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PO Box 4001 • Roche Harbor, WA 98250 • roche@rocheharbor.com • 800-451-8910 • Marina: 800-586-3590 |
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THINGS TO DO...at Roche Harbor and on San Juan Island
Pick up a "Historic Walking Tour" brochure at Hotel Front Desk ($1) Stroll the docks of our world-class marina and dream about your future yacht. Wander through our beautiful Victorian gardens, lovely even during winter. Take a 15-minute walk to the Mausoleum - Roche Harbor founder John McMillin's family memorial. View historic photos in our Hotel lobby depicting Roche Harbor's "Lime Kiln Years". Hike the trails through our old lime quarries or follow the trails all the way to British Camp. View over 100 sculptures by prominent Northwest artists at the Westcott Bay Reserve Sculpture Park, a 19-acre "outdoor museum" overlooking Westcott Bay, across from the airstrip and cottages. Find former President Theodore Roosevelt's signature in the guestbook in our Hotel lobby. Relax with a good book, do some "people watching" or rent a video from The Company Store.
Dining
Eat a hearty breainner in Lime Kiln Cafe while watching the boating action. Enjoy dining at McMillin's Dining Room or grab a pizza at Madrona Grill located on the deck overlooking the water! Grab an ice cream or an espresso and watch the visitors walk by - (during summer only) Shopping
Enjoy selecting quality merchandise for your home from Dominique's House located in the new Quarryman Hall Building. Step inside Roche Harbor Gift Shop for kitchen/galleyware, resort wear, gifts and souvenirs, next to Hotel Lobby - open all year. Find casual resort wear to unique styling in Roche Harbor Sportswear, located above The Company Store, open mid-March to mid-October. Visit The Company Store for groceries, fishing tackle, film or your morning paper. Open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. year round. During summer be sure to check out our Village Artist booths located under the giant maple tree. All work has been artistically rendered in the islands - from watercolors, oil paintings and jewelery to alpaca yarns, glasswork and purses. Open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from June through September.
Exploring San Juan IslandDrive or take a taxi to Friday Harbor. There you'll find boutiques, art galleries, and a variety of restaurants. Walk about the town or find a place to relax and watch the ferry and harbor action.
Check out the 2008 Calendar of Events for San Juan Island to find out what might be happening on the island while you are with us.
Visit the Whale Museum to learn everything you ever wanted to know about whales, specifically Orca whales in their natural habitat here in the San Juan Islands.
(Picture courtesy of Michael Bertrand Photography) Learn about island history and our famous "Pig War" at American Camp National Historical Park located on the Southern end of the Island. Closer to Roche Harbor is British Camp National Historical Park which is steeped in island history. There you will find a formal garden planted annually with flowers to reflect the way it must have looked way back when. Re-enactments take place during the summer season in both parks. Soldiers in uniforms of the 1800's set up camp and blacksmiths shape their wares as the camp unfolds history before your eyes. On some summery evenings, the soldiers of British Camp march into Roche Harbor and put on a show at the flag pavilion. San Juan Historical Museum is well worth your time to browse through. With different themes of yesteryear, you cansee history unfold in the delightful vignettes protraying a time in the island's past complete with pictures and memorabilia. Gather fresh, gourmet oysters at Westcott Bay Sea Farms during the summer low tides, just 5 minutes from Roche Harbor. Of course, if you prefer, you can pick out your own from the tanks along with mussels and clams - instead of picking off the beach. This farm is welll known for its oysters that are served in fine restaurants across the U.S. Taste award-winning wines in an 1896 schoolhouse at San Juan Vineyards. Located along the Roche Harbor Road on the way into Friday Harbor. A great tasting room and retail gift store.
Smell the fragrance of lavender in Pelindaba Lavender Farms Gate House/Gift Shop. Tours and harvesting take place July through September. Purchase lavender oils, soaps, sachets, pepper, honey, etc. This island treasure was started in 2001, and is the only lavender farm in the San Juan Islands. With approximately a quarter of its twenty acres planted with lavender so far, the fields currently sustain between nine and ten thousand fragrant lavender plants. During the harvest months, fresh lavender flowers are available at the farm's Gatehouse and in the retail store in Friday Harbor, along with many lavender products including culinary, cosmetic household and personal items. Enjoy a tour of the Estate each day during the summer at 2:00 p.m. You won't want to miss these wonderful island fragrances! Don't forget to check out the See alpacas up close at Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm, located near British Camp. Visit their Country Store for unusual and artful clothing, gifts and other 100% alpaca products. Enjoy a local production at the San Juan Community Theatre - great musicians and shows for everyone - or a first-run movie at the Palace Theater both in Friday Harbor. Explore the island on one of Susie's Mopeds, scoot cars or a convertible SUV. Rent one from Roche Harbor during summer or from Friday Harbor for early and late season. Take a ferry and spend the day exploring Orcas, Shaw or Lopez Islands - no fares on inter island routes. Hike to the top of Mt. Young and enjoy a picnic while viewing spectacular sights of the San Juan Islands and Canadian Gulf Islands.
Trail riding on horseback is close by at States Inn & Ranch. Enjoy the trails around this 62 acre ranch with beautiful valley views and island scenery. Go birding. San Juan Island is a birder's paradise, where you'll see everything from eagles to swans, including herons, hummingbirds, osprey, cormorants, Canadian geese, falcons, hawks, etc. If fitness is your thing, get a day pass at the San Juan Island Fitness Club in Friday Harbor - specializing in resistance training and cardiovascular exercise. An indoor pool is available with step and water aerobics along with yoga and pilates classes. Go scuba diving and find out why Jacques Cousteau chose the San Juan Islands as his second favorite diving location in the world. Diving equipment is available in Friday Harbor. |
Take a picnic to Lime Kiln Point State Park - (pictured right) - Fondly known as Whale Watch Park, the state's first official whale watch park. This is where you're most likely to see whales late April through September. Last year, whales were spotted until Thanksgiving weekend. Enjoy the views over Strait of Juan de Fuca and Haro Strait where you can see Victoria, Canada, quite clearly.
San Juan Island is perfect for bicycling. Ride your own or rent one at Island Bicycles in Friday Harbor. Enjoy the island's spectacular views and moderate bicycling terrain.