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Frolic around the golden hills and beach dunes as the sunset paints you an ever-changing horizon, then feed alpacas and relax at laid back harbor on this wholesome island getaway to San Juan Island. Details for making this a car-free plan are included! 

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Here's your plan for... chasing sunsets at San Juan Island and feeding alpacas at a farm

Chase Sunsets at San Juan Island + Alpaca farm feeding 

Embark on a scenic ferry ride from Anacortes, directly to the heart of Friday Harbor, ensuring a picturesque start to your San Juan Island adventure.

Ferry Travel

✅ Before you go

• If you’re going by car, it’s best if you reserve a ferry spot here: https://secureapps.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/reservations/vehicle/SailingSchedule.aspx?cookieCheck=true

• This route is possible to do car free. Here’s a list by San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau on how to get there car free: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/from-seatac-airport-shuttles . I recommend taking the Bell Air Service here: https://secure.airporter.com/booking/line/airporter?_gl=1%2a1ezawvd%2a_ga%2aOTk0ODk2MDYwLjE2OTIwNjg2Nzc.%2a_ga_6N8XBYCBCM%2aMTY5MjA2ODY3Ny4xLjAuMTY5MjA2ODY3Ny4wLjAuMA..

• Here’s what I did to get to the Anacortes Ferry terminal by bus and bike: 


I booked a bus from Seattle King Street Station to Mt. Venom bus terminal here: https://www.amtrak.com/home, and then I transferred to 40x and got off at March Point Bus Terminal. View the bus schedule here: https://www.skagittransit.org/40x/
And then did another bus transfer to route 410 to Anacortes Ferry Terminal. Here’s the bus schedule: https://www.skagittransit.org/route-410EW/

• Book your accommodation ahead of time. The Island can get busy during summer time. I recommend Orca Inn for their budget friendly, clean and environmentally sustainable accommodations, make your reservations here: https://us01.iqwebbook.com/OIWA888/

• If you plan on camping, it's important to book your spot ahead of time. Click the “general availability” to view the available dates here: https://reserve.sanjuanco.com/island/campsites
If you’re getting there by biking, hiking or kayaking, San Juan County Park has a separate camping spot for people arriving by “human power,” the camp is $11.03 after tax and is first-come, first served

• Click here for REI’s camping gear list: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html



💪 Pro tips

• Bring at least $20 in cash, you’ll never know when you’ll need it on the island

• Have a battery pack with you, it's a life saver!

Take the ferry at Anacortes ferry terminal to Friday Harbor  

Explore the rich history and natural beauty of American Camp at San Juan Island National Historical Park. Perfect for picnics and capturing golden hour photos.

Scenic Viewing

✅ Before you go

• There is an abundance of wildlife here like foxes, deers, orcas, seals, and bald eagles! Be mindful of your distance and don’t feed them. Keep in mind the Leave No Trace principles: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/gumo_lnt.htm

• There is a bus that circles the whole island, they accept cash and venmo. Here’s the bus schedule: https://www.sanjuantransit.com/schedules.html, if you want to view the whole island you can check out their suggested itinerary here: https://www.sanjuantransit.com/San%20Juan%20Island%20Summer%202023%201-bus%20Transit%20Schedule%20the%20perfect%20day.pdf


💪 Pro tips

• Read up on the history of the American Camp. It adds to the experience! 

• This is a perfect spot for an afternoon picnic, so don’t forget to pack food and drinks. Grandma's cove at South Beach is my favorite

• If you have a film camera (or honestly any camera) this is the spot to capture those golden hour, nostalgic shots

• There isn’t much shade in the park, lather up with sunscreen! 



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Take in the views on American Camp at San Juan Island National Historical Park 

Explore Cattle Point Lighthouse and run through scenic trails around 4PM for perfect lighting.

Trail Running

💪 Pro tip

• I recommend going here in the afternoon around 4PM for the perfect lighting


Run through the trails of Cattle Point Lighthouse 

Watch a captivating sunset and potentially spot orcas at Lime Kiln Point State Park, renowned for its dramatic coastal views.

Watch Sunset

✅ Before you go
• The park requires a Discovery Pass, you can get one online at:  https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/


💪 Pro tips

• This is a prime spot to watch the sunset. Track the schedule of the sunset to get optimal views

• Keep your eyes peeled, this is a prime spot for Orca sightings


Listen to the crashing waves at Lime Kiln Point State Park  

Watch the sunset comfortably with a picnic at San Juan County Park, equipped with a charging station and amenities at the camping site.

Sunset Viewing

✅ Before you go

• If you’re camping here, the campsite has a bathroom and a water spout

• There is a charging station that takes USB cords by the food storage shelf at the human powered camp sites


💪 Pro tips

• This is another great option to view the sunset

• Bring a camping chair or a picnic mat to get comfortable while you watch the sunset


Romanticize the afternoon at San Juan Island County Park 

At Krystal Acres Farm on San Juan Island, you can get up close and personal feeding adorable alpacas.

Feed Alpacas

✅ Before you go
• Dogs are not allowed at the farm because they spook the Alpacas. Here are some FAQ’s :
https://www.krystalacres.com/faq-1


Feed Alpacas at Krystal Acres Farm

Relax at Roche Harbor, where you can rent kayaks, and enjoy a heated pool, tennis, and bocce.

Chill at Roche Harbor

💪 Pro tips

• If you have time,  you can rent kayaks and paddle around this beautiful harbor
At the harbor is a heated pool, tennis and bocce. 

• Check out the schedule and visitor day passes here : https://www.rocheharbor.com/activities/resort-activities/


Chill at Roche Harbor 

Attentione pickpocket! Because this island stole to my heart,

you've probably heard of it and now is the time to go to it.

Here's your ultimate guide on where to see the golden sunsets of the San Juan Islands.

And as a bonus, you'll meet this new fluffy friend.

Start off by catching the ferry to Friday Harbor.

I didn't waste no time and headed to San Juan Island National Historical Park.

I go here every year and it never disappoints.

I highly suggest going to Grandma's Cove because she is serving.

If you think that is amazing. This one is amazing too.

Head south to the Cattle Point lighthouse and run through the

trail like it's a movie like Oliver and Elio could never.

And no, that is not the last lighthouse at Lime Kiln State Park.

You'll watch the sun slowly go down to Canada.

you can set up camp as the sun paints you an ever changing

make some time because you will be heading to Krystal Acres where you'll be meeting

this fluffy fluffy alpacas where you can feed them with these $5 hay or grains.

It's a laid back harbor with coffee shops

and boutiques that you can check out before heading

car or whichever transportation you got yourself there.

Your life is a movie and San Juan Island is the film set.

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions.

Head to West Seattle for a sip and paint date night thanks to Stir Up the Paint. Whether you’re a little artistic or not at all, their step-by-step guidance will help you create a masterpiece!

Here's your plan for a fun sip and paint night in West Seattle, creating art together

🍷 Sip & Paint Date Night 🎨

Explore various art options and secure your spot for a Sip & Paint night via Stir Up the Paint in Seattle.

Sip & Paint

✅ Before you go
• Stir Up the Paint offers a wide variety of dates and times (and locations!) for you to choose from, so head to their website to find the painting that inspires you and snag your tickets: https://wa.stirupthepaint.com.

💪 Pro tips
• There are several options for an afternoon or night of painting fun, so be sure to keep an eye on the descriptions to ensure you’re picking an event that matches your vibe. 
• The Sip & Paint night that we went to cost $55/person and included up to two glasses of wine. Other events might be hosted at pubs and don’t include alcohol in the ticket. 

Pick the art you want to recreate & grab your tickets!

Head to Alki Arts in West Seattle for a creative sip & paint night. Wear casual attire and enjoy easy parking and nearby shops.

Painting Class

✅ Before you go
• Make sure you wear an outfit you don’t mind getting a little paint on! 
• Have fun and enjoy the process as you learn to craft your masterpiece!

💪 Pro tips
• Parking at Alki Arts was incredibly easy. If we had arrived with more time, it would have been great to walk around the block because it looked like there were a few cute shops to explore!

Head to Alki Arts in West Seattle & let’s get painting! 🎨👩‍🎨

but this sip and paint night with Stir Up the Paint made me feel

like, maybe just maybe, I might have an artistic bone in my body.

So head to Alki Arts in West Seattle with me to become an artist for the night.

Alki Arts was an incredible venue filled with beautiful,

inspiring artwork from true professionals that had me in awe.

We took a look at the painting we were going to attempt to create,

then grabbed a glass of wine before class started.

It was incredible just how quickly every brush stroke filled the canvas and

began to transform a blank slate into a surprisingly passable piece of artwork.

was encouraging and helped each of us feel empowered

and confident as we worked through the details

to create our Lighthouse at Sunset masterpieces.

Sip your way through five iconic bars and speakeasies in a historic Seattle neighborhood. 

Here's your plan for exploring Belltown's cocktail bars, starting at the State Hotel. Enjoy

🍸Explore Belltown’s best cocktail bars 🍸

Start your exploration of Belltown's cocktail scene at the State Hotel by meeting your guide.

Cocktail Bar Tour

✅ Before you go
• Attempting to park downtown can be atrocious, I recommend taking the Seattle Link — the State Hotel is less than a 10 minute walk from the Westlake station. 
• Learn more about the tour and book your ticket here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/savor-seattle-tours/items/616675/calendar/2025/04/?full-items=yes&back=https://www.savorseattletours.com/&gclid=CjwKCAjwzMi_BhACEiwAX4YZUMM17PZ8bBDV9IPGX55g8hteLv4vPrywolA9v-Wcfpo6aw4DZfo9IRoCSHIQAvD_BwE&g4=yes


💪 Pro tips
• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a bit of walking involved. 
• I met so many great, kind people on my tour! I encourage you to say hello and make friends :) 
• I recommend getting to the State Hotel about 15 minutes early so you can get settled in and use the restroom, if needed! (I recommend using the restroom beforehand since you only get a set amount of time to enjoy your drink at each bar).
• You probably passed a ton of restaurants on your tour — consider getting dinner at one of them! My friend and I decided to split pasta at Limoncello and it was delicious! 

Meet your tour guide at the State Hotel

If you're looking for a unique way to explore Belltown,

you should definitely take this cocktail tour.

Savor Seattle's Craft Cocktail & Mocktail Tour starts at the State Hotel.

It lasts anywhere between 2 to 2.5 hours,

your guide will bring you to 5 different bars or speakeasies through Belltown.

At each spot you'll get about a half drink pour,

I was so excited to see that they offered mocktails.

And just because I don't want to spoil the tour for you,

I won't tell you everywhere our tour guide, Judson, took us.

So Judson is an absolutely insane storyteller,

and of course every cocktail has a story.

After breaking down the concept behind the drink as well as the ingredients,

Even though I've been in Seattle for about 5 years at this point,

Not only was I introduced to new places that

I'm so excited to bring my friends back to,

but I also learned a lot about Seattle's fascinating history.

It was also just fun being able to explore Belltown because

for some reason I don't go down there that often.

This was such a great way to spend my afternoon

and I love being a tourist in my own city.

Head downtown for a delicious dinner with sourdough pasta and a hilarious improv comedy show hosted by Unexpected Productions.

Here's your plan for a fun evening: light rail to dinner, then improv comedy show

🍽️ Downtown Dinner & Improv Comedy Show 🎭 

Start your downtown adventure at Mountlake Terrace by catching the light rail to Symphony Station, ideal for reaching central Seattle without the hassle of parking.

Light Rail Travel

✅ Before you go
• Parking in downtown Seattle is a nightmare, so we opted to hop on the light rail at Mountlake Terrace. It’s a short walk from Symphony Station for some good eats and great laughs.

💪 Pro tips
• Be sure to check the light rail schedule! We caught the second to last train home after the show, so there are definitely options, but they might not be there if you head to grab drinks after the show!

Take the light rail to Symphony Station 🚉 

At Von's 1000 Spirits, savor sourdough pasta and sip on drinks. No reservations on weekends, so plan for a potential wait for your delicious dining experience.

Sourdough Pasta Dinner

✅ Before you go
• Von’s doesn’t take reservations on the weekends, so make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy dinner and drinks before the show, just in case there’s a wait! 

💪 Pro tips
• If you have to wait for your table, there are some steps right next to the restaurant that have a beautiful view. Take a walk and enjoy until you get the text that your table is ready!

Grab sourdough pasta and drinks at Von’s 1000 Spirits 🥂

Explore the iconic Seattle Gum Wall to find Unexpected Productions' improv theater. Enjoy interactive, hilarious Theatresports shows. Seating is open, so arrive early!

Improv Comedy Show

✅ Before you go
• The famous Seattle Gum Wall has a hidden secret… it’s where the Unexpected Productions theater is located!
• Grab tickets online at https://www.unexpectedproductions.org/.
• We attended the Theatresports show, and it was an absolute blast!

💪 Pro tips
• Raise your hand to make any suggestions to help create a unique show for you and your friends!
• It’s open seating, so don’t show up too late if you’re with a group in order to make sure you’ll all be able to sit next to each other!

Head to the Gum Wall to Find the Theater! 🎭 

and come with me to laugh yourself hoarse

during an Unexpected Productions improv comedy show.

We hopped on the light rail at Mountlake Terrace because

the theater and dinner are a quick walk from Symphony Station.

you'll grab dinner and drinks at Von’s 1000 Spirits.

Their sourdough pasta was well worth every bite.

you'll find the entrance to the comedy show

We attended Unexpected Productions theater sports show,

where two improv teams compete to be the best and funniest of the night.

There are even judges that somehow managed to

keep their faces expressionless throughout the entire performance.

suggestions because the show is very interactive.

Unexpected Productions is sure to have a show that will get you LOLing in real life.

Grab your friends (or just yourself) to try your hand at wheel throwing at Silken Ceramics — no experience needed!

Here's your plan for a fun pottery class at Silken Ceramics—wheel throwing and creativity await

A step-by-step pottery class for beginners

Explore wheel throwing at Silken Ceramics in Seattle. No experience needed to make pottery in a fun and supportive environment.

Pottery Class

✅ Before you go
• Silken Ceramics offers several different classes, which you can view and sign up for here: https://silkenceramics.com/pages/classes
• As an overview, the “Day of Clay” teaches you how to center clay, create a cylinder, and form it into a cup or bowl. 
• You can pick up your finished work 2-3 weeks after the class.
• There is lots of street parking around the studio — my friend and I had zero issues finding a spot. 
• You don’t need to have any experience prior to taking the course! The instructor will walk you through the whole process.

💪 Pro tips
• Working with clay gets messy! Make sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Don’t be afraid to ask the instructors questions — that’s what they are there for! 
• Did you have fun? Consider getting a membership so you can continue practicing your new skill!
• This class is great to do on your own or with a group of friends — I saved the class for a rainy day!

Head over to Silken Ceramics! 

It's been a while since I've taken one and I thought

it would be a great way to spend my afternoon.

So I headed over to Silken Ceramics to take their day of clay class,

Day of Clay is a really great way to try out

the pottery wheel without committing to an eight week course.

the instructor then took us over to the wheel

where she showed us how to prep our space,

it was then my turn to try out for myself.

And even though I've taken a couple of ceramics classes in my life,

But that's OK because the instructors were there

to help me every step of the way and answer any questions I had.

My friend decided to make a plate for her cat and I ended up with

this cup that I'm so excited about because I think it turned out really well.

and then I was faced with the hard decision of which piece I wanted to keep,

My friend and I had so much fun doing this,

and we can't wait to see how our pieces turned out when we picked them up.