Explore The Stunning Orcas Island

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Orca’s Island Washington twice in the last five years and am excited to share with you the itinerary to plan your trip. I know, an island in the Pacific Northwest? It’s truly a special place that takes some advanced planning to get to enjoy.

Orcas Island is quaint and quiet; it’s truly out of a storybook. Submerse yourself for a weekend away with a lover or with your best friends.

On this blog post you will find a list of hotels in Orca’s Island as well as camping on Orcas, where to eat, and what to do when your here. Additionally, the tricky part-getting there. Let’s get into it!

Located off the coast of Washington, just an hour north of Seattle, Orcas is a part of the San Juan Island chain. Orcas Island is 57.3 square miles with a population of 6000 people.

The island itself is shaped like a pair of saddle bags, with Eastsound in the middle, which is where most of the restaurants and shops are. Smaller hamlets on the island are Orcas Landing, where the ferry comes to dock, Deer Harbor, Rosario, Olga, and Doe Bay.

Getting to Orcas Island takes a little bit of advanced planning unless you plan to arrive by private jet or boat. Washington State Ferry tickets to Orcas in the summertime are almost as popular as a Taylor Swift ticket!

From Seattle it is 1.5 hour drive in no traffic to arrive to Anacortes, where the ferry departs to Orcas Island. In advance, you have to purchase your ferry tickets through Washington State Ferry. Typically the summer schedules are released in the beginning of June for 30% of the boat. Two weeks from each sailing date they release another 30%, and a final 30% two days out from sailing.

You NEED a reservation for the ferry. The boat only has spots for about 15 extra cars for stand by. If you are walking on, not to worry as the ride is free. If you don’t get your preferred time, I advise checking in at 7am when the new tickets are released or closer to the sailing date as people do cancel.

Give yourself plenty of time for things to go wrong. Unfortunately for us, our ferry was two hours delayed on the way to Orcas due to the boat being broken. There are only two vessels so when something goes wrong, it can really put a wrench in plans. It is a fun experience! Park your car, get out and walk around and enjoy the views, grab a beer or snack in the inside, and enjoy the views of the Cascade mountains. From Anacortes to Orcas Island the ferry takes about 1 hour.

Pro Tip: You must be 30 minutes early to your reservation take off time. If you aren’t, they give your reservation away.

Depending on who your traveling with, and what type of experience your looking for, there are a number of options to choose from. In the summer months, camping on Orcas Island is a wonderful way to submerse yourself into the peaceful energy of the island. Choose from a cabin, hotel, or camping; but book in advance as lodging options are limited and it is hard to find last minute options.

If your wanting more amenities and aren’t interested in camping, here’s a list to browse from:

• Outlook Inn: located centrally in Eastsound, this is a great place to stay if you want to park your car and never leave for the weekend. It’s a historic hotel built in 1888. Plus, it’s home to my favorite restaurant on the island, New Leaf Cafe.
• Orcas Hotel: located close to the ferry dock, this historic hotel opened in 1904. There are only 12 rooms available here, so book in advance! Plus, they have two restaurants, The Orca’s Cafe, and Norbu a formal dining offering Hawaiian Inspired Cuisine.
• Rosario Resort and Spa: choose from one of their stunning hotel rooms that face the water with a balcony. Dine at their on-site restaurant, The Mansion.
• West Beach Resort: rent one of their modern cabins nestled in the forest or along the waters edge. If your lucky, secure a clamping tent or camping site for a cheaper, but stunning stay in the summer months.
• Beach Haven Resort: book in advance if you plan on visiting in the summertime! Choose from one, two, or three bedroom cabin’s nested on the waters edge. Additionally there are apartment style accommodations and a large cabin that holds 10 guests.

If your looking to camp at Orcas Island, it can take a bit of pre-planning to do so. In the summertime, campsites sell out immediately when they are released. It is much easier to get sites during the week or during rainy season.

• Moran State Park: home to 4 different campground with 124 stadark and 6 hiker/biker campsites. Stop at the Sugar Shack for homemade ice cream and espresso!
• Doe Bay Resort Camping: on my list for next time! They have 30 campsites ranging from waterfront sites to walk-in and drive in camping.
• West Beach Resort Camping: this is a private campground with glamping tents complete with a queen sized bed and outdoor grill! This is a great place to park your car and never leave as they have kayak rentals, a hot tub, bonfire pits, kayak tours, and more!
• Leanto Glamping Tents: canvas wall tents on cedar plant platforms making camping easy as driving to your site with food and your all set. Operating only during the summer months.

Looking for something more private? Rent an Airbnb or VRBO property. We did that for our last stay and had the best time. Plus, it was nice to have a place to cook meals when we didn’t want to eat out.

• Modern Home with Stunning Water View: we loved staying here! Located just five minutes from downtown Eastsound this was the perfect basecamp. Plus, the view is incredible.
• Peaceful and Tranquil Rustic Cabin on the Water: If your looking for a 1 bedroom cabin with incredible views of the water; this is for you!
• Orcas Island Forest House: this treehouse is on my list! Truly looks like it teleports you into another world. Plus, the round bathtub room looks divine.

A major reason we wanted to return to Orcas was for the food! Truly farm to table experiences everywhere that you dine. Enjoy the slower pace of island time and savor the moments everywhere you go! For the seafood lovers, your going to be extremely excited by the food on Orcas Island Washington.

• New Leaf Cafe: located in Eastsound, New Leaf is hands down my favorite place to eat on the island. If you visit on the weekends, make reservations! I’ve had dinner and brunch here, so delicious.
• Buck Bay Shellfish Farm : located in Olga, Buck Bay is a delicious place to stop before or after hiking Moran State Park. The bistro is open seasonally from 11:30AM-6PM.
• The Mansion: if your looking for something fancier, this is a great place for views and locally sourced foods. Currently under renovation.
• Barnacle Bar: every time I come to the island I stop at Barnacle for cocktails. Located in Eastsound, with delicious handcrafted cocktails.
• Brown Bear Baking: the best place on the island for locally made treats and espresso! We stopped here multiple times during our visit and it sure doesn’t disappoint.
• White Horse Pub: if an Irish Pub if your vibe, this is the place for you. With incredible views of Indian Island and a waterfront deck open in the summer. Enjoy delicious Irish food and a cold Guinness!
• Island Hoppin’ Brewery: if local craft brews is your think, you must stop here! During the summertime you can find it to be quite lively with live music on the patio.

Orcas Island is full of fun things to do aside from eating to your hearts desire. Enjoy Eastsound by foot and walk around to the local shops selling art, ceramics, printed t-shirts, plants, and handmade jewelry. My favorite stops were Atelier, Smorgasbord, and Darvill’s.

• Go Whale Watching: per the name Orcas, there must be real..Orca whales to see right? Sure is. There are four different charter options available with full and half day tours.
• Visit Olga: If you enjoy art, this is the part of the island that you want to visit and walk around! Full of locally made art, and a beautiful marina.
• Farmer’s Market: starting the first weekend in May to the last weekend in September from 10AM to 2PM. Explore locally made crafts, fresh product, produce, and locally made botanical care from Thyme. Personally, exploring a farmers market is a great way to connect with the community!
• Moran State Park: arguably the most popular park on the island to visit, and for good reason. There are a number of hikes to enjoy here, or drive up to the top of Mount Constitution and enjoy the views of the San Juan Islands, Mount Rainier, and Mount Baker on a clear day.
• Guided Kayaking: enjoy gorgeous views of the Cascade mountains and more! Depending on your skill level and how far you want to paddle, choose your own adventure.
• Hike Turtleback Mountain: Enjoy the 3 mile round trip hike up to the top with beautiful views of the Canadian San Juans.
• Go Crabbing: I suggest booking through West Beach Resort if you would like to go fishing or crabbing. They know the season and where to go! Be sure to book in advance, especially for summer months.

Have you visited Orcas Island before? Did I miss anything? What was your favorite part of your trip or a special memory? Let me know in the comments!