Things to See and Do
in Friday Harbor and on San Juan Island
Special Promotions - Savor the San Juans
Contact us to register for the walking tour of Friday Harbor's downtown historic district.
Walking Tour Guides and Brochures
Historic Friday Harbor on Foot: Downtown
A self-guided tour guide is available at several locations in Friday Harbor.
Boardwalk Bookstore at 5 Spring Street, Friday Harbor
Harbor Bookstore at 22 Cannery Landing, Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor Souvenir Company, 135 Spring Street, Suite F, Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor Town Hall at 60 Second Street, Friday Harbor (during regular business hours).
San Juan Historical Museum, 405 Price Street, Friday Harbor. Call for hours.
English Camp Historic Guided Walk
A self-guided tour guide is available from the National Park Service or for sale at the Visitor’s Center located at American Camp.
American Camp Historic Guided Walk
A self-guided tour guide is available from the National Park Service or for sale at the Visitor’s Center located at American Camp.
Learn about the history of Roche Harbor and when you visit you can pick up a fold-out map from the front desk of Hotel de Haro to guide you around the historical village.
Emily's Guide Map of the San Juan Islands, Washington
Created by longtime island local Emily Reed, Emily's Guide Maps take you to people and off-the-beaten-track places you might miss without it. It's colorful and informative pages are filled with maps, heritage sites, farms, art studios, hiking trails, island lore and many more valuable tips.
Dining in Historic Settings
Fine dining is enjoyed in both historic and non-historic buildings:
- Coho Restaurant (c. 1920s house)
- Dos Diablos (c. 1910 building)
- Front Street Café (c. 1870 building)
- Garden Path Café (c. 1886 house)
- Herb's Tavern (an 1892 former mercantile)
- Latitude 48 (c. 1920s house)
- McMillin Dining Room at Roche Harbor Resort (1886 structure)
- Mi Casita (c. 1895 house)
Several other fine restaurants located in the historic district are housed in contemporary buildings that were designed to compliment Friday Harbor’s vernacular architectural style. They include: the Front Street Ale House pub and brewery, Golden Triangle Thai restaurant, Mi Piace Coffee House and Steps Wine Bar.
Shopping, Art and Culture
Much of Friday Harbor’s downtown shopping resides in historic buildings, or newly-constructed historic district buildings that were designed to compliment Friday Harbor’s vernacular architectural style. Of particular note:
- Arctic Raven is a fine art gallery of Northwest Coast, Inuit and Eskimo art.
- The Arcade Building hosts a tasteful blend of shops including a bookstore, café, and specialty clothing and cooking boutiques.
- Bison Gallery, features art in all mediums by prominent Northwest artists.
- Crème Brulee offers charming gifts, books, clothing and other treasures for cottage living.
- Daisy Bloom offers contemporary, comfortable and fun clothing and accessories.
- Dominique’s House with contemporary furnishings and artful decor for the home.
- Dominique's Clothing where you'll find fresh and feminine clothing with a Northwest flair.
- Friday Harbor Drug has been the local pharmacy for over a hundred years. This grouping of two historic buildings also carries cards, magazines, gifts and other household staples.
- Gallery San Juan offers fine art and framing. Featuring the art of owners Matt and BJ Dollohite and other talented local artists.
- Pelindaba Lavender farm, downtown shop and café. This local island agricultural producer sells lavender plants, essential oils, teas, drinks, culinary goods and other handcrafted lavender products.
- Sandpebble for eclectic gifts, jewelry, clothing, and home furnishings to fit any style or occasion.
- Serendipity Books, a seller of used books, including Northwest themes, fiction, children’s books and other topics.
Entertainment
For an updated list of art and other cultural activities, visit the San Juan Island Vistors Bureau.
San Juan Community Theatre - showcases local and regional theatre, music and comedy on two stages year-round.
Palace Theatre (370-5666) - built in 1915, the two screen cinema at 209 Spring Street shows first-run movies nightly on two screens; weekend matinees.
Farmers Market - Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m at the County Courthouse parking lot on Second Street in Friday Harbor. Open May to mid-October weather permitting.
Outdoor Adventures
The San Juan Islands are known internationally by outdoor, nature and photography enthusiasts for sailing, cycling, kayaking and whale watching tours. Numerous outdoor recreation companies serve visitors here, with departure points throughout San Juan Island. For lists of these companies and contact information, visit the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau.
More adventurous travelers will enjoy extended marine adventures aboard the historic Pacific Catalyst II, a 1930s wooden research vessel that has been thoughtfully restored with period staterooms, a gallery and a wood-paneled salon. It is available for mothership kayaking and whole boat charters in the San Juan/Gulf Islands in September and October, depending on interest. The Catalyst is registered with the National Park Services Maritime Heritage Program, and when in port, welcomes visitors.