Getting to Friday Harbor, Choosing a Hotel and Dining

The quickest way to get to Friday Harbor from Seattle is to board a Kenmore Air Seaplane from Lake Union or Cessna Caravan from Boeing Field. Both are scenic thirty minute trips.

The Victoria Clipper can take you by water from the Pier 69 off Alaskan Way & the Washington State Ferry has regular scheduled trips from Anacortes.

Once you’re there, lodging choices are plentiful but the newly-remodeled Elements Hotel & Spa offers comfortable accomodations on Spring Street. Next door is Lavendera Day Spa where a myriad of treatments are available to take you far away from the stress of the city and soothe your sore muscles after a long excursion around the island.

Friday Harbor Suites offers a little more room for great rates and on the water, with a view of the harbor, the place to stay is Friday Harbor House.

For eclectic dining in an upscale setting try Steps Wine Bar & Cafe on First Street. One of the apps is Roasted Unagi--Roasted Fresh Water Eel w/ Locally Grown Kohlrabi, Cucumber & Grapefruit Ponzu Glaze--a true delight. Small and large plates include salmon with carrot risotto, halibut with artichoke potato puree and house smoked pork country rib. For more informal dining try the Friday’s Crabhouse with open deck seating overlooking the harbor--fresh seafood with a view.

The best espresso in town is at an unusually named place called The Doctor’s Office, near the Washington Ferry Terminal. They also have a variety of breakfast treats.

For more information about the San Juan Islands go to: San Juan Islands Visitor Bureau