The Pacific NW is really unlike anywhere else I’ve traveled. I’ve lived here almost all my life and yet I’m still in awe of its magic. The San Juan Islands are no exception. My last post was about exploring Friday Harbor. Today’s post we traveled north on the island to Roche Harbor.
Roche Harbor
To get to Roche Harbor, you travel north from Friday Harbor. I’ve used the San Juan Trolley in the summer, but since it is seasonal, this trip we used a taxi. San Juan Island is beautiful. It has a lot of different types of landscapes. Rolling hills, valleys, cliffs, and beaches. When you arrive at Roche Harbor, you come in from above, atop a hill. You get this instant panoramic view of the town. Massive superyachts in the harbor, tiny market stalls and flags waving from the buildings. It’s quite a sight.
The main lodging is the Hotel del Haro. I went looking on their website for more information, and I couldn’t describe it better myself, “These simple, historic hotel rooms in our historic Hotel de Haro feature all the charm of yester-year and close proximity for easy access to all resort amenities.” It’s quaint, yet historic charm is something you have to experience. It has beautiful gardens which we strolled around in. Boche ball courts and a breakfast cafe serving fresh donuts.
Like I said. It’s magic.
I can’t believe I’ve lived most of my life in the Pacific NW without exploring the San Juan Islands. I’ve only been coming for about 4 years now and each time, I find something new to fall in love with. It’s a complete escape from the hustle and bustle. It brings a sense of calm and relaxation unlike a lot of vacations I’ve been on. It’s a place where time slows down and everywhere you turn is natural beauty.
If you can’t tell-I highly recommend it.
Head up to the San Juans as soon as you can. You’ll be sad you didn’t make the choice sooner-
Love, Rachel xo
Its normally like that. You live somewhere and never experience like you should. The Pacific NW is beautiful, I just went there for the first time earlier this year, but we’ll be back.
Hi Stacey- I know right?? I’m kicking myself for not visiting sooner. Hopefully you loved the PNW, come back soon <3
Your photos are amazing!! Really makes me want to visit Roche Harbor, thanks for sharing 🙂
xoxo
Kathleen
Hi Kathleen, Thanks so much for the sweet words. You should find a way to see it yourself! It just point and shoot- stunning photos!
Beautiful views of the island…
I live in Wa and have never been to the San Juans..crazzzzy!
Valerie
Valerie, OMGOSH! you need to go. You will have a blast. Its great for couples, families etc.
This looks like an absolutely gorgeous place that I need to put on my travel list! Your photography is beautiful.
Hi Mary- Thank you!! You really need to visit 🙂
This is so beautiful! I have never been up to this area, but it looks like it would be a wonderful place to visit with the family.
Hi Jessica- yes!! It is the perfect place for families
I love relaxing outdoor vacations and this is definitely somewhere I’d like to visit. Your pictures are gorgeous!
This looks like such a beautiful and relaxing place to travel to! I have never heard of the area before.
Wow, stunning. The first photo of the water that looks like glass reminds me of the ocean here on calm days. It looks like y’all had such a wonderful time.
Wow, this looks beautiful. Are there pretty affordable places to stay here?
Hi Kaylyn,
Yes! There are hotels, BnBs, vacation rentals. etc!
Wow what an amazing and beautiful place to visit!!! Definitely putting this onto my bucket list!!
Gorgeous! Gorgeous photos! We used to go to San Juan island every year for several years. We never made it to Roche Harbor, though. We need another trip soon, apparently! Lovely post!
Hi Patricia, I’m jealous you got to go so often- its amazing!
Your photos are beautiful! Looks like an amazing place to visit surrounded with exquisite beauty in nature! We have never taken a trip to Roche Harbor, but we may just have to now!
Hi Brittany- thank you for the sweet words! You should def see it!
It’s my kind of place. It’s beautiful and peaceful. I would love to seond some time here and just enjoy the scenery.
Hi Karen, Let me know if you ever do! I’d love to hear what you think!
It is so beautiful out there. I love that you can just sit and watch the waves or explore as much as you want to. This is definitely a place worth visiting.
Hi AnnMarie- you are SO right. Everyone needs to visit.
These views of the island are so beautiful! I bet there are a lot of hiking trails.
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Yes! A lot of outdoor activities!!
Oh that blue water! So beautiful and pretty. One day I will get back to that side of the country to explore. Love your gorgeous photos and that’s awesome you’ve been able to go up for the last four years.
Hi Angela- thank you and you need to see it with your own eyes!!
Wow, your pics back up what you said – looks like a truly magical place! While I’ve been to the Pacific NW several times, this is one spot I’ve yet to visit so will def put on my bucket list!
Hi there! Thank you- I’m telling you it’s completely worth the visit!
I seriously have no words for how beautiful these photos are. I would love to visit Roche Harbor. It looks incredible. I’ve never seen anything like this before.
Hi Jeanine, You should!!! Its amazing. Even better in person.
wow it looks stunning and so scenic, looks like I am adding more places to my already excessive bucket list!
Hi Charlotte, You need to see it in person!
Wow your photos are simply stunning. I think I felt my pulse rate slow a bit just looking at them. Just beautiful!
Hi Roxanne- hahah! I’m so glad it brought you a moment of calm- much needed on this Monday
I love your photos! I have never been to San Juan before so I’m going to pin this for later! Looks like you had a lovely time!
Hi Sarah, Thank you for the sweet compliment! If you ever go- let me know. I’d love to know what you think!
Wow, this is beautiful! The ocean is stunning and those flowers are so colorful! We’ve never visited here but I would really like to.
Hi Heather,
You totally should! Its a wonderful place.
I haven’t been to the Pacific NW in such a long time and I don’t know what is keeping me from visiting this lush area. I’ve heard amazing things about the islands off the coast and after seeing your beautiful pictures I really want to make it a point to visit very soon.