San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are north of Puget Sound, off the northwest mainland. They are a collection of 174 named islands, with the four largest readily accessible by ferry. These four islands are San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island. The county seat, and most populous city, Friday Harbor, is on San Juan Island and is often a jumping-off point for bigger adventures. And it is also one of the best places to visit in Washington.

Each main island has a mix of galleries, seafood restaurants, and parks, including San Juan Island National Historic Park. The historic park encompasses both a British and an American Camp that date to the mid-1800s. Here, the park details life at the camp and the conflict known as the Pig War dispute. Popular destinations within the San Juan Islands include Friday Harbor, Eastsound, and Moran State Park, where visitors will find one of the best campgrounds in Washington. Favorite things to do on the San Juan Islands include sea kayaking, whale watching, and dining on local fare.

Official site: www.visitsanjuans.com

Address: San Juan Islands, WA

Phone: 360-370-5050

Entrance fee: $47 per site.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0