Discount Travel Washington State | Blog About Fedtraveler

A day trip from Seattle, Washington, and Victoria or Vancouver, B.C., the San Juan Islands’ leisurely pace and adventurous activities offer the perfect travel destination in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. Of the archipelago’s 172 islands, horseshoe-shaped Orcas Island has the most varied terrain. Hike and boat in the large state park, shop and visit museums in small villages or partake of ocean-going activities from whale watching and sea kayaking to beachcombing and fishing.

Orcas Village & Eastsound for Lodging, Whale Watching, Funhouse

Ferries arrive daily at picturesque Orcas Village from Anacortes, Washington (north of Seattle) and Sidney, B.C. (north of Victoria). Quaint streets are lined with art galleries, shops and seaside restaurants. The Orcas Hotel shows its Victorian charm in its cafe, bistro and surrounding English gardens. Eclipse Charters (of Free Willy II fame) offers family-friendly, naturalist-guided whale-watching tours near the ferry landing. Rent a moped or bicycle from Orcas Moped Rentals or kayaks and boats near the dock.

Eastsound, 9 miles from Orcas Village, is the center of island life for shopping, dining and lodging. Kids of all ages enjoy Eastsound’s Funhouse. Hands-on, interactive science, sports, geography, music and history exhibits as well as a climbing wall, pitching cage and art studio engage children and teens while parents surf the net or check their e-mail. The Orcas Island Historical Museum gives visitors a glimpse into island life of the past.