Are you planning a trip to Friday Harbor, but you are worried about the ferries? Some people fret about this leg of the journey, but we feel that it is a wonderful part of the San Juan Island adventure! A few quick tips? Don’t set a tight timeline and plan to be at the ferry at least 90 minutes before sailing time. What in the world will you do with 90 free minutes? We have some ideas about how to enjoy this gift of downtime. We have prepared the ultimate guide to make the most of your trip from tracking your ferry’s arrival to how to best spend your time while waiting in line, we’ve got you covered each step of the way.
Tip #1 – How to track the Washington State Ferries
Download the “Ferry Friend” app to track your ferry and keep updated on schedule changes.
Don’t get left in the dark wondering about the status of your ferry. FerryFriend is the ultimate tool for riders of the Washington State Ferries. Get real-time schedule predictions so you know if sailings will be delayed or on time. The app features an easy-to-read schedule that shows departing and arrival times, vessel information, and drive-up or reservation spaces. Through this app, you can even access a live camera feed to see how long the lines are before you arrive!
Get the Ferry Friend App Here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ferryfriend/id918755226
Tip #2: How do I kill time while waiting for the ferry to Friday Harbor?
Bring your walking shoes! There’s no need to twiddle your thumbs while waiting in the ferry line. Download some movies, dive into that book you’ve been waiting to read, start knitting, grab some playing cards, bring a travel backgammon/checker/chess board or…take a nap! Bring a blanket and pillow to make it cozy and make sure you have the basics covered (food & beverages).
You can also enjoy the beautiful hiking trails around the Anacortes Ferry Terminal.
Conveniently located next to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, the Ship Harbor Trail is an interpretive preserve that sits just to the right of the ferry lines. In addition to the 25 acres of freshwater wetlands, there are also five acres of upland habitat and 2,000 feet of sandy beach and subtidal eelgrass beds. It provides environmental education about the role and significance of the beach and wetlands. This is the perfect place to stretch your legs and learn about the local ecosystem. Plus, you can still see your ferry as it arrives at the harbor, so you don’t have to worry about missing it!
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/guemes-channel-and-ship-harbor
Washington Park sits at the northwestern tip of Anacortes. The area is referred to as Fidalgo Head. The terrain varies from rainforest on the north to open, stony hillsides with few trees on the south. During this hike, you may see herons, gulls, ravens, crows, and robins, and perhaps even an eagle. A wide variety of birds appear here seasonally and you might see a deer or two in the heavily forested areas. During the Spring and early Summer, wildflowers provide some special color surprises!
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/washington-park
Tip #3: Where are the best places to eat while waiting for the ferry to the San Juan Islands?
Anacortes -> Friday Harbor:
Try some of the delicious local cuisines of the Pacific Northwest! In Anacortes, you can get takeout and pick up your order on the way to the ferry terminal. Or, call Uber Eats and have your meal delivered straight to your car in the ferry line! Here are our recommendations for some of our favorite takeout meals in Anacortes:<
Agave: (360) 588-1288 https://www.zmenu.com/agave-tacqueria-anacortes-online-menu/
Thai Kitchen: (360) 588-1183 https://www.nmthaikitchen.com/
GERE-a-DELI: (360) 293-7383 https://gereadeli.com/menus/
Calico Cupboard: (360) 293-7315 http://www.calicocupboardcafe.com/menu/
Dad’s Diner: (360) 899-5269 https://my-site-105803-107532.square.site/s/order
Friday Harbor -> Anacortes:
Friday Harbor is home to several excellent restaurants who offer takeout for you to enjoy while waiting for the ferry. While there isn’t an Uber Eats in Friday Harbor, the good news is that all of these restaurants are within walking distance to the Friday Harbor Ferry landing. These are some of our favorite spots to grab a quick bite and there are many more! Plan to enjoy town while waiting. Visit the dozens of amazing shops, the Whale Museum, Island Studios, or walk down to the Port.
Roy’s: (360) 378-8822
Market Chef: (360) 378-4546 https://themarketchef.square.site/
Golden Triangle: (360) 378-1917 http://golden-triangle-restaurant.com/gt/menu.php
Tina’s Place: (360) 842-3228 https://tinas-tacos.com/#menusection
San Juan Island Brewing Co: (360) 378-2017 https://www.sanjuanbrew.com/menu
Spring Street Deli: (360) 298-1775
Sweet Retreat: (360) 378-1957 https://www.sweetretreatandespresso.com/
Tip #4: How can I enjoy the ferry ride to San Juan Island?
Sit down, relax and most of all, be kind to the ferry workers! Spreading kindness is the perfect way to make the most out of your journey to Friday Harbor. Without the ferry workers, the beauty of the San Juan Islands would be inaccessible. Thank you to all of our hard-working Washington State Department of Transportation ferry workers!
Once your ferry journey ends, you will be conveniently located just steps away from your suite at The Web Suites. Located in the heart of Friday Harbor, The Web Suites is the perfect place to launch your San Juan Island adventure. And just in case you didn’t get enough of the ferries, you can watch them cruise into the ferry landing from the “Crow’s Nest, a rooftop deck that dazzles our guests with a stunning 360° view of Friday Harbor.
Curious why you should visit Friday Harbor? Read our Why You Should Visit Friday Harbor blog HERE.