You may have heard about how romantic the San Juan Islands are. With excellent Northwest eateries, unparalleled sights, and a plethora of activities on offer, you can plan the perfect intimate vacation. Just follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to a romantic getaway for the books.
Getting there:
Sometimes it’s about the journey and at other times it’s about the destination, but on a trip to San Juan Island, it’s both. Make the most out of your journey and plan a little something special on the way.
Driving Road Trip:
If you are coming from Seattle, make sure to hit some of the beautiful towns and attractions along the way. Drive through Mt. Vernon and make a detour to the little town of Edison and pick up some picnic supplies at the Breadfarm. Or extend your island tour by hopping on the Mukilteo-Whidbey Island Ferry and driving over the scenic Deception Pass Bridge.
Take a Seaplane:
Get a bird’s eye view of the Puget Sound, dotted with little islands and boats roaming the waters, while on your way to the island. This unique travel route to San Juan Island will certainly start your trip off on a high note. Book your one-hour seaplane trip on Northwest Seaplanes.
Where to Stay:
Stay at the Tucker House Inn & Harrison House Suites for a romantic vacation unlike any other. Conveniently located in downtown Friday Harbor, you can walk to all the best shops, restaurants, and attractions. Explore the island and return to your cozy suite or cottage at the end of the day. Turn on the fireplace to set the mood and the next morning enjoy a gourmet breakfast delivered to your door for romance without lifting a finger. You can even upgrade your delivery to add candlelight and champagne or go for the full pampering package for two! (And if you’re visiting during Valentine’s weekend, elevate your romantic getaway with the addition of the St. Valentine’s Weekend Special: Romance & Roses. You’ll be greeted with a half-dozen roses and a bottle of champagne on ice and have limited-availability activities already booked.)
What to Do:
Once you get to the island, life is easy. There is no shortage of activities to draw your attention, shops to pull you in, or restaurants to excite your taste buds. Surprise your favorite person by planning romantic activities all over the island.
Hike out to the Lime Kiln Lighthouse on the western side of the island. Lime Kiln Point State Park is filled with little treasures including the picturesque lighthouse overlooking the water. Pack a picnic and enjoy your spread with unparalleled views of Vancouver Island. If you want to skip the hassle of building your own picnic, let the inn’s staff know 24 hours in advance and they will have a scrumptious picnic ready for your enjoyment.
Catch a San Juan Island sunset with your loved one. Watch the sky light up with purples, oranges, and bright pink hues as the sun dips behind the skyline. While there are several great spots for sunset viewing, one of the best has to be from San Juan Island’s longest stretch of sand at South Beach. If it’s chilly, you can build a fire in one of the fire rings! Beach bonfires are one of the most romantic activities on the island. Cozy up with your loved one and listen to the crackling of the fire against the ebb and flow of the waves on the beach. Bring something to drink or supplies to make s’mores and fall even deeper in love.
Plan your dining destinations in advance. The innkeepers at the Tucker House Inn & Harrison House Suites are happy to make you a reservation at Coho Restaurant (reopening for the 2020 season on February 14), which is also part of the San Juan Island Inn Collection. Located just a block and a half from the inn, you can walk over to this farm-to-table eatery featuring dishes made with ingredients from local island producers. Sip wines from Coho Restaurant’s extensive wine list or indulge in a craft cocktail. The intimate nine-table dining room is one of the most romantic options on the island.
With a little bit of preparation and some help from the innkeepers at the Tucker House Inn & Harrison House Suites, you can have an effortlessly romantic vacation on San Juan Island. Surprise your favorite person in the world with a Valentine’s weekend getaway or an anniversary trip or simply just to let them know how special they are to you. Get away from the stress of day-to-day life and focus on what really matters together.
