Less than two hours from Seattle by car, you can find the small coastal town of Anacortes.
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The unassuming town is the gateway to one of Washington State’s most underappreciated frontiers: the San Juan Islands. The archipelago expands into the Salish Sea, consisting of over 170 named islands. It’s only accessible by ferry, boat, or plane, making Anacortes the easiest place to reach the San Juan Islands, usually into Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
Taking a popular ferry like the Puget Sound Express or the Victoria Clipper, you can reach the Orcas Islands, along with Lopez and Shaw. There, you’ll find a rugged Pacific Northwest dreamscape, home to moody and wild waves that crash against rocky shores. If you’re more experienced, you can charter your own boat to explore the islands.
Wild adventures await—from sea kayaking to whale watching to hiking. But you’ll need a comfortable place to stay where you can recharge after a long day of exploration. If you want to know where to find the best Airbnbs on the San Juan Islands, look for options that are easy to reach, come with solid amenities, and—the real coup—offer gorgeous views of the islands.
[This article is part of TravelAwaits new Airbnb and Vrbo recommendation series. We dig into listings to identify the crème de la crème of Guest Favorites, Superhost listings, and hidden gems to make finding the perfect rental for your next trip a breeze.]
Best Airbnbs on the San Juan Islands in Washington State
Sweet Sanctuary (Lopez Island)
Just ten minutes from Lopez Island’s small village where the ferry docks, you’ll find total peace and seclusion at this three-bedroom getaway. The cabin is warmly decked out with wood features, stone accents, and a cozy fireplace that you and guests will want to gather around. The waterfront view from the dining room is the perfect way to start your day, too. Outside, you can enjoy a wraparound deck with spectacular views, along with a grill that’s perfect for preparing your daily catch.
Haven On Hilltop House (Lopez Island)
If you’re looking for Airbnbs on the San Juan Islands that have been renovated with modern features, don’t skip this three-bedroom home. You’ve got spectacular waterfront views from the outdoor fire pit and hot tub, both of which overlook the water. Inside, you’ll find a carefully restored home that maintains its wooden beams and fireplace, but has otherwise been updated with modern, comfortable features, like a chef’s kitchen and a new washer-dryer. Just make sure you snag the master bedroom—it has stunning waterfront views from its large windows.
San Juan Dream Escape (San Juan Island)
Only 15 minutes from Friday Harbor and even less from the lovely Roche Harbor, this large three-bedroom home offers a little bit of everything. Great location aside, the home gives you a small piece of private beach to enjoy, along with an outdoor fire pit that overlooks the water. You’ll find more delightful surprises inside, including a stone sauna in the master bedroom, a standalone bunkhouse for guests seeking privacy, and a clawfoot tub with waterfront views. Last but not least, many guests report orca sightings—so make sure to bring your camera.
Utter Seclusion Friday Harbor (San Juan Island)
Located on the edge of Friday Harbor, this is one of the easier Airbnbs on the San Juan Islands to reach—it’s great for beginners who have never visited the area before. After arriving via ferry, you’ll be treated to a private waterfront where you can take a dip in tide pools… assuming you aren’t afraid of the cold. Kayaking might be a better idea in the colder months. Waterfront space aside, this is a sprawling property where you can soak up a sense of privacy and seclusion. The home has two bedrooms, one of which has a double-bunk bed setup.
Waterfront San Juan Island Retreat (San Juan Island)
Speaking of private waterfront properties, this two-bedroom property offers a full sandy cove that you’ll have all to yourself. Most of the San Juan Islands have rocky coastlines with tidal pools, but this home actually has a stretch of sandy beach to enjoy. Beach aside, it also comes with a hot tub and BBQ grill that overlook the water, along with a balcony. You might want to keep your eyes on the water, too, as guests report seeing an abundance of wildlife, from otters to seals to eagles to orcas.
Water’s Edge (San Juan Island)
Like the last three Airbnbs, this home is located a short drive from Friday Harbor, making it easy to reach. The two-bedroom home offers cozy cabin vibes with modern updates throughout—including heated floors. There’s a large porch where you can enjoy waterfront views, along with a separate hangout spaces that let you soak up the forested surroundings and views of the San Juan Channel.
1940s Orcas Waterfront Cottage (Orcas Island)
Assuming you’re okay venturing a bit further off the beaten path, this Orcas Island gem offers panoramic views of many San Juan Islands, from Shaw to Bell Islands. The home dates back to the 1940s and maintains its historic, cozy charm. The sunroom is a dream, letting you enjoy views of the islands in every direction. Although the home is a little rustic compared to the other Airbnbs on the San Juan Islands, multiple guests report returning multiple times. That’s a hearty stamp of approval, in my book.
Hobby Farm (Decatur Island)
If escape is high on your priority list, venture out to Decatur Island. It’s one of the quieter options that you can reach via ferry from Anacortes. You have twenty acres to enjoy, which includes hiking trails and a private beach. There are kayaks at your disposal and a hammock tucked away under the trees, along with a furnished back patio that overlooks the water. The three-bedroom home is comfortable and basic, providing everything you’ll need for a comfortable and peaceful foray into nature.
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