Best resorts in the San Juan Islands – seattlepi.com

Washingtons San Juan Islands are a dreamy year-round destination with scenic countryside and waterfront attractions aplenty.

While San Juan County boasts 172 named islands and reefs, three islands are the most populous and offer ferry service to and from the mainland.

Whether you prefer the art and cuisine of San Juan Island, the history and culture of Orcas Island, or the laidback friendly vibes of Lopez Island, theres an idyllic getaway perfect for your taste. Keep reading to find your next island getaway.

Tucked along the north edge of San Juan Island, Roche Harbor Resort is a historic seaside treasure surrounded by lush gardens. Guests may choose between the historic hotel, picturesque cottages or luxurious contemporary homes.

Roche Harbor Resort

With its waterfront focus, whale watching tours are popular here, as are kayak and boating excursions. Yet in addition to outdoor adventure, the resort offers a full-service spa for pampering body treatments, complimented by eucalyptus steam rooms and a fireside relaxation lounge.

Roche Harbor Resort also offers a range of restaurants onsite including fine dining at McMillins Dining Room, bistro bites at Madrona Bar & Grill, and quick-serve breakfast and lunch at Lime Kiln Cafe. The onsite farm provides sustainable fresh produce and flowers for the resort and local community.

Just outside Friday Harbor, Lakedale Resort is situated on 82 wooded acres and surrounded by Lake Neva, Dream Lake and Fish Hook Lake. As such, the resort offers an incredible assortment of leisure activities ranging from canoeing and kayaking, fishing and boating, cycling and hiking, and swimming when the sun is just right.

Lakedale Resort

Lakedale offers five different accommodations with a cozy lodge and dog-friendly log cabins for more traditional travelers, while a yurt village, campsite, and canvas cabins offer outdoor immersion for the nature lover.

Resort log cabins are a true treat for families, with up to six guests comfortably accommodated and up to two dogs welcome. Cabins feature spacious family rooms with a gas fireplace, full kitchens packed with cookware amenities, and large cedar decks for savoring morning coffee.

Friday Harbor House is one of the most popular resorts on San Juan Island for good reason. With luxurious contemporary accommodations framed by waterfront views, and Friday Harbors downtown attractions right outside your door, this resort is a great getaway for weekenders and outdoor explorers alike.

Friday Harbor House in Friday Harbor, Wash, on San Juan Island

Friday Harbor House is perched on a bluff over the marina so guests may take in sun-kissed skies and surrounding natural beauty, while being mere steps from area eateries and boutiques. The outdoor dining space focuses on seasonal fare from area farmers and fishers, while indoor dining features floor to ceiling windows so the panoramic view is always within reach.

Each guestroom at Friday Harbor House features a gas fireplace and oversized jetted tub for two while suites include an outdoor balcony. Guests may savor San Juan Island Coffee Company with Chemex pour-over carafes provided in room, while bath salts and lavender pillow spray alongside LOccitane bath products provide cozy comforts for a luxurious night in.

Set along the marina and waterfront on Lopez Island, guests at Lopez Islander Resort have a variety of accommodations for a laidback getaway. Standard rooms and suites feature bayview decks, as do vacation homes which also offer kitchens and spacious family gathering spaces. RV sites and seasonal camping is also an option here, and of course the marina welcomes those arriving with their own floating home base.

Lopez Islander Resort

The focus of Lopez Islander resort is relaxation, recreation, and restoration. Onsite fine dining is complimented with a tiki lounge, while a seasonal outdoor pool provides a space for families to cool down in the summer months. Guests are welcome to explore the area with onsite provided bikes, while sea kayaking is also a popular activity at this quiet waterfront destination.

Massage services are available upon request, while an indoor jacuzzi room is available year-round. Pet-friendly accommodations are available.

Guests in search of a bed & breakfast with a resort-like ambience may find MacKaye Harbor Inn on Lopez Island a winning combination. This waterfront property offers a private sandy beach and tranquil accommodations with just five rooms. That means youll have ample private space to carve out relaxing downtime after enjoying a fresh-prepared daily breakfast.

MacKaye Harbor Inn

Ideal for two, the Harbor Suite includes a cozy fireplace and private, covered deck for soaking in coastal views. The inn offers bicycles for guests eager to explore the local natural setting, or to enjoy a nine-mile ride into Lopez Village for wine tastings, baked treats, and boutique shopping.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Rosario Resort & Spa on Orcas Island overlooks East Sound and Cascade Bay. Guests can explore some of the remarkable history here by self-touring the Moran Mansion at Rosario where photographs and furnishings from the late 1800s and early 1900s recall Seattle shipbuilder Mayor Robert Morans legacy.

The resort is spread across 40 acres, so there is plenty to explore on land but kayaking the bay is a popular activity here, as are sunset and wine cruises. The onsite spa offers massage therapy and skin care, while the adult-only therapeutic indoor pool offers a tranquil space for relaxation. The resort features two seasonal outdoor pools, one for adults and another for families.

Rosario Resort and Spa

Guests may opt for bayside rooms or expansive luxury suites. The historic Roundhouse Suite offers a little extra indulgence and is perched on a bluff overlooking the marina and bay. This unique suite was built as a childrens playhouse in 1913, though now it caters to guests with a fireplace in the living space, a separate bedroom, and private outdoor deck.

Alongside Deer Harbor on Orcas Island, WorldMark Deer Harbor offers resort suites ranging from 426 to 1,480 square feet. Vacation rentals come with a kitchenette or full kitchen and a private deck, so casual home-cooked dining is a breeze at this relaxing destination. A shared barbeque area is also available.

WorldMark Deer Harbor

The studio deluxe cottage provides a romantic getaway with a private whirlpool on the deck and a fireplace warming the gathering space. The two-bedroom presidential suite offers the same, yet with two dedicated sleeping spaces for family comfort.

A fitness center and seasonal outdoor pool provide onsite workouts, while Moran State Park is just a few miles away for additional recreation.

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Best resorts in the San Juan Islands - seattlepi.com