National Historical Park · WA

Things to do in San Juan Island

The National Park Service lists 23 things to do at San Juan Island National Historical Park. 22 have no extra fee, 22 need no reservation, and 20 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

Historic white buildings in a grassy field. Hikers are going along various trails.
Photo: NPS

American Camp History Walk

Embark on a captivating 1 mile guided walk through San Juan Island National Historical Park, where you can relive the intriguing events of the Pig War. Interpretive waysides provide historical insight into the life of soldiers at American Camp.

Pets allowed

Hiking

Go Kayaking

Many people come to San Juan Island seeking the adventure of exploring the area by boat. Sea kayaks are very popular for travel among the islands.

15-300 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Kayaking

Hike Officer's Hill

The trails surrounding the Officers’ Quarters at English Camp offer a captivating journey through history and nature.

Pets allowed

Hiking

A hiker and his dogs walk along a forested trail
Photo: NPS

Hike the Bell Point Loop

The Bell Point trail traverses a mature madrona forest and hugs the shores of Garrison Bay and Westcott Bay.

Pets allowed

Hiking

A hiker on a dirt trail along a hilly coastal bluff
Photo: NPS

Hike the Bluff Trail

The Bluff Trail is a phenomenal way to experience the environmental richness of American Camp. Keep an eye out for orca whales in the Salish Sea.

Pets allowed

Hiking

Color photograph of a dense forest with two visible waysides
Photo: NPS

Hike the Jakle's Lagoon Nature Trail

This 1 mile trail is an excellent place to take young people to learn more about our environment. Informational waysides along the trail describe the diverse forest ecosystem here.

Pets allowed

Hiking

Hike the Mitchell Hill Moderate Loop

The Mitchell Hill Moderate Loop incorporates some of the best trail segments along a slightly more challenging route. The trail takes you through a dense cedar grove and to the top of Mitchell Hill.

Pets allowed

Hiking

Hike the Old Military Road Trail

The Old Military Road Trail (also known and more often signed as “The American Camp Trail”) is a 1 mile trail that takes visitors from the American Camp Visitor Center to the Frazer Homestead Preserve.

Pets allowed

Hiking

Hike the South Beach Trail

Visit South Beach via this short 1 mile hike! The trail travels through the American Camp prairie; keep an eye out for foxes, bald eagles, and rabbits.

Pets allowed

Hiking

View through the trees of a calm ocean bay during sunset
Photo: NPS

Hike the Westcott Bay Trail

The Westcott Bay Trail is a 1.0 mile trail that hugs the shore of Westcott Bay, a tranquil section of shoreline to the East of English Camp.

Pets allowed

Hiking

Hike to Fourth of July Beach

This beach access is a great way to explore the shoreline and the lagoons. Walking south will take you to Old Town Lagoon.

Pets allowed

Hiking

Grandma's Cove at American Camp
Photo: NPS

Hike to Grandma's Cove

The hike to Grandma's Cove is one mile round trip and visits a sheltered ocean cove great for swimming and looking at tide pools.

Pets allowed

Hiking

Hike to Young Hill

The hike to the top of Young Hill provides a panoramic view of San Juan Island’s bays, English Camp, and Vancouver Island.

Pets allowed

Hiking

Observe Animals on San Juan Island

San Juan Island National Historical Park offers unique opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, from marine mammals to deer and red foxes. When you visit the park, you are visiting their home.

Year-round Pets allowed

Wildlife Watching

Grandma's Cove at American Camp
Photo: NPS

Visit a Beach

South Beach (once called the Salmon Banks Beach) at American Camp is longest stretch of public shoreline in the San Juan Islands and part of six miles of saltwater shore overall at both park units.

0-24 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Swimming

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for San Juan Island. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

Things to do at nearby parks

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