One of the biggest draws to our area in the Pacific Northwest is the San Juan Island beaches—and they are even more fun to explore with your dog along for the adventure. And while our picturesque San Juan Island beaches might not be known for warm waters and swimming opportunities, our rocky shores are a magical place for beachcombing, tide-pooling, long walks, whale-watching, and picnics. Our shorelines are unique and are ever-changing from the tides, driftwood, and coastal winds.
Thankfully, a great selection of well-known beaches in the area are dog-friendly, perfect for hiking with your pet and exploring these beautiful shorelines. Jackson Beach is perhaps the most popular of the dog-friendly San Juan Island beaches. It’s only about two miles from downtown Friday Harbor, making it the ideal outing for a peaceful day on the water. This stretch offers fantastic treasure hunting along driftwood logs and plenty of cozy nooks for a private picnic or quiet stops for birdwatching.
For those traveling with their four-legged friends, you’ll want to book accommodations that welcome your pets with open arms. At our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast, we understand the importance of being able to bring your pets along. No need to look into a pet sitter—all of our suites and cottages are pet-friendly! However, you would never know it, as our meticulous cleaning schedule keeps rooms beautifully clean and dog hair free. We can’t wait to host you and your entire family, dogs included. Book our pet-friendly lodging today!
The Best San Juan Island Beaches to take your Dog
Visiting the San Juan Island beaches is a must during your visit, especially if you have Fido in tow! You’ll quickly see that even in the height of summer, our beaches are not crowded, and you’ll often feel like you have this beautiful space in nature all to yourself.
Here’s a lovely selection of San Juan Island beaches to add to your itinerary;
- Jackson Beach: As one of the most pet-friendly San Juan Island beaches, head to the sandy stretch here, only two miles from our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast. Weave your way through the fallen driftwood logs, look for perfect skipping rocks, and stop for a picnic in one of the private nooks. This is a popular spot to launch kayaks, and it’s a fantastic view of the neighboring Lopez Island.
- South Beach: This is the longest public beach on San Juan Island, with stunning views over the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Mountains. This pristine two-mile pebble-and-sand beach is perfect for a stroll with your pup on a leash as you navigate the mounds of driftwood and the board golden hills.
- 4th of July Beach: Head to this lovely stretch of pebbly sand facing Griffin Bay. Keep your dog on a leash and follow the Old Town Lagoon Beach walk, which takes you along the shoreline to the saltwater Jakle’s Lagoon and the historical site of San Juan Town.
- Eagle Cove: This is one of the San Juan Island beaches that’s a favorite with locals, right on the edge of American Camp, and is cherished by islanders. During summer, it’s one of the few crowded beaches. Families with children enjoy playing and swimming in the warm water during low tide. The path to the cove is a bit long and uphill, but it’s worth the effort since it’s one of the few beaches considered a swimming hole.
- Granny’s Cove: This small sandy beach is located beneath the cliffs on the southwestern side of San Juan Island at the American Camp historic site. The beach is surrounded on three sides by rocky hills and offers incredible views of Haro Strait and the Olympic Mountains. Additionally, the scattered driftwood along the coast makes this one of the best San Juan Island beaches to find a secluded spot.
- Lime Kiln State Park: This popular state park on San Juan Island is also known as Whale-Watch Park, but it’s also a big draw for pet lovers as Bring Fido lists it as one of the best dog-friendly state parks on the West Coast. Leashed dogs can explore the craggy shoreline with fantastic hikes for breathtaking views above an old limestone quarry. The peaceful Deadman’s Bay beach is accessible here, located on the southside of the park.
The Best Pet-Friendly Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast
Our pet-friendly Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast is located in the heart of downtown, just a short walk from the San Juan Island Ferry Terminal. With everything within walking distance, there’s no need for a car during your stay. We also offer complimentary bikes from April to October. All of the suites and cottages found at our San Juan Island lodging are pet-friendly—which means there’s no need to find a pet sitter for your beloved four-legged friends! Upon arrival, your pets will be treated to delicious “pupcakes,” baked by our chef just for you.
For the human guests, we have a lovely selection of add-ons to await you in your suite! The “Tippler’s Package” has an icy cold Tito’s martini set and ready for you, just what you need after a long travel day getting to the islands. If you want to make your pet feel even more special, we have an add-on for that too. The “Pampered Pet Package” includes many perks for furry family members, including more treats, a protein breakfast bowl, and so much more. After a day of running and playing on the nearby San Juan Island beaches, everyone will be tired out and ready to relax.
There really is no better pet-friendly lodging on San Juan Island than our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast—you’ll see quickly that we welcome them with open arms here and you don’t have to compromise on comfort just to bring your best friend along. Head over to our availability calendar and book your room today!
