Take A Break is your ultimate guide to the perfect trips to recharge, rediscover yourself and your relationships, and reengage with the world. We’ll cover shopping stops, great bars, restaurants worth your money, photo opportunities, memorable drives and experiences, and other important details you need before you book.
Below, we chat with Anna McGrady, senior analytics editor at HuffPost, about why you’ll want to put Lopez Island, Washington, on your bucket list.
What drew you to Lopez Island as a place to visit or explore?
My family and I have been visiting Lopez Island as “weekenders” for decades. Lopez is one of the first islands in the San Juans, which is off the coasts of Washington and Canada. The island is everything you could want in an escape from the city: rolling fields, beautiful mountain and water views, outdoor activities a-plenty, and a warming and welcoming community of local islanders. For me, Lopez represents serenity, time to reconnect with my loved ones and the opportunity to connect deeper with nature.
What are the best times of year to visit?
Lopez is amazing year-round, but you’ll get the most out of a visit during the traditional summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day), as that’s when you have the perfect combination of beautiful weather, open commerce on the island and a much friendlier ferry schedule for travel plans.
What’s your best tip for getting there? How can you make the travel as stress-free as possible?
The San Juan Islands are accessibly by ferry from Anacortes, Washington as well as from Canada and by private boat. The drive to Anacortes from Seattle can take up to two hours and you need to ensure plenty of time to get to the ferry terminal. The Washington State Ferries allow for walk-ons, bikes and cars, but space is limited and there are often multiple islands being served by one route.
It’s highly recommended that you get a ferry reservation if they are available ― otherwise plan to arrive well ahead of departure to ensure a spot if you are driving! Better yet, arrive a few hours ahead of time and grab drinks or a bite to eat in Anacortes before your ferry. The town has a great selection of restaurants and bars, as well as plenty of gas stations and grocery stores to stock up on supplies before your trip.
Where do you recommend staying when you go?
I’m incredibly lucky that my family has a shared cabin on the island, which is where I stay whenever I visit. That being said, there are many great…
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