Orcas Island
sights & scenes
Brown Bear Baking
A beloved local bakery serving fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee each morning in Eastsound.
Madrona Bar & Grill
Indoor and patio dining with water views, serving casual American fare for lunch and dinner.
Matia Kitchen
A seasonal menu of local ingredients, craft cocktails, and beer on a patio open through the summer.
Island Hoppin' Brewery
A kid and dog friendly brewery with live music, snacks, and plenty of outdoor seating.
Houlme
Small plates and wood fired pizza from a seven time James Beard nominated chef, widely regarded as the island's best table.
Doe Bay Cafe
Seed to table dining from the on site organic garden at Doe Bay Resort.
Orcas Island Winery
A farmhouse tasting room with live music, in the heart of Crow Valley.
Matthew's Smokehouse
The island's only standalone barbecue joint, tucked into Deer Harbor.
Moran State Park & Mount Constitution
Hike, bike, or drive to the summit of Mount Constitution for sweeping views across the San Juan Islands.
Whale Watching
Deer Harbor Charters and Outer Island Excursions both run guided tours to spot orcas, humpbacks, and other marine life.
Turtleback Mountain Preserve
Miles of hiking trails with some of the island's best views, especially from the south end.
Orcas Island Historical Museum
Exhibits on the island's Native American, pioneer, and maritime history in the heart of Eastsound.
Obstruction Pass State Park
A short forested hike leads to one of the island's best beaches, with tide pools and campsites nearby.
Orcas Center
Catch a live performance, film, or art exhibit at this hub for the island's performing arts scene.
Orcas Island Mini Golf
18 orca and ferry themed holes, named the best mini golf course in the state.
Orcas Island Farmers Market
A Saturday market on the Village Green in Eastsound, running May through November across two seasons.
The Kitchen on Orcas Island
Farm to table catering and private chef services that come to you, anywhere on the island.
Orcas Island Taxi Service
Island wide, on demand taxi service, no rental car required.
The Love Love Love
Wedding and family photography that comes to you, anywhere on Orcas Island.
BabyQuip
Baby gear delivered and set up wherever you're staying on Orcas Island.
Orcas Boat Rentals & Charters
Charter a boat with a captain who comes to you, or rent your own to explore the waters around the island.
Orcas Food Co-op
A community owned grocery store in Eastsound, centrally located for guests anywhere on the island.
Ray's Pharmacy & General Store
A full service pharmacy and general store in Eastsound that has served the island for more than 40 years.
Orcas Nails
A local nail salon in Eastsound, centrally located for guests anywhere on the island.
Featured Seasonal Highlight
Jazz Fills the Hall for Labor Day Weekend
Every Labor Day weekend, Orcas Center transforms into the island's premier jazz destination as the Orcas Island Jazz Festival takes the stage for three unforgettable days. Now in its second decade, the festival draws some of the most highly regarded jazz artists working today to this intimate island venue.
Expect sold out crowds, soulful performances, and a lineup curated with the same care and passion that has made this a can't miss island tradition.
September 4–7, 2026
Featured Seasonal Highlight
Lights, Camera, Orcas at the Film Festival
Now in its 11th year, the Orcas Island Film Festival turns Eastsound into a celebration of cinema, bringing more than 30 buzz worthy new films to the island alongside filmmaker panels and lively after parties.
From thought provoking documentaries to festival favorites you won't find anywhere else nearby, this is a weekend for movie lovers to soak in the art of storytelling against the backdrop of the San Juan Islands.
October 14–18, 2026
Featured Seasonal Highlight
Handmade Gifts at the Winter Artisans Market
As the island settles into its coziest season, Odd Fellows Hall fills with the work of local makers for the Winter Artisans Market, a festive weekend of shopping presented by the San Juan Makers Guild.
Browse handcrafted pottery, jewelry, art, and gifts made right here on Orcas, all while supporting the island's creative community and the historic hall that hosts them.
December 6–7, 2026
Local tips
A few pointers from our on-the-ground team.
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Book your ferry reservation early
Vehicle spots on the Anacortes ferry fill up weeks ahead in summer, so reserve as soon as your dates are set. -
Bring or rent a car for your stay
The island is large, about 13 miles end to end. There's no Uber or Lyft, though local taxi service is available, so plan your transportation ahead of time. -
Plan for whale season
The best whale watching runs June through September, book your tour in advance during peak summer months. -
Check the difficulty before you hike
Trail difficulty varies widely across the island, from flat waterfront strolls to steep mountain climbs, so check length and elevation ahead of time. -
Bring a Discover Pass, or plan to buy one there
A Discover Pass is required to park at Washington State Parks across the island. Buy one online before your trip for certainty, or check ahead to see if the park has a self-service pay station on site. -
Download offline maps before you go
Cell service is patchy in parts of the island, so save your directions ahead of time.