Friday Harbor

If the name alone isn’t reason enough to visit, this town’s laid-back Pacific Northwest island vibe definitely is. Set on Washington’s stunning San Juan Island, Friday Harbor is surrounded by calm Pacific waters, dark green mountain landscapes, and tons of wildlife — think deer, wild turkeys, eagles, raccoon, rabbits, and the town’s very own island camel named Mona.

There are endless possibilities for the nature enthusiast in Friday Harbor: Take a wildlife kayak tour, explore the pine-tree-lined hiking trails at Jakle’s Lagoon, make a campfire out of driftwood at South Beach, head to Lime Kiln Point State Park to scope the water for orcas and minke whales, hike up Mt. Young for the ocean views, or rent a boat to explore the nearby Turn and Jones Islands.
For a mellow afternoon, you can post up at one of the harbor’s many benches and people-watch with an ice cream cone in hand, visit the Pelindaba Lavender Farm to buy a candle or bar of organic soap, or peruse the town’s numerous art galleries.