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About Friday Harbor, WA

"One Square Mile of Perfection"

The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Friday Harbor, Washington (click here for map locating San Juan Island) one of its 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

Since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across the United States that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitments to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.
So why did the Trust include Friday Harbor in the top dozen destinations?

There are "country roads dotted with agricultural fields, open territorial views and rocky coastline vistas. From late spring to early fall, the 36-acre Lime Kiln Point State Park is the best place in the world to view from land the endangered species of Orca whales. Nearly 90 of these whales make their home in the Salish Sea surrounding the San Juan Islands; spectators on the park’s shoreline are able to be as close as 20 feet from the animals as they surface for air. This region is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country as porpoises, sea lions, seals, river otters and more than 250 species of birds, including resident bald eagles, make their home here. There are year-round nature experiences on land and water, including sea kayaking treks, wildlife cruises, birding tours and scuba diving."

"Friday Harbor boasts nearly 150 historic buildings reflecting the community’s civic, commercial and residential history. Friday Harbor is one of Washington’s few seaport villages to survive the turn-of-the-century fires that engulfed early Seattle and other cities. Its authentic downtown streetscape and postage-size Memorial Park are the gateway to discovering the rich history, rural character and pristine marine environment of the San Juan archipelago."

And it did not hurt that "in and around Friday Harbor, there are six National Historic Register sites. These landmarks transport visitors back in time and tell the story of the Territorial Northwest. From the historic village of Roche Harbor to the San Juan Island National Historical Park, where exhibits, historic buildings and re-enactors bring to life The Pig War – a 12-year standoff between British and American troops in the late 1800s – the wealth of historic resources belie the island’s small size."

Regional Links

Chamber of Commerce – www.sanjuanisland.org

San Juan Islander News - Advertising – www.sanjuanislander.com

San Juan Journal Newspaper – www.sanjuanjournal.com