Fall in love with the San Juans this winter on a weekend getaway with your sweetie—or just enjoy a rejuvenating weekend on your own or with friends. Here are a few suggestions for romantic things to do on each island---Lopez, Orcas and San Juan.
Browse our Winter Romance Specials & Events to find more ideas for your trip.
What's love without chocolate? Creamy or dark, simple truffles or delicately flavored with herbs and fruits, chocolate transforms us with its luscious aromas and flavors. Cin Cin Goods is right in the heart of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, an easy chocolate-lover's stop for everyone who can't live without their bite-sized tastes of heaven.
Brown Bear Baking in Eastsound bakes up some of the best flaky croissants, chocolate muffins, savory quiches, hearth breads and tasty cookies in the islands. Owners Lee Horswill and David Ellertson went to one of the best baking schools in the country before choosing Orcas Island as the perfect place for their delightful bakery.
On the north end of San Juan Island is a delightful little resort, Snug Harbor Resort, consisting of 17 sweet cabins, all stocked with gas fireplaces, luxurious linens, full kitchens, and views of this quaint little harbor. But even if you aren't staying here, you can make it a stop on a drive to Roche Harbor Resort, or just around the island, stop in for an espresso and a cookie.
Over the past few years, the San Juan Islands have become a taster's paradise. Enjoy cider made from heritage apples and spirits infused with foraged botanicals at Westcott Bay Cider & San Juan Island Distillery on San Juan Island. You can try a range of tasty lagers and ales at Island Hoppin' Brewery on Orcas Island. Locally grown wines are on the tasting menu at Lopez Island Vineyards and San Juan Vineyards. With all these to choose from, you can build your trip around tasting all the delights created by island artisans.
To really relax, there's nothing like a massage - and the rejuvenating trend of having a massage at the same time, and in the same room, as your sweetheart. At Rosario Resort, the massage tables are in the historic Moran Mansion, with exposed wood beams, beautiful linens, and a view straight out over the water. Browse our listings to find the perfect spa or massage.
A kiss at sunset is even better when you are standing on a rocky shoreline under a historic lighthouse. The Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse on San Juan Island is one of the most beautiful places in the islands, especially at dusk, when you look west and the red-barked madrona trees are capturing the colorful light of the sunset. Tours of the interior of the lighthouse are available Spring through Fall, but you can enjoy the park trails all year.
Dark winter days call for meeting with friends over food, drink and great conversation. Locals in the San Juan Islands know that after a busy summer is over, local restaurants start up their weekly specials and happy hours that offer small plates, wine, beer and cocktails for a great price. Sometimes, music is on the menu, as well. At The Mansion Lounge at Rosario Resort on Orcas Island, you can hang out, have a cocktail and listen to the talented jazz pianist Martin Lund. Guitarist Gene Nery plays on Saturdays, too.
Winter Romance and Wellness Specials & Events
