5 Things to do on San Juan Island Without a Car

Have you ever wanted to get away from it all and escape to an island with fresh air and ocean views?

San Juan Island offers those things and more. With temperatures around 70 degrees in the summer, the quaint town of Friday Harbor and San Juan Island overall have the fresh air and slower pace you've been searching for.

It's easy to walk on the ferry in Anacortes, and then get off at Friday Harbor where you'll want to stay for a few days to see the island and explore. The laid back Earthbox Inn & Spa is a great place to stay, with an indoor heated pool, and day spa all just a few blocks walking distance from the ferry.

Because the island boasts a variety of outdoor activities and places to visit that don’t require a car, you can contribute to maintaining that pristine air quality (and take a break from your car-based commute). Here are six things to do that don't require any driving when you make Earthbox Inn & Spa your home base on the island.

1.Go for a hike

Looking up at the island from sea level is spectacular, and so is gazing out at the land and ocean from above while on San Juan Island’s manyhiking adventures.

Let your legs take you up Historic American camp as you experience a clear view to the Olympic Peninsula, or stand at 295-foot-tall Mount Finlayson while casting your eyes over to Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains.

Try Mount Young, with a trail that goes through a lush evergreen forest and an 1860s British Marine Cemetery, bringing nature and history together in a hike you won’t soon forget.

2.Ride a bike

Cycle around the harbor on a bike – guests at Earthbox Inn & Spa have free use of complimentary beach cruisers provided by the Inn.

While on your bike, you can ride the 5-mile Pear Point Loop around Friday Harbor or take a spin on one of five routes recommended by the Inn. You can also pedal to several interesting farms, including a lavender farm, an alpaca farm or the San Juan Vineyard.

Bring your children along too, as San Juan Island is a wonderful place for families to explore. Kids will love the pool at Earthbox Inn & Spa, while adults will appreciate the Jacuzzi after a long day of biking.

3.Look to the sea

San Juan Island is known as one of the best spots in the world for whale watching. You can rent a kayak and head out on your own, or choose from many different kayak tours. There are boat tours for the general public and charter boat tours available too, but you can also see whales from the land by visiting ideal lookout points like those at Lime Kiln Point State Park.

Three pods of whales make up the Southern Residents group, which can be seen from spring through fall, and transient whales also pass through the area throughout the year. There are also sea lion, harbor seals, porpoises and bald eagles. If you want a chance to see majestic sea creatures in the wild, you won’t find a better place than San Juan Island.

4.Visit the farmers’ market

San Juan Island offers a one-of-a-kind farmers market experience. Open every Saturday from April to October and select days during the winter months, theSan Juan Island Farmers Marketfeatures a variety of foods from the island. Since it’s located in Friday Harbor, staying at the Earthbox Inn & Spa means all of that local goodness is only a three-minute walk away!

You’ll find fruits, flowers, herbs, goat cheese, eggs, tomatoes, jams and jellies, baked goods, sushi, sausages, sustainably harvested tuna, shellfish, grass-fed meats, mushrooms and more.

It isn’t just food the market provides, but great music from local musicians and an overall social experience to get to know locals and tourists alike.

5.Spa day

While all of the above activities will help you to get to know and love San Juan Island, after spending a few days out and about you might crave some rest, rejuvenation and a little pampering.

Earthbox Inn and Spahas an onsite Day Spa with tons of services available.

• Massage – choose from Swedish, Therapeutic, Hot Stone and other options
• Body treatments – pamper yourself with a Mud Body Cocoon, a paraffin wax dip and other luxuriant experiences
• Facials – Go with anti-aging, blemish-fighting or organic options

You can also get your nails done, have your brows shaped or tinted, and enjoy a variety of other options. Learn more here and plan a relaxing treat that will leave you and your loved ones rejuvenated after your adventures.

Don’t just dream up your getaway – make it happen! To learn more and start planning your car-free adventure, visit EarthboxInn.com.