The BEST Things to Do on Orcas Island
From forest hikes to waterfront cafes, Orcas Island offers unforgettable experiences. Our hotel is situated just steps from the ferry, making it the perfect place to stay while exploring the natural beauty, art, and local flavor of the San Juan Islands.
Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter.. Best Things To Do
Looking for the best things to do on Orcas Island? This scenic destination offers an incredible variety of activities for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. From hiking forested trails to browsing local art, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your stay.
Outdoor Adventures: One of the top things to do on Orcas Island is to explore Moran State Park. With over 5,000 acres and more than 30 miles of trails, it’s ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Don’t miss the summit of Mount Constitution, where panoramic views await from a historic stone tower.
Water Activities: Surrounded by calm waters and rich marine life, the island is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and whale watching. Join a guided tour to spot orcas, humpbacks, seals, and porpoises in their natural habitat.
Cultural Experiences: Visit Eastsound, the island’s central village, for galleries, boutiques, and local eats. Explore handcrafted pieces at Orcas Island Pottery or step back in time at the Orcas Island Historical Museum.
Culinary Delights: Enjoy Pacific Northwestern flavors at the Orcas Hotel’s café. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant serves all-day breakfast, fresh local ingredients, and rotating nightly specials, paired with regional beer, wine, and espresso.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended retreat, Orcas Island delivers a full list of things to do in every season. From outdoor exploration to coastal cuisine and culture, the island offers something for every kind of traveler.
Shopping & Dining
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Orcas Village Businesses
- Orcas Island Farmers Market – Local produce, crafts, and food vendors.
- Darvill’s Bookstore – Cozy independent bookstore with a coffee shop.
- The Orcas Village Store – Grocery and gifts just down the hill.
- Island Thyme – Soaps and cosmetics.
- Printshop Northwest – Handcrafted print to order art created by local island artists.
- Orcas Island Leather Goods – Discover a new passion when you handcraft your own leather goods. Shop our selection of handmade leather goods.
- Smorgasbord – Smörgåsbord offers a curated collection of vintage, antique, and sustainably sourced goods.
- Monkey Puzzle – Monkey Puzzle invites you to create your own vest and outfit. You select the pattern, the color, the quilted pattern and we make it for you. We offer XXS-XXXL.
- Nest – Using flowers grown on Orcas Island or sourced from flower farms around the world, your unique wedding vision will come to life.
- Girl Meets Dirt – Heirloom preserves inspired by the long history of orchard keeping on Orcas Island.
- Ula Botanic – Ula is an artisan apothecary that creates skin and body care essentials for daily self ritual.
- The Bubblery and Boardwalk Collective – Artisan, One-of-a-Kind Shopping, Services, and Experiences.
Restaurants Nearby
- Seabird Bakeshop – Saturday Mornings Only - amazing pastries.
- Brown Bear Bakeshop – pastries and coffee.
- Olga Rising – pastries and coffee.
- The Inn at Ship Bay – Description of item here.
- Houlme – Michelin-nominated chef-driven wood-fired pizza and small plates.
- Matia – Michelin-nominated- chef-driven tasting menus.
- Cafe Aurora – Great breakfast and lunch.
- White Horse Pub – Water view pub.
- Madrona Bar & Grill – Casual dining with waterfront views.
- Lascaux Cafe – Great lunch option just past Moran Park.
- Buck Bay Shellfish – Fresh oysters and seafood.
- Majitas – Mexican Classics
- Johanna's – El Salvadorian food truck.
- Ladybug Pizza – By the slice in Eastsound.
- Island Pie – Water view pizza in Deer Harbor.
- The Barnacle – Cocktails and small plates.
- Harmony Hive Bistro – Just up the hill.
Wineries, Distilleries, & Cider
Wineries, Shops & Vineyards
Breweries & Cider
- Island Hoppin’ Brewery – The island’s only microbrewery, serving handcrafted beers inspired by the local environment. Family and dog-friendly tasting room.
- DOE BAY WINE CO – Fine wines from small producers, including a selection of wine, beer, cider, and sake. Knowledgeable staff for recommendations.
Outdoor Activities and Site Seeing
Orcas Island Hikes
- Mount Constitution Trail – Highest point in the San Juan Islands, panoramic views.
- Cascade Falls Trail – Easy hike to a beautiful waterfall.
- Turtleback Mountain Preserve – Stunning views of the island and surrounding waters.
- Cascade Lake or Mountain Lake – Description of item here.
- Coho Preserve – Our secret favorite!
Orcas Island Golf
Farms & Art Plus Local Tours
Art Galleries & Studios
- Orcas Island Artworks – Features work from over 40 local artists, including paintings, pottery, and jewelry. Location: 11 Point Lawrence Rd, Olga, WA 98279
- Orcas Center – A hub for performing and visual arts, hosting exhibitions and performances year-round. Location: 917 Mount Baker Rd, Orcas, WA 98280
- Crow Valley Pottery – Specializes in handcrafted pottery and ceramics from local artisans. Location: 2274 Orcas Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245
- Orcas Island Pottery – The oldest pottery studio in the Pacific Northwest, established in 1945, offers unique ceramics in a stunning outdoor setting. Location: Eastsound, WA
- Wandering Soul Art Gallery – A cooperative gallery featuring vibrant works by local artists in a charming farm setting. Location: Eastsound, WA
- Peter C. Fisher Gallery – Showcases nature-inspired artwork in the heart of Eastsound Village. Location: Eastsound, WA
- Olga Pottery – Studio and showroom of Jerry Weatherman, featuring fine porcelain and stoneware since 1980. Location: Olga, WA
- Forest Ceramics – Known for innovative ceramic designs, intricate patterns, and experimental glazing techniques. Location: Orcas Island, WA
- Optimism & Co. – A boutique and gallery featuring handcrafted goods, art, and thoughtfully curated items with a focus on sustainability. Location: Eastsound, WA
Farms, Tours & Gift Shops
- Orcas Island Artists' Studio Tour – A self-guided tour where local artists open their studios to the public. Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.
- Lum Farm – Artisan meats, cheeses, goat's milk ice cream, and wool products. Self-guided farm tours and a petting zoo.
- Once in a Blue Moon Farm – Farm tours with interactions with goats, sheep, alpacas, and more. Handcrafted farm stays.
- Orcas Moon Alpacas Farm – Alpacas, sheep, miniature donkeys, and a farm store with yarns, socks, and lamb skins.
- The Little Farm on Olga Road – Flower farm, boutique nursery, farm stand with plants, bouquets, eggs, and seasonal goods.
- Warm Valley Farm – Sustainable organic farm with heirloom fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Events and workshops are available.
- Orcas Island Farmers Market – Local farmers and artisans selling fresh produce, crafts, and food items.
- Buck Bay Shellfish Farm – Fresh oysters, clams, Dungeness crab, and seafood. Farm-to-table shellfish experience with onsite dining.
Explore Other Islands
San Juan Island
- San Juan Island Distillery – Small-batch ciders and spirits, including over 20 varieties of gins, brandies, liqueurs, and their award-winning apple brandy made from local apples.
- San Juan Vineyard – The only operating winery on San Juan Island producing estate-grown wines. Known for its historic 1895 schoolhouse tasting room and award-winning estate wines.
- San Juan Island Brewing Company – An independent craft brewery producing ales and lagers using high-quality ingredients. Features a tasting room and pub menu.
- Madrone Cellars & Cider – Produces natural processed organic wines and ciders, supporting local agriculture by sourcing apples and pears from local farmers.
Found Things To Do?
Ready to explore all the amazing things to do in Orcas Island? Make the Orcas Hotel your home base for adventure, relaxation, and everything in between. From hiking and whale watching to art galleries and small-town charm, you’ll be close to it all.
With cozy rooms, waterfront views, and an on-site café serving local favorites, your stay will be as memorable as the island itself. Whether you’re planning one or five top things to do in Orcas Island, start by booking your stay at the Orcas Hotel today.
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