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Unincorporated community in Washington, United States
Photo: Michael Feist from Friday Harbor, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Roche Harbor is a small town on the northwest coast of San Juan Island, namesake of the picturesque San Juan Islands group. This bustling yacht and floatplane harbor makes a good base for exploring the island.
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Over 20 acres of 150 creative outdoor sculpture works. Self-guided trails wind through the artwork and dogs are welcome. Near the base of the Roche Harbor runway and Susie's Mopeds, a short walk from Roche Harbor. A not-for-profit work, $5 donation is recommended per adult. San Juan Transit buses stop here.
The United States and Great Britain once made overlapping claims on the San Juan Islands. In 1859, they nearly went to war over a dead pig. Both established a military presence on the island, which are now preserved by this park.
This historic building has the park film, exhibits about the history and natural features of San Juan Island, a bookstore, and rangers on hand. Surviving buildings include a commissary, barracks, blockhouse, and hospital. The Union Jack still flies there, being raised and lowered daily by park rangers, making it one of the very few places without diplomatic status where US government employees regularly hoist the flag of another country.
A great viewing spot on the western end of San Juan Island that overlooks the Haro Strait. In season this is an amazing spot to view orcas and the lighthouse. The park features a richly diverse environment, includes the remnants and landscapes of a history filled with change, along the rocky shoreline and through the wooded uplands. You can explore the beaches and trails as well as bird watch on the high rock crags. San Juan Transit buses stop here.
Nice cafe on the wharf, pleasant in the summer. Enjoy the action from inside or out! Famous Lime Kiln doughnuts in the morning with their hearty breakfasts and lunch.
An over-the-water restaurant dining on coastal-casual cuisine with flavorful cocktails. The deck sits over the harbor, offering diners the only sunset view over-water on the island. Fresh salads, creative grill sandwiches and famous BBQ ribs are menu favorites.
A lovely fine dining experience in the top floor of the "deck restaurant" building on the waterfront. In a historically restored building from the original resort. Amazing local seafood and meats with a view!
A range of accommodations includings houses, suites, cottages, and Hotel de Haro, a historic, 130-year-old hotel resort right on the water (double from $170).
By plane
By boat
The U.S. port-of-entry at Roche Harbor closed in 2023. The nearest port-of-entry is Friday Harbor.
By bus
Roche Harbor is small enough that you can walk everywhere. The whole town is oriented around the harbor, and the hotels and docks that surround it.
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Victoria · International · YYJ
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