The intimate and humble property that is the Friday Harbor House sits atop the hillside of charming Friday Harbor, Wash., overlooking the marina and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The inn itself is an ideal balance between island comfort and optimal island location. Perched above the vast majority of San Juan Island’s dining life
The suites are plush but still mirror the island attitude of simplicity and relaxation above all. The rooms feature a “Zen-like atmosphere” with a picture window, a fireplace and an oversized, jetted tub-for-two to relax and unwind into island time. The majority of the 23 guestrooms offer views of the marina, ferry landing, San Juan Channel and Mount Constitution on Orcas Island—showcasing all that is available for your adventure of choice in the area.
At the house restaurant, The Bluff, Chef Aaron Rock emphasizes the island’s foraged goods and his own innovation on the plate. Continental breakfast is served to guests each morning from 7:30am—10am and features steel-cut oatmeal, juices, an a la carte menu and local San Juan Roasters coffee. For lunch, lighter fare is provided from cauliflower bisque to steamer clams while at dinner, Chef Rock invites diners to bask in the island’s bounty. For example, harvested from the beach 100 feet away, try Chef Rock’s pickled sea specialties like kelp, sea beans and seaweed, along with the use of madrone tree bark for cocktail and food infusions. Order the Salish Sea Halibut for true local fish or regionally sourced chicken breast stuffed with wild rice.
To take the island appreciation a step further, The Bluff and Chef Rock offer up a “Lunch n’Learn” experience where eaters watch the chef and his team take a local fresh protein and turn it into a meal. From cleaning and prepping to cooking and plating, guests enjoy a glass of wine and fresh focaccia bread while witnessing the magic happen, followed by lunch for $40 per person.
Take advantage of the in-room spa option from the neighboring Lavendera Day Spa with affordable massages from Swedish to hot stone. Explore the island for its quirks like the Reserve Sculpture Park in the presumably haunted Roche Harbor and taste locally harvested orchard gins from San Juan Island Distillery and ciders from Westcott Bay Cider.
Friday Harbor House || 130 West St., Friday Harbor, WA || fridayharborhouse.com
