Where Is Friday Harbor In The San Juan Islands?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Friday Harbor is located on the east side of

San Juan Island

facing the San Juan Channel. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.16 square miles (5.59 km

2

), of which, 2.09 square miles (5.41 km

2

) is land and 0.07 square miles (0.18 km

2

) is water.

Is San Juan Island the same as Friday Harbor?


Friday Harbor is a fantastic getaway destination in the San Juan Islands of far northwest Washington State

. It’s a historic community set on San Juan Island itself – one of the largest of the archipelago. The town and surrounding island are accessible only by boat or seaplane.

Why do they call it Friday Harbor?

The shepherd was a native of the Hawaiian Islands, then known as the Sandwich Islands. He thought the oarsmen were asking his name and replied, “Friday.” Thereafter

the smoke from Friday’s wooden shack served to guide seafarers into the bay

. Subsequently the town became known as Friday’s Harbor.

How long is the ferry ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor?

A: The direct ferry ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor is

just over an hour

long.

Do I need a car on Friday Harbor?


There’s no need for a car to see Friday Harbor

. Everything is within walking distance of the ferry landing, and it is easy to get around, including shuttle buses and a trolley to take you around the island, as well as bike, three-wheeled Scootcoupe, and moped rentals.

Can you walk around Friday Harbour?

take a walk on the waterside


Friday Harbour’s Promenade will be a draw for Homeowners and Guests of all ages

. The entire family will love to discover all the different styles of watercraft, or to simply be close to the water.

What celebrities live on San Juan Island?


Bill Gates, Steve Miller, and Tom Skerritt

are some of the other well-known people who own estates on the San Juan Islands.

Where do you catch the ferry to Friday Harbor?

Take the ferry to Friday Harbor:

The most common way to get to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island: Drive your own car, a rental, or take a shuttle to the

Washington State Ferry Terminal in Anacortes, WA

. (about two hours north of Seattle) and then either walk-on (recommended) or drive-on.

What is the best time to visit the San Juan Islands?

The best time to visit the San Juan Islands is

between April and October

. July and August are the warmest months to visit and also the busiest. The summer months bring on peak prices, too. Knowing how to visit the islands efficiently can help you enjoy your time there without draining your pocketbook.

Is Friday Harbor on Whidbey Island?

The distance between Friday Harbor and Whidbey Island is

23 miles

. How do I travel from Friday Harbor to Whidbey Island without a car? The best way to get from Friday Harbor to Whidbey Island without a car is to ferry which takes 2h 46m and costs $35 – $75.

Who found the San Juan Islands?

The islands were explored (1790–92) and named by

the Spanish Francisco Eliza expedition

. The main islands (including Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez) were visited by George Vancouver in 1792 and were occupied for a time by the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Is Gig Harbor an island?

Gig Harbor is the name of both

a bay on Puget Sound and a city on its shore in Pierce County, Washington, United States

. The population was 12,026 at the 2020 census, up from 7,126 in 2010. Gig Harbor is one of several cities and towns that claim to be “the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula”.

Is Friday Harbor ferry on time?

The FRIDAY HARBOR – ANACORTES ferry (To Anacortes) has 2 stations departing from Friday Harbor and ending in Anacortes. FRIDAY HARBOR – ANACORTES ferry time schedule overview for the upcoming week:

Starts operating at 5:45 AM and ends at 10:05 PM

. Operating days this week: everyday.

Do you need a car on the San Juan Islands?

A: You won’t find Uber or Lyft in the San Juan Islands. Instead, take the transit or trolley around San Juan Island,

rent a car or scoot coupe

, or bring your bike. Orcas and Lopez Island have less transportation options, so bringing your car is recommended.

How much is the ferry to San Juan Island?

The round-trip fare is

$59 for adults and $39 for children ages 6 to 12

. These passenger ferries operate between mid-May and early September. You can also get from Sea-Tac Airport or downtown Seattle to the San Juan Islands ferry terminal in Anacortes on the Airporter Shuttle (tel.

How long does it take to drive around Friday Harbor?

Covering nearly 40 miles, the drive will take roughly

2-3 hours

if you stop at each point. Begin your trip in the charming seaport of Friday Harbor. This historic town is full of friendly cafes, gourmet restaurants, museums, boutiques and spas–all within one square mile.

What should I pack for Friday Harbor?

  • Leggings/shorts.
  • T-shirts.
  • Long sleeve shirts.
  • Rain pants.
  • Socks (wool are excellent for warmth)
  • Sneakers/running shoes.
  • PJs, underwear, etc.
  • Baseball or brimmed hat.

How long is the Friday Harbor ferry?

Depending on stops, the ride takes

between 50 and 90 minutes

to your island of choice. Tickets purchased in Anacortes are for a round-trip. Be sure to check the ferry schedule for seasonal departures and best travel times.

Can you live full time at Friday Harbour?


Owners of properties at Friday Harbour Resort may soon be able to live in their units any time they wish

, no longer bound by occupancy restrictions that forced them to vacate the property for at least 60 days a year.

What lake is Friday Harbour on?

Friday Harbour Resort was designed with an emphasis on protecting the health of the woodlands and wetlands within the site and the quality of water within

Lake Simcoe

.

Can you visit Friday Harbour?


VISIT OUR WEBSITE – www.fridayharbour.com

From the Marina and restaurants to outdoor activities and the Nature Preserve, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your days. Our full-service Marina is a boating playground with state-of-the-art features and a beautifully designed Harbour Master Building.

Does Bill Gates own property on Shaw Island?

The islands are an archipelago; not all are inhabited. It’s no surprise that the San Juan Islands have their share of luxury homes, attracting the Hollywood crowd and the tech world.

Bill Gates and his father own homes on Shaw Island

. Tom Skerritt has a home on Lopez Island.

Does Oprah have a home in the San Juan Islands?

Oprah Winfrey now has one less property in her impressive real estate portfolio. According to Business Journal,

the media mogul has sold her sprawling 43-acre waterfront estate on Orcas Island in Washington

for $14 million, just three years after buying it.

Are there cougars on San Juan Island?


Cougars live in all corners of Washington state, from the foothills in Issaquah to the eastern mountains to the San Juan Islands

.

How long does it take to boat from Seattle to Friday Harbor?

Seattle to San Juan Island and Friday Harbor Ferry

The

3 hours and 45 minutes

ferry ride through the Salish Sea will take you past Whidbey Island and underneath historic Deception Pass bridge before arriving in Friday Harbor.

When can you see whales in the San Juan Islands?

Orca whales range through the San Juan Islands the most

between March and October

and you can expect to see them on the vast majority of our tours during that time, although we do have sightings throughout the year. We also regularly encounter beautiful Humpback Whales (through November) and Minke whales in the area.

How early to arrive for Friday Harbor ferry?

Plan to be aboard your ferry as a walk-on passenger

at least five minutes in advance of the sailing

.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.