Dream Spring Break in Washington: Where I’d Go if Money Was No Object

When many people think of their upcoming spring break adventures, they picture themselves on a tropical beach with the sun shining and a fruity drink beside them. The Pacific Northwest typically isn’t on their radar, but it should be.

In fact, for several years, I’ve wanted to visit the San Juan Islands during spring break, and many springtime adventures on the islands are on my bucket list. While my current budget may hold me back for one more year, the following is how I’d love to spend my spring break in Washington State.

The San Juan Islands are a place full of relaxation, beauty, and wildlife. There are 172 named islands in San Juan County, with Lopez Island, San Juan Island, and Orcas Island being the three most popular and easiest islands to visit. While these areas come alive during the summer months, spring is a wonderful time to visit as this is prime wildlife viewing, the wildflowers are starting to bloom, and crowds are much smaller. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?

Several attractions are on my bucket list, but when I visit the San Juan Islands over spring break, these are some of my favorite things to do.

Going on a whale-watching tour

At the top of my spring break bucket list is a whale-watching tour. While it’s not uncommon to see whales near the island throughout the year, April through October are the best months for spotting these magnificent creatures. Plus, many types of whales swim these waters, including orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales. Sea lions, seals, otters, porpoises, and more than 150 types of seabirds and shorebirds are also common in the area.

Several companies offer whale-watching cruises and tours on San Juan Island, making it easy to find your desired adventure. I love using resources like Viator to find additional options as well.

Meeting the largest herd of alpacas on the San Juan Islands

Located on West Valley Road in Friday Harbor is Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm. This is a 40-acre, family-run farm with dozens of alpacas. During a visit to San Juan Island, you can visit the farm and not only enjoy the beautiful grassy fields and old oak trees, but you can also take a walk along the pathways and watch the alpacas as they graze in the fields, play, and relax. They may even come up and say hello — especially if you offer them farm-provided alpaca food. Of course, after meeting the alpacas, you can also stop by the farm store to purchase must-have items like soft alpaca hats, blankets, books, stickers, and more. It’s the type of unique destination you’ll never forget.

Trying one of the baked goods at the Bakery San Juan

I love visiting bakeries in the towns I explore (I love fresh bread and baked goods), and I’ve got my eye on Bakery San Juan. Located in Friday Harbor, this Washington bakery is where you can find everything from sourdough bread to delicious cakes. The pizzas and sandwiches are lunch items I can’t wait to try — everything here sounds absolutely delicious.

Tackling the loop trail at Lime Kiln Point State Park

Lime Kiln Point State Park is one of our favorite state parks in Washington and is a must-visit stop on San Juan Island. This park is an ideal spot for whale watching and other wildlife viewing and is home to a historic lighthouse, visitor center, and more. When I visit, I want to lace up my hiking boots and trek around the Lime Kiln Point State Park Loop Trail. This easy trail is approximately 1.4 miles and gives you some incredible ocean, forest, and lighthouse views.

Capturing the perfect spring sunset

There are several areas around San Juan Island where you can capture some pretty dreamy sunsets. The west side of the island (as shown in the image above) is incredible, and there are many hiking trails where you can enjoy some peace, quiet, and unforgettable sunset views. When on the east side of the island, however, Friday Harbor's Jackson Beach is one of the best places to view a sunset. This long, sandy beach is about a 20-mile walk from downtown Friday Harbor and is a great place to just sit and relax. Bring a picnic and enjoy the views, or even make a small bonfire while you watch the piercing sky above you.

Spending time cycling around the island

My family loves to ride bikes, and I would regret visiting this PNW gem without spending some time on a bicycle seat. Many companies on the island offer bicycle rentals, and there are numerous bike lanes and trails that make cycling around the island easy. I recommend using this map to find various trails, learn the mileage from one destination to another, and to know which trails feature low, medium, and heavy traffic.

Spending spring break on San Juan Island may not be a tropical paradise, but it’s certainly a little slice of heaven that I'd go to if money were no object. And if you're looking for ways to make your spring break even more glamorous, check out our itinerary planner for nearby recommendations!