Under $100: Friday Harbor

Slow-paced Friday Harbor is a collection of shops, restaurants and other businesses on San Juan Island in northwestern Washington. The small town bustles on summer weekends, when scores of ferry passengers pour in from other islands or from the mainland. The town offers plenty to do for a day’s visit, including dining, shopping and excursions like sailing trips, kayaking tours and whale watching.

Start your day off by getting oriented to Friday Harbor. It’s easy to stroll through town as you get off the ferry, browsing shops and galleries.

Several free events take place in town. In summer, there’s live music at the Port on Fridays and Sundays. A Music on the Lawn series is held at the San Juan Island Historical Museum on Wednesday evenings, and there’s also Shakespeare Under the Stars performances in July and August.

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island on the Puget Sound, Washington © Edmund Lowe | Dreamstime

Dine at one of the town’s outstanding restaurants for lunch. Cask and Schooner Public House is a great option, with its expertly prepared pub fare using local ingredients and local beer on tap. Expect to spend around $20 on food and drinks.

Admission to Friday Harbor’s outstanding Whale Museum costs just $6. Inside, exhibits discuss the local marine environment and the whales that call it home.

Splurge on dinner at the Bluff Restaurant, overlooking the harbor. Here, Chef Aaron Rock prepares memorable meals using local ingredients. You can easily turn your remaining $74 into a multi-course meal with a drink.