he San Juan Islands are known as one of the most scenic, relaxing vacation destinations in the country. Just 45 minutes north of Seattle by charter float plane, the cluster of 174 islands dotting the straits between Washington state and Canada are stunning in their natural beauty. Take a day or two to reset your internal clock. Soon, you’ll be on ‘island time,’ leaving your cares behind. Photo Gallery

 

Bicycling, hiking, and endless beach walks are favorites of the locals. Or choose a full-day paddle by kayak, hike 80 wind-swept acres at Iceberg Point, hire a boat for salmon fishing, or book passage on a whale watching cruise. The island art scene is in full bloom. Let us know if you’d like a personal tour of private working galleries: glass blowing studio, oil painting gallery, sculpture garden, fiber arts, quilting and weaving studios, writers’ workshops and more. Reiki, massage and private yoga sessions are easily arranged.

 

The island’s culinary scene is small but sophisticated with a handful of restaurants offering everything from fish tacos, burgers and fries to fresh Frasier River salmon, Dunginess crab and locally-sourced meat and seafood. Enjoy varied menu selections at HavenWaterfront Cafe or NIck Coffey’s Ursa Minor restaurant. Visit Holly B’s bakery for local bread and pastries. Vortex Natural Foods and Juice Bar is known for using local, organic ingredients on its delicious whole foods menu or give a call to Vita’s for her creative, sumptuous take-out menu.

 

If you’d like to see more of the region, a ferry ride to the quaint waterfront towns of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island or Eastsound on Orcas Island makes a lovely day out. Seattle, and both Victoria and Vancouver Island, Canada are easy overnight destinations by ferry, car or float plane. Or take a breathtaking day hike up snowcapped Mt. Baker where the wildflower meadows and rushing rivers are some of the most spectacular in the Northwest.