The San Juan Islands of Washington State are located between Anacortes, Washington and Victoria British Columbia. The Islands are breathtakingly beautiful, and draw over 5 million visitors here each year. As a result tourism is a major local industry. In addition to the mild climate and beautiful natural environment, the Islands are home to three resident Orca Whale pods. Their presence and majesty contribute greatly to our local culture.
San Juan County is a well rounded, culturally sophisticated, liberal and tolerant community. This is why it has become a magnet for artists, musicians and those pursuing alternate lifestyles.
The San Juan Islands are also a retirement Mecca for the rich and famous. This provides a healthy influx of income for local businesses and service providers.
Visitors and residents enjoy a mild maritime climate year round and excellent weather. We are sheltered by mountain ranges on three sides. This is called the "rain shadow." It rarely dips below freezing and seldom snows here.
The Islands host an eclectic and progressive cultural environment. This fosters a relaxed working environment, an enlightened county government, and a benign police force and court system. San Juan County has banned the local enforcement of the Patriot Act, which makes us a Patriot Act "Free Zone." We take our Constitutional rights and freedoms very seriously here in the San Juans.
There are cultural events and performances constantly going on in Friday Harbor despite the small size of the community. We have a very active community theater mentored by internationally an internationally renowned hollywood director, Skagit Valley Community College, Washington State University Marine Labs, the Whale Museum, a dance studio, and two National Parks.
We have four local newspapers: the Journal, The Sounder, the Islands Weekly, and The San Juan Islander. There are a handful of magazine and book publishers based here as well. All the islands have excellent public libraries, but our San Juan Island Public Library is considered to be the best.
The San Juan Islands feature a plethora of excellent restaurants. MacMan's Friday Harbor favorites include: the Duck Soup Inn, Golden Triangle (Thai, Cambodian and Laotian cuisine) and Mi Casita (Mexican). There are two grocery stores on San Juan Island, as well as a wholesale food buyers club.
Many islanders are involved in gardening, sustainability and alternative energy. The Island hosts the WSU Master Gardener Program, Navigating Our Future (MacMan was a founding member), and a progressive sustainability group (founded by MacMan).
All in all, the San Juan Islands are a wonderful place to vacation, live and work.
*Art Print designed by MacMan
Helpful Islander Links