Friday Harbor has rocky shores and recreation on the water
Reachable by seaplane or ferry, Friday Harbor is a port in the San Juan archipelago. Known for its diverse marine life and rocky shorelines, this community offers activities such as whale watching, saltwater kayaking and hiking trails. After exploring the rugged islands, residents can head back to the historic Downtown Friday Harbor, which has museums and seafood restaurants by the marina. With a population of around 2,700, Friday Harbor is a seaside community with big-city conveniences immersed in the outdoors. "It's the natural beauty of the island and the surrounding areas," says Michele Mayer, a lifelong resident of Friday Harbor and managing broker at Coldwell Banker San Juan Islands, Inc. "San Juan Island has inland trails, waterfront properties and you can watch the whales. It has a slower pace of life."
Pine forests and New Traditional homes near the water
Pine forests and a sea breeze accompany the hilly streets of Friday Harbor, which offers a mix of New Traditional and cabin-style homes. Many houses have A-frame architecture and midcentury features like floor-to-ceiling windows. Single-family home prices range from $430,000 to $1.6 million. Prices increase depending on proximity to water and home size. Homes can reach 3,000 square feet, and property sizes span more than a quarter-acre on the outskirts of town. Condos cost between $200,000 and $1.3 million. Mayer says many people retire to Friday Harbor, but families also move here because of the community. Teresa Francis, a local artist and Mayer's sister, recently returned to the town after years of living in Seattle. "For me, it's coming back home," Francis says. "I wanted to build a house, and this is such a supportive community. You always bump into someone you know. "
Friday Harbor can experience high tide flooding, especially from storms and heavy rainfall during the winter. During the dry summers, wildfires can spread on the islands, although nearly all are due to human negligence, and typically pose a risk to dense vegetation areas. Wildfires also contribute to poor air quality, as the wind can spread smoke and air pollution.
National monument with beaches, hiking trails and lighthouses
The San Juan Islands National Monument is the epitome of recreation in Friday Harbor, with over 450 islands and 1,000 acres of land with campgrounds, beaches and trails. While known for its rocky cliffs and lighthouses, the monument's most renowned feature is its wildlife habitat with orcas, bald eagles and other marine life. Whale-watching charter boats head out frequently through companies like San Juan Safaris. One viewing area is Lime Kiln Point State Park, which features hiking trails and a historic lighthouse overlooking the water. Saltwater kayaking is another way to explore the islands along the Cascadia Marine Trail. Locals can drive or bicycle the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway, a 20-mile route with vineyards, farms and coastline views. "We get a lot of bikers and whale watchers," Mayer says. "Families come to camp, relax and unplug."
Seafood restaurants and shops on the marina in Downtown Friday Harbor
Downtown Friday Harbor is a walkable city center with historic architecture and a bevy of locally owned retail on the water. This town center includes consignment shops, cafes and farm-to-table restaurants. One eatery is Downriggers, which offers locally sourced seafood dishes, cocktails and waterfront views. The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House is a brunch place with outdoor seating that overlooks the marina. Kings Market is a downtown supermarket, while the Friday Harbor Market Place is another grocery store with organic produce.
Exploring the whale museum and local art galleries
One of the area's most popular attractions is the Whale Museum, an education center dedicated to orca whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem. The San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) features regional art collections and Indigenous galleries. Residents can also attend plays and musicals at the San Juan Community Theater.
B-rated schools in San Juan Island School District
Friday Harbor Elementary School earns a B grade from Niche and was a 2024 state-recognized school known for its English learning program. Friday Harbor Middle School also receives a B and has a hands-on marine biology program through the University of Washington's laboratory. Friday Harbor High School scores a B-plus, and more than 60% of students participate in varsity sports.
Ferry ride to Friday Harbor and flying out of Bellingham
Ferries provide transit to Anacortes, Lopez Island and Orcas Island. "There are four ferry-serviced islands," Mayer says. "You can get everything here, but many people like to go off-island to shop and do something different." The San Juan Transit system offers fixed bus routes across the island. Locals can take the Anacortes ferry and drive south to Seattle, about 100 miles south on Interstate 5. About 70 miles northeast, Bellingham International Airport has domestic passenger flights.
