Friday Harbor Travel Guide

 
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Flights to Friday Harbor

All fares Ashburn (IAD) to Friday Harbor (SEA) found by travelers in past 48 hours*
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Pro

paulscuba profile photo

 Many different things to do, slower pace, wonderful scenery 


Con

Elli99fh profile photo

 Things are kind of expensive, the ferries can be difficult to deal with 


In a nutshell

insearchofwhales profile photo

 A New Twist on Island Living 

 

Explore Friday Harbor

Things to Do  

Marine Life ("Whale") Watching Trips

Marine Life ("Whale") Watching Trips, Friday Harbor

 glabah Says:  Friday Harbor happens to be reasonably close to where the San Juan Island pod of orcas typically are found. Naturally, here you can find a few organizations doing whale watch trips.It is possible to obtain tickets for the Victoria Clipper whale watch trips as an independent... 

Go Whale Watching in Friday Harbor on San Juan Isl

Go Whale Watching in Friday Harbor on San Juan Isl, Friday Harbor

 josesnose Says:  If you like whale watching, then you will end up in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. San Juan Island is where the resident orcas are seen most of the summer. Sometimes they are near the island , but frequently they are not. The trip I was on they were off of Stuart Island.... 

Limekiln State Park

Limekiln State Park, Friday Harbor

 mariaschmidt Says:  Take the road to Limekiln State Park and be attentive on the way maybe you see wales even before you reach the park. That is what happened to us. We noticed a photographer on the cliffs so we pulled over and there they were jumping in the waters. The sound they make is... 

Hotels  

Snug Harbor Marina Resort

 1 Review and 72 Opinions  Spent a long holiday weekend at Snug Harbor Marina with friends. The management was supportive and... 

Bird Rock Hotel

 1 Review and 196 Opinions  one of the best experiences of our travels. our entire experience was excellent from the staff, to... 

Restaurants  

Rumor Mill: Good Food in the Open Air on Good Weather Days

Rumor Mill: Good Food in the Open Air on Good Weather Days, Friday Harbor

 glabah Says:  One of the old storefronts off the main thoroughfare in Friday Harbor has been reconstructed into a restaurant that aims to be a community gathering spot, complete with a reasonably full bar, various cocktails, and good food. They have some performances here and a very small... 

Front Street Ale House & San Juan Brewing Co.: Local Brew

Front Street Ale House & San Juan Brewing Co.: Local Brew, Friday Harbor

 Toughluck Says:  Right on the harbor front, watch the ferries come and go. Enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Friday Harbor. What more could you ask? How about locally brewed ales and pilsners. Well The Ale House has it all. Fish and Chips make a tasty treat and so the the burgers and... 

The Market Chef: A cozy local food restaurant

The Market Chef: A cozy local food restaurant, Friday Harbor

 mariaschmidt Says:  The Market Chef is a cafe restaurant that has an original concept. It is an open kitchen with 4 partner cooks that do the cashier and managing by rotation. The food is simple, made of fresh ingredients and looks very homish. We had delcious macaroni and cheese and greek... 

Transportation  

Washington State Ferries: How Most People Arrive

Washington State Ferries: How Most People Arrive, Friday Harbor

 glabah Says:  The San Juan Islands services are the most complicated of those offered by the Washington State Ferry system. Ships depart Anacortes, and run direct to Friday Harbor. Other trips stop at Lopez and/or Shaw and/or Orcas island before arriving at Friday Harbor. Some trips... 

Island Bicycles (Bicycle Rental)

Island Bicycles (Bicycle Rental), Friday Harbor

 glabah Says:  There are considerable advantages to using a bicycle when visiting the San Juan Islands. It does mean being prepared for whatever the weather is throwing at the islands but at the same time you don't have to worry much about getting on the ferry as there is always room for... 

Susie's Mopeds (+ "scootcars" + other vehicles)

Susie's Mopeds (+ "scootcars" + other vehicles), Friday Harbor

 glabah Says:  As a general rule, brining a car to the San Juan Islands comes with its own set of headaches, including trying to get it on the ferry during the peak periods.You may be better off trying to rent something when you arrive. The rental choices are a bit limited in Friday... 

Direct Seattle - Friday Harbor Boat: The Clipper

Direct Seattle - Friday Harbor Boat: The Clipper, Friday Harbor

 glabah Says:  While the Victoria Clipper primarily aims its sights at Seattle to Victoria service all year, and the name "Clipper Vacations" implies they are a package tour company, the fact is their primary revenue is their small fleet of boats that provide passenger only ferry service... 

Ferry

Ferry, Friday Harbor

 grandmaR Says:  I haven't actually been to Friday Harbor except on the ferry from Anacortes to Victoria on a bus tour.The web page is a harbor cam for Friday Harbor Crossing Time: Approximately 70 minutes.Vehicle & Driver (for vehicle under 20 feet): $39.50 Passenger: $10.40 Daily Leave... 

Local Customs  

A glass of water
Toughluck profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Toughluck 1707 reviews

Because the San Juan Islands have no natural water source for fresh water, all drinking water is hauled in from the mainland. A local custom has developed from this of not providing a glass of water during your meal. If you would like a glass of water, all you need do is ask, but since many don't drink the water put in front of them, the islanders have learned not to waste it. But they'll gladly get you a some if you just ask.

Written Apr 16, 2007

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Warnings and Dangers  

Golden Rule people

Golden Rule people, Friday Harbor

 vermelho_luz_do_sol Says:  Remember that the people of Friday Harbor live there. All the time. We don't disappear in the winter. If you are respectful of them, their environment, and the wildlife (do not harrass the whales) then you will be welcomed with open arms. If you are disrespectful towards our... 

Tourist Traps  

beware of taxi fares

beware of taxi fares, Friday Harbor

 texaslonghorn Says:  I took a taxi out to Roche Harbor and didn't know that there are NO published rates on Friday Harbor, so they charged me $35.00 - two people, 2 bags. Unreal. Turns out there is another taxi that only charges $20.00 for the same trip, so be sure you find out the fare before... 

What to Pack  

Casual
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2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

vermelho_luz_do_sol 4 reviews

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Wear comfortable shoes; it is easier to walk through town then drive in the summer. And bring casual clothing. Even to a nicer restauarant the attire is simple. At the community theatre, it is common to see people in jeans and a nice sweater.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: In the summer Benedryl for any Stinging Nettle plant brush ups. Also bug repellant for mosquitoes, but only at twilight.

Photo Equipment: Camera is a must. Everything is a postcard waiting to happen.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Camping is easy. You don't have to worry about bear or cougar; we don't have any. Prepare for racoons though...

Written Sep 15, 2004

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Off The Beaten Path  

Public Viewpoint on Warbass Way

Public Viewpoint on Warbass Way, Friday Harbor

 glabah Says:  There are two important things you need to know about this little viewpoint on Warbass Way: the road is a one-way street so getting to and from here requires a loop in any wheeled vehicle (I walked so it was different for me), and there is no vehicle parking here unless you... 

Sea Kayaking

Sea Kayaking, Friday Harbor

 Toughluck Says:  My brother had taught my son how to kayak in Montana, so when we arrived here on the ocean, they decided to give ocean kayaking a try. Having no experience on the ocean, they agreed to hire a guide, so they could learn about the dangers and special skills needed on the... 

Sports & Outdoors  

Orca Whales Off San Juan Island

Orca Whales Off San Juan Island, Friday Harbor

 josesnose Says:  Whale Watching is a big deal off San Juan Island and that is why we went there on a trip to Seattle.We saw at least 15 orca whales on our trip with San Juan Safaris. We drove up and used the ferry to get to the island. The ferry ride over was nice too, about an hour. You... 

Favorites  

Weather

Weather, Friday Harbor

 birdwalker Says:  Well, I happen to like rainy days. I would like to caution visitors who believe the publicity that says 270 sunny days per year -- or some such number. Somehow, somewhere, someone read climate information in a meteorological data set and saw that there are 270 (or whatever)... 

Friday Harbor is on San Juan...

Friday Harbor is on San Juan..., Friday Harbor

 Elli99fh Says:  There are many public beaches on the island, and they are all beautiful. South Beach, is great for beachcombing, barbecueing, partying and flying kites. Eagle Cove is a great family beach, especially for small kids. It is a nice sheltered cove, a little bit of a hike down... 

Comments

 
* Pricing and fares have been collected during the three days prior to today's date. Actual pricing and fares are provided by air carrier and suppliers, whose prices change frequently and without notice.
Map of Friday Harbor