Orcas Island is part of the San Juan Islands, an archipelago in Washington State. As the name suggests, it’s best known for it’s world-class whale watching, outdoor recreation from hiking, biking, and kayaking.
If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, you should absolutely take a few days to head to Orcas Island. I’ve made it extremely easy for you, too with this Weekend Getaway Guide to Orcas Island.
Best time to go: May through October offers the best weather. The chances of seeing whales are also higher as the salmon runs are stronger during this period. Although whale sightings have been documented all-year-round.
Climate: Orcas Island climate is mild as it sits in the rain shadow of the Cascades and Vancouver Islands. During the summer, temperatures range from low 50’s to mid 70’s. Spring and fall months are cooler (30’s-60’s) and have more frequent rainfall. While Orcas Island is a lot cooler in the winter months, it’s less crowded and see’s half as much rainfall as Seattle. Note that the ferry schedule and business hours change in the winter.
Language: English is the predominant language.
Money: US Dollar ($USD). There are ATMs on the island and most businesses accept cash and all major credit cards.
How to get there: If you live in Washington, the easiest way is to drive to Anacortes. From here you can either leave your car at the ferry terminal to walk on or drive your car onto the ferry.
⛴️ Take the Ferry
Regardless of how you get to Anacortes, you’ll need to take the ferry across to get to Orcas Island. The schedule can be found here and the fares are here. The ride is only about 1-hour and provides a snack and beverage station inside along with incredible views.
**I suggest getting an early ferry for a few reasons. Firstly, you’ll get more time on Orcas. Secondly, the later in the day the ferries run, the higher the chance of a delay is.**
If you’re arriving from outside of Washington State, the best option is flying into Seattle. SEA/Sea-Tac is about 90 minutes from the ferry terminal in Anacortes, Washington. Once you arrive in Seattle, there are various ways to get to Anacortes.
🚗 Car Rental
Even though I currently live in Washington, I do not own or drive a car so renting a car ended up being the best option for me. I rented a car locally because car rentals at the airport are typically 2x the price. If you are able to do so, I would suggest this.
🚌 Airport Shuttle
The Airporter Shuttle provides round-trip service between SeaTac Airport and the Anacortes ferry terminal. A round-trip ticket cost roughly $45. There are various other departure locations available (Bellingham, Ellensburg, La Connor, etc.) so check their departure schedule here.
🚂 Train
The Amtrak King Street Station is located in downtown Seattle and arrives in Mount Vernon which is about 30-minutes from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. While this appears to be the cheapest option with a round-trip ticket costing $18, you will need to use other means of transportation such as an Uber to get from Sea-Tac to King Street Station and Mount Vernon Station to Anacortes Ferry Terminal.
This is an itinerary for a 3-day weekend getaway. Want to spend more time on Orcas Island? If you’re looking for additional recommendations, shoot me an email or drop a comment below.
Day 1
ISLAND SKILLET
Grab brunch at a local favorite, Island Skillet. It’s a little hidden on Prune Alley between North Beach Road and Madrona Street. There’s indoor and outdoor seating and the staff is friendly, fast, and efficient with handling the Covid-19 restrictions. By staff recommendation, I got the Huevos Rancheros and was not disappointed!
SHOP LOCAL
Shop the local boutiques along Main Street and North Beach Road. Some of my favorites are: Atelier for clothing, jewelry, and candles. Island Thyme for essential oils, soaps, scrubs, and liquid gold- I mean hand sanitizer. Springboard for clothing and jewelry sourced from local communities around the world.
ISLAND HOPPING BREWERY
A 20-minute walk from Main Street, Island Hopping Brewery offers the perfect backdrop for a late afternoon happy hour with a spacious outdoor sitting area. Offering Red & White Wines, Rosé, Ciders, and a range of beers; IPA’s, Kolsch, Porters, Pilsners, and Wheat.
BUCK BAY SHELLFISH FARMS
This is my favorite place on Orcas Island, so if you only go to one of the spots on this itinerary, THIS IS IT!
Buck Bay Shellfish Farms is known for its fresh seasonal seafood including their very own Buck Bay oysters and clams. The fish market offers a variety of fresh and frozen oysters, clams, scallops, crab, lobster, prawns, shrimp, salmon, cod, and halibut.
They recently added a Bistro to their site which is a huge addition! The menu includes fish & chips, a goat cheese and Ceasar salad, halibut sliders, clam linguini, and my favorite….crab mac n’ cheese!
Depending on the time of the day you visit, you might witness an employee working on the water or bringing in a fresh harvest.
CURB THE SWEET TOOTH AT CLEVER-COW CREAMERY
To be honest, I probably go in here every night that I’m on Orcas but I just added it to 1 of the days on the itinerary. There are new flavors every day/week, so don’t be afraid to sample a new flavor. Some of my favorites are Chocolate Chip Mint, San Juan Island Lavender, Chocolate Almond Chunk, Buck Bay Blueberry, London Fog, and Almond. Always get the waffle cone, Clever-Cow Creamery’s are homemade and ever-so tasty!
Day 2
WALK THE LABRINYTH
Emmanuel’s Labyrinth is located at the Emmanuel Episcopal Parish. With waterfront views it’s a great place to meditate and get the day started.
BLACK BEAR BAKERY
Directly across from Emmanuel’s Labyrinth is Black Bear Bakery. Arrive early!!!! I arrived before they opened at 8 am and still stood in line outside for 10-15 minutes. If you’ve been following for a while, you know I don’t drink coffee. I was here for the baked goods. However, my friends ordered coffee drinks and said they were good, so do with that as you will.
The baked goods selection is dependent on availability for the day. However, being that I ordered quite a variety of items, rest assured everything is delicious. I tried the Salmon Quiche, Pain au chocolat, Pain aux Jambon, and a Gorgonzola Chive Scone.
HIKE
Whether you’re looking for a short walk on the beach or a moderate hike up a mountain, there is no shortage of places to hike on Orcas Island.
Obstruction Pass Trail is a short 1.5 mile loop along the beach and through campgrounds. There is always a chance of seeing deer (I did) the earlier you go!
Turtleback Mountain offers a moderate 6.5 mile out and back trail with gradual elevation and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
Mount Constitution is a difficult 7 mile loop that offers the best views of the Canadian Coast, Bellingham, Mt. Baker, Twin Sisters, Cascade Mountains, Anacortes, Mt. Rainier, Olympic Mountains, Vancouver Island, and the surrounding islands. I’ve been up at sunrise and sunset. Both offer spectacular views but no matter what time of the day, even with clouds, it’s such an incredible experience. One of the best hikes in Washington State.
Not up for the hike? There is an easy but windy drive up to the top where you’ll get stunning views. Currently (summer 2020) the stone tower is closed due to Covid-19. If you have the chance to visit when it’s open, I highly recommend climbing up to the top.
Find more of my favorite hikes in Washington State here.
KAYAK
If hiking isn’t your thing, head out on the water for a different view of Orcas Island. Don’t have your own kayaks? No worries, there are plenty of places along the beaches for rentals.
WHITE HORSE PUB
White Horse Pub is centrally located in East Sound and offers waterfront views. It’s the perfect place to chill out, grab a small bite and brew after a long day of adventure. Be mindful that the pub does not have outdoor seating, so while masks are required upon entering, everyone will take them off to eat or drink.
DINNER AT NEW LEAF CAFE AT OUTLOOK INN
My best friend had her wedding reception at New Leaf Cafe and what a treat it was. Some of the best vegan and gluten-free options I’ve ever had. They offer indoor and outdoor seating and the staff is highly knowledgeable and accommodating.
Day 3
GRAB COFFEE OR JUICE AT SUNSPICE
SunSpice opened at the beginning of July 2020. They offer delicious homemade energy bites, herbal lattes, blue juice (coconut water and algae), and activated charcoal lemonade. The space is gorgeous and hopefully as Covid-19 restrictions lift – a space for hookah and meditation.
BRUNCH AT LUNA’S CAFE
Luna’s Cafe is another spot that I frequent on Orcas Island but again, I only put on here once.
Their brunch specials change daily but they also offer staples; a breakfast hash, breakfast sandwich, french toast, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and yogurt granola bowl.
My friends and I tried everything on the menu along with many of their specials. My favorite was the Monte Cristo sandwich with homemade Marion Berry Jam pictured below. I feel confident in saying everything on the menu is tasty AF! I highly recommend their mimosas, very strong 🥂
They are only offering outdoor seating during Covid-19 but who’s complaining? The weather is beautiful on Orcas Island in the summertime.
WHALE WATCHING WITH OUTER ISLAND EXCURSIONS
I have to start out by saying that every time I go to Orcas Island I see an Orca. This was the first time going whale watching though and I saw NINE ORCAS from J pod! It was one of the most incredible experiences and I highly recommend it.
We went out on the water for 3 hours with Outer Island Excursions. Besides seeing 9 orcas (1 of them being a calf), we saw a variety of wildlife. From bald eagles, otters, and Asian Sika deer, the San Juan Islands make a gorgeous backdrop.
Outer Island Excursions usually offer a whale sighting guarantee. However, due to border closings during Covid-19, Canadian waters are closed and they cannot make these guarantees.
The boat was clean and well-managed for safety with Covid-19 while the staff was super knowledgeable and fun. Shoutout to Captain Andrew for making the experience that much more fun!
ISLAND PIE
Island Pie is not located within walking distance from the Eastsound area but it’s kinda on the way to the ferry. I recommend stopping here for a bite before heading out.
They offer traditional pies like cheese, pepperoni, Hawaiian, and meat lovers. Their unique pies have a great selection for vegans & vegetarians; toppings like butternut squash, caramelized onions, cauliflower, broccoli, sunflower seeds, marinated artichokes, kale, and arugula. All pies are available gluten-free.
Their menu also offers a variety of appetizers, salads, and desserts, although I didn’t try any of them.
Currently, due to Covid-19, Island Pie has limited outdoor seating and all orders are online; when you arrive you’ll order via your phone to reduce contact.
CIDERS AT BOATHOUSE CIDER WORKS
Boathouse Cider Works is perfectly situated next to the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal. Grab a cider before your hour ferry ride back or grab a flight of ciders if your ferry is delayed! Their patio provides waterfront views, so you can watch the ferries come in and out and maybe accidentally miss yours. 😉 Who wants to leave Orcas Island, anyway?
I hope you found my Orcas Island travel itinerary helpful. Do you need even MORE suggestions? Shoot me an email or drop a comment below if you have more days on Orcas Island.
