The San Juan Island chain is comprised of 170 islands off the coast of Washington.  Originally a mountain range that connected Washington to Vancouver island, they are now a hot spot destination for sightseeing and tourism during the summer.  The San Juan Wildlife Refuge protects seabirds, seals and sea lions on 83 of the islands.  Another forty are inhabited but only accessible by private transportation.

The Washington State Ferry System shuttles visitors back and forth from the mainland to four islands: Lopez, Orcas, San Juan and Shaw islands.  These are the tourist destinations and fill up quickly during peak tourism months.  You can book short trips or extended vacations on these islands, and partake in some breathtaking sightseeing while soaking up the solitude and beauty of the islands.  Whale watching tours are available to see the 90 plus Orca whales, in addition to myriad other wildlife.

Once you have seen your fill of whales, you can take bicycling and kayaking tours around the islands, or walk around in some of the most beautiful coastal scenery.  There is even a live webcam that allows you to see western San Juan island from the Center for Whale Research.

There are numerous hotel accommodations and cabin rentals available, so if you plan your trip in advance you can find a perfect spot to spend your nights while filling your days with beautiful sights.

If you are looking for a family getaway filled with sightseeing and ocean breezes, the San Juan Islands are an ideal spot for a mini getaway or full-fledged vacationing experience.