Friday Harbor is a town nestled in the stunning San Juan County of Washington State. It is the kind of destination that you visit when you want to slow down and experience a way of life that seems lost on the modern world. It’s also a charming little historic seaport, filled with quirky shops and family-owned restaurants – it is also refreshingly completely lacking any fast-food chains.
As the gateway to the San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor is the ideal place to visit for outdoor activities, culture, and a relaxed holiday.
However, you might have trouble finding information about it because it doesn’t see as many tourists as other towns in the US. That’s why we created this neighborhood guide, so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about where to stay in Friday Harbor.
So, if you’re ready to learn about the best neighborhoods in Friday Harbor for every kind of traveler, keep reading!
Where to Stay in Friday Harbor
If you’re ready to book but short on time, then here are some unbeatable Friday Harbor accommodation options.
Sawmill Creek Cottage | Best Airbnb in Friday Harbor
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
This is one of the best places to stay in Friday Harbor if you want some peace and quiet during your visit. It’s just a mile from the town and offers a unique rustic charm for up to two guests. The cottage was built in the 50s, but has a modern bathroom and fully-fitted kitchen, including all up to date appliances. It has its own private yard and is located close to a small and beautiful bay that’s home to local wildlife.
Utter Seclusion Friday Harbor | Best Luxury Airbnb in Friday Harbor
Offering almost complete peace and quiet, this lovely home is on six acres of land adjacent to the beach. It has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and enough space for up to six guests to sleep comfortably. From this property, you can go kayaking, shrimp fishing, swimming, or biking, right out of your front door.
Earthbox Inn & Spa | Best Hotel in Friday Harbor
This hotel in Friday Harbor is close to everything you would need for an enjoyable stay and provides clean, homey rooms. It has an indoor pool, hot tub, and on-site spa with massage treatments and a sauna. The rooms are spacious and include a fridge and microwave. There’s also a coffee shop on-site for an emergency shot of caffeine.
Friday Harbor Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Friday Harbor
The Port of Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor is all about the water, so why not find some accommodation that’s as close to the coastline as possible? This will give you easy access to water activities, amazing views, and lots of seafood restaurants so you can taste the sea in every bite.
Lakedale
Lakedale is about ten-minute drive away from Friday Harbor and the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Friday Harbor if you’re on a budget. This tiny area is close to the coast, so you can enjoy the water, and surrounded by interesting natural areas and farms that you can visit to tour and sample the local produce.
Spring Street
Friday Harbor is a small town, but it’s known for its eclectic boutiques and shopping. And Spring Street is the place to be when it comes to great shops and some of the best restaurants in the town.
Friday Harbor is a tiny town on the coastline, known for its water activities, great seafood, and slow pace of life. There aren’t many neighborhoods in this town, mostly because of its size, but there are some areas where you’ll enjoy staying more than others.
The Port of Friday Harbor is the obvious answer to where to stay in Friday Harbor for the first time. It’s close to the town’s center and the water, which is what you really want to see when you visit this part of Washington State. This means you shouldn’t have any trouble getting on a whale-watching cruise or hiring a boat to head and explore the ocean.
The next area is Lakedale. This is an area further inland, but still close enough to the center of Friday Harbor that you can get there quickly. It’s also a quiet, local area where you’ll enjoy cheaper accommodation options as well as a few unexpected glamping options.
And the final area in this list is Spring Street, a long road that runs through the centre of the town all the way to the harbor. This street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, so you really won’t have to go far for meals, entertainment, or just a slice of everyday life.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Friday Harbor’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
This is all sounding great so far, but I need more information. No worries, let’s look at each neighborhood in-depth so you can make an informed decision about where to stay in Friday Harbor.
1. The Port of Friday Harbor – Where to Stay in Friday Harbor for First Timers
Friday Harbor is all about the water, so why not find some accommodation that’s as close to the coastline as possible? This will give you easy access to water activities, amazing views, and lots of seafood restaurants with the freshest catch of the day.
For all of you looking at where to stay in Friday Harbor for your first time when you want to be close to everything, then the Port of Friday Harbor is your best choice. This is the area that makes visitors fall in love with Friday’s Harbor’s island lifestyle and it’s also where you’ll find the town’s live music events and farmer’s markets in the summertime!
Suite Located in Downtown Friday Harbor | Best Airbnb in The Port of Friday Harbor
As a reasonably priced, basic apartment in Downtown, this is one of the best places in Friday Harbor to stay if you’re on a budget. It’s walking distance from everything and kitted out with modern fixings and furnishings. It has everything else you’ll need for a short or long stay including a king bed and full bath tub.
Harbor View Condo | Best Luxury Airbnb in The Port of Friday Harbor
You can’t get any closer to the water than in this condo, making it a great choice for those deciding on where to stay in Friday Harbor for one night or two nights. It sleeps up to three guests and has a fully-equipped kitchen and a bathroom with a soaking tub. It is also just a short walk away from the best restaurants in the entire town!
Tucker House | Best Hotel in The Port of Friday Harbor
Located close to all the main attractions, including the water and the coast, this hotel is the best choice for nature lovers. It is also close to many top restaurants and bars, making it a good option if you’re looking at where to stay in Friday Harbor for nightlife. It serves an amazing three-course breakfast every morning and offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, some of them with a full kitchen or a fireplace. You can also hire kayaks and bikes from the B&B, so you can enjoy the outdoors even more.
Things to See and Do in The Port of Friday Harbor
- Relax on the coast at Fairweather Park
- Take in some local culture at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art
- Explore the trail through the Lafarge Open Space, San Juan Island Park & Recreation
- Relax with a coffee at the Rocky Bay Café or Salty Fox Coffee
- Make sure you check out the fresh produce and snacks at the Friday Harbor Farmer’s Market on Saturdays
- Get some seafood fresh off the boat at the Seafood market
- See what’s on at the San Juan Community Theatre
- Relax with the locals at the San Juan Island Brewing Co
- Visit the The Whale Museum to learn more about these majestic creatures
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI2. Lakedale – Where to Stay in Friday Harbor on a Budget
Lakedale is about a ten-minute drive away from Friday Harbor and the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Friday Harbor on a budget. This tiny area is close to the coast, so you can enjoy the water and be surrounded by farms that allow you to visit and sample the local produce.
When you stay in Lakedale, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, secluded holiday away from crowds. But there are still some good restaurants in the area, so that you won’t go hungry during your stay!
Welcome to Fox Hollow Retreat | Best Airbnb in Lakedale
Completely private and surrounded by natural areas, this is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Friday Harbor with kids. It offers every type of outdoor activity you can imagine, from hiking, biking, running, and nature experiences.
The property sleeps up to 10 guests and has 4 bathrooms, each with a Japanese soaking tub. And the main living area is large, welcoming, and has a fireplace to encourage socializing and bonding.
Waterfront! | Best Luxury Airbnb in Lakedale
This stunning home is one of the coolest places to stay in Friday Harbor if you want to be on the water. This spacious, custom home has three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with large and beautiful living spaces, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a small gym in case you want to exercise indoors. It also offers water views and a deck, so you can sit out and enjoy the amazing scenery during your stay.
Inn to the Woods | Best Hotel in Lakedale
This inn has views of Sportsmans Lake and is just four miles from the ferry at Friday Harbor. This cute cabin has large rooms with big picture windows to bring the outside, inside. There are lots of welcoming common spaces, and serves a delicious breakfast every morning. It’s just a few minutes from the local restaurants too so that all of your food needs are covered!
Things to See and Do in Lakedale
- Have a delicious seafood meal at Duck Soup
- Indulge in some local produce at the Dancing Seeds Farm or the San Juan Island Tea Farm
- Spark your own creativity at the Alchemy Art Center
- Enjoy a beautiful and historic natural area at English Camp, San Juan Island National Historical Park
- Head up to see the surprisingly grand John S. McMillin Memorial Mausoleum
- Enjoy the views and pebbly beach at the secluded Reuben Tarte County Park
- Take a boat ride over to Jones Island Marine State Park for camping and hiking
- Take in the gorgeous morning views from Mt. Grant Preserve
- Head to San Juan Vineyard for some amazing local selections
3. Spring Street – Best Neighborhood in Friday Harbor for Families
Friday Harbor is a small town, but it’s known for its eclectic boutiques and shopping. And dotted along Spring Street is where you’ll find all of these quirky shops. Exploring this street, and stopping all the time to add to your shopping haul and rest at the cafes, of course, will make your holiday time race by. That’s why this area is the only answer to the question of where to stay in Friday Harbor for families.
Spring Street is also right in the town center, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting to other parts of town or to the dock. And because this town is so small and walkable, you won’t need a car to explore either!
Downtown Friday Harbor | Best Airbnb in Spring Street
Bright and cheerful, this one-bedroom sleeps 2 guests and is located in one of the best areas to stay in Friday Harbor if you want to be close to everything. It has a modern kitchenette and half bath, as well as excellent Wi-Fi to make your stay perfectly convenient and pleasant. This is the ideal place to stay in Friday Harbor for digital nomads or those traveling for work.
Argyle House Bed and Breakfast | Best Hotel in Spring Street
Located right in the city center, this is one of the best places to stay in Friday Harbor for entertainment. It has free private parking, and the hotel serves a delicious breakfast every morning. The rooms have private bathrooms and a hot tub. There are also shared areas in the B&B where you can hang out and meet other like-minded travellers such as the terrace, in a stunning garden, or lounge area.
Beautiful Condo in the Heart of Friday Harbor | Best Luxury Airbnb in Spring Street
This understated and elegant apartment has 2 bedrooms and enough space for up to 4 guests. It’s also located in a part of Friday Harbor with lots of nearby attractions and restaurants. It has a full kitchen, laundry facilities, private parking, and air conditioning to keep you comfortable in every type of weather.
Things to See and Do in Spring Street
- Explore the exhibits at the Waterworks Gallery
- Settle in for a drink and a snack at Mike’s Cafe and Wine Bar or the Coho Restaurant
- Indulge in some sweet treats at Felicitations Bakery
- Take a guided kayaking tour and explore the island’s waterways
- Take a whale watching tour from the harbor
- Put on your walking shoes and take a historic walk through Friday Harbor
- Go shopping all the way along Spring Street
- Visit the San Juan Historical Museum for cool displays on the history of the area
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!What To Pack For Friday Harbor
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Friday Harbor
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor’s best neighborhoods are all fairly close to each other, after all this isn’t a big area, but we hope this guide shed some insight into where is best for you and your party.
Friday Harbor is the kind of holiday destination you visit when you need to relax and preserve your energy while still enjoying lots of great food and activities – perfect for those on a West Coast road trip who want to stop somewhere for relaxation. No matter where you choose to stay, you are sure to find this on your trip.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
