By STEPHANIE SHIBATA
QUICK ESCAPE By SEA STAFF
A LOOK BACK AT SAN JUAN ISLANDS SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING and COVID-19 restrictions have opened up to allow summer travel plans. The Sea is taking a look back to an article written by Stephanie Shibata detailing someone the best ways to spend your time in the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest. Paradise in the Pacific Northwest is known as the San Juan Islands. Consisting of 172 islands, the area is home to spectacular scenery, wildlife and history. If that isn’t enough, the islands lie in the Olympic Mountain rain shadow, resulting in less than half the rain Seattle gets and an average of 247 days of sunshine a year. From April through September, approximately 90 orca whales make their home in the water surrounding the San Juans. The three main islands are San Juan, Orcas and Lopez. 1. SAN JUAN ISLAND San Juan Island is the most diverse of the three, combining rocky shores and sandy beaches, prairie and pastureland, lakes and forest. On the east side of the island is the town of Friday Harbor, a quaint seaport of parks, restaurants, shops and galleries. This historic seaport in the Salish Sea is preserved by its maritime history. There are no traffic lights. The seaport is bustling with visitors, who can enjoy walking tours 56 SEAMAGAZINE.COM AUGUST 2021
and visiting the plethora of art galleries, the whale museum, boutiques, and seaside restaurants and pubs. On the northwest side of the island is another port of entry known as Roche Harbor. Listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, it’s approximately 10 miles from Friday Harbor and will take you back in time to a quiet, relaxed pace as you stroll through the beautiful Victorian gardens and enjoy the ambiance of the historical buildings while watching some of the most spectacular sunsets in the Pacific Northwest. Roche Harbor is also a U.S. Customs Port of Entry for boaters wanting to cruise to and from Canada, which is less than five miles away. Roche Harbor has an airstrip, a marina, lodging, a grocery store, restaurants, a sculpture park, shopping, hiking trails and other activities. Where to Dock Port of Friday Harbor Marina is located in the center of the island on the eastern shore. The 500-slip, full-service marina is within easy walking
distance to town. There are 150 guest slips able for boats of all sizes. The southern breakwaters are reserved for vessels over 45 feet in length. Roche Harbor Marina has been a popular boating destination for many years and accommodates vessels up to 160 feet. With 377, slips it’s a favorite location of many traveling dignitaries and has been featured in many movies and travel shows. The marina features the full-service Afterglow Spa offering treatments soothing to the soul, and body. Relax with a massage, or indulge in one of the many signature body treatments. Where to Eat One of our favorites is a Friday Harbor institution. Herb’s Grill — the oldest tavern in town — provides a smoke-free environment. It has a comfortable beach bar feel with a ceiling decorated with orange life rings and inflatable beer paraphernalia. The menu includes such scrumptious items as the Hippie Burger, the Cow-Dipper and the Pile-O-Fries. Rocky Bay Café, another favorite in town, has a great selection of American breakfast and lunch favorites, but note that it closes early, at 2 p.m. The Roche Harbor village offers several
