Understand

The region between Vancouver Island and the mainland is home to over 700 captivating islands and reefs. These islands are divided into two groups: the Southern Gulf Islands of Canada to the west and the San Juan Islands of the United States to the east. To the south lies the picturesque Strait of San Juan de Fuca, while the north is bordered by the Strait of Georgia and the US-Canada boundary. Among the 176 named islands, Orcas, San Juan, Lopez, and Shaw Islands are the largest and most popular, with easy access by ferry. However, the other islands can be reached only by private boat or float plane, making them more exclusive and private. Some of these hidden gems are even privately owned, requiring permission from the landowner to explore. For this article, we will focus solely on the enchanting US islands, specifically San Juan County, Washington. Please note that Fidalgo Island is considered part of the mainland, and the Puget Sound islands to the south will be covered in a separate article on the Puget Sound region.

Get in

Traveling to the San Juan Islands offers a variety of transportation options. Here are some ways to get there: - Washington State Ferries: You can take a ferry from Anacortes to Shaw, Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan Islands. Keep in mind that the ferries can get busy, especially on weekends, so it's recommended to make auto reservations during the busy summer months. Alternatively, parking is available at the terminal for those arriving by bus, shuttle, bicycle, or on foot. - Kenmore Air: Float planes and fixed gear planes connect SeaTac and Lake Washington with various locations in the San Juan Islands. - San Juan Airlines: This airline offers scheduled and charter flights from Bellingham and Anacortes to destinations in the San Juan Islands using small planes. - Victoria Clipper: If you're in Seattle, you can take this passenger-only ferry to Friday Harbor and back, with the option for a whale watching segment. - Island Airporter: This pet-friendly shuttle provides daily service from SeaTac to Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor, conveniently taking you directly to the ferry. - Bellair Charters: The Airporter Shuttle operates many times a day between SeaTac and the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, as well as Bellingham and other destinations. They allow pets for a small fee. - U Save Car Rental: If you need a car, U Save Car Rental in Anacortes offers one-way rentals between SeaTac and the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, providing a more cost-effective option for extended stays in the San Juan Islands. - Port Townsend and Bellingham also offer seasonal ferries to Friday Harbor. For more details and external links to these transportation options, please visit our website.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

**1. Hamburger**The hamburger, often simply called a burger, is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground beef, usually served in a bun with toppings and condiments such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and pickles. It is a quintessential American fast food item that can be found at restaurants, fast food joints, and even street vendors throughout the country. While traditional hamburgers typically include beef, there are also vegetarian options available made from plant-based ingredients.

**2. Pizza**Pizza is a popular Italian-American dish consisting of a yeasted flatbread base, typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and herbs. In the United States, pizza is often sold as both a take-out and sit-down dining option, with numerous regional variations in styles and toppings. Pepperoni is a particularly popular topping in the U.S., but vegetarian and vegan pizzas are also widely available.

**3. Fried Chicken**Fried chicken is a southern-style dish comprised of marinated chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Originating from the American South, fried chicken has become a staple in the country's culinary landscape, with various regional variations in preparation styles and seasonings. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a larger feast, and although traditionally prepared with chicken, vegetarian alternatives do exist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing