San Juan Islands for Families on a Budget

Just a 45-minute ferry hop from Anacortes are the quiet coves and driftwood-strewn beaches of friendly Lopez Island. The flattest of the main islands, Lopez’s quiet country roads that criss-cross among family farms and peaceful pastureland seem to be made for riding — bicycles, that is.

Got a whole family of pedal pushers? You can even walk your bikes onto the ferry in Anacortes and leave the family car behind. The island’s only settlement is tiny Lopez Village, comprised of a few short streets lined with cafés and a grocery store. Most of the berry farms, public beaches and restaurants are scattered throughout the island.

What to do on Lopez Island

Explore tide pools at Shark Reef Sanctuary. Visitors who make the 10-minute walk to this quiet stretch of rocky shoreline are almost always rewarded with the sight of harbor seals lounging lazily on the rocks. You can also rent kayaks or take a guided paddle with Lopez Island Sea Kayak, located on Fisherman Bay. 

Where to stay on Lopez Island

Lopez has just a few lodging options. Lopez Islander Resort is a no-frills place tailor-made for families on vacation, with basic rooms that look out to the marina and sheltered bay, perfect for a child’s first kayak paddle — there are boat rentals on site. There’s also a restaurant, gym and swimming pool.

Families with tents will love both the forested and waterfront campsites at Spencer Spit State Park. Another find is Odlin County Park, located a mile from the ferry terminal and featuring waterfront campsites and beach access. Reserve ahead.

Where to eat on Lopez Island

Get your caffeine fix where the locals get theirs — at the funky shack known as Isabel’s Espresso (308 Lopez Rd.), where you can take in the view while sipping your mocha (or hot chocolate for the kiddos) from a wraparound porch.

Haven Kitchen & Bar (9 Old Post Rd.) boasts casual sophistication in the heart of Lopez Island. It serves locally grown, delicious food (with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options) in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Kids will love the cozy patio and the tater tots!

When you need a sweet treat or souvenir of your time on Lopez, there is only one place to go: Just Heavenly Fudge Factory. The owners have been making gourmet fudge since 2005, and it does not disappoint. Toward the back of the store you'll find the Lopez Island Ice Cream parlor, selling Lopez Island Creamery all-natural gourmet ice cream. Pick up a pint, an ice cream sandwich or a chocolate dipped cone. There is no eating in the store, so take your treats to the public beach access down the stairs at the end of the parking lot. (Pro tip: You can also visit the new Lopez Island Creamery factory store in Anacortes!)

Be sure to stop by the Lopez Farmers Market on Saturdays (10 a.m.–2 p.m., May–Sept. in Lopez Village) to stock up on fixings for your picnic at Agate Beach.

Next stop: Guemes Island

^{Top image credit: Lee LeFever/Flickr CC}