One of the many reasons I love living in Seattle is the ability to jump in your car — or a onto a ferry — to escape the city for a weekend getaway. Earlier this spring, Trevor and I made the trek with another couple to the nearby islands — San Juan Island to be specific. We spent two and a half days relaxing, exploring and enjoying all the charming aspects the magical place had to offer.

We had been to the island quite a few times before — cabins with friends, boating trips with family. So this time, I thought it’d be the perfect excuse to compile a list of my favorite things to do via a getaway guide.

This post is brought to you in partnership with LA-based brand ectu — makers of luxury leather weekenders for the modern woman.

San Juan Island Getaway Guide

There are 172 named islands and reefs that make up San Juan County — making this area the perfect escape for sea explorers and island time seekers. Of the large cluster are four major islands that ferries serve for visitors — Orcas, Lopez, Shaw and San Juan Island (the one we’ve frequented the most).

San Juan Island is the second largest island of the group and is best known for its natural beauty across farms, fields, forests, hills and rocky shorelines. We love it because it houses Friday Harbor — a cute town nestled on the east side of the island along the ferry terminal — and Roche Harbor — a town on the northwestern point that is a boater’s paradise.

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What to Pack

When packing for a weekend getaway to the San Juan Islands, you can expect much milder weather than Seattle with 247 days of sunshine on average. I aim to travel light on these trips — packing an assortment of basics, a jacket or two for the evening and loungewear for ultimate relaxing at your accommodation. Here are some suggests for the current warm-weather months:

FOR SPRING WEATHER

FOR SUMMER WEATHER

The Palermo Weekender by Brand to Know // ectu

What’s even more important for your packing needs is a weekender bag that not only offers function and durability, but style that aligns with your elevated taste. Which is why I’m excited to introduce you to ectu.

This female-founded, LA-based brand offers the perfect edit of leather weekender bags for the modern woman. The idea came from when friends Elizabeth and Connie had planned a girls getaway and struggled to find a solution to carry their items that wasn’t made of canvas meant for the gym. They set out to create a brand that carried an assortment of minimalistic bags with intentional design — thus ectu was born.

I had the honor of testing out one of their most popular bags — the Palermo Italian Leather Weekender. I adore the clean, modern aesthetic with the perfect amount of gold touches. It screams luxury but bleeds function with its spacious interior and trolley sleeve that slides onto your luggage handles. It’s durable and designed as an investment piece to carry you through your years of wandering.

The Palermo was the perfect bag to take on this San Juan Island getaway…

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Where to Stay

Snug Harbor Resort

Located on the west side of the island along Mitchell Bay, this waterfront resort is the cutest hidden gem. 17 cabins and 3 suites all with updated interiors and gorgeous views.

Friday Harbor House

Sophisticated hotel located on a bluff overlooking the harbor — this is the perfect romantic option to experience escape and luxury.

Roche Harbor Resort

Historic seaside resort located in Roche Harbor with picturesque views, gardens and contemporary updates.

Airbnb

We booked an Airbnb on this recent trip as it was fun to cozy up in a cabin for a true, island getaway vibe. It’s nice to be able to have a kitchen for cooking, deck for sunset watching and access to beach and there are so many great options to sift through!

Where to Eat

Downriggers

A perfect spot for your brunch, lunch, happy hour or dinner needs. Offering views, a wide menu and some amazing desserts!

Friday’s Crabhouse

An awesome laid-back indoor / outdoor space with multiple levels, a full bar and views. Great for a beer and fish & chips in the afternoon to break up your exploring.

The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House

For a nice dinner out — make a rez here for local cuisine and wine served up high on the hill with water views. Come early for a drink at the bar or take advantage of their outdoor patio for happy hour vibes under their red umbrellas.

Madrona Bar & Grill

My favorite restaurant on the island — for the good food, people and memories we’ve made while visiting Roche Harbor. Their seafood cocktail and noodle salad are the best — along with their tasty drinks. If you time it right you can get a spot outside for the Colors Ceremony — happening 20 minutes prior to sunset during peak season.

Where to Drink

Salty Fox Coffee

My fave spot for coffee on the island that offers a modern vibe, delicious espresso drinks and breakfast sammies. Per for grabbing before you depart on your ferry.

Mike’s Cafe & Wine Bar

Sip locally inspired wine in this adorable space with a patio and eat from an all-vegan menu.

Herb’s Tavern

Go here for beers, bar food and a jukebox + live music.

San Juan Vineyard

Because you’ve got to take advantage of the one winery on the island! Delicious whites, a rose and a red blend. Gorgeous property with tasting room and the cutest little schoolhouse.

San Juan Island Brewing Co.

Into beer? This one’s for you! Try the San Juan Sampler to get a taste of the island hops.

San Juan Island Distillery

Wine or beer not your thang? Try this spot for award winning ciders and apple based spirits.

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Where to Play

Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm

If you have a thing for alpacas — or have never experienced one up close — you’ve got to check out this amazing place. Drive up to an 80 acre farm owned by the friendliest family who adores and has named every alpaca on the property. Be sure to visit their gift shop to experience the softest goods made from alpaca fiber.

Westcott Bay Shellfish Co.

A favorite hidden gem easily accessible by driving — or by boat! Many especially love taking their dingy over to this cove from their Roche Harbor docked vessel. You can sip rosé and shuck oysters along the bay — the coolest vibes and visitors.

San Juan Excursions

With the booking center nestled right in town next to the ferry landing, this company allows you to set sail on the open seas to find orcas, sea lions, gray whales, bald eagles, harbor porpoises, seals and more.

Where to Shop

Deer Hazel

My favorite boutique — offering brands like Free People, Joah Brown, Baggu and on-trend offerings of jewelry and home products.

Sandpebble

An amazing selection of cookware, houseware, gifting and the cutest baby clothes!

Griffin Bay Bookstore

Established in 1979 — this bookstore has a great selection of books across all genres in the coziest space. The staff is so welcoming.

Where to Relax

The Spa at Earthbox

A heated indoor pool plus spa treatments across massages, facials, body treatments, acupuncture, manis & pedis.

Afterglow Spa

Located within the Roche Harbor Resort offering a relaxing fireside lounge and ultimate tranquility. Treatments spanning facials, body and massages.

Depart with ectu

Special thanks to the incredible ladies at ectu for allowing me the opportunity to experience their luxurious weekender bag alongside my recent travels. I’m so excited to use the Palermo atop my carry on for even longer trips and truly know this will be integrated into my travel style for years to come.

The Palermo bag comes in sand and truffle alongside this gorgeous black color. If you’re interested in learning more about the elevated bag brand ectu — check out the full story here and be sure to follow them on Instagram for the latest updates and releases.

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Here’s to departing in style —

// cb ✌????