![summer islands in washington summer islands in washington](https://rtwin30days.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/San-Juan-Islands-Travel-Guide-1-820x550.jpg)
What I Wish I Packed for My Cruise to Alaska.Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Using Fresh Garden Tomatoes.Is a Cruise to Alaska a Good Trip for Teens?.The Flipper's Guide to Making Money Reselling Furn.I'm grateful to have seen some whales on our trip, especially humpbacks, so I'll take it! I wish we didn't have to drive out so far to get to see some action, but this isn't Sea World, so I know it's all part of the adventure. Nearby are beautiful walking trails was great and so was the guide. There is beach access and a pool and tennis courts guests have access to. Each one has two bedrooms, a kitchen, and amazing views of the harbor for sunsets. If I were to come back with my family, I'd look into renting a front-row historic cottage. There are a lot of other lodging options in Roche Harbor from village homes to condos to historic cottages. Speaking of Roche Harbor, Hotel de Haro is the state's oldest continuously working hotel, but there are only 20 rooms. You could also borrow fishing supplies, though I didn't see a single person catch a thing so maybe skip that activity or find a different lake! There were complimentary bikes to borrow for a ride around the property, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards, and big-wheeled trikes to rent on the water. Lakedale Resort gave off a summer camp vibe. It did have beautiful views, private patio spaces, and an unbelievably delicious made-to-order omelet breakfast that was included in the room rate. The downside to the lodge is that it didn't have air conditioning and I wish it had a refrigerator so that we could store food and drinks. Some of the lodging options allow dogs, but not all of them. They also have camping, yurts, airstream rentals, cabins, and glamping tents across three lakes on the property. The lodge is for guests 16 and older, so it's more of an adults-only option. We stayed at Lakedale Resort in the lodge and it was lovely. The whole island is just 48 miles from tip to tip and you can pretty much get anywhere on the island in 15 minutes. There are a few options for lodging on the San Juan Islands.
![summer islands in washington summer islands in washington](http://sugartownpublishing.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Yew_Nork_at_300_dpi.69114314_std.jpg)
Keep your eyes peeled for whales as you sail along! The back of the ferry is always less windy and cold and usually less crowded. It gets cold even on the warmest of days. Don't forget to bring a sweatshirt or coat if you want to stand up on the ferry decks. The ferry ride is about an hour-long ride to the islands and it's a beautiful scenic ride. There will be announcements to call you back as they get ready to load you on. Not going to lie, this stressed my husband out! Once you are checked in and waiting in the ferry line, you can wander around and leave your vehicle.
![summer islands in washington summer islands in washington](https://www.wallpapers13.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Beautiful-HD-Wallpaper-lake-islands-of-rock-dark-storm-cloud-lightning-Watson-Lake-Near-Prescott-Arizona-Wallpaper.jpg)
You need to check in to the terminal at least 30 minutes before the sailing to make sure your spot isn't given away to a stand-by passenger. Most ferries in Washington are first come first serve, but not the ferry to the San Juans.
![summer islands in washington summer islands in washington](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/shared/images/travelguides/destination/6023373/San-Juan-Islands-47919.jpg)
Reservations often get full, especially in the summer. If you don't have reservations, you may not be able to make it to the islands. I can't express this enough, you need to make reservations for the ferry to the San Juans for your departure and your arrival.