30+ Things to do on San Juan Island in November

November on San Juan Island is a secret bargain with attractive lodging and dining specials and just the right mix of fun--often free--things to do, plus sunshine. Thanks to the Olympic rain shadow the isle experiences roughly half the rainfall of Seattle. It feels a little like getting away with something--watching loons and sea lions on your sunset beach walk before kicking back in the heated pool, hot tub and sauna at our cute hotel in Friday Harbor. Bring the family for the holidays, or sneak away with your favorite person for an arts-and-food weekend. November on San Juan Island has you covered.

1. First Friday Arts Walk

Browse participating galleries and shops in the completely walkable coastal town of Friday harbor on the first Friday of every month.

2. Thanksgiving on San Juan Island

Leave the cooking to the adorable COHO Restaurant and the lodging to us, so you can relax.

3. Pool & Spa Day

Treat yourself to a facial at our Spa at Earthbox while the rest of the family has fun in our heated pool house, complete with hot tub, sauna and exercise room.

4. Fall Foliage Hike at the Whale Watch Park

Yes, you can see Orcas any time of the year. While not as often as in Summer, the whale watch park with its historic lighthouse and extensive trail system is the place to look.

5. Oysters Any Way You Want

Slurp the freshest, plumpest oysters at the scenic Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm this Winter. Have Bivalves at the Bonfire on Fridays from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Followed by a Farmers Feast at 6:00pm. Or come for lunch on Saturdays between noon and 3:00pm.

6. Wine Tasting at Madrone Cellars

Add a wine-tasting-for-two right when you make your room reservation and enjoy island-made wines at Madrone Cellar’s comfy tasting room in downtown Friday Harbor.

7. Jackson Beach Community Beach Clean-up

Help us keep our Salish Sea Plastic-Free every first Sunday of the month and join islanders and visitors alike for a community beach-clean-up of the little driftwood beach right outside of Friday Harbor.

8. Whale Museum

Don’t miss this fantastic, one-of-its-kind, natural history museum, fun for the entire family. See real whale skeletons and learn how you can help our endangered Orcas.

9. Artisans Holiday Market

Support local makers and get the cutest, island made gifts, from handmade jewelry, paintings and clothing to body care products, island sea salt and jam. At Brickworks on November 29 and November 30, 2024.

10. Fall Family Art Days at the Island Museum of Art

Unleash your creativity as a family at the free Family Art Days on Saturday mornings at IMA through mid-November.

11. American Camp National Park Prairie Hike - in search of Snow Owls

Hike San Juan Island’s longest beach and endless prairies and see foxes, otters, eagles, hawks, maybe whales and definitely migratory snow owls – white giants who hunt during the day and compete with the other raptors, absolutely amazing to watch.

12. Farmers Market at Brickworks

Browse the Winter Farmers Market on the first and third Saturday of November. Treat yourself to lunch, a chair massage, live music and everything the isle has to offer.

13. Yoga at a Geodesic Dome in the Woods

Self-care and moving your body are especially important during the dark season. Stretch and breathe during Yoga at the cool dome of the whimsical Alchemy Art center on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings.

14. Climb Mt Young and look for Treasures

The steep 1.5 mile hike to the summit of Mt Young at English Camp National Park offers the most rewarding views of all the other islands. Keep your eyes out for painted stones and other little gifties that kind souls have sprinkled in the branches of several mighty Madronas along the trail.

15. Explore Friday Harbor’s Poetry Gardens

Get inspired and intrigued by poems from islanders of all ages while meandering through Friday Harbor’s poetry gardens on the waterfront, at the Community Theatre and the Post Office.

16. Fireside Farm-to-Table Dinner at Duck Soup

Deluxe in local, foraged and seasonal fare along with handcrafted cocktails at this charming former woodshed with river-stone fireplace.

17. San Juan Island Sculpture Park

Take your time exploring this 20-acre gem with five trails and over 100 sculptures around a lake and along gorgeous Westcott Bay. Delight in the many interactive displays and have the kids make their own art.

18. San Juan Island Restaurant Week

Take advantage of incredible dinner discounts and special menus showcasing our isle’s culinary community. November 14 - 24, 2024.

19. Tide-pooling at Dead Man Bay

Visit this stunning, crescent shaped pebble beach during low tide and respectfully explore the tide pools under the watchful eyes of a harbor seal or two.

20. Author Talk at Griffin Bay Bookstore

Don’t miss the poetry readings and author talks at the comfy Griffin bay Bookstore every first and third Sunday.

21. San Juan Distillery Tasting

Taste award-winning ciders and apple-based spirits under one-hundred year old apple trees on beautiful Westcott Bay every Saturday.

22. Self-guided walking tour of historic Friday Harbor

Pick up a brochure at the local bookstore and get walking. Find out how Friday Harbor got its name, the fascinating history of our adorable, 133 year old sister hotel and visit the first county jail.

23. Roche Harbor Mausoleum

Take a stroll through the woods and tour this eerie resting place of the McMillan family, who founded Roche Harbor.

24. Community Art Days at Alchemy Art Center

Stop by Alchemy’s fully-stocked ceramics, printmaking and photography studio for Community Art Days every last Thursday of the month and meet new people, work on a project and learn new skills.

25. Movie & Pizza Night

Treat yourself to gourmet pizza at Van Go’s before heading for the latest blockbuster at historic Palace Theater, all just steps from our Friday Harbor hotel.

26. Driving Tour of the Isle

Tour the gorgeous San Juan Island Scenic Byway by car and explore the breathtaking vistas.

27. Climb San Juan

Drop by one of the fun rock-climbing walls at Climb San Juan and learn open silk movements on couples, ladies or youth nights.

28. Watch a Play at the Community Theatre

Make it a fancy night out with national acts and local theater performances at this charming, little theater with local arts shows in the foyer and excellent libations during intermission.

29. Shopping Spree in Friday Harbor

Enjoy early holiday shopping at the cute boutiques and shops in walkable Friday Harbor.

30. Veteran’s Day Washington State Parks Free Day

Explore Lime Kiln State Park for free. Find lime kiln ruins in the woods and learn about the isle’s early industry. Look for Winter wildlife at the whale watching platforms and have a waterfront picnic.