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Here's your plan for chasing sunsets, hiking lighthouses, feeding alpacas, and relaxing at cozy harbors. Watch the video 👇

Frolic around the golden hills and beach dunes as the sunset paints you an ever-changing horizon, then feed alpacas and relax at laid back harbor on this wholesome island getaway to San Juan Island. Details for making this a car-free plan are included! 

Chase Sunsets at San Juan Island + Alpaca farm feeding 

Embark on a scenic ferry ride from Anacortes, directly to the heart of Friday Harbor, ensuring a picturesque start to your San Juan Island adventure.

Ferry Travel

✅ Before you go

• If you’re going by car, it’s best if you reserve a ferry spot here: https://secureapps.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/reservations/vehicle/SailingSchedule.aspx?cookieCheck=true

• This route is possible to do car free. Here’s a list by San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau on how to get there car free: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/from-seatac-airport-shuttles . I recommend taking the Bell Air Service here: https://secure.airporter.com/booking/line/airporter?_gl=1%2a1ezawvd%2a_ga%2aOTk0ODk2MDYwLjE2OTIwNjg2Nzc.%2a_ga_6N8XBYCBCM%2aMTY5MjA2ODY3Ny4xLjAuMTY5MjA2ODY3Ny4wLjAuMA..

• Here’s what I did to get to the Anacortes Ferry terminal by bus and bike: 


I booked a bus from Seattle King Street Station to Mt. Venom bus terminal here: https://www.amtrak.com/home, and then I transferred to 40x and got off at March Point Bus Terminal. View the bus schedule here: https://www.skagittransit.org/40x/
And then did another bus transfer to route 410 to Anacortes Ferry Terminal. Here’s the bus schedule: https://www.skagittransit.org/route-410EW/

• Book your accommodation ahead of time. The Island can get busy during summer time. I recommend Orca Inn for their budget friendly, clean and environmentally sustainable accommodations, make your reservations here: https://us01.iqwebbook.com/OIWA888/

• If you plan on camping, it's important to book your spot ahead of time. Click the “general availability” to view the available dates here: https://reserve.sanjuanco.com/island/campsites
If you’re getting there by biking, hiking or kayaking, San Juan County Park has a separate camping spot for people arriving by “human power,” the camp is $11.03 after tax and is first-come, first served

• Click here for REI’s camping gear list: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html



💪 Pro tips

• Bring at least $20 in cash, you’ll never know when you’ll need it on the island

• Have a battery pack with you, it's a life saver!

Take the ferry at Anacortes ferry terminal to Friday Harbor  

Explore the rich history and natural beauty of American Camp at San Juan Island National Historical Park. Perfect for picnics and capturing golden hour photos.

Scenic Viewing

✅ Before you go

• There is an abundance of wildlife here like foxes, deers, orcas, seals, and bald eagles! Be mindful of your distance and don’t feed them. Keep in mind the Leave No Trace principles: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/gumo_lnt.htm

• There is a bus that circles the whole island, they accept cash and venmo. Here’s the bus schedule: https://www.sanjuantransit.com/schedules.html, if you want to view the whole island you can check out their suggested itinerary here: https://www.sanjuantransit.com/San%20Juan%20Island%20Summer%202023%201-bus%20Transit%20Schedule%20the%20perfect%20day.pdf


💪 Pro tips

• Read up on the history of the American Camp. It adds to the experience! 

• This is a perfect spot for an afternoon picnic, so don’t forget to pack food and drinks. Grandma's cove at South Beach is my favorite

• If you have a film camera (or honestly any camera) this is the spot to capture those golden hour, nostalgic shots

• There isn’t much shade in the park, lather up with sunscreen! 



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Take in the views on American Camp at San Juan Island National Historical Park 

Explore Cattle Point Lighthouse and run through scenic trails around 4PM for perfect lighting.

Trail Running

💪 Pro tip

• I recommend going here in the afternoon around 4PM for the perfect lighting


Run through the trails of Cattle Point Lighthouse 

Watch a captivating sunset and potentially spot orcas at Lime Kiln Point State Park, renowned for its dramatic coastal views.

Watch Sunset

✅ Before you go
• The park requires a Discovery Pass, you can get one online at:  https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/


💪 Pro tips

• This is a prime spot to watch the sunset. Track the schedule of the sunset to get optimal views

• Keep your eyes peeled, this is a prime spot for Orca sightings


Listen to the crashing waves at Lime Kiln Point State Park  

Watch the sunset comfortably with a picnic at San Juan County Park, equipped with a charging station and amenities at the camping site.

Sunset Viewing

✅ Before you go

• If you’re camping here, the campsite has a bathroom and a water spout

• There is a charging station that takes USB cords by the food storage shelf at the human powered camp sites


💪 Pro tips

• This is another great option to view the sunset

• Bring a camping chair or a picnic mat to get comfortable while you watch the sunset


Romanticize the afternoon at San Juan Island County Park 

At Krystal Acres Farm on San Juan Island, you can get up close and personal feeding adorable alpacas.

Feed Alpacas

✅ Before you go
• Dogs are not allowed at the farm because they spook the Alpacas. Here are some FAQ’s :
https://www.krystalacres.com/faq-1


Feed Alpacas at Krystal Acres Farm

Relax at Roche Harbor, where you can rent kayaks, and enjoy a heated pool, tennis, and bocce.

Chill at Roche Harbor

💪 Pro tips

• If you have time,  you can rent kayaks and paddle around this beautiful harbor
At the harbor is a heated pool, tennis and bocce. 

• Check out the schedule and visitor day passes here : https://www.rocheharbor.com/activities/resort-activities/


Chill at Roche Harbor 

Attentione pickpocket! Because this island stole to my heart,

you've probably heard of it and now is the time to go to it.

Here's your ultimate guide on where to see the golden sunsets of the San Juan Islands.

And as a bonus, you'll meet this new fluffy friend.

Start off by catching the ferry to Friday Harbor.

I didn't waste no time and headed to San Juan Island National Historical Park.

I go here every year and it never disappoints.

I highly suggest going to Grandma's Cove because she is serving.

If you think that is amazing. This one is amazing too.

Head south to the Cattle Point lighthouse and run through the

trail like it's a movie like Oliver and Elio could never.

And no, that is not the last lighthouse at Lime Kiln State Park.

You'll watch the sun slowly go down to Canada.

you can set up camp as the sun paints you an ever changing

make some time because you will be heading to Krystal Acres where you'll be meeting

this fluffy fluffy alpacas where you can feed them with these $5 hay or grains.

It's a laid back harbor with coffee shops

and boutiques that you can check out before heading

car or whichever transportation you got yourself there.

Your life is a movie and San Juan Island is the film set.

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions.

Here's your plan for diving with sharks up close at Point Defiance Zoo's underwater tank. Watch the video 👇

Get a deep sea experience right in your own backyard! This is the Eye-To-Eye Shark Dive at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma! 🤿

SCUBA DIVE WITH SHARKS! 🦈🤿

Dive eye-to-eye with sharks at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma—no scuba experience needed! Safe, thrilling, and unforgettable underwater adventure for small groups.

Shark tank diving

✅ Before you go
• You absolutely need a reservation for this: https://www.pdza.org/discover/shark-dives/ 🦈
• This is for small groups, up to 4 people! 🤿🤿🤿🤿
• YOU DO NOT NEED ANY SCUBA EXPERIENCE TO DO THIS! The instructors give you step-by-step instructions on how to participate! 💧
• It’s not scary… it’s AMAZING! I felt safe the entire time! 🫶
• There are huge metal bars and a diver from the aquarium in the water with you, constantly checking on you. 🦈
• Make sure you arrive early! You need enough time to make your way through the zoo and to the aquarium by the time your booking starts!⏰
• You will absolutely need a change of clothes! We wore sweatpants and a sweatshirt to the zoo (no hoods!). You’re given a dry suit to wear over that, but water seeped through mine, and I was pretty damp by the end. 😩
• The hardest part for me was getting used to the oxygen line. Once it’s time to go, the staff help you get in quickly, so you can enjoy the most amount of time in the water. I ended up popping back up for a moment and taking a few breaths above the surface to get used to breathing through the line before going under. 😮‍💨
• The water isn’t bad at all! If you get cold easily, consider one more layer! 💦
• You’re underwater for about 20 minutes! The entire experience is about an hour, including a briefing before and after! 🐠🐟
• The experience costs about $130 per person! 💰

💪 Pro tips
• Your ticket includes a ticket to the zoo as well! We stayed at the zoo for a few hours after and checked out the other animals! 🐯🐼🐻

Head underwater! 🤿

Get a deep sea experience right in your own backyard.

This is the eye to eye shark dive at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma.

You submerge right into a shark tank and get

up close and personal with these incredible creatures.

I had zero scuba experience before doing this.

You're given step by step instructions and information about the

types of sharks and other fish in the tank with you

before you suit up and head under the water.

so you're underwater for about 20 minutes of that.

The sharks will come within inches of the bars if you stay still.

There's a diver from the aquarium in the water with you,

and there are giant bars to keep you separated.

I really recommend it for anyone interested in getting over their fear of jaws.

Here's your plan for tasting Korean rice wines paired with savory comfort food in Woodinville. Watch the video 👇

Explore varieties of Korean rice wines in this tasting room experience, pairing with traditional savory comfort food.

Rice Wine Tasting

Taste authentic Korean rice wines at Rainbrew in Woodinville—sample flights, try savory Korean comfort fare, and explore seasonal brews on weekends only.

✅ Before you go
• Double check which days they open - currently they only open on Fri, Sat and Sun.
• They have plenty of parking spots.
• If you want to book a tour or brewing class, check their website first.

💪 Pro tips
• I recommend ask what’s their current seasonal drop and give it a try.

Head to Rainbrew

They are crafting authentic Korean rice wines, from creamy Makgeolli to bold Takju.

grab a flight to taste their core line up and don't miss their latest seasonal drops.

You can't have rice wine without comfort food.

Try their instant ramen and seafood pancake for the perfect salty-

they also have a cocktail menu all built on a rice wine base.

Take a bottle home or book a tour or brewing class to learn the craft.

Here's your plan for a peaceful riverside hike with forest views and a charming waterfall stop. Watch the video 👇

Do a meandering hike through the quiet woods on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail. 

River and Woods Hike

Enjoy a peaceful hike along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail, weaving through lush forests and scenic river spots—choose your adventure distance!

Forest River Hike

✅ Before you go
• Familiarize yourself with the route and recent reviews using WTA or AllTrails (https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/middle-fork-snoqualmie-upstream) (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/middle-fork-snoqualmie-river-trail?sh=ktpvm7&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality)


💪 Pro tips
• The parking lot is large and has bathrooms, so no need to get there super early. 
• Although the hike isn’t up a mountain, the trail does have rolling elevation up and down, so it catches up to you!
• Always remember to leave no trace!  


Hike on the Middle Fork Trail

choose your own adventure hike along a river.

You'll park at the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trailhead,

where you'll start the hike by crossing this picturesque suspension bridge.

you'll turn left to hike on the Middle Fork Trail.

so you can choose whatever distance suits you.

This trail is absolutely stunning and weaves in and

out of the forest with a few stream crossings.

Make sure to keep your eyes out for slugs!

we found a spot on the river to hang out and enjoy some snacks.

but we kept going another 1.5 miles to see this little waterfall.

This is the perfect hike the next time you need an escape from the city.

Here's your plan for sipping natural wine at a cozy outdoor patio in Fremont. Watch the video 👇

Spend some time sipping natural wine on an outdoor patio tucked away in Fremont. 

Hidden Natural Wine Bar in an Outdoor Garden

Sip natural wine in The Botanicale's charming Fremont patio, enjoy a wine flight, and bring your own snacks for a cozy, relaxed experience.

Wine Tasting

✅ Before you go
• Bring a snack if you want! They allow outside food. 


💪 Pro tip
• I’d highly recommend the wine flight! It’s a great way to try a bunch of different wines you may not normally reach for. 


Enjoy a drink at The Botanicale

Let's go to a cozy natural wine bar tucked away in Fremont.

The Botanicale started as a plant store but has now evolved into the cutest wine bar.

but they also allow outside food and drink,

and the group next to us even brought in a delicious looking charcuterie spread.

I'll definitely be doing that next time I go.

are super friendly and knowledgeable about their wine.

They like to know their growers and currently have met about 80% of them.

About half the wine they pour is local to Seattle and Oregon.