Major city · United States
Roche Harbor
Base here 1–2 nights for the west side of San Juan Island: English Camp, Sculpture Park and Lime Kiln are all within 20 min by car or bus.
Roche Harbor is a small marina village on the northwest coast of San Juan Island, about 15 minutes by road from Friday Harbor. It is a resort first and a town second: a historic hotel, a busy floatplane and yacht harbour, and the closest base to English Camp and the island's west-side viewpoints. Most visitors come for one or two nights, or as a day trip from Friday Harbor.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (many businesses close or run short hours)
- Airports
- SEA · FHR
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Roche Harbor911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Poison Control1-800-222-1222
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Roche Harbor, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 1-800-222-1222 Poison Control
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSEA Seattle–Tacoma International (Kenmore Air floatplanes fly from Seattle's Lake Union to the Roche Harbor marina…
- Getting aroundThe village is walkable end to end in about 10 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Street or quick mealCafé breakfast or lunch$10–18
- Budget bedHostel or shared bed, a night, per personUS$55
- Mid-range bedHotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$220
- High-end bedHotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$400
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$170 · High US$320
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International (Kenmore Air floatplanes fly from Seattle's Lake Union to the Roche Harbor marina; shuttle from SEA to Lake Union first. Check seasonal schedules.) · FHR Friday Harbor Airport (Small island field; most arrivals use the Anacortes ferry to Friday Harbor, then a 15-min drive.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (17 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Roche Harbor: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
17 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
17 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
17 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The village is walkable end to end in about 10 minutes. For the rest of the island you need a car, bike or the San Juan Transit bus, which runs roughly hourly between Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor in summer and stops at the Sculpture Park and Lime Kiln. Off-season service is sparse: check the timetable before you rely on it.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 20 min
Drive Roche Harbor Rd about 15 min, or San Juan Transit bus
Ferry terminal, most of the island's shops and restaurants.
English Camp, San Juan Island National Historical Park
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive West Valley Rd, about 10 min from Roche Harbor
Visitor centre 10:00–15:00, closed Wednesdays (check). Free.Visitor centre 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, closed Wednesdays (check). Free.
Lime Kiln Point State Park
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive Westside Rd, about 25 min; San Juan Transit stops here
Orca-watching from the shore in season; Discover Pass required for parking.
San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
goDoor to door: About 5–10 min
Walk or short drive along Roche Harbor Rd
Open dawn–dusk; about $5 donation per adult.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Roche Harbor Resort
The village itself: Hotel de Haro, cottages and suites around the marina. Walk to everything; book well ahead in summer.
Friday Harbor
More rooms, restaurants and the ferry terminal, 15 min by road. Use it if Roche Harbor is full or you want off-season choice.
West side / Yachthaven area
Scattered rentals and B&Bs closer to English Camp and Lime Kiln; you need a car or the seasonal bus.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–150 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–260 excl. bed
- High
- $260+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or inn double room1 × 2 nights × US$220 | US$440 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$170 | US$680 |
| San Juan Transit day pass2 × US$20 · check | US$40 |
| Discover Pass, one day1 × US$10 · check | US$10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$120 |
| Trip total≈ US$330 per person per day, bed included | US$1,320 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; ferry and floatplane fares excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Café breakfast or lunch | $10–18 |
| Bar & grill main | $18–32 |
| Fine-dining main | $27–69 |
| San Juan Transit boarding | $8 (check) |
| Sculpture Park donation | about $5 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The US port of entry at Roche Harbor closed in 2023; boaters clear customs at Friday Harbor.
- Summer accommodation sells out weeks ahead and prices jump; the same applies to ferries from Anacortes.
- Off-season, several restaurants and shops cut hours or close entirely.
- Cell coverage and Wi-Fi are patchy on the west side of the island.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Poison Control
- 1-800-222-1222
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Roche HarborRoche Harbor
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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248 Reuben Memorial Dr, Roche Harbor, WATo Roche Harbor Resort, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Poison Control1-800-222-1222
Embassy
No embassies on the island; nearest consulates are in Seattle.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- San Juan Transit, Friday Harbor → Roche Harbor: $8 each boarding, $15 return, $20 day pass (check)
- Kenmore Air, Seattle Lake Union → Roche Harbor: about $75–139 one way (check)
- Anacortes → Friday Harbor ferry, car and driver: check current Washington State Ferries fares
Roche Harbor is unincorporated San Juan County; the nearest full services are in Friday Harbor.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Roche Harbor. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Nov–Mar (many businesses close or run short hours) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares