The San Juan Islands draw visitors year-round to their stunning location near the Canadian border. Each island has its own distinct personality—San Juan Island is known for the lively port town of Friday Harbor, Orcas Island boasts rugged mountains and forested trails, while Lopez Island offers a relaxed, bike-friendly vibe. With charming coastal towns, rich local history, and the iconic resident orca pods, the San Juan Islands archipelago offers a truly unforgettable Pacific Northwest getaway. Whether you arrive by ferry, seaplane, or private boat, we recommend booking your trip in advance through Kenmore Air and stay at the Roach Harbor Resort.
Sequim, Washington—known as the "Lavender Capital of North America.” Nestled in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Sequim enjoys an unexpectedly warm climate and is known by locals as one of Western Washington’s sunniest regions. Visitors are drawn to its natural beauty and the world-famous lavender fields that blanket the rolling farmland each summer. With a charming downtown, relaxed pace, farm-to-table restaurants, and some of the best crabbing in the world, Sequim is a peaceful retreat that captures the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Suquamish, Washington: Tucked between Bainbridge Island and Kingston along the sheltered shores of Port Madison, Suquamish is easy to miss. This small fishing village is home to Chief Seattle’s burial site and Old Man House Beach, the ancestral home of the Suquamish people. Stroll along the public dock and experience a peaceful slice of old Pacific Northwest life. Grab a bite at Sully's, the locals’ waterfront restaurant, or stock up on essentials at JC's Country Store. Suquamish isn’t just a stop—it’s a meaningful detour into Indigenous heritage, nature, and solitude. Highly recommended is the Tribal History Museum.
Whidbey Island: The cooler, brisk months bring shorter ferry lines, quieter campgrounds, and the best chances to see the resident orca pods, majestic bald eagles, and local harbor porpoises. Whether it’s a private pebble beach, the thrill of watching a storm roll in, a mossy forest hike, or an evening fire, Whidbey Island and Deception Pass are our honorable mention winter destinations.
Accessible by car from Seattle or ferry from Whidbey Island. Port Townsend, Washington, is a coastal hideout on the Olympic Peninsula, celebrated for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture and rich maritime history, this vibrant and eclectic town offers a thriving arts scene, small music venues, and popular seasonal events like the Wooden Boat and Blues Festival. Stroll into high-end antique shops, browse retro secondhand stores, or simply unwind in a cozy café. In Port Townsend, history and architecture meet the sea, creating a perfect blend of charm and culture.