An Easy Way to Visit the San Juans for First Time Visitors Taking the Washington Ferry

There are one hundred and seventy two islands in the State of Washington known as the San Juan Islands. They are popular tourist destinations especially during summer. Many people come here year over year to enjoy the natural beauty of this part of the Pacific Northwest. There is a learning curve every tourist goes through, however, when they visit for the first time (and perhaps the second and third time, too).

Navigating the roads and islands can be a bit of a challenge for visitors unfamiliar with the area. The use of ferry schedules, trying to find good lodging, and other logistics of tourism prove a little daunting at first. One of the easiest ways to experience the islands is via the gateway city of Anacortes, solving many of these newbie issues.

The city of Anacortes (some think it is Anacortes island but it is actually a city on Fidalgo Island) is the mainland terminal to the San Juans. Located about ninety miles northwest of Seattle, Anacortes is an easy drive from I-5 (take exit 230) via highway 20 west and does not require a ferry trip. In Anacortes you will find uncomplicated access to lodging, food, and other amenities as you drive into town down Commercial Street--the main road through town off highway 20.

Lodging in Anacortes offers many locally run inns, hotels and waterfront Bed and Breakfast. The prices range from about $69 to $250.00. The less expensive choices offer very minimal accommodations including ambience and appearance, while the mid range and more expensive offer much more.

Local dining consists of a wide variety of great locally owned cafes and restaurants. Here you will find everything from sushi, pizza, fish and chips, deli goods, steak and seafood...whatever your pleasure, there is something for everyone including the usual fast food for those wishing to grab and go.

Once you are situated in your hotel, you will likely want to visit one of the islands via the Washington ferry. One popular destination is Friday Harbor on San Juan Island (one of the larger of the "San Juans"). You can take the larger Anacortes ferry out to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island and leave your car parked at the ferry dock parking lot. Friday Harbor village is right off the dock making an easy trip without the hassle of taking your car.

The reason it is difficult to take a car is due to the potential wait time. It can take as long as 2 hours to wait your turn getting your car on a ferry...then you will have a 2 hour wait on the way back. This is especially true in the height of tourist season. Therefore, taking the ferry on foot and then landing in Friday Harbor is a much quicker way to see the island. Once on the island, if you like, there are car, moped, and bike rentals to get around the 50 plus-mile island.

If this is your first visit to the San Juans in Washington state, choosing to stay in one of the local inns or hotels in Anacortes and leaving your car behind for your first ferry ride to the island may be the way to go. Once you have a better feel for the ferry system and have had a chance to explore San Juan and Anacortes, venturing out to some of the other popular islands such as Orcas Island and Lopez Island will then be less complicated and before you know it, you will be island hopping like a local.

Tips for exploring the San Juan Islands:
--Ferry Schedules : www.wsdot.wa.cov/ferries
--Wifi is available on the ferry lines
--Allow 2 hours for line-up in summer to board the ferry with your car
--If traveling to Canada by Washington ferry, you will need to produce a passport
--Temperatures during summer are moderate, usually under 80 degrees. It can get chilly and overcast during summer.
--Only 4 islands are served by Washington State Ferries-Lopez, Orcas, Shaw, and San Juan
--Only 3 islands have lodging and tourist ammenities- Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan.
--Make reservations for lodging, car or moped rentals well in advance
--Ferry reservations are not available- first come first serve only.

Some things to do in Anacortes Washington and San Juan Island-
--Visit Old Town Anacortes for dining and boutique/antique shopping
--Lavender festival
--Tulip Festival
--Birding
--Hiking
--Kayaking
--Whale Watching Tours
--Bicycling
--Antique shopping
--Farmer's Markets
--Art shows
--Museums
--Movie theater Anacortes
--Tide pools

Hotel and Inns Anacortes

Top Picks:
With or without Children, Waterfront views, easy access:
Nantucket Inn (all 8 rooms may be rented out for large parties/weddings allowing private use of entire property).
(360) 333-5282

Without Children, on the water front:
Heron House
(360) 293- 4477

Other places to stay in Anacortes-
Majestic Inn & Spa
(360) 299-1400

Ship House Inn
(360) 293-1093

Ship Harbor Inn
(360) 293-5177

Anaco Inn
(360) 293-8833

San Juan Motel
(360) 293-5105

Anaco Bay Inn
(360) 299-3320

Marina Inn
(360) 293-3545

Sources: Anacortes Visitors information center, photogirlstudio travel 2010