Washington's Friendliest San Juan Island Is A Wildly Underrated Outdoor Paradise Paired With Fresh Markets

A passport isn't always necessary to travel to paradise, as America has some incredible islands for a waterfront getaway. This includes the San Juan Islands in Washington state. This archipelago in the Salish Sea features a place with a friendly reputation: Lopez Island. This wildly underrated destination is perhaps not as well known as the nearby Orcas Island, hiding a village with boutique shops, art galleries, and great restaurants. Nevertheless, this unspoiled haven is rife with outdoor activities and markets. Not to mention that you're bound to be greeted by locals, a gesture that undoubtedly will make you feel welcomed.  

Warm hospitality aside, Lopez Island's greenery and beaches are what set it apart. Odlin County Park is one of the countless spots on Lopez Island that are gateways to adventure. This popular attraction has beachside campsites for tents and RVs, allowing you to sleep by the sea and under the stars; reservations can be made on San Juan County's website. If you're not planning to stay overnight, there's still plenty to do. You could take a stroll on the serene shore or enjoy Odlin County Park's hiking trails and kayak launch. What better way to take in the sights and sounds of the Pacific Northwest than by traversing Lopez Island's calm waters?

Adding to Lopez Island's picturesque ambiance are the many farms found throughout the area, providing locals and visitors with fresh goodies. Take, for instance, Barn Owl Bakery. Open Thursday and Friday, the rustic farmstand offers homemade rye bread and other baked treats. You'll encounter Barn Owl Bakery and several other local businesses at the Lopez Island Farmers Market. This seasonal attraction is typically held each Saturday from May until September at Lopez Village. This lively, historic area has everything you'll need to make your time on Lopez Island even more enjoyable.

At the Lopez Island Farmers Market, you can purchase unique gifts and souvenirs, both edible and non-edible. A Google reviewer writes, "Great variety of vendors, with local produce, baked goods, arts, handcrafted goods, coffee, and more." Examples include Shade Maiden Mushrooms, offering native varieties of fungi, and Woodsia, featuring screen-printed kitchen towels and napkins of the island's natural elements. If you miss out on the Lopez Island Farmers Market, don't fret. Lopez Village has two grocery stores, Lopez Village Market and Blossom Grocery. Here, you'll find an assortment of local products that are often sold at the farmers market, including bread from Barn Owl Bakery. 

Pop into either shop and wander the rustic aisles for fresh snacks and local delights. If you're in need of a hearty meal, Lopez Village has a few eateries in town, including Blue Heron Bistro. This eatery primarily serves seafood, with dishes like Dungeness mac and cheese or fish and chips. Not only do they have an excellent rating on Google, but Blue Heron Bistro also sources its ingredients from Lopez Island's farms. However, there is more than just markets and restaurants.

At Lopez Bookshop, you can stock up on titles by authors from the island. Walk a few feet and you'll be at the Lopez Grind coffee shop, which a Google reviewer describes as, "One of the busiest places on Lopez in the morning, and for good reason. Superb drinks with every possible flavor shot available." Lopez Village also has a beach where there's not much to do but take in the ocean views. For convenient access to all of these amenities, book a stay at the Edenwild Boutique Inn. This acclaimed establishment does not have televisions, allowing guests to focus on the surrounding beauty. One night at The Edenwild Boutique Inn can cost over $250 at the time of this writing.  

Visiting Odlin County Park and experiencing Lopez Village's markets are merely a starting point for your visit on Lopez Island. Another highlight is Shark Reef Sanctuary, a hiking spot that is nothing short of enchanting — think forest scenery and expansive vistas of the ocean. Spencer Spit State Park, described by a user on Google as, "Nature's tranquility at its best in Washington," should be included in your plans as well. In the summer, there are on-site kayak rentals courtesy of Outdoor Adventures. Note that if driving, a Discover Pass is required to enter.

Another activity you should partake in? Biking. Lopez Island is a cycling haven, and this form of transportation is encouraged for exploring. Feel free to bring your own bike or rent one from Village Cycles in Lopez Village. From here, you can make the trek to various places around the island, including Spencer Spit State Park (if you do, you can skip out on purchasing a Discover Pass). With its pleasant, mild weather and weekly farmers market, summer is a busy time for Lopez Island. Springtime is not too shabby either. In fact, the annual Tour de Lopez is usually held in late April. This event welcomes both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts to take on Lopez Island's cycling routes.

To reach Lopez Island, you'll have to take a ferry from Anacortes, located an hour away from Bellingham. As public transportation is not available, you will need a vehicle or, at the very least, a bicycle for your time on Lopez Island. For reference, it takes less than 10 minutes to drive from the ferry terminal to Lopez Village. Keep in mind that the ferry ride from Anacortes is a little over an hour. To discover another lesser-known destination in the San Juan Islands, read about a truly stunning, tourist-free state marine park on Sucia Island.