Winter on San Juan Island offers a refreshing escape from the usual summer crowds. It is an ideal time to experience the natural beauty of Western Washington and curl up in our exceptional Friday Harbor lodging. The island’s windswept coastlines and vibrant, misty forests create a peaceful setting for those looking to unwind or getaway for the holidays.
There’s no shortage of things to do in the San Juan Islands, even in the winter. Enjoy a brisk walk along the coastal trails at Lime Kiln Point State Park or visit the San Juan Island National Historical Park to learn about the island’s unique history. Keep an eye out for local wildlife—seals and otters are often spotted along the shoreline, and you may even spot a resident orca or two! For a more relaxed day, stop by local art galleries or enjoy some wine tasting at a nearby vineyard.
The slower pace of the winter season makes it perfect for both outdoor exploration and cozy indoor experiences, and Western Washington’s mild weather is friendly enough for outdoor adventures all year long. Of course, when you’re done for the day, our cozy, romantic Friday Harbor lodging will be waiting for you! There’s truly no better place to stay than the Tucker House Inn & Harrison House Suites.
Our charming Friday Harbor lodging seamlessly blends comfort with modern amenities, creating a welcoming home base for your island adventures. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed rooms, a gourmet breakfast delivered to you daily, not to mention a host of other fantastic amenities and a prime location within walking distance of Friday Harbor’s restaurants and shops. It doesn’t matter what brings you to the San Juan Islands this winter. Our top-rated Friday Harbor Lodging is an excellent choice for your winter getaway. Book your stay today!
The Best Friday Harbor Lodging
For many travelers thinking about a trip up to the San Juan Islands, their focus is on the warm, sunny summer season; a season prime for kayaking, boating, whale watching, hiking, and more. However, don’t let the cooler and somewhat wetter winter season scare you away. Winter is a delightful time to visit the San Juan Islands, and our cozy Inn is undoubtedly the best place to stay in Friday Harbor.
To start, our unique Friday Harbor lodging is just a short walk away from the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal. You can walk from the ferry up the hill to our Inn, or it’s a very short drive away with ample parking. While you’re a guest, you’ll be free to enjoy much of your time visiting downtown Friday Harbor on foot – and there are plenty of things to do in downtown Friday Harbor!
At our Bed and Breakfast, you’ll have your choice of 18 unique and historic guest rooms, suites, and cottages. Our Friday Harbor lodging is perfect for couples, families, and four-legged friends. No matter which style of room you choose, you’ll find them cozy and comfortable, with plenty of amenities, including jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and beautiful views in some rooms. The list of complimentary amenities at our Friday Harbor Lodging is long, but to name a few, you’ll have access to bikes and kayaks to explore this beautiful island community. Every bathroom has luxurious handmade soap and skin products, best enjoyed before slipping into your custom robe.
There’s plenty to love about a stay at our Friday Harbor Lodging, but a popular favorite among our guests is the daily gourmet breakfast. Breakfast is delivered fresh to your door each morning for you to enjoy at your leisure. Everything is house-made and includes the freshest ingredients from local farmers and artisans. In the evening, don’t forget the chance to dine with us at Coho Restaurant, our fine-dining restaurant in downtown Friday Harbor, where our delicious farm-to-table cooking continues.
If you’re traveling with young kids or pets, rest assured that our Bed and Breakfast is for more than romantic couple’s getaways. We also offer family-friendly and pet-friendly accommodations. We’re a bunch of animal lovers here, so your dogs will be greeted with love, ear scratches, and chef-prepared “pupcakes” on your arrival. To show how serious we are about welcoming pets, we even offer a “Pampered Pet Package” to assure your furry friend gets the royal treatment. Our vacation cottages are also pet-friendly and are perfect for families with children and those looking for longer stays.
Things to do on San Juan Island This Winter
It may be rainier outside during your winter getaways to San Juan Island, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to do. That’s particularly true if you’re willing to don a rain jacket and bring your sense of adventure! Otherwise, we find winter to be a pretty special season in Friday Harbor. There are still plenty of things to do on San Juan Island in the winter, and it’s quieter, slower, and more enjoyable. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind and leave your stress checked on the mainland.
Friday Harbor itself is filled with great boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and museums, and it’s just a short walk away from our Bed and Breakfast – and the adventures don’t stop there. You’ll find plenty of things to do in the San Juan Islands this winter. We’ve listed a few of our favorites below!
- Winter isn’t prime whale watching season, though you can still sometimes spot resident orcas from places like Lime Kiln State Park or even one of the tour operators that continue during the winter. You can, however, learn more about local whales at the exquisite Whale Museum in Friday Harbor. It is one of our favorite things to do in the San Juan Islands on a rainy day.
- Another great rainy day activity is visiting the San Juan Island Museum of Art, which showcases local artists and a selection of art from artists around the world. Head to local galleries like Friday Harbor Atelier, Waterworks Gallery, Harbor Song Art Gallery, Friday Harbor Gallery, and Arctic Raven Gallery for more immersion into the local art scene.
- Don’t miss the chance to browse the charming boutiques in downtown Friday Harbor. It’s one of our favorite things to do on San Juan Island, and it just so happens to be a fantastic place to do your holiday shopping!
- If you want to get outside (and we recommend you do), consider one of our favorite local hikes. Winter hiking is one of our favorite things to do on San Juan Island – the sense of solitude you’ll find is unmatched, and the scenery is always beautiful.
- When you’re done hiking, head to the San Juan Island Brewery, just a short distance from our Friday Harbor lodging. Their craft beers are made on-site, and they have a great menu to enjoy alongside them.
- Do you just want to relax? We can’t blame you! One of our favorite things to do on San Juan Island in the winter is to book a spa day. The Spa at Earthbox is the perfect place to do just that.
However you spend your days, the romantic and cozy accommodations at our Friday Harbor Lodging will be waiting. Book your winter getaway to our beautiful island paradise today!
