10 Things to do in May on San Juan Island

May might just be the perfect time to visit gorgeous San Juan Island. There are so many fun Spring things to do for Mother’s Day and History Month, yet the busy Summer season has not quite started yet. You’ll have the beaches to yourself and plenty of elbow room on your guided whale watching tour. Here are our favorite May outing ideas for you:

1. Whale Watching Tour

In May our friends at San Juan Safaris are offering guided whale watching tours ever day, just steps from our hotel. See the Orcas and Humpbacks returning with their calves, learn about the unique ecosystem of the Salish Sea, watch Bald Eagle parents teach their chick how to fly and revel in the sight of baby sea lions. We here at the Earthbox Inn & Spa are able to book a guided whale watching tour for you and yours right when you make your room reservation. Just let us know when.

2. Daffodil Frolic and Bird Walk

The 20 acre, open year-round, San Juan Sculpture Park is so much fun any time of the year. In Spring though, when over 8,000 Daffodils are emerging and 100 bird species are singing their beautiful songs, the place, nestled around gorgeous Westcott Bay, becomes magical. Join local birder Tylor Davis on a free, guided bird walk every first Wednesday at 8:00am or visit anytime to experience the many interactive displays, fascinating sculptures and poems lining the winding pathways.

3. Saturday Family Art Days

The acclaimed Island Museum of Art, a mere block from the Earthbox Inn & Spa, invites children (5 and older), accompanied by an adult family member or friend, to make art projects every Saturday from 11:00am to 1:00pm in these free and fun workshops designed and led by inspiring instructors. This season's workshops will be led by artists participating in the current Artists' Registry exhibition as SJIMA and will include visits to the galleries to view their works on display.

4. Rooftop Mother's Day MOMosas, Music & Muffins

Treat Mom to mimosas, free live music and snacks at Friday Harbor’s spectacular Skybar on Mother’s Day. Open all day, live music starts at 5:00pm.

5. Oysters on the Green

Don’t miss Oysters on the Green on May 18, 2024, the fun Summer kick-off affair at the Westcott Bay Seafood Farm with free live music, the freshest oyster concoctions and local wine and beer.

6. First Friday Arts Walk

Meander Friday Harbor’s streets lined with cute boutiques, shops and galleries every first Friday, get inspired and find lovely, locally made gifts. Take plenty of dessert and cocktail breaks along the way.

Arctic Raven Gallery - Friday Harbor, Washignton

7. Guided Kayaking Tour

Experience the wonders of the Salish Sea on a guided kayaking tour with our friends at San Juan Outfitters in Roche Harbor. Treat yourself to yummy dinner and cocktails on the deck of the Madrona Bar & Grill for sunset afterwards.

8. Explore the Isle’s turbulent History

May is “History Lives Here” Month on San Juan Island. With two National Historical Parks stretching over 2,141 acres, a historic downtown, two historic lighthouses and the fantastic outdoor Historical Museum in downtown Friday Harbor, we have a lot to celebrate. Don’t miss the fun, comprehensive Interpretive Center at American Camp National Historical Park, exhibiting the rich Coast Salish history here on the isle since time immemorial.

9. Saturday Farmers Market

The Saturday San Juan Farmers Market in the heart of Friday Harbor is a festive affair with delicious, ready-to-eat fare, arts and crafts, free, live music, island grown produce, meats and cheeses, chair massages, and informational booths.

10. Memorial Day Parade

Since the end of World War I, American Legion Legion Hacket Larson Post 163 has commemorated the service of men and women who have served the nation in the various branches of the military. The Legion’s annual Memorial Day Parade at 10:00am on Memorial Day proper with following ceremony is both an authentic small-town parade and a worthy tribute to the sacrifices made by Americans both past and present.