San Juan Island

Everyone comes to the San Juans for the gorgeous landscape, and there’s probably no better way to see it than by bike, which is fast enough to cover serious ground, but slow enough to take in the drama of it all. Terratrek handles the bookings and/or campsites (depending on your trip) and provides kayaks at key moments, so you can also explore the marine environment up close.

The cool thing about Pelindaba (besides, um, that it’s a lavender farm) is that the owners are outspoken community members, advocating for organic, responsible cultivation of the San Juan Islands. When you visit, you can walk through the fields before picking up some soap or lavender oil, which is all made on-site—there’s lavender lemonade for the kiddos, too.

Tops’l is right next door to the local docks, so the chefs visit them daily to pick up the freshest seafood around. In addition to the classic crab, salmon, and cod, they’re expert at handling some of the area’s more unusual catches, like uni and sea cucumbers.

This charming restaurant is positioned right along the harbor, so ask for a window table and enjoy the view of the water and surrounding islands while you eat. The menu is packed with local, organic produce and sustainably harvested seafood from the harbor.

Nestled into adorable Friday Harbor and identified by a gold-lettered sign, Griffin Bay Books is every bit the small town bookstore. There’s a cute coffee shop inside, and it’s a great place to hide out if there’s unpredictable weather.

Accommodations in the San Juans are notoriously rustic, but if camping’s not your jam, book a room here. Friday Harbor House has simply outfitted rooms that center around the gorgeous view of the bay that you’ll have right off the porch. They also have a lovely little restaurant and easy walking access to this quaint fishing town.