Orcas Island, Washington feels like a little world of its own in winter, which is exactly why it is one of the best getaways in Washington State when the temperatures drop. The ferries are quieter (and easier to snag reservations on), the pace is slower, and you finally have room to breathe and really enjoy this coastal landscape. When it comes to what to do on Orcas Island in the winter, you might be surprised. Most of the things you enjoy about summer in the San Juan Islands are possible in the winter, but you’ll enjoy it without the summer crowds. Winter is when you discover a different side of the island, one that is all about crackling fires, storm watching, and slow coffee-fueled mornings by the water.
Winter in the San Juans invites you to lean into simpler pleasures and more intentional Orcas Island activities. You might spend a crisp afternoon exploring Moran State Park, browsing local art galleries in Eastsound, or lingering over fresh seafood in a waterfront restaurant while fishing boats move through the harbor. Things to do on Orcas Island in the cooler months often revolve around nature walks, birdwatching, and scenic drives with sweeping views of misty coves and distant islands, and all of this easily fits into a relaxed itinerary that still feels special.
If you’re willing to make the journey from Seattle to Orcas Island this winter, you certainly won’t be disappointed. One of the first things to greet you as you land at the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal is our historic Orcas Island Hotel. This hotel on Orcas Island is a beacon, inviting you in to experience the San Juans as they are meant to be enjoyed. We offer an inviting home base that truly feels like home away from home. With warm hospitality, inviting common spaces, and thoughtfully designed guest rooms that feel both classic and current, you’ll enjoy having a quiet place to unwind between adventures. Book your stay, and start planning what to do on Orcas Island today!
What to Do on Orcas Island This Winter
Winter in the San Juans is absolutely worth the trip, especially if you are craving a slower pace and a change of scenery without going too far from home. When you make the trip from Seattle to Orcas Island, you trade traffic and noise for quiet shorelines, evergreen forests, and small-town hospitality that feels genuinely welcoming. Winter in the San Juans is the kind of winter getaway that feels restorative rather than rushed, and it is no surprise that more and more people are discovering the quiet seaside bliss of the San Juan Islands than ever before.Â
When it comes to what to do on Orcas Island this winter, the world is your oyster. From quiet beach walks and gentle hikes to stolen moments to read, watch your favorite shows, or just talk to your favorite person, there’s no shortage of things to do in Orcas Island.Â
What To Do on Orcas Island, Winter Edition
- If you’re searching for what to do on Orcas Island, odds are you’ll find Moran State Park. It’s at the top of our list of things to do for a reason, too! Lace up your boots and wander the peaceful trails around Cascade Lake and Mountain Lake, then drive or hike up to Mount Constitution for sweeping views of the islands and snow-capped peaks in the distance. It’s a true highlight on any list of what to do on Orcas Island.
- Another top-rated Orcas Island activity is to walk the beaches and watch winter storms. They are dramatic and magical! Head to one of the island’s rocky beaches to watch waves roll in, listen to the wind, and take in the dramatic side of winter in the San Juans, then return to your room for a hot drink and a warm shower.
- When it’s time to discover what to do on Orcas Island out of the rain, head to Eastsound, where you can browse galleries and boutiques. Spend an afternoon wandering through local art galleries, bookstores, and small shops in Eastsound, where you can pick up locally made gifts and get a real feel for everyday Orcas Island activities.
- For quiet afternoons around the island, consider wildlife and bird watching. Bring binoculars and keep an eye out for eagles, seabirds, and winter wildlife along the shoreline and viewpoints. The quieter season often means more chances to observe the natural rhythm of the San Juan Islands.Â
- Take a scenic drive around the island. Drive the looping roads that curve past farms, forests, and waterfront overlooks, stopping often for photos and short walks, it is an easy way to soak in the beauty of getaways in Washington State without a strict schedule.
- Visit local farms, markets, or makers. Depending on timing, you may find pop-up markets, farm stands, or local makers selling seasonal goods. It is a low-key way to connect with the community and bring a little piece of Orcas home.
- Discovering what to do on Orcas Island is easy when all you have to do is look up! On crisp, clear evenings, wrap up in a warm coat and step outside to look up at the night sky. With less light pollution than the city, stars feel brighter and the whole experience becomes a simple but memorable highlight of winter in the San Juans.
- Unwind at a local spa, where you can treat yourself to a massage. Pairing outdoor Orcas Island activities with deep relaxation is one of the smartest ways to plan a winter trip.
- Plan at least one slow breakfast or brunch with great coffee, fresh-baked pastries, and local ingredients, all of which you can find at our onsite Orcas Cafe. It is the perfect way to start a winter getaway morning before heading out to explore more Things to do on Orcas Island.
- Planning what to do on Orcas Island may be easy, but there’s nothing better than cozying up at The Orcas Hotel between adventures. After a day of exploring Things to do in the San Juan Islands, head back to The Orcas Hotel for a glass of wine, a good book, or an easy dinner. The comfortable rooms and welcoming common spaces create a true home base so you can fully enjoy your Orcas Island activities all winter long.
The Most Authentic Place to Stay on Orcas Island
Finding what to do on Orcas Island is easy. What’s even easier is deciding where to stay. The Orcas Hotel feels made for winter getaways, especially if you love the idea of a quiet getaway that still feels special. This historic inn sits above the water with classic architecture and character in every corner, and it immediately sets the tone for a slower, more intentional stay. You watch the ferries glide in, hear the soft hum of island life outside your window, and suddenly the trip from Seattle to Orcas Island feels very worthwhile.
Instead of rushing from attraction to attraction, you have a comfortable place to land, which makes it easier to actually enjoy all the things to do in the San Juan Islands at this time of year. Inside, our Orcas Island hotel balances vintage charm with modern comfort. Guest rooms feel warm and inviting, with thoughtful touches that make it easy to relax between activities. Common spaces encourage you to slow down, maybe with a warm drink by the window, while you watch the weather move over the harbor, or with a good book and a glass of wine after a full day of exploring. The atmosphere is unpretentious yet polished, which matches the laid-back energy of Orcas Island, Washington perfectly.Â
What really makes The Orcas Hotel one of the best places to stay in the San Juans is how naturally it fits into your plans for what to do on Orcas Island. You can start your morning with coffee and a simple breakfast before heading out to Moran State Park, galleries in Eastsound, or other things to do on Orcas Island. Then come back to a calm, comfortable room that feels like your own private retreat. The location above the ferry landing means your vacation begins the moment you arrive, and the welcoming hospitality makes it easy to unwind.
Whether you are here for a romantic weekend, a solo reset, or a longer island getaway, our Orcas Island Hotel gives your entire trip a sense of ease and continuity. Book your stay at our authentic, welcoming hotel today!