Serenity-seekers eager to slow down will find the charming and quaint seaside village of Friday Harbor the perfect retreat to unwind in nature. This enchanting seaport has a rich historic heritage and amazingly walkable streets brimming with diverse cultural and culinary experiences.
Adventurers flock to Friday Harbor to indulge in biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding and nautical escapades. Travelers can explore the village’s heritage at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, and the San Juan Historical Museum, while the San Juan Community Theater is famous for terrific musical events and plays.
Finding the right lodgings is important to maximize accessibility and surround yourself with scenic views. From elegant boutique hotels and lavish resorts to classic B&Bs and homely inns, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Friday Harbor, Washington (in no particular order)…
1. Friday Harbor House – a modern, sleek boutique hotel with a close location to popular attractions, perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
The Friday Harbor House offers a romantic ambience for a relaxing getaway with an intimate inn-like setting that exudes warmth and comfort. Tucked near the Friday Harbor ferry terminal, this accommodation provides easy access to nearby attractions and popular destinations.
Picture-perfect views of the harbor surround this conveniently located inn, while the interiors are inspired by the cultural charm and natural beauty of the San Juan Islands.
The hotel is home to 24 elegantly furnished guest rooms with a serene Zen-like environment and comfort-accentuating accents, like luxurious king-sized beds, oversized jetted bathtubs, and gas fireplaces.
Guests enjoy waking up with stunning views of the San Juan Channel and marina and starting their day with a farm-fresh breakfast spread.
The inhouse Friday Harbor House Restaurant is one of the best dining spots to feast on traditional island flavors and locally farmed produce.
2. Tucker House Inn – one of the most awarded accommodations in Friday Harbor providing an elegant, quiet and beautiful stay
A quintessential Pacific Northwest-style island getaway, the Tucker House Inn is an eco-conscious venue designed for a rejuvenating and relaxing seaside retreat. One of the best top-rated hotels in Friday Harbor, this historic inn is home to 18 elegantly appointed accommodations with impressive eco-friendly accents.
Families, couples and travelers with furry friends find the amenities and suites ideally suited to their needs and preferences. Guests begin each day with the Inn’s complimentary gourmet breakfast spread comprising multiple courses made with locally farmed produce.
The beautifully designed cottages and luxurious hotel suites are spacious enough to accommodate ten people comfortably. These accommodations come with state-of-the-art kitchens and living areas to support independence and privacy.
3. Argyle House Bed and Breakfast – a historic, Craftsman design and charming accommodation filled with character and surrounded by beautiful grounds
Situated in a classic 1910 Craftsman home, the Argyle House is one of the finest historic hotels to explore the scenic treasure trove of San Juan Island. Tucked two blocks from downtown, this classic B&B is famous for its traditional hospitality, comfortable amenities and old-world charm.
This pet-friendly accommodation attracts families with an abundance of child-friendly comforts that allow parents to relax and unwind without fretting about entertaining their little ones. The innkeepers are gracious hosts, commendable for their attention to detail and courteous service.
Guests staying at Argyle House like to unwind in the verdant gardens, lounge around on the porch and soak up in the hot tub.
4. Inn to the Woods – a charming, quirky and creative accommodation offering complimentary freshly prepared breakfast
As the name implies, Inn to the Woods beckons travelers to venture deep into the wilderness for a memorable stay that combines modern amenities with rejuvenating forest therapy.
This creative venue curates an unforgettable experience with its quirky-themed lodgings and scenic location in the midst of the Salish Sea, offering delightful views from all rooms and suites.
Guests cannot stop raving about the eclectic Forest Room, comfortably furnished with a four-poster bed and canopy to create a classic B&B setting.
The Salal Room is quite unusual, furnished with a refurbished hutch and two chainsaw sculpted bears. Travelers who want to enjoy tremendous views of Sportsman Lake will prefer the Lakeview Room with its homely cedar-spindle bed.
5. Friday Harbor Grand – a newly renovated, upscale and unique accommodation featuring live music of an evening in the parlor
One of the most unique hotels on San Juan Island, the Friday Harbor Grand is a traditional B&B with a central location surrounded by popular restaurants, boutiques, parks and within walking distance of the ferry.
The Grand is housed in a magnificent 1880 home constructed for John Bowman, the first judge of San Juan County. Over the years, the building has been extensively renovated with tasteful upgrades to deliver an opulently comfortable stay.
The hotel offers luxuriously appointed and spacious guest rooms and suites, designed with vaulted ceilings, private decks, soaking bathtubs, and large windows with striking views.
The in-house dining experience is awe-inspiring, curated by Farhad Ghatan, the dedicated innkeeper and chef who serves sumptuous farm-to-table cuisine from his own organic vegetable garden.
6. Wharfside Bed & Breakfast – one of the most unique accommodations in Friday Harbor offering guests a cozy and elegant stay
Travelers who’ve never experienced a floating B&B have much to rejoice in at the Wharfside Bed & Breakfast – a truly magical and unique setting. The only floating B&B in Friday Harbor, the Wharfside has been welcoming travelers since 1986, cementing its position as an iconic seaside retreat.
Housed in a 60-foot ketch at the Friday Harbor Port, the Wharfside offers two sprawling staterooms with an intimate setting. The Forward Stateroom exudes European-style elegance with its French boudoir-inspired décor and lavish amenities.
The Aft Stateroom mimics the quarters of a ship captain, inspired by pirate adventures and seaside splendors.
Boat lovers will find this unusual lodging unforgettable with its understated elegance, gracious hosts and breathtaking location.
7. Snug Harbor Resort and Marina – a rustic-chic, unique and Instagrammable accommodation perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs with a passion for outdoor activities
Nestled on the tranquil Mitchell Bay located on the western end of Suan Juan Island, the Snug Harbor Resort is a lavishly opulent waterfront venue with a charming rustic-chic appeal.
The interiors and décor exude a captivating old-world charm with upscale countryside-like interiors, such as vaulted ceilings, rustic wooden accents, and farmhouse-style kitchens. Guests can explore 17 idyllic cabins and 3 luxury suites featuring elegant furniture and sweeping views of the bay and marina.
The in-house Mitchell Bay Coffee shop is a popular hangout spot for flavorful coffee and decadent pastries. This venue is ideal for island adventurers eager to embark on rip-roaring kayaking, canoeing and paddle-boarding trips and explore nearby biking and hiking trails.
8. Earthbox Inn & Spa – a cool, classic and stylish accommodation featuring a spa, hot tub and the only heated indoor pool in Friday Harbor
The Earthbox Inn & Spa is a one-of-its-kind accommodation that combines the interiors of an old-fashioned, vintage motor inn with the amenities of an upscale resort.
Guests enjoy rustic chic décor and tastefully designed guest rooms with a sprawling outdoor pool, world-class spa and free wifi.
This centrally located inn is nestled in the heart of downtown, positioning you near all the action and entertainment one finds enjoyable in Friday Harbor. Vacationers can explore a selection of retro-style guest rooms decorated in calming earthy tones and simplistic design elements.
The Earthbox Spa is a must-visit facility to explore incredible beauty treatments, massage therapies and wellness rituals inspired by the earth, sea and sun.
9. Island Inn at 123 West – a contemporary, pet-friendly boutique accommodation where guests can enjoy a stroll along the seaside or explore the island on a bicycle
One of the finest boutique hotels in Friday Harbor, the Island Inn at 123 West defines itself with the motto “Ready, set, slow“. This slogan aptly describes the essence of the Island Inn experience and interiors, for this accommodation evokes feelings of free-spiritedness with its laidback energy.
The guest rooms and interiors have a delightful maritime character with contemporary amenities and smart appliances. There’s a wide selection of accommodations designed for solo travelers, families, honeymooners and large groups.
For instance, the luxury penthouses are ideal for families and groups eager to prepare home cooked meals in a well-equipped kitchen.
The Sweets are a collection of standard hotel rooms, while the Euros are compact sleeping stations for teenagers and budget-conscious travelers.
10. The Web Suites – a new, modern and chic accommodation with a rooftop deck where guests can enjoy live entertainment and views of the harbor
The Web Suites welcomes sea lovers with its nautical interiors and ideal location to indulge in the serenity of the seaside village of Friday Harbor.
Travelers can enjoy the comforts of deluxe one-bedroom condo-like suites with distinct sea-inspired themes, luxurious king-sized beds, and modern amenities.
The hotel’s lineup of accommodations includes the Rise & Shine suite, the Welcome Suite, and the Adventurous Suite. Each deluxe suite comes with a state-of-the-art kitchen, a gas fireplace, and a spacious living room.
Vacationers enjoy unwinding at the hotel’s rooftop deck, the Crows Nest, famous for live entertainment and spellbinding panoramic views of the harbor and port.
To book, check prices or availability for The Web Suites
11. Bird Rock Hotel – a stylish, contemporary and upscale accommodation located in the heart of Friday Harbor
Situated in the midst of Friday Harbor’s leading attractions and adventure sports destinations, the Bird Rock Hotel is the ultimate lodging for avid adventurers and explorers. The hotel serves as a centrally located base for an abundance of adventurous escapades, including bicycling, bird-watching, kayaking and more.
The interiors are adorable and vibrant, housing 15 beautifully appointed rooms with lovely views of the hustling and bustling downtown quarter. Guests speak highly of the elegant San Juan Suite that comes with a private patio, fully-equipped kitchen, and picture-perfect harbor views.
Luxury travelers prefer the opulent Marrowstone Suite featuring a private outdoor hot tub, gas fireplace and king-sized bed. Budget-conscious travelers can explore the hotel’s economic European-style sleep stations that deliver contemporary comforts with a shared-living experience.
12. Discovery Inn – a spacious, newly renovated and family-friendly accommodation within walking distance of several restaurants offering a range of cuisines
Discovery Inn curates a classic home-away-from-home experience with its indulgently lavish rooms, comfortable sleep stations, estate-like grounds and diligent attention to detail. This venue is quite popular among hygiene-conscious travelers who prioritize clean bedding, fine linens and tastefully appointed suites.
The sprawling guest rooms are furnished with luxurious queen-sized beds, flat-screen TVs, central HVAC systems, coffee makers, refrigerators and microwaves. The wardrobes are impressively spacious, and the rooms feature designated workstations for digital nomads.
Discovery Inn provides guests BBQ equipment, lawn games and a hot tub to enjoy its scenic park-like grounds and manicured gardens with picnics and outdoor fun.
To book, check prices or availability for Discovery Inn
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
