Orcas Island, part of the San Juan Islands in Washington State, is a place we had dreamed about visiting for years. And when we finally did, it somehow lived up to our incredibly lofty expectations.
We try to keep things realistic, but honestly, our trip to Orcas Island felt like magic. It’s lush and artsy, offering amazing scenery and farm-fresh food, with an emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. It’s the type of place that gives you the feeling that you’re really getting away from it all. We can’t wait to go back, and we’re so excited to help you plan your own trip to this special island.
I do have to add the disclaimer that Orcas Island is a very seasonal destination, and many of these activities are only available in the summer. Some of the island’s restaurants and accommodations also close in the off-season.
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Top 5 Things to Do on Orcas Island, Washington
We were blown away by the variety of incredible things to do in Orcas Island, from the art and shopping to the farms and food to the hiking and boating – and more! And since those are all things we love and our trip was short, it was incredibly difficult to choose what to do and what to skip.
If you don’t have unlimited time, these are our top five must-do Orcas Island activities:
Wander through downtown Eastsound.
Go hiking in Turtleback Mountain Preserve.
Drive to the summit of Mount Constitution.
Visit one (or more) of the many local farms.
Things to Do in Eastsound, Orcas Island
Only a 15-minute drive from the ferry port, the town of Eastsound, WA, is the cultural heart of Orcas Island and its main settlement. Eastsound is where you’ll find most of the island’s restaurants and shops, and it’s the only area on Orcas that’s really walkable.
Wander through downtown Eastsound.
Adorable Eastsound is the heart of Orcas Island, and its downtown is lined with the kind of local shops and art galleries that always seem to make for a relaxed morning or afternoon of browsing. The walk along Main Street and up North Beach Road is short, but there’s lots to see, so give yourself time to enjoy wandering around.
Click here for our custom map of Orcas Island, with all the top Eastsound shops and galleries to check out. A few of our favorites? Darvill’s Book Store, Forest Ceramic Gallery, and Atelier.
Go to the Orcas Island Historical Museum.
A visit to the Orcas Island Historical Museum is not only the perfect rainy day activity in Eastsound, it’s also a great opportunity to learn about Orcas history. The museum is made up of several homestead cabins, filled with everyday objects from early settlers and exhibits on what life was like when the island was much less populated and far more disconnected from the mainland.
Admission is by donation, and the staff we met were super friendly and helpful. Check the hours before you go, but it’s typically open Wednesday-Saturday.
Walk along Crescent Beach.
Orcas may be an island, but it doesn’t have many beaches, and definitely not many that are open to the public. But Crescent Beach is one exception, running along Ship Bay just on the edge of Eastsound. It’s not really the type of beach where people swim much or lounge all day, but it’s great for a stroll along the water, a little wading, and maybe a picnic lunch.
Attend a free concert in the park.
The Orcas Center established Eastsound’s Summer Concert Series early in the pandemic to give islanders a fun and safe outdoor activity, and now it’s an annual tradition. These free concerts are held on the Village Green at 5:00pm on Sundays throughout the summer.
Check out the farmers market.
If you’re in Eastsound on a Saturday between May and November, don’t miss the Orcas Island Farmers Market, open from 10:00am-2:00pm. The Summer Market (May-September) takes place on the Village Green, and the Fall Market (October-November) is held indoors at the Orcas School cafeteria.
Everything sold at these markets is grown or created on Orcas, and farmers and artists from all around the island come to sell their produce, flowers, crafts, jewelry, and more. Several food vendors are also on hand, so you can get your brunch or lunch at the market, and there’s typically live music from 11:00am-1:00pm.
Sample craft brews at Island Hoppin’ Brewery.
The island’s only brewery, Island Hoppin’, is a welcoming and cozy spot about a mile from downtown Eastsound. The tap list is wide-ranging and changes often with seasonal and experimental brews (a flight is the only way to go).
They also have several non-alcoholic options available and serve up a few snacks, or you can bring your own food from elsewhere. Bonus: it’s dog-friendly!
Catch a show in town.
The art scene in Eastsound extends past the galleries to all kinds of performances. Check the schedules for the historic Sea View Theatre and the Orcas Center for films, plays, concerts, classes, and other special events. At least one of them will likely have something happening during your visit.
Take an e-bike tour of the island.
I so wish we had known about this during our trip, because it looks like one of the best things to do on Orcas Island. It’s a tough place to cycle around because it’s so hilly, and pretty nerve-wracking because most of the roads are narrow and winding.
An e-bike tour with Orcas Bikes is the perfect answer! They run trips on both arms of the island, but they all start and end right in downtown Eastsound.
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More Top Things to Do in Orcas Island
Orcas Island is shaped like an upside-down U, with Eastsound sitting right at the top. The rest of the island is divided into the West Arm (this is where the ferries arrive) and the East Arm – and both sides have lots to do.
What to Do on the West Arm of the Island
Visit one (or more) of the many local farms.
Orcas Island has a long agricultural history, and much of the island is still farmland. In line with the island’s ethos, this is a place where small-scale, family-owned, organic enterprises are the norm. And many of them are open to visitors!
Once in a Blue Moon offers tours (reservations required), which include feeding and playing with some of the farm’s many animals. Orcas Moon Alpacas welcomes visitors for donation-based tours (no reservation needed) of the farm, and their shop is full of home-grown wool products like super-soft alpaca socks.
OrcaSong is a farm of a different type: a lavender farm! Go by on a weekend afternoon (summer only) to see – and smell – their lavender fields, enjoy homemade lavender ice cream or lemonade in the garden, and browse through all kinds of lavender products.
Lastly, Warm Valley Orchard raises sheep for wool, which gets spun into yarn and used to make products like scarves and hats. The shop, which also sells a variety of food products, is inside their studio, where you might get to see the looms in action.
Even if you don’t make it to a farm, you can still stop at one of the many farmstands that dot the island. You’ll be able to pick up fresh produce, cheeses, homemade spreads, baked goods, and other truly farm-to-table goods – often operating on the honor system!
Go hiking in Turtleback Mountain Preserve.
There are some amazing hikes on Orcas Island, and some of the best ones (and the best viewpoints) are found in Turtleback Mountain Preserve. The nine-mile trail network can be accessed from the north or south, and the various trails loop around so you can create a hike of almost any distance. But it only takes a short one to get some spectacular views.
From the North Trailhead, it’s just over a half-mile to the North Valley Overlook and about 1.5 miles to the Walden Overlook. On the south end, the West Overlook is only a mile from the trailhead, and the hike to Ship Peak and back can be as little as three miles. Or you could spend a whole day exploring the entire trail system.
We only hiked in the southern section of the preserve, but if we make another trip to Orcas Island, going back to hike on the north side will be the first thing we do!
Visit the Crow Valley School Museum.
On your way out to the Turtle Mountain Preserve, see if you can stop in the Crow Valley Museum (right by the North trailhead). Dating to 1888, this one-room school later served many other purposes in the community. It was fully restored in the 1980s and added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, it houses a small free museum, complete with historic classroom implements. Check the hours before you visit, but it’s usually open Thursday-Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Browse at Orcas Island Pottery.
On an island that’s famed for its pottery, there’s perhaps no better place to see (and buy!) it than at Orcas Island Pottery. It’s the oldest pottery studio in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s so much more than just a shop.
Picture enchanting footpaths, lush gardens, breathtaking ocean views, and there’s even a swing and a whimsical treehouse. It’s fun for the whole family – and of course, the displays of pottery are so beautiful you won’t be able to stop yourself from taking something home.
Sample wines at Orcas Island Winery.
Located at the base of Turtleback Mountain, Orcas Island Winery has an incredible atmosphere for relaxing and sipping their locally-produced wines. Sit in the cozy tasting room or outside on the sprawling grounds, and enjoy flights with very generous pours.
As if the local wine and tranquil setting weren’t reason enough to visit, the winery is also home to a pop-up art gallery with rotating exhibits. And if you’re lucky, you may even get to meet their resident pup, Arthur!
What to Do on the East Arm of the Island
Drive to the summit of Mount Constitution.
Located in Moran State Park, Mount Constitution is the highest point in the San Juan Islands, at 2,400 feet. There’s both a paved road and a hiking trail to its summit, so you could hike to the top instead.
But it’s a seven-mile (round-trip) hike that’s said to be steep and challenging – and the top of the mountain is often shrouded in fog. Imagine spending hours on a difficult hike to a beautiful viewpoint, only to be met with fog. There’s so much other fantastic hiking on Orcas Island, we’d recommend just driving up Mt. Constitution instead – and if the views from the top are obstructed by fog, it won’t be too much of a disappointment.
Besides, how annoying is it to do a tough climb, only to be greeted at the top by crowds of people who lazily drove up in their cars? So follow our example, take the easy way, and be annoying instead of annoyed.
But however you get to the top of Mt. Constitution, make sure you climb the historic stone tower and stop in at the Summit Visitor Center once you get there.
Go hiking in Moran State Park.
Mt. Constitution is hardly the only hiking option in Moran State Park, so after your drive to the summit, you can still hit the trail – actually, over 30 miles of trails with hikes for all levels. The Cascade Lake Loop and Mountain Lake Loop are both short, easy trails with nice lake views (and you can go for a dip in the water if you want!), or take the easy hike from Cascade Lake up to the 40-foot Cascade Falls.
For a more challenging hike, try the Mount Pickett Trail or the even steeper Cold Springs Trail. Locals use both of these trails to test their endurance and train for thru-hikes, so come prepared!
Paddle on Cascade Lake or Mountain Lake.
If you wanted to go kayaking on Orcas Island but aren’t sure about paddling in the sea, you’re in luck. Cascade Lake and Mountain Lake, both inside Moran State Park, are by far the largest lakes on the island, and they’re great places to paddle.
Both have plenty of spots to stop for a picnic or hop in for a swim, and the two islets in Mountain Lake are especially popular. If you don’t have your own watercraft, kayaks are available for rent by the lower picnic area on Cascade Lake next to The Sugar Shack.
Have a spa day at Doe Bay.
This part of Orcas Island’s east arm has long been an offbeat destination for people seeking an alternative way of life, or just a break from the daily grind. Today, the long-standing Doe Bay Resort & Retreat offers accommodations, but even if you aren’t staying there, you can visit for a relaxing spa day in an incredibly special spot.
Rent one of their famed soaking tubs, book a massage, and practice in the waterfront yoga studio. Then wrap up the day with a mouth-watering meal at the seed-to-table café, and maybe even catch some live music. Ahhhh.
Relax on the beach at Obstruction Pass State Park.
It might be an island, but Orcas is definitely not a beach destination. There is at least one relaxing place to dig your toes into the (gravelly) sand, though: at Obstruction Pass State Park. Despite having one of the island’s only public beaches, the park is secluded and off the beaten path, located at the very tip of the east arm.
Note that you can’t drive straight to the beach. There’s a trailhead at the entrance to the park, and it’s about a 15-minute easy hike from there to the beach.
Check out Orcas Island Artworks.
Located down in Olga, this isn’t the most accessible of the many Orcas Island art galleries, but it’s one of the largest – and most diverse. An artist cooperative housing a range of paintings, pottery, jewelry, and much more made by local artists, Orcas Island Artworks is definitely worth the short drive. This is one of the best places on the island to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs to take home.
Dine on (extremely) local seafood at Buck Bay Shellfish Farm.
If you’re a seafood lover, a meal at Buck Bay Shellfish Farm is a can’t-miss (summer only). You won’t find fresher seafood anywhere, and the local catches are used to make a variety of creative dishes, from sliders to tacos to tom yum.
But the food is only half the draw of Buck Bay – the other half is the atmosphere. With its funky décor, laid-back vibe, and views of the bay, not to mention super friendly staff, it’s both a destination restaurant and a local favorite. And the constant long line is a testament to its popularity!
Get Out on the Water
No Orcas Island vacation would be complete without spending some time on the waters around the island – and there are plenty of ways to do it.
Take a whale-watching tour.
Whale watching (yes, including the namesake orca whales) is easily one of the top things to do on Orcas Island and probably the most popular way to get out on the water. Outer Island Excursions offers daily whale-watching tours in their small high-speed boats, and touts a record of spotting whales on over 95 percent of their trips. And if you happen to be in the unlucky five percent? You can take another trip with them for free!
Go kayaking.
If you know us, you know that kayaking is always our choice for how to get out on the water, and our Orcas Island trip was no exception. We brought our kayaks with us and paddled from Deer Harbor Preserve, which is one of the island’s few public boat ramps.
But you can take a guided kayaking tour with Outer Island Excursions, or rent a kayak from them to paddle on your own. Shearwater Kayaks also offers all kinds of highly-rated tours, including monthly moonlight paddles around the full moon.
Take a sailing lesson.
Enjoy the water and scenery of Orcas Island, while learning a new skill at the same time! Orcas Island Sailing offers half-day and full-day sailing lessons for groups of up to six people. You’ll learn the terminology and get some hands-on sailing experience around Obstruction Pass.
Places to Eat on Orcas Island
For such a small island, Orcas has an incredible array of food and drink options. These are just a few spots we recommend hitting up during your trip.
Ladybug Pizza: Down-to-earth pizza shop serving slices and whole pies, with vegan and vegetarian options (and the cutest mural on the wall)
Island Skillet: Hearty breakfast and brunch options in a casual atmosphere
Mijitas: Traditional Mexican food served in the colorful dining room or on the fun outdoor patio
Matia Kitchen: A James Beard-nominated restaurant where food is an art form and the menu changes daily to feature the freshest ingredients
Olga Rising: The place to get your morning coffee and grab a quick bite to eat
Brown Bear Baking: The most delectable French pastries you’ve ever had in your life (seriously)
The Barnacle: Upscale cocktail lounge known for its meticulously-crafted libations (including unique mocktails) and locally-sourced small bites
Island Hoppin’ Brewery: Cozy spot with craft brews on tap, plus some non-alcoholic options and snacks available
Clever Cow Creamery: Deliciously creamy ice cream in unique flavor options, with ice cream flights available (closed in winter)
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm: Unique dishes made with extremely fresh seafood, served in a fun laid-back environment (summer only)
The Sugar Shack: Beloved stand serving handmade ice cream, espresso drinks, hot dogs, and sandwiches on the shores of Cascade Lake inside Moran State Park (summer only)
Orcas Island Winery: Family-owned winery and vineyards, with stunning views and an on-site art gallery
Where to Stay on Orcas Island
Start browsing through places to stay on Orcas Island, and you’ll find that each one seems more incredible than the last.
Staying right in Eastsound will keep you closer to restaurants and entertainment and give you easy access to any part of Orcas. But choosing accommodations tucked away into another corner of the island will mean more privacy and a quieter stay.
No matter where you decide to stay, book as far ahead as possible. Orcas Island accommodations fill up fast, and they do not come cheap.
Orcas Island Hotels
The hotels on Orcas Island are usually a destination in and of themselves – you may not even want to leave the property!
Outlook Inn: Historic boutique hotel in the heart of Eastsound, offering views of the water, an on-site restaurant, and an in-room wine ordering service
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat: Rustic cabins and yurts spread across a sprawling property, known for its outdoor soaking tubs and seed-to-table café
Pebble Cove Farm: Cabins and rooms at an organic farm and animal sanctuary, complete with a private beach, hot tub, fire pit, hammocks, and on-site classes – and you can play with the rescue animals!
Otters Pond Bed & Breakfast: Home with five luxurious rooms, offering spectacular bird-watching opportunities, a covered hot tub, and a to-die-for breakfast prepared by a professionally-trained chef
Orcas Island Airbnb & VRBO Rentals
Browse Airbnb and VRBO for even more places to stay on Orcas Island, and you’ll find some incredibly unique options.
Northbeach Cabin: Cedar-shingled cabin with water views and the coziest bedroom, within walking distance of downtown Eastsound and the beach
Lieutenant’s Suite: Spacious apartment with a well-stocked kitchen and romantic bedroom loft, right in the middle of Eastsound
Dog-Friendly Studio with Fire Pit: Secluded apartment on the island’s West Arm, with lots of unique artistic touches and a big yard for your pup
Camping on Orcas Island
There are only a few campgrounds on Orcas Island, but camping at one of the state parks is by far the cheapest option for accommodation.
Obstruction Pass State Park: A secluded park with nine scattered campsites set by one of the island’s only public beaches (all sites are walk-in, and availability is first-come, first-served)
Moran State Park: Four large campgrounds glamping options, in a huge state park with lakes, hiking trails, a Visitor Center, and handmade ice cream available at The Sugar Shack
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat: 16 campsites available at this legendary oasis, some of them situated on the waterfront
Map of Orcas Island, WA
Our custom Orcas Island map shows the locations of everything mentioned in this post, plus a few extras. Use it to find all the best restaurants, galleries, shops, accommodations, and things to do. Orcas Island isn’t terribly big, and it only takes about 35 minutes to drive from the tip of the West Arm (where the ferry terminal is located) around to the tip of the East Arm, with Eastsound as the halfway point.
Click here for an interactive version of the map!
What questions do you have about visiting Orcas Island?
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