With a population of 3,776, Eastsound, Washington is the most populated city on Orcas Island. Orcas Island is the largest in all the San Juan islands, making this a great destination for vacationing and visiting all the local islands. The heart of the city, the village, is a walkable are full of shops, museums, and cafes. Those who desire to camp at one of the many campgrounds available across the San Juan Islands should plan ahead, as this city is popular for tourists and whale-watchers.
Sucia Island State Park
Washington state is home to a thriving outdoor ecosystem. Many parks can be found throughout Eastsound, and Sucia Island State Park can only be accessed by boat. This park is 814 acres and offers plenty of space on land for camping and hiking. Because this is one of the smaller of the San Juan Islands, it has remained mostly untouched. In 2012, an 80-million-year-old femur from a meat-eating, 2-legged dinosaur was found. Though this was excavated by paleontologists, there are strict restrictions for fossil collecting. Diving can be done in the clear waters, but a recreational license is required for anyone who wants to fish or harvest shellfish.
Sucia Island State Park, Eastsound, WA 98245, Phone: 360-376-2073
Orcas Island Winery
Orcas Island Winery has recently been purchased by Wesley and Tera Landman. The winery was originally established in 2011 as the first winery on the Orcas Island. This small winery makes up for the lack of wine choices with a charming atmosphere and boutique-style experience. Visitors to the winery can sit in the farmhouse-style tasting room and sample the five wines currently on the sampling menu. Picnic blankets and food are available for those wanting to picnic and enjoy wine somewhere on the 16 acres of land. With breathtaking views, special events, like Imbibe & Paint, is the perfect setting to make the day memorable.
2371 Crow Valley Road, Eastsound, Washington 98245, Phone: 520-991-9291
Jones Island Marine State Park
This 188-acre park is only accessible by boat. There are over 25,000 feet of shoreline for visitors to hike and take in the picturesque views. Those who want to camp can choose from one of the twenty-four campsites on the island. These are on a first-come-first-serve basis, though those who want more than one site at a time can call to reserve multiple sites. Boating moors and hiking trails are found around the island. For those who wish to picnic or camp, there is no garbage removal on the island, so there is a pack-in-take-out policy in Jones Island Marine State Park.
Eastsound, WA 98245, Phone: 360-378-2044
Crow Valley School Museum
Built in 1888, a year before Washington became part of the U.S., the Crow Valley School was built. Since its use up through 1918, the school has changed its purpose several times and become a museum for visitors to Eastsound. During its use, school years were only 63-days long, less than half the requirement for today’s students. In 1987, Richard Schneider and Bud McBride restored the schoolhouse to its former beauty. Today, it is one of the only single-room schoolhouses still standing in Washington. For those looking to be a long-term visitor, volunteer opportunities as a docent, gardener, office worker, or one-time event worker are available.
Crow Valley School Museum, 1668 Crow Valley Road, Eastsound, WA 98245
Matia Island Marine State Park
Another island that can only be accessed by boat, Matia Island Marine State Park is home to dense foliage and black licorice slugs. The 20,000+ feet of shoreline on Matia Island overlooks the Strait of Georgia. This Island, though it offers campgrounds, is unique since the rest of the island is restricted for conservation. Those who do visit the open beaches or campgrounds can saltwater fish, dive, boat, or go crabbing or clamming. This island has strict guidelines for gas stove usage and bringing things in and out of the park. Open fires and pets are not permitted anywhere on the island, even in campgrounds.
1567 Westside Road, Friday Harbor WA 98250, Phone: 360-376-2073
Patos Island Marine State Park
Patos Island Marine State Park is the northernmost of all the San Juan islands. Similar to other islands in the chain, this island has a pack-in-take-out policy for food and garbage. Though there is no drinkable water on the island, guests may bring some in for usage. There are only seven camping sites on the island, and a group campsite is often used by the volunteers who maintain the island’s lighthouse. Since these are first-come-first-serve, it’s important that visitors plan accordingly. With proper recreational licenses, visitors can go fishing or shellfish harvesting. Lighthouse tours are available most weekends during the warmer months.
Eastsound, WA 98245, Phone: 360-376-2073
Orcasong Farm
Since it’s purchase in 2002, the mission of Orcasong Farm has been to nourish the earth, both through growing plants and educating people. Over the years, the farm has expanded to offer many unique areas, like a children’s sensory garden and lavender distiller. The farm grows a wide variety of produce and herbs (including whole lavender fields). Visitors can watch bees as they produce honey in one of the onsite bee houses. For those who want to stay the night, houses, canvas tents, campsites, and a yurt are available for rent. Pop up farm-to-table meals and wellness retreats can also be found on the calendar throughout the year.
280 Dolphin Bay Road, Eastsound, WA 98245, Phone: 360-622-2482
Blind Island State Park
As one of the Cascadia Marine Trail campgrounds, visitors can access this island only by boat. However, motorboats of any kind are not permitted by campers. Those who do bring motored boats are welcome to stay on the island through the day. Camping is limited, as there are only two sites, but both offer breathtaking views of Shaw and Orcas Islands. The major activities for this area are boating and crabbing. With the appropriate recreational license, guests can look for crabs in Blind Bay. Because the weather is temperate, the park is open year-round.
Blind Island State Park, Eastsound, WA 98245, Phone: 360-378-2044
The Inn at Ship Bay
The Inn at Ship Bay offers spectacular views overlooking the bluff and Ship Bay. This Inn has 11 rooms, including a suite and a handicap-accessible room. All rooms advertise a balcony overlooking the water. For those who want to dine in the restaurant, the farm-to-table dining experience leaves patrons satisfied and inspired. All food is made in-house using fresh local ingredients. The bread is an exceptional treat; it is used with a 100-year-old sourdough starter. Seafood is by far the star on the menu, as the chef creates seasonal dishes featuring scallops, oysters, and clams. Many dishes include plums, apples, and pears from the onsite orchards.
Phone: 326 Olga Road, Eastsound, WA 98245, Phone: 360-376-5886
Doe Bay Wine Company
Originally starting out in 2016 as an online wine club and wine consulting business, Doe Bay Wine Company quickly expanded into a full tasting room and bottle shop on Orcas Island the following year. The cozy, brick-and-mortar wine shop with a focus on “Fine Wines From Small Places” is situated in the center of Eastsound and is full of wines, ciders, and beers found during the owners’ adventures, stocked with everything from Skin Contact and Cayuse to wines and local beers perfect for the beach. In early 2023, the Doe Bay Wine Company opened a second bottle shop in Seattle.
109 N Beach Rd d1, Eastsound, WA 98245, 360-376-7467
Deer Harbor Inn Restaurant
Originally a camp for apple pickers, the Deer Harbor Inn Restaurant has changed hands over the years to become a destination that features seasonal produce, fresh seafood, and, of course, fantastic hospitality. Serval cottage and room options are available, depending on your traveling needs. Many overlook the harbor and have porches with hot tubs. The Cayou Cottage is used for a spa, where a massage therapist can work with you to find a massage treatment that fits your needs. All entrees in the restaurant come with complimentary soups and salad to round out the dining experience.
33 Inn Lane, Deer Harbor, WA 98243, Phone: 360-376-4110
Orcas Island Pottery
The history of Orcas Island Pottery is as rich as the pottery found on site today. Originally pulling clay right from the earth to spin, a local farmer traded the showroom for four plates and four bowls. Today’s potters style dinnerware to accessorize with any kitchen design. Not only can patrons purchase dining sets and mugs, but they can also pick up butter dishes, sponge holders, spoon rests, canisters, and more. Regular and visiting potters create fantastic home décor and unique pieces (anybody looking for a ceramic chess board set?) available in the showroom. Brides can also sign up for the wedding registry.
338 Old Pottery Road, Eastsound, WA 98245, Phone: 360-376-2813
Island Hoppin' Brewery
Island Hoppin' Brewery was established in 2012 as Orcas Island’s (video) first microbrewery. With a passion for using local ingredients and quality grains, every batch of beer is brewed with intention. Island Hoppin' Brewery produces a wide range of beer styles, such as the White Cap American Wit, K-Pod Kolsch, Dockside Schwarzbier, and Elwha Rock IPA among other beers. Guests can try many different beers available on tap in the brewery’s dog-friendly and kid-friendly tasting room as a taster, by the pint, or try all of them as a flight. Outside food is also allowed at the tasting room.
Island Hoppin' Brewery, 33 Hope Ln, Eastsound, WA 98245, 360-376 - 6079
Orcas Island Farmers Market
Open on Saturdays from laste morning until early afternoon from the beginning of May through the end of September, Orcas Island Farmers Market is located in the middle of Eastsound, Washington on the Village Green. Each and every item sold at the farmers market is made by or grown by Orcas Island artisans and farmers. These items include pottery, clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts, and a variety of produce. There are also some of the service organizations of Orcas Island present at the market, such as master gardeners and the historical museum, as well as drink and food vendors.
Orcas Island Farmers Market, North Beach Road, Eastsound, WA 98245
Orcas Island Golf and Mini Golf
Built in 1962 on a former mustard farm, the course at Orcas Island Golf was built by utilizing the existing rolling hills, ponds, and natural springs, all surrounded by evergreen trees. Golfers today can still see the original farmhouse from the 1890’s that is now the Clubhouse. While the Orcas Island Golf Course is good for beginners, there are still challenges for more experienced players. Orcas Island Mini Golf offers a family-friendly day of golf for all ages with 18 holes featuring orca whales, a ferry, islands, bridges, spinning propellers, boats, and more. Visitors can find snacks at the Clubhouse.
Orcas Island Golf and Mini Golf, 2171 Orcas Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245, 360-376-4400