The San Juan Islands are easily reached from Seattle by floatplane, or by driving to Anacortes and enjoying a scenic ferry ride. You’ll discover an entirely different world with tranquil scenery, a long list of outdoor adventures and abundant wildlife. Whether you want to enjoy a stay on San Juan, Orcas, Lopez or less-visited Guemes Island, you’re sure to find the perfect Airbnb among these options.
Bungalow 252, Hilltop Cedar Home with an Ocean View, Orcas Island
If you’re looking for a view, it’s hard to beat Bungalow 252, a secluded hilltop cedar home with a breathtaking view of the sea, Mt. Baker and the Cascade Mountains. Enjoy relaxing while the boats pass by and watching the wildlife from the deck, including bald eagles, deer and raccoon, along with the occasional orca whales. It includes a kitchenette stocked with coffee, chai and hot chocolate, a gas BBQ, wood stove and two flat-screen TVs, one with Wi-Fi streaming and a Blu-ray 3D DVD player, the other with a Blu-ray DVD player. Games, books, DVDs, binoculars and a telescope are all included too.
The Garden Cottage, Lopez Island
This romantic cottage on Lopez Island sits in the heart of Lopez Village, surrounded by gardens. You’ll be just a short walk from restaurants, shops and the beaches while enjoying a tranquil space with the silence broken only by the songs of the birds. It includes a kitchen and a comfy bed with down pillows and a duvet, along with an outdoor deck for relaxing among nature. There’s a BBQ and a SmartTV with free Netlfix and Pandora too.
Cozy Dog Friendly Cabin in the Woods, San Juan Island
Bring your furry best friend to this cabin in the woods near Friday Harbor and enjoy a tranquil, secluded stay. It accommodates up to two guests and includes an outdoor deck with seating and a grill, along with a fenced-in area. Inside you’ll have a full kitchen, a TV, queen-size bed with a new hybrid mattress, and a washer/dryer. The host notes that cell phone service is spotty but the Wi-Fi is outstanding.
Whimsical Earthen Glamping Cabin, San Juan Island
This unique Earthen cabin tucked in a Douglas fir forest offers a glamping experience on San Juan Island, a 15-minute drive from Friday Harbor and less than 10 from Lime Kiln State Park, an ideal place for watching orca whales that pass by in the summer. Off-grid, it’s made of earth and salvaged materials, resembling a hobbit hut, and sleeps two on a comfortable queen bed. A forested path will lead you to a separate designated bathhouse that has a flushing toilet and hot shower. Guests can also enjoy a netted hammock which sits 15 feet above ground, accommodating up to 10, while providing a view of sky and forest canopy.
Orcas Island Cabin on the Bluff
This peaceful little cabin is ideal for a couple or small family, accommodating up to three in one bedroom. Set on Orcas Hill, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of Harney Channel, Shaw Island and Blind Bay while being less than two minutes from the ferry terminal and grocery store. You’ll have a fire pit for gathering around in the evening and enjoying the stars, as well as a full kitchen, satellite TV, heating and air conditioning.
Cottage by the Sea, San Juan Island
This studio cottage sleeps up to two and overlooks Haro Strait, providing spectacular views of the water, Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains. Located about a 15-minute drive from Friday Harbor and the ferry, close to hiking trails and whale watching at Lime Kiln State Park, it includes a deck with a table and chairs for outdoor dining and relaxing. You’ll have a charcoal Weber grill, a hammock and access to a washer/dryer too. High-speed fiber internet (100 Mbps) is included, great for videoconferencing and streaming with Roku.
Northbeach Cabin, Orcas Island
This one-bedroom cedar cabin on Orcas Island is ideal for a couple or small family, sleeping up to three, just a short walk to the beach and town. It has a queen size bed upsstairs with a peek-a-boo view of the water and was recently renovated, “old school Orcas style.” There are hardwood and marmoleum floors throughout, and you’ll have a French door slider that opens to the deck where nature abounds, with plenty of bird life and deer. A full kitchen and Wi-Fi are both included.
Field House Island Farm, Lopez Island
Enjoy an enchanting stay at this two-bedroom house on Lopez Island, accommodating up to five guests, set on a 100-acre working farm. An animal lovers’ delight, you’ll be on land shared with Murray Grey cattle, heritage pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, eagles, owls and more. It has Wi-Fi, a kitchen with all the essentials, including baking supplies, a woodstove and a grill on the deck. You’ll have your own private yard, and just east is a swimming pond, wood-fired sauna and Down Dog Yoga Studio.
Beachfront Golf Course Cottage, Friday Harbor
As the name belies, you’ll not only be on the beachfront by booking this cottage, but you’ll be right next to the San Juan Golf & County Club. Overlooking Griffin Bay, it sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms and comes with a private beach for kayaking, crabbing, beachcombing, sunbathing and more. The stairs leading to the beach include a view deck for sipping a glass of wine while watching for wildlife like seals, eagles and herons. It has a fire pit, a propane Weber BBQ and a fully equipped kitchen with a six burner gas stove, butcher block, and dining table for six. Other highlights include SmartTVs with cable, Netflix and free Wi-Fi.
Modern Water-view Home Near Rosario, Orcas Island
This new home with a Modern Northwest design, features more than 2,000-square-feet of open living space and includes a large deck along with magnificent water views from nearly every room. You’ll have your own private hot tub for soaking under the stars, a stainless steel BBQ grill and opportunities for outdoor dining with a table that seats six. It has a well-stocked kitchen that includes spices and condiments, along with a Starbucks Barista Espresso machine, coffee grinder and whole espresso beans. The spacious recreation room includes a large sectional sofa where you can relax and enjoy the 65″ TV with streaming services from Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, as well as a foosball table.
Cottage in the Barn on Dragonfly Farm, Orcas Island
This charming two-bedroom cabin accommodates up to five and sits on Dragonfly Farm, five miles from the ferry terminal and the village of Eastsound. Fall asleep to the sounds of the frogs in a serene setting with gardens and a pond, while enjoying a full kitchen with spices, locally roasted coffee and tea, a propane BBQ, and a flat-screen TV with a DVD player and a DVD library. The 25-acre farm adjoins Turtleback Mountain Preserve, providing easy access to hikes, some of which lead to stunning views of the neighboring islands and beyond. Guests are welcome to use the eggs from the chickens and any produce that might be in season and have access to a canoe and kayaks too.
