or, simply pay us a visit! Our Gallery of Whales is a great way for individuals, students and families to receive a personal introduction to the whales of the Pacific Northwest.
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Roche Harbor
Whether you stay at the historic Hotel de Haro, visit from your boat in one of the marina’s 377 slips or anchor out, or spend an afternoon exploring the tiny village and its environs, Roche Harbor and its setting will win your heart.
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English Camp
If you spend a little time on San Juan Island, you’re almost certain to hear about "The Pig War," which in 1859 led to a 12-year joint British/U.S. occupation of the island while the two nations argued over who owned the San Juans. The Royal Marines lived at English Camp, at the north end of the island, and a few buildings, a formal garden, and a cemetery remain here from that time.
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Lime Kiln State Park
Also known as Whale Watch Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park is a 36-acre day-use park with an iconic lighthouse located on the west side of San Juan Island. The park is considered one of the best places in the world to view whales from land.
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