Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor is a town in San Juan County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,613 at the 2020 census. Located on San Juan Island, Friday Harbor is the major commercial center of the San Juan Islands archipelago and is the county seat of San Juan County. Wikipedia.
When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Ready to plan your trip to Friday Harbor? Organize and map your itinerary with our free trip planner.

Top attractions in Friday Harbor

The Whale Museum
1. The Whale Museum
4.4
(651)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Institution presenting artwork, artifacts & programs focused on whales & the Salish sea ecosystem.
Slide 1 of 8
Really well done exhibits with lots of information about the orcas and other whales, and very moving stories of some of the individual Southern Resident Killer Whales. Employees were kind and knowledgeable, and I attended a fantastic free talk at the museum by Brad Hanson about the status and health of the Southern Resident Killer Whale pods. If you’re planning a trip to San Juan Island the Whale Museum is whale worth a visit.
We went in on a Saturday. It wasn't crowded. Good collection in the display and an audio tour we can listen along as we move through the exhibits.
An interactive museum, well-equipped and educational. Excellent for taking small children, as it has a children's area. I liked that, despite having two floors, it has a wheelchair for guests to climb if needed. It's a quick tour; I highly recommend visiting.
Amazing! This is a must see whenever you are in Friday Harbor! Kids & adults, so much to learn, experience and explore. The gift shop has something for everyone 💙💚💙
My partner and I came here for our third anniversary. We both thought this was one of the best museums we’ve ever been to. The staff are clearly enthusiastic and well-informed about marine life. The exhibits upstairs are curated with extraordinary care for the animals that they depict. In particular, the interactive phone booth in the corner was clever. It was a wonderful way to hear the animals through a “filter” — the phone’s antiquated crackle and sense of distance — as a simulation, perhaps, of the underwater transmittance of that information. We had a lovely time. Thank you for having us!
The museum was very informative and have really cool exhibits. The woman working there was very nice and friendly as well. I also really liked the unique finds in the giftshop that had many items from local artists
GOOD AT EDUCATION BUT MUSEUM NEEDS AN UPGRADE The people here are passionate about educating humans on these wonderful creatures and what can be done to protect them. However, the museum itself looks like it's from 1992 with very little interactivity and, in this day and age, that's expected. I hope they receive funding to update, as this is the perfect spot to learn about whales and then go out and see them in their natural habitat. On the plus side, the gift shop was good with a nice range of products.
Informative museum focused on conservation and respectful, careful study of and interaction with marine wildlife (especially whales). The exhibits are interesting, and there's lots to read about whales on the self-guided tour. Experience standing inside the ribcage of an orca, seeing a whale brain vs. a human brain, listening to whale calls, and other interesting and interactive displays. There's also a nice little gift shop and videos about whales. Well worth a visit.
Lime Kiln Point State Park
2. Lime Kiln Point State Park
4.8
(2132)
State park
Nature & Parks
Shoreline day-use park with a lighthouse offering land-based whale-watching, hiking trails & more.
Slide 1 of 8
A bit disappointed I didn’t see any orcas, but oh well—let it be! The scenery here is absolutely unbeatable, truly stunning. The trail to the beach is easy and enjoyable, making it a great spot for a relaxing walk. Still worth the visit!
Beautiful area with good hiking and a great interpretive center with lovely information and kind staff. There isn’t much parking here, but it rotates out pretty easily. This is a great starting point to bike down to cattle point or take a break from a ride originating at cattle point.
Great place to watch a sunset! Need to buy a discovery pass for $10 so bring cash. There is a self pay station. Locals say this is the best place on the island for whale watching: we only saw a sea lion. Beautiful view is the expanse of the Sound!
Beautiful and tranquil setting if visiting Friday Harbor. Take the time to head out and see the countryside and when you’ll enjoy the views on the way to this picturesque park. There are nice waterfront trails, adequate parking and the views of the wildlife and water is stunning.
The only downside for me was the bathrooms, I really wish there had been plumbing for the toilets. We didn’t see any orcas, but the season just started so maybe they’re just being shy. Also the lighthouse was closed because someone broke their ankle and the staff was helping out, but what can you do. I like that there were multiple trail loops to walk while my husband sat on the rocks with binoculars, he did end up spotting a minke whale, so that’s something! Seemed like a great place for families, lots of parking, plenty of picnic tables, cute gift shop, snack stand, and lots of informational stands to read wildlife facts.
Cute little park with a short hike to the lighthouse. There is a fee for a tour of the building. The views are spectacular, and the little wilderness you walk through is so pretty with old trees and magical glades buzzing with dragonflies. Gift shops, restrooms all the things are there. They are composting toilets so if you're not for that thing, go pee before you leave your accommodations.
Very cool light house you can go up. There’s lots of rocks to climb on the waterfront. Bring your discover pass.
If you are a visitor driving around the island, this place is an absolute must-visit destination. This charming little park is more than just a stop; it's an experience with a lot to offer for a wide range of interests. One of the immediate advantages is the ample parking space, which makes it incredibly accessible and stress-free for everyone. The generous lot ensures that even on a busy day, you can easily find a spot without having to circle the area. Upon arrival, the gift shop was a pleasant surprise. The staff was genuinely kind and welcoming, creating a warm atmosphere. The shop itself was well-stocked with a wide variety of items, from local crafts and souvenirs to snacks and drinks, offering something for every visitor to remember their trip by. The walk to the viewpoint was another highlight. It was not at all strenuous, making it perfect for every age group, including young children and seniors. The path is very short and quick, leading to a breathtaking vista that you can enjoy without a long, tiring hike. While there were some pieces of trash scattered here and there, the amount was negligible, especially when you consider the high volume of foot traffic the place receives, particularly during the peak season. During my visit in the summer, the presence of yellow jacket bees was quite noticeable. It's a small detail to be aware of, so a friendly tip for future visitors is to be mindful of this and not to leave any sweets or sugary drinks exposed. While I was a little disappointed not to see any of the famous Orcas, the wildlife viewing was still fantastic. I was fortunate enough to witness a ton of salmon jumping around in the water below, a truly spectacular and unforgettable sight that made the trip worthwhile. This park is a gem and well worth the visit.
Pelindaba Lavender Farm
3. Pelindaba Lavender Farm
4.7
(104)
Permanently Closed
Farm
Sights & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 8
GET YOUR LAVENDER HIT HERE Like visiting the south of France. The farm is in the middle of the island and the drive is nice, through the countryside. The lavender was nearly done when I visited, but it still smelled wonderful. The gift shop is just lovely with so many products starring lavender, from lavender oil roll-ons to shortbread and everything in between. It's a lovely farm with cutting fields and the grounds are free to visit.
If you're a lavender enthusiast or just curious, this is a stop for you. Informative displays, tea to sample, lot of gift shop items and a picnic area. Walk through the lavender fields and enjoy the setting. Displays include various stages of lavender plant growth. This can be a quick stop or you can spend some time here.
We were here just before the lavender festival so it wasn't quite in full bloom but it was still beautiful. There are may different rows of lavender and you can cut your own flowers after checking in at the store on property. We took photos and then went into the store. They have many different locations around the country where they sell their products so if you can't come to the farm you can still purchase all they offer.
I love this farm!! We got some coffee in town and took a drive here and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! We sat at the picnic tables and took in the views and explored the shop. We bought as much as we could that would fit in our suitcases. I'm hoping they have an online shop because I already want more of their lip balm and bath salts. Wonderful people!
My family and I came here for the Lavender Festival. It's really neat to see the rolling fields of purple flowers. There's a ton of bees everywhere in the fields, but they're nice and will leave you alone. You can learn a lot here about growing and cultivating lavender and making it into various products. The festival itself was a lot of fun. They had lots of booths, live music, face painting, and food. The lavender ice cream is delicious!
Lavender lemonade was really good. Their signature dish (beef savory something) was wrapped and cold😅 it tastes okay though. Maybe to keep it fresh for slow traffic. The farm is really nice picnic spot, and great for hanging out with friends/family/kids
Love this lavender experience 💜 The fields are astonishing, no matter the season there is something to see. They have nice pick nick tables to have lunch. 🛍 They have a "gift shop" with everything lavender, foods, cleaning supplies, chocolates, essential oils. I recomend the lemon lavender sorbet, It's delicious. 👤 Service is great, everyone is really helpful 🚻 There are bathrooms on site. 🅿️ They have free parking on site 🐶 pet friendly
Most wonderful experience visiting Pelindaba Farms today. The shopkeeper gave us the grand tour and showed us around. Loved the store. Lavender for the kitchen! Lavender for your bath! Lavender for your pet! And more Lavender.....just in case! We will be back!
English Camp Visitor Center
4. English Camp Visitor Center
4.6
(430)
Visitor center
Sights & Landmarks
Remains of a mid-19th-century settlement with historic outbuildings & exhibitions, plus a boat dock.
Slide 1 of 8
Very cool historic British military camp. Park rangers were very nice and informative. Parking lot fills up at peak hours.
This area has absolutely great potential to showcase more of the history. The signage and visitor center was very minimal compared to the American Camp on the island. The buildings that remain appeared to house equipment and extra furniture. It would be nice to have those buildings open up and appear like it once was during the time of operating. The trails were marked very little and there we did not see one guide while we were there on Friday, mid day. The English garden was beautiful and many flowers were in bloom. It appeared well maintained. This park has so much potential. If you travel to the American camp too you will see the stark differences.
This review is for the hike up to Young Hill, not the visitor center. Beautiful views toward the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island. Moderate hike with a brief steep section.
Went to the English Camp in August and it was a fun stop along our trip. The video in the visitor center is worth the watch to learn about the camp and the area. We had kids with us, and what made the English Camp fun for them was taking part in the Junior Park Ranger program. We asked for the activity guide, completed it while we explored the park, and then the kids pledged to keep parks safe which earned them a park ranger badge.
The English Camp Parade Ground is located on Garrison Bay, in the northwest corner of San Juan Island. Since time immemorial, Lummi, W̱SÁNEĆ, Songhees, Clallam, and other Coast Salish people traveled by canoe to the village site some call Pe'pi'ow'elh, Smiuth, and the Lummi Creation Island. When the Royal Marines landed at English Camp, the longhouse was torn down, and used for the military barracks, and fences. Also, the burial site on Gus Island was burned down. Archeologists removed many items to the Burke Museum and recorded that the village site showed years of a living culture as the grounds were filled with clam middens that averaged ten feet high, from thirty-five to forty feet through, by 120 yards long. The shell middens were used to pave the parade grounds at English Camp and pathways to the officers quarters.
The Pig War has to be one of the most hilarious historical events I’ve ever read about. We weren’t able to visit the opposing “American Camp” but will definitely do so next time. The lady working at the Visitor Center was so kind and went out of her way to outline a path for us to take a stroll. Thank you English Camp for making our Saturday at Friday Harbor!
Beautiful preserved and enlightening historical park! The trails were well kept and neat. 🌲🥾 Aside from hiking, there is also a stunning formal garden and a blockhouse! It's pretty cool to see the houses across the bay, and the tree-covered Guss Island!
We had a special surprise. A Native tribe was having a ceremony when we arrived. We were told that it was the first native ceremony on that land in 200 years. It was very interesting and educational.
Zip San Juan
5. Zip San Juan
4.7
(28)
Permanently Closed
Water & Amusement Parks
Theme Parks
Attraction with 8 ziplines & a suspension bridge taking guests of all levels over natural terrain.
Slide 1 of 8
Sophie and Kylie were our guides on our tour last night. We took our daughter for the first time and she was nervous, but they did a great job of making it super fun and put her and everyone in our mixed group of 8 at ease. They were fun and made the whole experience well worth it for any family looking for a good intro into zip lining. They were experienced and it showed how much they just loved the whole experience from actually zipping to meeting people...the guides made it for us and we will definitely recommend this to anyone.
We couldn't have been more disappointed in this company. We decided to take one day of our three day vacation to zip line over San Juan Island. We ferried early to make the 1 pm zip line appointment ($59), had lunch and waited at the spot we agreed to meet the night before. Thirty minutes prior to our reservation the company called to inform us that they didn't have enough guides to host our zip line tour. They said one of the guides had a migraine and we could wait to see if she felt better by the 4pm tour time. The returning ferry schedule led us to wait, we were called at 3:30 and were told the guide didn't feel better and the reservation had to be cancelled. I completely understand someone being sick, but running a business means having enough workers to cover these situations. The whole experience of working with the company was very unprofessional. Now to the refund... "So sorry, you'll have to work directly with Groupon." Thanks for the great customer service...
What a great experience especially if this is your first time ziplining ever!!! Our two guides, whose names have suddenly escaped me (sorry, guys, and you were so awesome!) were not only expertly and assuringly safety conscience, but were funny as well! It is obvious they love their job, the sport, and Washington state! Thanks for the wonderful time. Grandson says thanks as well. I would recommend this adventure for any age!! Aha, Ivan and Anchi. Hurrah, I remembered!
The shuttle arrived on time to take us to the site. The instructors (Gauge and Chole) were amazing, funny and clearly explained all the safety rules and what not to do. They also showed us a few zip tricks to increase the fun. The first two practice zips preps you for the remaining higher longer zips. There is a bridge to cross that was, for me, fun-scary but safe.
We had an awesome experience! Our guides were great! We were all first timers and they made us feel relaxed and comfortable. Worth every penny we will be back! Thank you Ivan and onchie.
This was the highlight of our trip to the San Juan Islands. It was a great family excursion (our youngest is 8). Our tour guides Lara and Kylie were awesome! Highly recommend!!
fun little trip, it’s more like 6 zip lines with 2 warm up ones. tour guides were friendly and funny. definitely more of a family fun activity and not exactly a thrill seeking adrenaline rush.
Heidi Anci Bailey via Phone were the best customer service ever. Friendly accommodating and since you aren't in your local area as a tourist I never had to question their quality as local hosts. I felt safe with them through the tour and even the simplicity in getting answers where to meet. Which was a little dead end by the court house at the cul de sac at the end of first st. A little foreplanning goes a long way. Check the ferry schedule before going we went to anacortes Saturday to get ahead information and to scout the area. The ferry we took left at 905 am. Get there a half hour early to park even the overflow parking is a good distance away and we had to run for the ferry. It costs about 90 dollars to take the ferry for car to and back. That's pretty expensive. We opted to walk on for 27 dollars. Once in Friday harbor your can rent little electric cars mopeds or bikes so its not a concern. The ferry system runs on car reservations to guarantee a spot. According to they ferry terminal representative it's not uncommon to get trapped on the island until the next available ferry and hotels run about minimum 300 a night. It's a summer tourist location so they have to make their money during the summer. Feel free to bring a good camera. We packed light since we weren't sure they would have a place to keep our stuff. They opt for us to keep our belongings in the van.
Lime Kiln Point State Park
6. Lime Kiln Point State Park
4.8
(2132)
State park
Nature & Parks
Shoreline day-use park with a lighthouse offering land-based whale-watching, hiking trails & more.
Slide 1 of 8
A bit disappointed I didn’t see any orcas, but oh well—let it be! The scenery here is absolutely unbeatable, truly stunning. The trail to the beach is easy and enjoyable, making it a great spot for a relaxing walk. Still worth the visit!
Beautiful area with good hiking and a great interpretive center with lovely information and kind staff. There isn’t much parking here, but it rotates out pretty easily. This is a great starting point to bike down to cattle point or take a break from a ride originating at cattle point.
Great place to watch a sunset! Need to buy a discovery pass for $10 so bring cash. There is a self pay station. Locals say this is the best place on the island for whale watching: we only saw a sea lion. Beautiful view is the expanse of the Sound!
Beautiful and tranquil setting if visiting Friday Harbor. Take the time to head out and see the countryside and when you’ll enjoy the views on the way to this picturesque park. There are nice waterfront trails, adequate parking and the views of the wildlife and water is stunning.
The only downside for me was the bathrooms, I really wish there had been plumbing for the toilets. We didn’t see any orcas, but the season just started so maybe they’re just being shy. Also the lighthouse was closed because someone broke their ankle and the staff was helping out, but what can you do. I like that there were multiple trail loops to walk while my husband sat on the rocks with binoculars, he did end up spotting a minke whale, so that’s something! Seemed like a great place for families, lots of parking, plenty of picnic tables, cute gift shop, snack stand, and lots of informational stands to read wildlife facts.
Cute little park with a short hike to the lighthouse. There is a fee for a tour of the building. The views are spectacular, and the little wilderness you walk through is so pretty with old trees and magical glades buzzing with dragonflies. Gift shops, restrooms all the things are there. They are composting toilets so if you're not for that thing, go pee before you leave your accommodations.
Very cool light house you can go up. There’s lots of rocks to climb on the waterfront. Bring your discover pass.
If you are a visitor driving around the island, this place is an absolute must-visit destination. This charming little park is more than just a stop; it's an experience with a lot to offer for a wide range of interests. One of the immediate advantages is the ample parking space, which makes it incredibly accessible and stress-free for everyone. The generous lot ensures that even on a busy day, you can easily find a spot without having to circle the area. Upon arrival, the gift shop was a pleasant surprise. The staff was genuinely kind and welcoming, creating a warm atmosphere. The shop itself was well-stocked with a wide variety of items, from local crafts and souvenirs to snacks and drinks, offering something for every visitor to remember their trip by. The walk to the viewpoint was another highlight. It was not at all strenuous, making it perfect for every age group, including young children and seniors. The path is very short and quick, leading to a breathtaking vista that you can enjoy without a long, tiring hike. While there were some pieces of trash scattered here and there, the amount was negligible, especially when you consider the high volume of foot traffic the place receives, particularly during the peak season. During my visit in the summer, the presence of yellow jacket bees was quite noticeable. It's a small detail to be aware of, so a friendly tip for future visitors is to be mindful of this and not to leave any sweets or sugary drinks exposed. While I was a little disappointed not to see any of the famous Orcas, the wildlife viewing was still fantastic. I was fortunate enough to witness a ton of salmon jumping around in the water below, a truly spectacular and unforgettable sight that made the trip worthwhile. This park is a gem and well worth the visit.
Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more
What users say about the app

Other notable attractions

Cattle Point Rd
Nature & Parks
Geologic Formations
San Juan Island NHP, American Camp Visitor Center
Visitor center
Sights & Landmarks
The Farm at Krystal Acres
Farm
Sights & Landmarks
San Juan Vineyard
Winery
Food & Drink
Westcott Bay Shellfish Co.
Farm
Sights & Landmarks
The San Juan Islands Museum of Art
Art museum
Museums
Remote museum offering rotating exhibits by regional visual artists along with workshops & lectures.
Island Studios
Permanently Closed
Gift shop
Museums
Arctic Raven Gallery
Temporarily Closed
Aboriginal art gallery
Museums
Friday Harbor Farmer's Market
Farmers' market
Food & Drink
San Juan Historical Museum
History museum
Museums
Local history museum displaying 19th-century buildings, plus various artifacts.
Best-of categories in Friday Harbor

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Friday Harbor?

Get inspired for your trip to Friday Harbor with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Weather in Friday Harbor

Here's the historical average temperature in Friday Harbor over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in Friday Harbor in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December
Monthly temperature highs and lows in Friday Harbor
Ready to plan your trip to Friday Harbor?
Use our free trip planner for the easiest way to plan your vacation. No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Add places from guides with 1 click

We crawled the web so you don’t have to. Easily save mentioned places.

Collaborate with friends in real time

Plan along with your friends with live syncing and collaborative editing.

Import flight and hotel reservations

Connect or forward your emails to get them magically added into your trip plan.

Expense tracking and splitting

Keep track of your budget and split the cost between your tripmates.

Checklists for anything

Stay organized with a packing list, to-do list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Get personalized suggestions

Find the best places to visit with smart recommendations based on your itinerary.
Plan on the go with our free travel app
With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline.
Access and edit your trips wherever you go — even without a connection.
Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play
0 places saved to your trip to Friday Harbor