“So… its intense… this thing I have for… ferryboats, I mean.”
Derek Shepherd
San Juan Islands, Ferry Boats & Chocolate Dreams
Looking for an unforgettable Pacific Northwest getaway? Let me introduce you to a little slice of heaven tucked into Washington State’s San Juan Islands — Friday Harbor.
This charming harbor town feels like stepping into a postcard. In August, with the sun shining and salty breeze in the air, we packed our bags for a two-night escape — and I’m still dreaming about it.
✨ Getting There: Ferry Tales & Seattle Daydreams
Friday Harbor is nestled in San Juan County, Washington (yes — the state, not D.C.), and getting there is part of the adventure. After driving about two hours north of Seattle, we boarded the ferry at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal.
If you’re a fan of a certain long-running medical drama (you know the one 👀), then you already know that ferry boats are a thing in Seattle — and trust me, it’s just as dreamy in real life. You can stay in your car, but I highly recommend walking around, grabbing a coffee, and soaking in the stunning island views during the 1–1.5 hour ferry ride.
🛏 Where We Stayed: The Perfect AirBnB by the Dock
As soon as we arrived, we checked into the most AMAZING AirBnB just steps from the ferry dock. The kind of place that makes you want to throw your phone in a drawer, curl up with a book, and pretend the rest of the world doesn’t exist. More on that in a future post — it deserves a highlight of its own.
🍷 Dinner Dreams at Vinny’s Ristorante
After settling in, we wandered the walkable downtown in search of dinner — and fate led us to Vinny’s Ristorante. Italian food lovers, take note: this place is a must. Cozy ambiance, rich pastas, and the most divine chocolate dessert I’ve ever tasted.
No exaggeration — it was orgasmically good. Just trust me on this one.
After stuffing our faces (zero regrets), we took a slow walk around the marina — admiring the boats, imagining which one we’d “buy” if we happened to win the lottery that week.
Because hey, Dream Vacations include a little dreaming big, right?
The golden hour light made the water sparkle, and the sea breeze was just the kind of therapy no spa could ever match. It was the perfect way to end our first evening. We headed back to our cozy AirBnB and crashed — because the next day was our only full day on the island… and it turned out to be exhausting in the best way.
🛵 Mimosas, Mopeds & Million-Dollar Views
Waking up to a breathtaking sunrise over Friday Harbor? Not a bad way to start the day. ☀️
Our morning kicked off with a hearty breakfast at Rocky Bay Café, a cozy little spot that hits the spot. And yes, mimosas are on the menu — a fact that instantly earned it five stars in my book.
After fueling up (on both food and fizz), we took a short stroll over to Susie’s Mopeds — because really, what better way to explore the island than zipping around on a retro ride?
If you ignore every other bit of advice I ever give, don’t ignore this one: Rent the moped. It’s an absolute blast.
Even in August, the breeze was brisk, so I made an impromptu stop at a local boutique for a cute jean jacket — which ended up being the perfect layer for stylish island cruising.
It was my first time riding a moped, and I’ll admit it took a minute to get the hang of it… but once I did? Total pro. 🙌
And the sights? Unreal.
🗺️ Coastal cliffs.
💜 Rolling lavender fields.
🚨 A postcard-perfect lighthouse or two.
📸 Oh — and a million Instagram-worthy moments just waiting to be snapped.
💜 Fields of Dreams & Fancy Yachts
Our must-see stop? Pelindaba Lavender Farms — a place that holds a special spot in my heart. Lavender is both mine and my mom’s favorite flower, so skipping this stop just wasn’t an option.
Although we missed the Annual San Juan Islands Lavender Festival (held every year in the third week of July), the visit was still completely magical. Imagine rows upon rows of purple blooms swaying gently in the breeze — the whole place feels like it was plucked out of a dream.
You can wander the fragrant fields, take in the views, and pop into their adorable shop, which is basically lavender heaven.
🪻 Lotions and soaps
🪻 Essential oils
🪻 Home goods
🪻 And yes — lavender-infused chocolate sauce (don’t knock it ‘til you try it)
Go. Just go. Snap as many pictures as your phone can hold and soak up the peace and beauty.
From there, we cruised on to Roche Harbor Resort, a place that feels straight out of a movie. Think lush gardens, charming shops, elegant restaurants, and a marina absolutely packed with jaw-dropping yachts.
We didn’t stop to eat — too full from our mimosa-fueled morning — but we did wander the harbor like we belonged there. Pretending to yacht shop? Totally normal behavior. 😉
🍽️ A Dinner to Remember
To end our adventure-filled day, we treated ourselves to a dinner experience that’s still living rent-free in my head: Coho Restaurant – Farm to Table dining at its finest.
This isn’t just dinner — it’s a culinary experience. Locally sourced ingredients, a cozy and intimate setting, and dishes that feel like they were made with love. Every bite was more thoughtful and delicious than the last.
✨ Pro tip: Reservations are highly recommended — Coho only has a handful of tables, so snag your spot early or risk missing out on one of Friday Harbor’s true gems.
Dinner at Coho Farm to Table was chef’s kiss — the kind of meal you remember long after your plate is clean. It was the perfect end to a laid-back, adventure-packed weekend. Cozy, flavorful, and beautifully unhurried.
The next morning, we packed up early and caught the ferry back to the mainland — but the adventure didn’t end there. We spent the afternoon soaking up the sights at the Seattle waterfront, indulging in some epic crab legs, and taking a spin on the Seattle Great Wheel at Pier 57.
But that… is a story for another time. 😉
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