Friday Harbor Map

Description: This map shows streets, roads, beaches, buildings, piers, viewpoints, and parks on Friday Harbor.

Description: This map shows streets, trails, piers, restrooms, houses, buildings, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, museums, parking lots, shops, churches, points of interest, and parks in Downtown Friday Harbor.

Description: This map shows where Friday Harbor is located on the Washington State Map.

Description: This map shows streets, buildings, cafes, bars, restaurants, points of interest, restrooms, and parks in Friday Harbor.

Maps of San Juan Islands

Friday Harbor is the largest town in San Juan County, Washington, and serves as the county seat. Located on the eastern side of San Juan Island, the town functions as the commercial, governmental, and cultural center of the San Juan Islands archipelago. With a permanent population of approximately 2,600 residents that expands significantly during summer tourist season, Friday Harbor is the primary arrival point for visitors traveling to the islands via Washington State Ferries from Anacortes or Sidney, British Columbia.

The town's name reportedly derives from a Hawaiian employee of the Hudson's Bay Company named Friday, though this origin story remains somewhat uncertain. Friday Harbor developed as a trading post and fishing village in the mid-19th century and gradually evolved into the islands' primary settlement. The harbor itself provides protected moorage for both commercial fishing vessels and recreational boats, with marina facilities accommodating hundreds of vessels.

Infrastructure and Services

Friday Harbor contains the islands' primary medical facilities, government offices, schools, and essential services. The University of Washington operates Friday Harbor Laboratories, a renowned marine biology research facility that has conducted oceanographic and marine studies since 1904. The labs attract scientists from around the world and offer educational programs for students and researchers. The town also hosts the San Juan Island Library, county courthouse, and administrative offices.

The Whale Museum, located in downtown Friday Harbor, focuses on cetacean research and education, with particular emphasis on the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population. The museum houses exhibits on whale biology, threats to marine mammals, and ongoing conservation efforts. It serves as a center for citizen science programs that engage the public in orca monitoring and research.

Economy and Tourism

Tourism dominates Friday Harbor's economy, with the waterfront area featuring numerous shops, galleries, restaurants, and hotels. Spring Street, the main commercial corridor, extends from the ferry terminal through downtown, lined with businesses catering to both residents and visitors. Whale watching tours depart regularly from the harbor during peak season, and kayak rental companies offer guided trips around the island.

The town maintains a walkable downtown core, with most attractions, dining, and shopping accessible by foot from the ferry terminal. The Friday Harbor Farmers Market operates seasonally, featuring local produce, crafts, and prepared foods. Several art galleries showcase work by local and regional artists. The San Juan Community Theatre provides year-round performances, and various festivals and events attract visitors throughout the year. Despite seasonal population fluctuations, Friday Harbor maintains an active year-round community with schools, civic organizations, and cultural activities that serve both residents and visitors to the San Juan Islands.

Main sights in Friday Harbor

How to Get to Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor is located on San Juan Island in Washington State's San Juan Islands. Here are the main ways to reach this charming island destination:

By Ferry from Anacortes

The most common route is via Washington State Ferries from Anacortes, WA:

• Drive to Anacortes Ferry Terminal (2100 Ferry Terminal Rd, Anacortes, WA)
• Purchase ferry tickets for vehicles and passengers
• Board the ferry to Friday Harbor (approximately 1 hour trip)
• Ferries run multiple times daily year-round
• Reservations are highly recommended during summer months

By Ferry from Sidney, BC

From Canada, you can take Washington State Ferries from Sidney, BC:

• Board at Sidney Ferry Terminal on Vancouver Island
• Direct service to Friday Harbor (seasonal, typically May-September)
• Bring proper documentation for international travel

By Private Plane

Friday Harbor has a small airport for private aircraft:

• Friday Harbor Airport (FHR) - publicly owned
• Single runway suitable for small aircraft
• Car rentals available at the airport

Getting Around the Island

Once on San Juan Island:

• Walk around downtown Friday Harbor
• Rent bicycles for island exploration
• Bring or rent a car for visiting other parts of the island
• Local taxi and shuttle services available

Important Tips

• Make reservations for summer travel (June-September)
• Arrive at ferry terminal at least 30 minutes early
• Check ferry schedules online before traveling
• Consider staying overnight as day trips can be rushed