Things to See and Do
in Friday Harbor and on San Juan Island

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 Town Hall at 60 Second Street, Friday Harbor (during regular business hours).

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.

The History of Roche Harbor

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.

Dining in Historic Settings

Fine dining is enjoyed in both historic and non-historic buildings:

Front Street Café (c. 1870 building);
Latitude 48 (c. 1920s house)
Garden Path Café (c. 1886 house);
McMillin Dining Room at Roche Harbor Resort (1886 structure);
Mi Casita (c. 1895 house);
Herb's Tavern (an 1892 former mercantile);
Dos Diablos (c. 1910 building);

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: Steps Wine Bar, the Front Street Ale House pub and brewery, Mi Piace Coffee House and Golden Triangle Thai.

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.
Bison Gallery, features art in all mediums by prominent Northwest artists.
Serendipity Books, a seller of used books, including Northwest themes, fiction, children’s books and other topics.
The Arcade Building hosts a tasteful blend of shops including a bookstore, café, and specialty clothing and cooking boutiques.
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.
Crème Brulee offers charming gifts, books, clothing and other treasures for cottage living.
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.
Sandpebble for eclectic gifts, jewelry, clothing, and home furnishings to fit any style or occasion.
Daisy Bloom offers contemporary, comfortable and fun clothing and accessories.
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.

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.

San Juan Benefit Players Theatre, quality theater productions for the benefit of the community, produces plays, lectures and other cultural events.

Palace Theatre, at 209 Spring Street, with first-run movies offered nightly on two screens; weekend matinees.

Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the County Courthouse parking lot on Second Street in Friday Harbor. Open May to mid-October weather permitting. Slated to become a year-round market at the county fairgrounds in 2008.

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.