Rest & Recharge at Saltwater Farm

Our private suite at Saltwater Farm is what vacation dreams are made of. Situated amongst the most beautiful meadow skirted by timbering pines, you are instantly lost in what it means to be in the Pacific North West. It's quiet, quaint and so very cozy.

The property itself offers an abundance of views and activities right outside your front door. It was hard to convince our boys to venture off the farm as they enjoyed searching the gardens for dragon flies, and conversing with the chickens and goats, more than I could have imagined! The unique suite is equipped with a full kitchen, large open spaces and a full loft, which I feel is always a kiddo's favorite spot.

Although I could go on about the beauty of the farm itself, Friday Harbor is one of the most warm and welcoming little towns I've visited. From the moment you witness the vibrant colors while coming in on the ferry, the town's charm is truly unmatched. A short drive into town, you pass by San Juan Bakery, and it is my due diligence to say it is a must stop. Divine pastries fill the glass windows and the smell of coffee lingers through the air. As you travel on into town, the streets are lined with inviting store fronts. From here, there's no wrong way to adventure. Choose from kayak tours, whale-watching tours, and beach hikes with the most stunning views, or explore peony patches that stretch on further than the eye can see. With museums, coffee shops, restaurants and ice creameries, there are few places better for a getaway.

With a very full and happy tummy, I left Friday Harbor with my heart filled to the brim by the beauty that was taken in, and the memories made with my kiddos and my mother-in-law.

Things We Did

  • Boat
  • Experience
  • Hike
  • Beach
  • Town
  • Walk
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Ferry rides are always a highlight for our little crew. The boys love to look out the window, play dinos, and explore all the nooks and crannies the "big boat" has to offer!
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What an adventure we had touring the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor. If you are on the island – kids or no kids – I would say that this spot is an absolute must. I was not only taken aback by the amount of displays and research available to the public, but also blown away by the amount of different art genres that were weaved throughout.

One of the few museums I've been to that really relates to those of all ages. The boys loved the kid's corner they provide, where they got lost in books of sea creatures, watched baby orcas on the big screen, and colored to their little hearts' content. We loved this spot and will definitely return on future island adventures!
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If you are ever in town for the most adorable little farmers market – YOU MUST GO! Full of locals selling the most delicious desserts, beautiful artwork, yummiest cheese and unique little trinkets, you instantly feel welcome and at home. Head right across the street and you'll find some of the yummiest crepes I've ever had. I thoroughly indulged in a strawberries-and-cream crepe and cannot recommend it enough!
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While at the beach, we noticed a hiking trail through the hills above, which were engulfed in the most gorgeous blooming poppies. It was a must to get my oldest out into the poppy fields to take in the stunning views of the beach and the mountains across the bay. The stillness, quietness, and lack of cell phone service in this particular area left us feeling so refreshed. It felt like we had immersed ourselves in a scene from a movie.
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This was the best little beach to stumble upon! If you are looking for jaw-dropping views, where your kids will be busy for hours on end, and a place that would be surreal for a quick dip to cool off in the summer, than this is your spot!

We grabbed a couple of seltzers from the local San Juan brewery, packed a picnic, and took the boys for an afternoon at the beach!
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Town instantly catches your eye from the ferry. It's a vibrant place that's full of life with an abundance of delicious food, coffee shops and eye-catching stores. Try not to visit every single one! We also walked up and down the docks to look at boats and seals. The boys ran their little legs tired when we turned in for lunch at the Blue Water Bar and Grill. It has a gorgeous view of town and great food!

After words we headed across the street to one of our favorite spots of the trip - Friday Harbor Icecream!
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A short walk from where we were staying is the most beautiful little garden. It was the hit of our trip and the boys fell in love with the goats and the chickens. We spent more time in an empty little green house catching dragon flies than I would ever like to admit – but they loved it! We danced under arbors full of vines and went up and down the rows in the garden smelling the abundance of blooming flowers.

Our Adventure Map

Where we stayed
Things we did

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Riparide Stories are authentic experiences shared by real travellers (who are handy with a camera). It's like reading your best friend's travel journal - packed with photos, honest reviews and visual itineraries.