Major city · United States
Lopez Island
Go for 2 nights if you want quiet cycling and empty beaches; skip if you need nightlife or a car-free base — the ferry and the spread-out roads decide it.
Lopez is the flattest and least developed of the San Juan Islands: farmland, two sand spits, a small village at Fisherman Bay and one ferry terminal at the north end. Most people come for two nights to bike, kayak and eat well in the village. A car on the ferry makes the south end reachable; without one you stay near Lopez Village.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, many places closed)
- Airports
- SEA · BFI
- Nights
- 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 Lopez Island911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Washington State Ferries206-464-6400
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 Lopez Island, 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 low crime; the real risks are cold water, fast tidal currents, deer on the roads at dusk and the ferry schedule.
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 · 206-464-6400 Washington State Ferries
- 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 (Drive or shuttle to Anacortes, then Washington State Ferries; about 3–4 h door to door).
- Getting aroundBring a car on the ferry if you plan to reach the south end; roads are quiet and good for cycling but the distances add up.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and pastry in the village$6–12
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, one personTip 18–22% on top.$25–45
- Street or quick mealDeli sandwich or to-go lunch$12–18
- Budget bedHostel or shared bunk, a night, per personUS$55
- Mid-range bedInn or B&B double room, a night, per roomUS$260
- High-end bedInn or B&B double room, a night, per roomUS$450
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$160 · High US$280
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 (Drive or shuttle to Anacortes, then Washington State Ferries; about 3–4 h door to door) · BFI Boeing Field / King County International (Kenmore Air Express land planes to Friday Harbor, then interisland ferry; seaplanes also fly from Lake Union)
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
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Nov (18 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Lopez Island: 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)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
17 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
14 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
15 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
18 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 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
Bring a car on the ferry if you plan to reach the south end; roads are quiet and good for cycling but the distances add up. There is an island taxi service but it is not reliable. Most beds sit within walking distance of Lopez Village.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1–1.5 h
Interisland ferry from Lopez terminal
Whale-watching and the main town; check the sailing pattern before you commit.
Orcas Island
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Interisland ferry, then drive or shuttle to Moran State Park
Better as an overnight than a same-day return.
Anacortes
skipDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Washington State Ferries to the mainland terminal
A transport link, not a day out.
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.
Lopez Village
Walk to bakeries, groceries and the harbour; best without a car.
Fisherman Bay
Marina resorts and the Galley; 5–10 min drive or a longer walk from the village.
South end (Mackaye Harbor)
Near Agate Beach and Watmough Bay; needs a car, few beds.
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
- $90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–230 excl. bed
- High
- $250+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Inn or B&B double room1 × 2 nights × US$260 | US$520 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$160 | US$640 |
| Bike rental, one day2 × US$45 | US$90 |
| Kayak tour, half day2 × US$95 | US$190 |
| Discover Pass, one day1 × US$10 | US$10 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$145 |
| Trip total≈ US$399 per person per day, bed included | US$1,595 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; ferry fares and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and pastry in the village | $6–12 |
| Deli sandwich or to-go lunch | $12–18 |
| Sit-down dinner, one personTip 18–22% on top. | $25–45 |
| Bike rental, one day | $40–60 |
| Kayak rental or guided tour, half day | $70–120 |
| Discover Pass, one day | $10 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ferry reservations are strongly recommended for vehicles, especially summer weekends; waits of several hours happen and missing the last sailing can strand you.
- Walk-on passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before sailing; vehicles with reservations about 60 minutes.
- Spencer Spit State Park needs a Discover Pass.
- Vacation rentals must post a County Vacation Home Permit in the listing to be legal.
- Cell coverage is patchy away from the village.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Washington State Ferries
- 206-464-6400
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Lopez IslandLopez Island
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Washington State Ferries206-464-6400
Embassy
No consulates on the island; national embassies are in Washington, DC, and many countries keep consulates in Seattle.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Anacortes → Lopez, walk-on: about $15 one way
- Anacortes → Lopez, car and driver: about $60–70 one way in summer
- Island taxi, village → south end: about $30–50
Say or show
- Where is the ferry terminal? — Where is the ferry terminal?
- One ticket to Lopez Island, please — One ticket to Lopez Island, please
- Do you take cards? — Do you take cards?
- Is there a table for two? — Is there a table for two?
- Where is the nearest restroom? — Where is the nearest restroom?
US emergency number is 911; tipping 18–22% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
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 Lopez Island. 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: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wet, many places closed) · 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
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry-day contract: reservation cutoff, walk-on buffer, last-sailing fallback bed.
- Four riding clusters with rescue anchors: Lopez Village, Fisherman Bay, Spencer Spit, the south end.
- Place pages with verified hours (Spencer Spit, Odlin, Agate Beach, Watmough Bay) and eat pages with last orders.
- Storm and missed-ferry fixtures so gates A–D can go green.