Ever dream of an island getaway in the majestic greeneries of the Pacific Northwest? Look no further, Orcas Island has that secluded serene feel to retreat away from the everyday hustle and bustle. How about an island where the journey to Orcas Island itself is epic. Whether you're a Washington Native or Visitor, this trip has something for you.
1. How to get there?
Seaplane
Private Boat
Anacortes-Orcas Island Ferry
Since we're heading out to our friend's wedding, we opted in for Anacortes-Orcas Island Ferry so we could take our time and enjoy the scenic view the ferry has to offer.
Pro Tip:
Make a reservation on the Washington State Ferries Reservation Page in advance. The ferry tickets reservations are released in Tiers. Please reserve your ticket as soon as you know you want to visit the island by ferry as they are limited and competitive especially in the summer season.
The day of travel, make sure to allot time to arrive at the ferry terminal 45-60 minutes in advance. Go through the toll booth and bring your reservation print out or reservation number.
The ticket from Anacortes-Orcas Island is round trip for our drivers. Please keep your receipt for your return.
The drive from Seattle to Anacortes Ferry Terminal is approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes according to google maps.
The ferry stops at Shaw Island, make sure to wait to actually get off at Orcas Island. Lol, the reason I say this is because we've made a mistake getting off the wrong island before in Greece traveling from Athens to Mykonos. We unknowingly got off at the Tinos Island before Mykonos. Crisis averted when we were able to purchase the next ferry ticket to Mykonos during the day. Phew!
2. Where to stay?
Rosario Resort & Spa This historic luxurious resort with a Marina to dock up your boat or arrive by Seaplane is perfect for a dreamy weekend getaway feel. The Spa faces the Cascades Bay with a sauna, treatment rooms, a whirlpool, and a historic indoor therapeutic pool. Our friend is getting married at the Rosario Resort & Spa and was kind enough to reserve spots for us to make the reservation to stay at the Resort & Spa in advance. Read all the heavenly reviews for yourself on Tripadvisor.
AirBnB Make your reservation in advance as the availability runs out quick especially in the summer time. If you're using AirBnB for the first time, no worries, get your $55 off your first booking here.
VRBO Last summer, our family reserved this Orcas Island Craftsman Beach House on Raccoon Point Road with 6 BR/3 BA right by the Beach with large yard for our nieces and nephews to run around through the sprinkler in the sunshine. The house came with 5 Kayaks which were perfect for our 3 families to enjoy some nature time on the water.
3. Where to Eat/Drink?
Madrona This water front restaurant has an amazing view from downtown Eastsound Orcas Island. Stop by to grab lunch at this Pacific Northwest inspired menu. We opted in for the Artichoke & Crab Dip for an appetizer made with dangerous crab, gouda cheese, artichokes, fresh parsley, and toasted baguettes. Followed by Fish Tacos with corn tortillas, jalapinos slaw, pineapple pico, avocado, chipotle aioli. Finished with dungenous crab bisque.
Brown Bear Baking Stop on by for breakfast to grab this amazing Pain Aux Chocolat and Iced Mocha or your favorite drinks. Now that’s a way to start out the day right. Say no more. Just look at the pic.
Doe Bay Wine Offers wide variations of Wines, Beers, and Ciders. If the shop is on Oprah‘s list and NY times, then it’s a must stop by. The bottle shop and tasting room is located in Eastsound, Orcas Island.
4. Where to shop?
Darvill’s Book Store on Main St is a must stop by. Nothing like picking up a physical book to flip through and smell the pages. If you walk towards the back of the store near the kids section, you’ll be welcomed with a breath taking view of Orcas Island.
Crow Valley Pottery shop has arts and hand crafted pottery along with souvenirs that will make you wanting to back to the island for more. I picked up this Island Thyme Sea Scrub Soap which was made from the San Juan Islands. The shower smelled just heavenly and brought me right back to that sunny day on Orcas Island.
Nest Flower and Gift shop is one of my favorite stores on the island. Every turn you take, there’s something adorable that catches your eyes. From lively green succulents to decadent heavenly candles that will make your whole house smells amazing.
Hope this helps give you a little more ideas on what to do when you visit Orcas Island, Washington. Thank you so much for visiting my blog. If you have any suggestions or want to partner with me, feel free to reach out. If you know someone who might like this blogpost or looking for somewhere in Washington to visit, please share. Enjoy!
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