San Juan Islands : Anacortes & Ferry Ride to Friday Harbor

After arriving in Anacortes on Friday and enjoying the evening at our hotel, we started bright and early on Saturday heading to the ferry landing in Anacortes to head to San Juan Island, docking in Friday Harbor. We arrived about two hours early for the ferry (for anyone who might want to make this trip) after hearing that it can get really busy on holiday weekends. Our timing ended up being great and we were close to the front of the line when the ferry arrived. Our experience on the ferry was super easy and organized and we had no problems. There are a bunch of areas to walk around while you wait for the boat and Nick wandered around the beaches, getting some beautiful shots. Even the mainland area of Anacortes is breathtakingly beautiful in the part of the state and we enjoyed the scenery immensely.

The ferry left about 9am and once we were on the boat (we took our car by the way but you can also just walk on), we went upstairs to the passenger deck. The ferry ride to Friday Harbor from Anacortes takes a little over an hour, but it’s full of gorgeous scenery along the way as you weave in and out of the San Juan islands throughout. I was hoping to see whales during the ride (I’ve heard that sometimes you see them) and while we didn’t on the ferry, we did get to see them later on the island (more to come on that tomorrow). But regardless, the boat ride was great and we really enjoyed taking in the scenic views and seeing more of this area.

When we got into Friday Harbor (the city on San Juan Island), we found a parking spot in town and walked up to the Rocky Bay Cafe for breakfast. We had heard it was one of the best spots in town for breakfast and got to take in some of the area as we walked a block or so up the street to the restaurant. After breakfast, we headed back to our car and then out on the island to explore but more on that tomorrow!