🚗 A Scenic Day on San Juan Island: Coastal Drives, Wine, and Whale Watching

Our day exploring San Juan Island was pure Pacific Northwest magic — from winding coastal roads to charming harbors, delicious bites, and moments of serenity by the sea. Every stop offered a new memory, wrapped in natural beauty and island charm. 🌊✨

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⛴️ Morning Ferry to Friday Harbor

We caught the early morning ferry from Anacortes, watching the soft glow of the sun stretch across the Salish Sea. As the islands slowly appeared on the horizon, we sipped our coffee, breathed in the salty air, and felt the peaceful pace of island life begin to set in. ☕⛴️

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🧭 Touring the Island by Car

Once off the ferry at Friday Harbor, we hit the road to see all that San Juan Island had to offer. The drive was spectacular — from rolling farmland and wooded stretches to dramatic seaside cliffs and sparkling inlets. 🌲🚙

We made several spontaneous stops along the way just to take in the views or snap a photo. It was one of those drives that reminds you to slow down, look around, and savor every mile.

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🍩🍷 Roche Harbor: Lunch, Donuts & Wine Tasting

By midday, we found ourselves at the picture-perfect Roche Harbor Resort. The marina was bustling, and the whole area had that elegant coastal vibe we love.

We enjoyed a lovely lunch while overlooking the boats bobbing in the harbor 🛥️, followed by a stop at the Lime Kiln Café, where we picked up some absolutely delicious donuts 🍩 — the kind you can’t wait to sneak a bite of before even leaving the parking lot.

Next, we visited the Wine Party, a fun and friendly spot for wine lovers. We sampled several fabulous wines 🍷, picked our favorite bottle, and tucked it into our picnic bag for the next stop…

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🐋 Lime Kiln Point State Park: A Perfect Picnic with a View

Often called one of the best places in the world to watch whales from shore, Lime Kiln Point State Park didn’t disappoint. While we didn’t catch a whale sighting this time, the rocky cliffs, deep blue water, and lighthouse views were mesmerizing. 📸🌊

We settled in at a quiet spot near the edge, where we shared our wine, sandwiches, and those heavenly donuts, listening to the waves and watching the horizon for any sign of orcas. It was peaceful, wild, and unforgettable — a true highlight of the trip.

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🚶‍♀️ Wrapping Up in Friday Harbor

We ended our day back in Friday Harbor, where we parked and strolled the charming waterfront town. Quaint shops, harbor views, and that friendly island vibe made the afternoon fly by.

Before boarding the ferry home, we stopped at Blue Water Bar & Grill for one last drink and bite to eat 🍹🍔 — a perfect toast to an island day well spent.

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🌅 Ferry Back to Anacortes

As the ferry pulled away from the dock, we stood on the deck with the cool breeze on our faces and the island fading into the distance. The setting sun lit up the water in gold and rose tones — a peaceful close to a day full of wonder. 🌞⛴️

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🧳 Tips for Your Own San Juan Island Escape:

• Take the earliest ferry to make the most of your day.
• Pack light, but bring layers — the island weather can shift quickly.
• Don’t miss Roche Harbor for lunch and donuts at Lime Kiln Café 🍩.
• Visit the Wine Party for fantastic wine tasting—and take a bottle to go! 🍷
• Head to Lime Kiln Point State Park with a picnic and your camera — even without whales, the views are worth it.
• Allow time to stroll Friday Harbor before heading back — the perfect end to a magical day.