The island seaport where you can spot killer whales from the shore
- Our Hidden Earth
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Reaching this magical destination requires a deliberate journey, as it sits on an island that is utterly cut off from the frantic pace of the mainland.
The only access is via a serene, winding ferry trip across the Salish Sea, which only amplifies the profound sense of isolation and discovery upon arrival.
The small harbour itself is picture-perfect, lined with charming, colourful buildings that cluster tightly against the rugged, untouched coastline.
The charming port we’re revealing is Friday Harbor, a tiny, historic town and the main hub of San Juan Island in Washington State.
It is truly the perfect place for a relaxing holiday, boasting a fully walkable, quaint downtown area that feels miles away from the modern world’s stresses.
For keen walkers and nature lovers, this secret spot is nothing short of an absolute dream destination.
The deep, abiding secret of Friday Harbor is its proximity to the powerful, wild resident Orca pods, making it one of the world's premier destinations for whale spotting.
You can take a boat trip or even visit Lime Kiln Point State Park, one of the few places on earth where you can reliably see these magnificent creatures from the shore.
The entire community is built around this incredible ecosystem, dedicating its focus to marine research and preservation at its Whale Museum.
When planning your escape, be aware that you can leave your car on the mainland as the town itself is only one square mile and wonderfully pedestrian-friendly.
If you do bring a car, there are small municipal car parks, but places can be limited in the summer season, so plan ahead.
Make sure to pack your best boots, as the surrounding island offers vast, beautiful, and slightly challenging coastal walking trails.
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