ABOUT ROCHE HARBOR...

LODGING, DINING, MARINA, WHALES!

Roche Harbor has long been a favorite and unique destination for many travelers seeking to explore the best of the San Juan Islands. Located on the northern tip of San Juan Island, the historical company town stands next to the picturesque harbor and offers some of the most spectacular sunsets in the Pacific Northwest.

Listed on the National Register of Historical Sites, the old Hotel de Haro, built in 1886, has many rooms appointed with original antique pieces and offers the traveler an opportunity to step back in time and enjoy country ambiance of Old World charm. Once a favorite destination spot for President Theodore Roosevelt, Roche Harbor still welcomes visitors from all over the world to sample its charm and sense of history.

The historical village offers several dining options including McMillin's Dining Room for fine dining at its best, overlooking the beautiful harbor and sunsets. You can enjoy a colorful Coastal Cuisine at the Madrona Grill in the gazebo and on the famous waterfront deck, and listen to live music on weekend afternoons during the summer. Live music for dancing is available on weekends during summer also.  If you are looking for more family-oriented dining, Lime Kiln Cafe will serve you up a hearty breakfast and a great choice of lunch options.

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its steaming hot espresso beverages, and where else could you get a better latte or mocha than at the Beechtree Espresso Bar located right next to our formal gardens. Open summer season only - Beechtree Espresso moves to Lime Kiln Cafe during the winter months.

Newly opened this summer is the full service Afterglow Spa decorated with impeccable taste where the ambiance is soothing to the soul, tranquil, warm and intimate.  Begin your vacation with a relaxing massage, or indulge in one of their signature body treatments to revive your spirirt and awaken your senses.

If you like to shop, Roche Harbor offers a good selection of unique shopping, including Roche Harbor Gift Shop, located next to the hotel lobby, where you can purchase souvenirs or nautical gifts to take home with you, as well as Roche Harbor logo sweatshirts and jackets. Roche Harbor Sportswear located above the Company Store on the wharf also offers a great selection of resortwear and accessories.

The Company Store at Roche Harbor is a country store carrying everything you might need during your stay with us including food items, fresh fruit and vegetables, unique wines, film for your camera, all sorts of souvenirs, marine accessories and your morning newspaper!  New this year is Dominique's House located in the brand new Quarryman Hall building next to the Hotel de Haro.  An exciting selection of home furnishings and accessories in a relaxed and comfortable setting will enable you to choose just what you have been looking for to take home.

 

Roche Harbor Marina, has been a popular boating destination for many years and accommodates vessels up to 160 feet. A favorite place for the late John Wayne and many other well-known stars to pull into one of its 377 slips, it has been featured in many movies and travel shows.

 

 

A good tip is to book ahead and reserve your space in plenty of time as slips fill up real fast during the summer! July 4th weekend is usually full by the first part of the year. Roche Harbor is a US Customs Port of Entry for those wanting to sail to and from Canada which is only 15 miles away.

There are many activities happening at Roche Harbor daily. Whale-Watch & Sea Kayak Treks are available right from our docks through San Juan Safaris. See more about these adventures by linking to the Marine Adventure Center at San Juan Safaris website.

Transportation is available during summer, between Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor via San Juan Transit, usually leaving about every hour from the ferry landing in Friday Harbor to Roche Harbor and every hour back from Roche Harbor during summer. Bob's Taxi also offers pickups to and from Roche Harbor - just a call away!

We are sure you will find lots to do at Roche Harbor, including walking to the Sculpture Park or to the historical mausoleum, hiking the many trails taking you through the lime quarries, catching shrimp from the docks, swimming in the 82 degree pool or playing tennis, just to name a few.

We welcome you to sample our fun and friendly hospitality and guest-first service.

We hope you will be taken back in time to a quiet and more relaxed pace of life, as you stroll the cobble stone walkways and formal gardens, browse the shops, frank and mail your post card at our post office, find necessities (or the makings of a gourmet meal) at our Company Store, enjoy your choice of casual to fine dining in our restaurants, even attend Sunday Mass in the summer at "Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel." You might want to consider a storybook wedding here. We hope you will visit us soon and let the quaintness of our very special place unfold before your eyes!

Accommodations

San Juan Island lodging at its best! Roche Harbor has a variety of accommodations to please everyone's taste.

The Hotel de Haro, built in 1886, has 4 suites containing private bathrooms including the Presidential Suite, Sunset Suite, and two Harborview Suites, along with 16 rooms with shared bathrooms. Most of the rooms overlook the beautiful formal gardens and quaint harbor and are furnished with the original antiques of yesteryear. The charming hotel still has noticeably slanted floors on the second floor hallway and crooked windows in the lobby which add the country ambiance so many antique aficinados appreciate.

If luxury is what you seek, then you are sure to enjoy one of the McMillin Suites situated on the hill above the restaurant with a sweeping view over the harbor. A romantic spot to watch the sunset, appointed with a king sized bed, TV, claw-foot tub and heated bathroom floor, and many extras you will love! And new this year are the luxurious suites in the Quarryman Hall building - sophistication at its finest and perfect for honeymooners.  New two and three bedroom homes are also available for guests and are located on the hill above the Hotel de Haro.

Families enjoy the convenience of kitchens, a fireplace and extra bathrooms in the one, two and three bedroom condominiums overlooking the lagoon. Also 2 bedroom cottages located near the pool, tennis courts and playground with lots of grassy area for the kids to run are very popular with young families.

Roche Harbor has a variety of rooms to accommodate you during your stay. We await the pleasure of your company so you can feel the charm and hospitality of this island paradise.

Whale Watching trips & Kayak treks right from Roche Harbor docks

When planning your trip to Roche Harbor, be sure to get your reservations in for a whale watch trip with San Juan Safaris!

A naturalist will guide you to the best places to see the whales, while educating you about these wonderful creatures that are seen in the waters around us. A memorable moment for you to take back home with you. Of course we can't guarantee a picture like this one, but the San Juan Safaris boat "Kittiwake" is pictured behind this orca whale on one of their safari adventure trips and was captured by a passenger on another boat, Ernie Westle from Canada.

Kayaking adventures also available. Enjoy the fantastic scenery as you paddle your way around the west side of the island with a guide.

For more information check out San Juan Safaris website at www.sanjuansafaris.com or call 800-450-6858 or 360-378-1323

Top picture courtesy of Ian Byington, Island Update

Aerial, Michael Bertrand