San Juan Islands travel guide

San Juan Islands travel guide

National Airports

The San Juan Islands do not have a national airport. The closest international airport to the San Juan Islands is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), located approximately 120 miles south of the islands. From there, visitors can take a combination of ground transportation and ferry service to reach the San Juan Islands.

Trains in San Juan Islands

There are no trains in the San Juan Islands as they are only accessible by water or air.

Buses in San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago located in the northwest corner of Washington State, and they are accessible only by water or air. As such, there are no buses serving the islands. Visitors can take ferries or fly into the islands.

How to get to San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are located in the northwest corner of Washington state and can only be reached by boat or plane. The closest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), and from there you can take a ferry or a small plane to the islands. Here are some options for getting to the San Juan Islands:

Ferry: The Washington State Ferries system operates several routes to the San Juan Islands, including from Anacortes (90 miles north of Seattle) to Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island, and Friday Harbor (on San Juan Island). The ferry ride takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the destination.

Private boat: If you have access to a private boat, you can sail or motor to the San Juan Islands. There are several marinas and harbors on the islands where you can dock your boat.

Small plane: You can fly from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport or Boeing Field to the San Juan Islands via small planes operated by several airlines, including Kenmore Air and San Juan Airlines.

Charter flight: If you prefer a more personalized travel experience, you can charter a flight from Seattle to the San Juan Islands.

Seaplane: Another option for a unique experience is to take a seaplane from Seattle to the San Juan Islands.

Once you arrive on the islands, you can get around by car, bike, or on foot.

What is the best time to travel to San Juan Islands

The best time to travel to San Juan Islands is during the summer months, from June to September. This is when the weather is the warmest and the driest, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. Additionally, during this time, many festivals and events take place, including the San Juan County Fair and the Orcas Island Jazz Festival. Keep in mind that summer is also the busiest time on the islands, so if you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed trip, you may want to consider traveling in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall.

How to get around San Juan Islands

The primary modes of transportation on San Juan Islands are by car, bike, or foot. However, since San Juan Islands are a group of islands, you will need to take a ferry or a small plane to get around.

The Washington State Ferries system provides regular ferry services between Anacortes (on the mainland) and the islands of San Juan, Orcas, Shaw, and Lopez. You can also take a ferry from Sidney, British Columbia to San Juan Island. You can bring your car on the ferry, or you can rent a car, bike, or scooter on the islands. Alternatively, you can use the San Juan Transit, which offers bus services on San Juan Island.

If you want to explore the smaller islands or travel between islands, you can take a water taxi or a chartered boat. Additionally, you can fly to San Juan Islands via Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle or Bellingham International Airport in Bellingham and then take a small plane to the islands.

Accommodations in San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands offer a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Some popular options include:

Bed and Breakfasts: There are many charming bed and breakfasts scattered throughout the San Juan Islands, offering a cozy and personalized experience.

Vacation Rentals: Visitors can rent a cabin, cottage, or home for the duration of their stay on the islands. This can be a great option for families or groups of friends.

Resorts: There are several upscale resorts on the San Juan Islands, offering luxurious amenities and stunning ocean views.

Camping: The San Juan Islands also have several campgrounds for visitors who prefer to rough it in the great outdoors.

Hostels: For budget-conscious travelers, there are a few hostels on the islands that offer affordable accommodations in shared rooms.

Overall, visitors to the San Juan Islands have a variety of accommodation options to choose from, depending on their preferences and budget.