Sightseeing

If you need to rest from all the outdoor adventure, plan a quiet day, taking in the many other sightseeing opportunities that the island offers:

Krystal Acres Alpacas

See the largest herd of alpacas in the San Juan Islands on this 70-acre working farm. Guided educational tours may be scheduled by calling a week in advance. This Alpaca Ranch is such a fun place to visit: the alpacas in all colors, shapes and sizes remind you of some wonderful creature out of a Dr. Seuss book. Their hair that comes in 22 natural shades is one of the most sought after fibers in the world. Krystal Acres Alpacas has a unique store on the premises with wonderful products such as coats, scarves, socks, hats and other great gift ideas.

Pelindaba Lavender Farm

Stroll through fields of purple lavender. They have a large selection of lavender handcrafted goods available for sale at the farm and gift shop. There is also a shop and refreshment hall at the Friday Harbor Center on First Street

Retirement of the Colors Each evening, just before sunset at Roche Harbor, the Retirement of the Colors can be viewed and heard from almost anywhere in the harbor. It is a non-military ceremony formulated by the late Reuben J. Tarte who bought the property in 1956. The ceremony has been a tradition at Roche Harbor since the summer of 1957. One of the best views is from McMillins' Dining Room.

San Juan Island National Historical Parks

English Camp lies in tree-sheltered Garrison Bay on 530 acres with 2 miles of shoreline, about 9 miles northwest of Friday Harbor. See the formal garden, 1860's guardhouse and the parade grounds now home to wild turkeys and Canada geese. Beautiful trails lead to Bell Point on Westcott Bay, or take a 30 min. hike up Mt. Young.

American Camp is located on the southern tip of the Island, about 7 miles southeast of Friday Harbor overlooking the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Two historic buildings survive, along with the remains of a redoubt (an earthen gun emplacement). Other building sites are identified, including the locations of the Hudson's Bay Company farm, the old town of San Juan, and the American Camp Cemetery. Visitor Center exhibits focus on archaeology and daily life in both camps, as well as an overview of the famous Pig War. This beautiful camp is on 1220 acres, which includes 5 miles of beaches charmed with unusual driftwood. A great place to enjoy the picnic tables, fire pits, and fantastic sunsets.

San Juan Historical Museum Imagine a place where you can experience island life as it was at the turn of the century. The museum complex consists of an original farmhouse, the first county jail, a turn-of-the-century log cabin, barn, milk house and carriage house. Offers several activities: check their web site for dates.

405 Price Street

Friday Harbor, WA 98250

(360) 378 3949

Shepherd's Croft

Tour a local sheep farm where they raise fine wool bred sheep, and produce wool yarn, bed comforters, and washable sheepskin rugs. During the summer they have spinning demonstrations, lambs, piglets, and a flock of laying chickens.

Located at the intersection of Bailer Hill and Wold Rd. Friday Harbor

There are two buildings on the State Register of Historic Places.

Oddfellows Hall, in Friday Harbor, built in 1892.

Valley Church, in San Juan Valley on San Juan, built in 1892.

There are four San Juan buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

San Juan County Courthouse, the old section, in Friday Harbor, built in 1906.

Lime Kiln Lighthouse, west side of San Juan, built in 1917.

Buildings at San Juan National Historic Park, American Camp and English Camp built in the 1860's.

Roche Harbor Village, north end of San Juan, built in 1881.