ONE NIGHT on San Juan Island is too short. You will need more time to drive around and experience the island.

TWO NIGHTS IS GOOD. Now you will have a full day to explore our two National Parks and watch for the orca whales. Enjoy our nationally recognized museums and distinctive art galleries, and savor the sunset with wine on the west side.

THREE NIGHTS IS MUCH BETTER. You will have time to relax and go kayaking, fishing, sailing or diving. Stroll through beautiful Friday Harbor Marina or Roche Harbor Sculpture Garden. Perhaps grill seafood on our deck.

FOUR NIGHTS IS BEST. This gives you plenty of time to explore unique places like San Juan Vineyard, Westcott Bay Oyster Farm, Pelindaba Lavender Farm, Crystal Acres Alpaca Farm, and others. Hike, golf, bike, picnic on the beach. . . Possibilities are endless. And we haven't even mentioned the wide variety of fine restaurants to try!

Without a Vehicle

A vehicle can be convenient - and a nuisance. If your itinerary includes Seattle, the San Juan Islands and/or Victoria BC you do not need a vehicle - and can save money - by using the Victoria Clipper passenger-only ferry.

Vehicle rentals are subject to 25% tax at Seattle/Tacoma International Airport. Vehicle passage to San Juan Island on a Washington State Ferry is about $35 dollars (round trip) and about $50 dollars each way to Sidney, 15 miles north of Victoria. However, the Victoria Clipper psaaenger-only ferry goes from Seattle to San Juan Island, Victoria, San Juan Island and back to Seattle daily (May through September) at a considerable savings. While on San Juan Island, you can rent a vehicle for $40 dollars/day, and Victoria has great public transportation. You can also take day trips to Victoria from San Juan Island, May through September, with San Juan Safaris. You can also fly. Harbor Airlines (800-359-3220) has scheduled service from Seattle/Tacoma International Airport to the islands, West Isle Air (800-874-4434) will take you from San Juan Island to Victoria, BC. And our favorite, Kenmore Air floatplanes (800-543-9595), fly between Lake Union or Lake Washington in Seattle to the islands and Victoria.

With A Vehicle

If you want to see more of the Northwest, and will have a vehicle, consider one of the following itineraries:

A TASTE OF THE NORTHWEST. To get a good flavor of the Northwest, take the loop from Seattle to San Juan Island, to Whidbey Island, to the Olympic Peninsula and back to Seattle. Spend two or three nights at Hillside House Bed and Breakfast, one or two on Whidbey Island, and two or more on the Olympic Peninsula exploring Olympic National Park.