Best Things To Do On Lopez island: A Complete Guide
Looking for something to do on Lopez Island in This Season? Look no further! This beautiful island is brimming with activities and attractions that will keep you entertained all year long. From hiking to fishing to sightseeing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In addition, the weather is usually mild and comfortable, so you can always be comfortable wearing your favorite outfit. Ready to get started?
Below I explain some of the most popular and best things to do on Lopez Island!
Table Of Content
Where is Lopez Island?
Lopez Island is situated in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It lies across from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and a short distance north of Bainbridge Island, Washington State on the US continental side. this is the 3rd largest island in San Juan County. with approx 2150 people living and the area is around 29 square miles. Lopez Island’s beauty attracts many tourists during the summer season.
The island was named after Gonzalo López de Haro, who was the first European and Spanish naval officer to discover the San Juan Islands. You can learn more at the Lopez Island Historical Museum.
What is Lopez Island Known For?
Lopez Island is known for its natural beauty, old-growth trees, and beautiful beaches – the only place in Washington State to feature Ben Browner Beach. The island hosts some of the most amazing hiking opportunities for nature enthusiasts as well as photographers who love taking pictures at sunrise and sunset.
Lopez Island is known for its lush, green beauty and rich biodiversity. With its lush vegetation, towering mountain peaks, and beautiful rolling hillsides, Lopez Island is very scenic for landscape photography as well.
Lopez is surrounded by water that provides all life there with access to food chain resources, particularly the nutritious kelp that all life below the water feeds upon, while Washington’s Migratory Bird Treaty protects their nesting birds.
Why You Should Visit Lopez Island
Lopez Island is a place where nature provides abundant wildlife like the rare West Coast Wood Duck commonly found nowhere else in Washington State. This bird is listed as threatened under U.S. Endangered Species Act while sightings of this species are few on Lopez Island.
This island boasts a multitude of natural sights that range from beautiful forested areas to great hiking opportunities that include perfect weather year-round with camping, backpacking, and boating available too, you should visit this amazing place once in your lifetime.
How To Get To Lopez Island
You can only get to Lopez Island by ferry or by air since no land or bridge connecting the mainland with the island.
By Ferry: Washington state ferry is the first choice for most visitors, it will only take 40 minutes from Anacortes to Lopez Island. May to September is the perfect time for visiting Lopez Island and that’s why Washington State Ferry allows reservations only for these months. if you want to visit reserve your bookings. for more information on ferry schedules and fares, visit Washington State Ferries.
By Air: You can visit Lopez Island by commercial flights or chartered planes. Lopez Island airport is the main airstrip for the wheeled planes while floatplanes land at Fisherman Bay’s seaplane base. Check out the Port of Lopez website for more information on Lopez Island Airport.
How do you get around Lopez Island?
As I mentioned earlier no bridge connects the island to the mainland so if you want to go there and get around the island by your car you have to take it by ferry. also, there is no public transportation available on Lopez Island but you can rent privet taxis for getting around the island.
Lopez Island does not offer car or bike rentals, so the best option is to bring your vehicle and explore the island. Several areas can be explored by kayak or private boat.
Where To Stay On Lopez Island
Waterfront cottages that whisper “relaxation” and inns nestled in the heart of the island. Where to stay on Lopez Island? Imagine sipping coffee as the sun rises over Fisherman Bay or unwinding in a rustic lodge surrounded by trees. This is an island, not a destination; a state of mind where time slows and every moment feels like a breath of fresh air.
Ready to get away? Dive in and see the island’s best stays, designed to match your dream vacation.
- Lopez Islander Resort
On Fisherman Bay, this resort has waterfront views, a marina, and cozy rooms. Perfect for those who want convenience and a getaway. The onsite restaurant serves fresh local seafood. - Edenwild Boutique Inn
In the heart of Lopez Village, this inn is a romantic retreat. Elegant rooms and close to shops and cafes. Great for couples or solo travelers. - Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping
Glamping at its best! These cottages are rustic but comfortable. Set in meadows, great for nature lovers who want to get away. - The Bayside Cottages
These secluded waterfront cottages are a secret gem. Private beach access and bay views. Great for families or groups who want to unplug. - Channel House
Modern vacation rental with luxury amenities and San Juan Channel views. Spacious for larger groups or families who want privacy with pizzazz.
Whatever your style, luxury, adventure, or serenity, this Complete list of Top places to stay on Lopez Island will not disappoint.
Where to Eat On Lopez Island?
Lunch + dinner at The Back Door Cafe. Locally owned, they have amazing seafood specials that are so fresh you can almost taste them. It is hard to pick a favorite thing on the menu because everything sounds delicious! They offer many choices for vegetarians as well, which makes it feel very inclusive without offending those who do not eat fish/seafood.
Pizza Rustica
Kick up your heels and get away from it all with a visit to one of Lopez Island’s most in-demand Pizza places. A family-run business, they love what they do – even the kids! (bring an extra pair of shoes) A few doors down from the Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce.
The Seamount Tavern & Grille: is a Caboose that is permanently docked dockside and open during the season for lunch, dinners, or just drinks to watch the sunset. Lunch is served daily with menu changes depending on what’s in season locally – guests can enjoy local fresh fish dishes and available “vendors” products like homemade soups from our kitchen.
Picnic beach house
located on Lopez Island’s South Beach Road waterfront. The local restaurant serves freshly made food such as sashimi, trout cobb salad, crab cakes, macadamia nut encrusted salmon filets & many more Handmade bread products.
Fast food and takeout are available. The Lopez Island Farmers Market is held on the first Saturday of every month during the summer months at 7:30 a.m. The market serves both locals and visitors.
Best Things To Do On Lopez Island
If you are overwhelmed with your daily life, Lopez Island is a great place to escape during the weekend. this beautiful island has something for everyone. from fishing, boating, kayaking, biking, or walking along the beaches and trails, you can do and see so many interesting things on Lopez Island. In this article, I am going to share with you some of the best things to do on Lopez Island.
Outer Island Excursions Fishing
Visit Blue Penguin Island on kayaks and paddleboats, it is an easy 45-minute boat ride from downtown Lopez to get there. a great place to see the whales and seals in the summertime. outer Island Excursions fishing has all sizes of boats available with experienced guides who can take you out to catch your limit rainbow trout or pike perch half-day 1/2 day full days bass salmon sharks sea trout whelk crab.
Westwind Aviation Scenic Air Tours
Watching the island from a birds-eye view is something you can’t describe in words unless you try it. there is a privet aviation air tour for admiring Washington’s best islands from the sky. if you don’t fear the height then you should try this. this can be one of the best experiences on the trip.
Watch Orca Whales:
Lopez Island is one of the best islands for watching orca whales, just like Orcas Island. Watching Orca whales swimming and hunting for their food is a wonderful thing to do on Lopez Island.
Visit Lopez Island Farmers Market
Lopez Island Village Market is located in the heart of Lopez Island two blocks north of the main street on the middle street. Lopez Village is the island’s hub of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Come early to shop for local produce from dahlias on every other garage door to sandblasted copper pots so colorful everyone stops by just like a Central Market you might be familiar with.
This is a great place to get some fresh local fruit, vegetables, cheese bread chips homemade specialty pies for gifts, cakes, etc Just walk up and grab something quick.
The market is held every Saturday, from May to September.
Hike To Lopez Hill
Lopez Hill is locally known as The Heart of Lopez ( a short hike from Lopez Island Center). this is one of the best places for nature lovers. the area is approx 400 acres and the hill stands at 535 ft. hike to the top and enjoys the scenic nature.
Explore The Shark Reef Sanctuary
Located a short hike from my hotel I found Shark Reef Sanctuary a quite scenic beauty. this is one of the best things to do on Lopez Island for every nature and wildlife lover. I spent a couple of hours just admiring the beauty and watching the Sea Lions, Sea Seals, and so many birds.
In the summer months, you can make arrangements to visit Shark Reef Sanctuary between April/June and October for an optional guided tour at night. For anyone with children over 8, this is a must-see!
Visit Lopez Island Preserves:
Fisherman Bay Preserve
The Fisherman Bay Preserve is worth a visit. This 29-acre preserve has open meadows and woodlands, as well as 1 mile of the most beautiful beach. visit the beach and have a picnic at Fisherman Bay Preserve.
Hummel Lake Preserve
Located 2 miles south of the ferry landing this is Lopez Island’s largest freshwater lake hummel Lake Preserve. you can spend time here fishing but no swimming is allowed here.
Upright Head Preserve
Located under 5 miles to the north, 4.6 acres of this preserve are protected by the San Juan Islands. a perfect place for nature lovers and watching the wildlife, bald eagles, and other birds found in this area. from Late April – Early May you will find Wildflowers and Lots of Buttercups, Squaw Chicks, and Garlic in Swamps.
Watch Or Take Part In The Tour De Lopez Event
For those who love bicycle racing or enjoy attending fundraiser events, Lopez Island’s Tour de Lopez bicycle race event is a great place to go for a day or weekend. since 2004 every year visitors and bicycle riders have taken part in this event. this is a family event so anyone can register. registration cost varies from $30-$50. for more info visit the Annual Tour De Lopez Bicycle Event.
Conclusion:
After reading this article, I hope you better understand what’s waiting for you on Lopez Island This Season! From nature-filled hikes to festive festivities, there’s something for everyone in this sweet paradise! Please keep checking back on our website for updates and don’t forget to sign up for our exclusive newsletter to stay updated on the latest happenings on Lopez Island!
