The San Juan Islands are part of the San Juan Archipelago, with some islands under the jurisdiction of the US and others under Canada. The islands offer a variety of activities, including water sports, golfing, hiking, whale watching, and musical entertainment for all tastes.
Located offshore near the northwest corner of the United States, the San Juan Islands are part of the San Juan Archipelago which is actually part of two different countries. The San Juan Islands are under the jurisdiction of and are considered part of the state of Washington in the United States, while the Gulf Islands are under the jurisdiction of the Canadian province of British Columbia. Canadians and US citizens alike enjoy the vacation opportunities found on these islands, with some activities available year-round.
The archipelago consists of over four hundred islands, although only a fraction of the islands are actually inhabited. In fact, only six of the islands that are part of Washington’s San Juans can be reached by ferry. One of the main attractions of the San Juan Islands is the fact that each of these six islands tends to have its own particular character. This creates a situation where you can travel the islands and experience everything from the peaceful and restful to the ambiance of a full-blown festival. Along the way, different types of water sports pave the way for lots of fun. Sea kayaking and so-called killer whale or whale watching are very popular pastimes. In addition, the San Juan Islands also offer other points of interest.
Golf enthusiasts will feel right at home in the San Juan Islands. Three of the islands – San Juan, Orcas and Lopez – all have excellent golf courses that are both fun and challenging. There are nine- and eighteen-hole golf courses available, so it’s easy to spend a couple of hours or a full day teeing off. For travelers who prefer to do a little exploring in the local shops, there are shopping villages that are conveniently located near each of the major golf courses. Many local restaurants serve as great meeting points when shoppers and golfers decide to get together after a day of fun.
Parks and public beaches are also a big part of the appeal of the San Juan Islands. Hiking trails weave through the forests and hills to allow visitors spectacular views of the combination of coastline, Pacific Ocean, and the lush greenery of the mountain ranges. Lime Kiln Point State Park also offers a unique activity. Often referred to as the Whale Watching Park, Lime Kiln is located on the west side of San Juan Island and features a large expanse of waterfront overlooking Haro Strait. Locals can advise tourists on the right times of day and year to enjoy the spectacle of whales moving in and out of the strait.
Musical entertainment on the San Juan Islands ranges from intimate coffeehouses to highly orchestrated revues and variety shows. Nearly every musical genre has representation somewhere on the islands, with everything from country and western to classic to rock and roll to golden oldies featuring in one place or another. Some of the entertainment is provided in the pavement cafés, while other events are hosted in the concert halls scattered across the six main islands.
For pure rest with a little recreation, the San Juan Islands offer an excellent mix of feeling at home while experiencing something new and different. From water sports to natural beauty and modern forms of entertainment, the San Juan Islands offer something for everyone.
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