False Bay is one of many stunning and diverse ecosystems on San Juan Island. At low tide, the water recedes from its shallow mudflats, revealing marine life that lies beneath the water. Animals that rely on these organisms as food sources come to False Bay and visitors can walk on the mudflats and get to know more about our maritime world. This tidal feature gave it its name, because boats that didn't know about the landscape would get stuck in the mud as the seeming bay around them disappeared at low tide.

Today, False Bay's unique environment is a biological reserve owned and managed by the University of Washington, whose cutting edge scientists, based at the nearby Friday Harbor Laboratories conduct marine research in this area. Visitors should be aware of the specific rules that apply to it do to its special status.

San Juan Island National Historical Park has been a Coast Salish homeland since time immemorial. Most famous for its role in the center of The Pig War conflict between Great Britain and the United States, there is much to learn and see in our park. Visitors can attend ranger led programming, hike through pristine coastal prairies, encounter wildlife, launch their kayaks, or just stroll on the largest publicly accessible wild coastline in the San Juan Islands.In these pages, you can discover more about the unique ecosystems and global history that our park preserves and protects. Learn about the Hawaiian islanders who worked for the Hudson's Bay Company, herding sheep on the American Camp prairie, examine the peacemaking military officers who prevented a global conflict from breaking out in the Pacific Northwest, and find out more about the homesteaders who built a life on this island after the conflict ended. 

Set on a rocky cliff at the west end of San Juan Island, Lime Kiln Point is considered one of the best whale-watching spots on earth. Catch a glimpse from a viewpoint or the lighthouse. Lime Kiln Point offers opportunities to view sea life, including orcas, gray whales, porpoises and more from spring through fall. Peak viewing times depend on salmon migration. Enjoy a picnic along the rocky shoreline or around the vintage lighthouse built in 1919. Stop by the Lime Kiln Point Interpretive Center, a converted Coast Guard garage, to view interpretive displays and learn about resident and transient whale pods. The center is open 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily, from about Memorial Day to Labor Day. The center also features the history of lime mining in the old lime kiln, where the park gets its name. Take a walk on the self-guided interpretive trail, open all year. Interpreters are available for lighthouse tours, guided walks and marine mammal programs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Take a break at The Blowhole – Snacks with a Porpoise! Serving up a variety of food and beverages to enjoy while visiting the park. Open Wednesday - Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May through Sept.

For more information on this incredible park click HERE.

If escaping to a slower pace is desirable, you’ll be enchanted by Friday Harbor—a charming, historic, walkable seaport just steps from the ferry landing, with small, friendly shops and restaurants, and a refreshing absence of fast-food chains. In this visitor-, family-, and dog-friendly town, you’ll find many of the San Juans’ whale and kayaking tour headquarters, The Whale Museum, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art,  the San Juan Community Theatre for plays and musical events, the San Juan Historical Museum, and so much more.There's no need for a car to see Friday Harbor. Everything is within walking distance of the ferry landing, and it is easy to get around, including shuttle buses and a trolley to take you around the island, as well as bike, three-wheeled Scootcoupe, and moped rentals. From Friday Harbor you can also catch an inter-island ferry to Lopez, Orcas, and Shaw Islands. If you do bring your car, use this parking map to find available spaces.