by P.L. Hubble

Created on: January 17, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Why the San Juan Islands are a great tourist attraction.

The San Juan Islands of Washington state were named by a Spanish officer in 1791. The English arrived a year later. In 1859 the War of the Pig began and lasted for twelve years. It all began when a pig owned by an Englishman was shot and killed by an American named Lyman Cutlar. The English threatened to prosecute him when he wouldn't pay restitution, so the Americans moved troops into the area and set up camp. The British retaliated by moving in their own troops. No battles were actually fought in this war, but tensions did not ease until 1872, when the German Kaiser Wilhelm I acted as a neutral arbiter and declared that the Americans had a better claim. Today one can visit camps set up to resemble the originals, so there is some historical interest here.

No doubt about the areas main attraction though, orcas. Approximately 90 whales are here in season, which runs May through September. Your family can choose to watch the endangered species from Lime Kiln State Park on the west side of San Juan Island itself, or take a whale watching tour aboard a commercial vessel. To learn more about the beautiful whales, you can choose to visit The Whale Museum in the town of Friday Harbor.

There are lots of activities for the kids in your family too. There is a Funhouse on Orcas Island, and skateboard parks on all three islands. Hike the miles of trails and view the varied wildlife, marine and land animals both. Beachcombing and tidal pools always grab the kids interest too. The family can also take a guided kayak tour, or charter a local boat for fishing or whale watching either one. There are Farmers Markets, birding tours, horseback riding, and historical museums.

To get to the islands, one can either fly in on a short hop from Seattle, or take the Washington State Ferry. It is recommended that during the summer you get your vehicle in line two hours early, and one hour for the other seasons. However, there are several modes of travel on the islands if you do not want to take your automobile. There are shuttles during season, and you can rent a car, bicycle, or scoot car at the ferry terminal. Of course taxis are always an option. You can even charter a helicopter if you want an aerial view of these gorgeous islands.

Accomodations are many and varied. Bed and breakfasts, hotel, camping sites, and lodges. Book early to ensure your chice is available. Overall, this is a great vacation spot for the whole family to enjoy.

Learn more about this author, P.L. Hubble.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.