The San Juan Islands are located in northwestern Washington State, USA. They lie between mainland Washington and Vancouver Island and are situated in the Salish Sea. The islands are famous for their calm nature, whale watching, and beautiful coastal views.
San Juan Islands Location Map, Friday Harbor, Washington
Washington Maps and Info
Top Attractions Inside San Juan Islands
- Friday Harbor – Lively town with shops, galleries, and waterfront dining.
- Lime Kiln Point State Park – Famous whale-watching spot from shore.
- San Juan Island National Historical Park – Historic sites from the Pig War era with scenic trails.
- Orcas Island – Mount Constitution – Summit views of the islands and distant peaks.
- Moran State Park – Lakes, forests, and 30+ miles of hiking trails.
- Roche Harbor – Marina village with historic buildings and sunset views.
- Kayaking Tours – Paddle among orcas, seals, and rugged coastline.
- Shaw & Lopez Islands – Quiet islands known for biking and peaceful beaches.
San Juan Islands Facts
| Official Name | San Juan Islands |
| Location | Friday Harbor, San Juan County, Washington, USA — Northwestern Washington / Salish Sea |
| Latitude & Longitude | 48.5366° N, 123.0138° W |
| Total Area | Approx. 172 islands and rocks; largest islands include San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, total land area ≈437 sq mi (1,130 km²) |
| Established / Opened | Recognized historically; no formal establishment; part of San Juan County |
| Managed By | Combination of private landowners, San Juan County, Washington State Parks, and National Park Service (San Juan Islands National Monument) |
| Region | Salish Sea / Pacific Northwest / Northwestern Washington |
| Address | San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA |
| Zip Code | 98250 (Friday Harbor as main hub) |
| Area Code | 360 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Island hopping, marine wilderness, whale watching, kayaking, hiking, historic sites, small-town tourism, scenic nature exploration |
| Main Sections / Areas | San Juan Island (Friday Harbor, Lime Kiln Point), Orcas Island (Moran State Park), Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Shaw Island State Park, National Monument sites, marine and wildlife zones |
| Famous Attractions | Whale watching (orcas and gray whales), Lime Kiln Point State Park, Moran State Park, Friday Harbor village, kayaking and boating, scenic vistas, San Juan Islands National Monument |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 1.5–2 million visitors |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid ferry or private boat required; state park day-use fees may apply |
| Ticket Price Range | Washington State Ferries: Vehicles ~$30–$50, Walk-on passengers ~$10–$15; park day-use fees ~$5–$10 per person |
| Ticket Options | Ferry reservations, private boat access, guided whale-watching tours, kayak/canoe rentals, state park day-use passes |
| Best Time to Visit | May–September for mild weather, whale watching, kayaking, hiking; spring for wildflowers; fall for fewer crowds |
| Nearby Airport | Friday Harbor Airport (FHR) – on San Juan Island; Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – ~90 miles (145 km) plus ferry |
| Transportation | Ferries (Washington State Ferries), private boats, kayaking, small-plane flights, bicycles, limited car travel between islands (via ferry), hiking trails on each island |
| Official Website | https://www.visitsanjuans.com/ |
Distances from San Juan Islands to Nearby Landmarks
- Friday Harbor (San Juan Island) – 0 km (0 mi)
- Roche Harbor – 16 km (9.9 mi)
- Lime Kiln Point State Park – 14 km (8.7 mi)
- Orcas Island (Eastsound) – 24 km (14.9 mi)
- Orcas Island Ferry Terminal – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Shaw Island Ferry Terminal – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Lopez Island Village – 14 km (8.7 mi)
- Anacortes Ferry Terminal – 31 km (19.3 mi)
- Deception Pass State Park – 49 km (30.4 mi)
- Bellingham, WA – 75 km (46.6 mi)
- Mount Vernon, WA – 64 km (39.8 mi)
- La Conner, WA – 53 km (32.9 mi)
- Port Townsend, WA – 60 km (37.3 mi)
- Victoria, BC – 42 km (26.1 mi)
- Vancouver, BC – 102 km (63.4 mi)
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