Cross this Lopez Island favorite off your list. For some reason (the stories vary, from the beach's…read moreneighbors being unhappy with the number of tourists coming to the site, to so-called issues of erosion), the county removed a perfectly functioning metal staircase linking the roadway to the beach access. Agate Beach is now inaccessible. Whatever, it's a shame. We've been coming to Lopez for over twenty years, happy to support the island's many local businesses, and now Lopez has one less reason to travel here.

This is where you want to kinda sit around for a while and enjoy the sea breeze while watching a…read morefamily of geese across the water. You could get your feet wet but the water is too cold and because of the rocks, it can be very slippery. I would stay on shore and listen for the small waves coming with its the small sweet thudding agains the rocks. Sounds so peaceful. l somehow and surprisingly felt nostalgic. It's nice to remember the good ole past memories that are now long gone and can't ever be brought back. Ahhhh This place is quiet and still very secluded. Here you will find a moment of silence. It's nice and humbling. It also made me realize to just enjoy each day and be grateful for everything and everyone I am blessed with. I enjoyed my afternoon here.

We did some hiking around here, checked out Cattle Point Lighthouse, and generally creeped on…read morefoxes. Definitely a success on all points. The hiking was great, the water views and beaches were lovely and not packed, the foxes adorable. We look forward to returning adhesion next spring.

Wow! Only one review, and it's two stars? This wrong must be righted…read more Californians unimpressed? Ho hum. Don't come back, and don't send any of your friends up here to mess the place up. Just repeat '2 star' like you're ordering mediocre Thai food: Not so hot. They'll get the picture. Olympic National park just average? Compared to which temperate rainforest? Rainer? Just a big hunk of rock and ice, and it's always behind the clouds. How about North Cascades? Just wannabe alps. It's like the Yelpers who gave a 1 star rating to Death Valley complaining that it was too hot, or that the Grand Canyon is just a big hole in the ground. Not helpful. San Juan islands have a lot to offer, and San Juan in particular has a lot of interest, but you need to get out of your car to enjoy it. Hike, bike, kayak, go whale watching, drop some crab pots, maybe tour the historic parks too. Sail, fish, go to the beach. You could also spend a lazy afternoon shucking and eating fresh oysters on the bluff at Westcott bay. You're here for island life mon. Watching whales off Lime Kiln point? Seen them on PBS. Orcas breaching In the Sound? We have some of those at Sea world. Argh. Spending a couple of hours shuttling between the mainland and the island, then driving around the island in your car? Yeah, that sounds boring. You missed it all. Now get off my lawn. Phew! I feel better.

This is one of my favorite stops in the San Juans!…read more Moorage: Anchor only; dinghy dock for landing. This moorage is well protected, and you're almost guaranteed one of the calmest nights at anchor you've ever had in this bay. The biggest drawback is its popularity, so use a relatively short scope because you'll find this little bay gets crowded. We call this a 2-to-1 anchorage. But since it's so calm, extra scope isn't generally needed. Although another reviewer said the bay is shallow, we haven't had any problems in our sailboats finding enough depth. Head into the shore and explore British Camp, where several pre-US structures still stand, and they've been updated to include historical information about the camp and the military history of the camp in the Pig War. Hike up the hill for an amazing lookout. Take the dinghy for a 5-minute spin (maybe 10 if rowing) to the adjoining Westcott Bay to buy some fresh clams from the local farm. Although the stores of Roche Harbor are just a 10-minute walk from the shore in Westcott, we couldn't find any public place to land within walking distance. It would be great if there were a place to land and walk into town for provisions... Or maybe a massage at the spa!

One of the newer public spaces in town, Overlook Park couldn't be more perfectly situated above the…read morePort of Friday Harbor. What the park lacks in square footage, it makes up for it in panorama. The view is outstanding! Located just off one of the two main streets in town, Overlook Park shares a small parking lot with several neighboring businesses. There's not much to the park; a few benches and picnic tables, as well as public viewing binoculars helping folks take in the scenery below. Perched high on the bluff, the park benefits from a refreshing breeze coming off the harbor. There are comfortable seating areas in both sun and shade thanks to the variety of shrubs and trees that create an inviting respite for weary tourists and locals alike.

Deadman Bay Preserve is situated north of the Westside Preserve and southeast of Lime Kiln Point…read moreState Park along West Side Road. A sign reading 'Deadman Bay Preserve' faces the road at the top of the trail that leads down to the beach. There is one small parking lot (2-3 vehicles) next to the main sign and two small parking areas across the road that hold about 2-3 vehicles each as well. Signage with rules, trail/preserve maps, and background information about the preserve are well-placed in the preserve as well as a restroom. The restroom is a small building that has a pit toilet and was well-stocked and cleanly when I visited. There are a few trails that lead to different places: one to the beach, one to the state park, and one to Limekiln Preserve. I explored the one to the beach, the beach, and ventured along part of the one that leads to the state park. The beach had beautiful rocks. There are abundant greywacke and lawsonite cobbles that are fun to look at (no collecting!). Some beautiful rock exposures border the water. Portions of these rocks are partially covered with seaweed and have tide pools. Salt crystals had formed on some of the rock where salt water had evaporated. The beach is sloped down to the water. Driftwood is plentiful higher on the beach and makes for a good bench or back support if you want to rest at the beach. Trees at the top of the beach provided cool shade while I ate my lunch. I ate lunch here on Friday the 22nd of May 2020 then did some exploring around the preserve. A fun place to take in the beauty of nature.

I have had a beach cottage on Lopez Island for the last 30 years. The island has changed very…read morelittle and I love that. The other islands are quite nice, but Lopez has a vibe all its own. Everybody waves to each other while driving. Really, it's a slavish devotion to friendliness that is hard to shake once you are back on the mainland. The island is pastoral and very pleasant for bicycling. The parks are pristine and usually empty. The village, where the only commerce is conducted, is simple yet complete with a good grocery store, bakery, ice cream shop, and a lovely old library that is magnificently restored. In short, Lopez makes almost no effort at tourism and in so doing achieves a level of charm not seen since seen since Ron Howard shuffled the streets of Mayberry. If you want fine dining and souvenir shops you'll be better pleased by Friday Harbor. If peace and a slower pace is what you crave come to Lopez Island.

I've been to Lopez Island twice now, and thoroughly enjoyed it both times! The island lifestyle is…read moreso laid back. No one is in a hurry, everyone is friendly. There is so much natural beauty. I drove past the senior center and they do tennis on Saturdays. I can picture myself retired on Lopez Island playing tennis and hiking some of the trails that offer spectacular views!

YES. Go here any chance you get. AMAZING. We sailed here it there was a charter boat that…read morebrought people/campers up. It's worth the trek!!

I love all of the parks and beautiful beaches that can found in the San Juan Islands. Be sure to…read moreinspect your maps, and don't forget to look in residential neighborhoods because that is where you will find some of the best spots! Otis Perkins Day Park sits on a slender spit, in between several residential neighborhoods. There's plenty of space to pull off the road to park on the curb, but you'll also find several gravel areas along the spit to park as well. Be sure to allow plenty of time for beachcombing, I found a lot of treasures on this long stretch of beach. And there is so much beautiful driftwood lining the beach. It makes for a lovely spot to sit and listen to the waves. I've been to this location twice, and never encountered anyone else during either of those visits. Be sure to follow the rules about visitation hours, and park responsibly. Lopez Island is a small island, but there are many beautiful sights to see. Enjoy!

Nearly a mile long, Otis Perkins Day Park is a popular spot on Lopez Island to picnic and…read morebeachcomb. The park sits along the slender spit that borders the west side of Fisherman Bay and looks out on the San Juan Channel and the shoreline of nearby San Juan Island. Fantastic spot to relax, walk along the beach, birdwatch, look at the sunset. Lopez Island's annual Fourth of July fireworks is set off along the park's shoreline. This public park and the nearby Tombolo Preserve are an area of Lopez Island not to miss.