'''Friday Harbor''' is the main city on San Juan Island, the most populous of the San Juan Islands. It is also the county seat of San Juan County.

Get in

  • Take the Washington State Ferries from Anacortes.
  • <listing name="Kenmore Air" phone="+1-866-435-9524" email="reservations@KenmoreAir.com" fax="+1-425-485-4774" price="$75-139" url="http://www.kenmoreair.com">Kenmore Air seaplanes make up to seven flights daily from downtown Seattle's Lake Union to Friday Harbor Marina (as well as to Roche Harbor Marina at the northwest corner of San Juan Island. [http://kenmoreair.com Kenmore Air Express] also offers daily land plane service between Seattle's Boeing Field/King County International Airport (BFI) and Friday Harbor Airport (FRD). Complimentary shuttle transfers are available to/from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) for passengers on either Kenmore Air service. A quick and spectacular, though not cheap, way to arrive.</listing>
  • If you have access to a '''yacht''', come in the marina. It is a US Customs Port of Entry, so it can be your first stop from Canada.
  • If you have an '''airplane''', Friday Harbor has a well-equipped though modest airport. It is a US Customs Port of Entry, so it can be your first stop from Canada.
  • Get around

    See

  • '''Friday Harbor Laboratories'''
  • Friday Harbor houses one of the oldest and most famous marine research institutions, Friday Harbor Laboratories (or Labs, as it better known to locals). Situated inside University of Washington Biological Reserve (2.5 miles north of Friday Harbor), you will see island spotted deers, raccoons, Tree frogs, Banana slugs, Columbian black-tailed deet, Norway rat, White-footed mouse etc. Meet lab guys Charley and Paul to learn about fascinating life of seaweeds.

  • '''The Whale Museum'''
  • Do

  • '''Orca Whale Watching from Sea Kayaks'''
  • Biologist guides lead tours to the prime orca whale watching waters. Abundant seals, eagles, and other marine wildlife. Tour lengths range from a half-day up to 2, 3 and 5 day camping trips to the smaller islands. 360-378-5767 or 888-589-4253, whales@sea-quest-kayak.com [http://www.sea-quest-kayak.com/sea-kayaking-washington-kayak-seattle.htm/ Kayaking Tours in Friday Harbor]

  • '''Kayaking'''
  • There are several kayaking tour organizers in the town. Typically costs $85 for one day trips up to $150 per day for camping tours.

  • '''Birding and Bird-watching Tours'''
  • Local bird book author/biologist Mark Lewis guides birding tours throughout the San Juan Islands, home to 300 species of birds. Tour lengths from half-day to full day to multi-days. 360-378-5767 or 888-589-4253, whales@sea-quest-kayak.com [http://www.sea-quest-kayak.com/bird-watching-washington-birding/bird-watching-san-juan-islands-birding.htm/ Birding Tours in Friday Harbor]

  • '''Washington State Ferries'''
  • Watch the majestic Washington state ferries sweeping in and out of Friday Harbor. Produces no waves even at 25 knots speed!

  • '''Sea-Planes'''
  • Watch the take-off and landing of Sea-planes (Kenmore Air)from the south edge of harbor.

  • '''Whale watching'''
  • West-coast of the island is famous for whale watching. You can get all relevant information in couple of tourist centers.

    Buy

    Town drug-shop has a specialized astroglide section, a must visit for island couples.

    Eat

    You will never forget the yummiest taste you will have of roasted beef bagel sandwich at Dining, FHL, Friday harbor. FHL Dining also features a special garden salad with honey mustard.

    Drink

    Don't miss wednesday night karaoke at Herb's.

    Sleep

  • Best Western Friday Harbor Suites. 80 Spring St. 1 360 378-3031. ttp://www.fridayharborsuites.com. 1 800 752-5752. 1 360 378-4228.

  • Earthbox Motel and Spa. 10 Spring Street. 1 360-378-4000. tay@earthboxmotel.com. 1 800-793-4756. 1 360-378-4351. ttp://www.earthboxmotel.com/.

    Get out