On the southern flank of the island, the American Camp hosts a small visitor center and is a good place to start your historical excursion. Among the remnants of an old fort are the officers' quarters and a laundress' house, while a series of interpretive trails lead to earthwork fortifications, a British farm from the dispute era and desolate South Beach. The 1.8-mile hike along the ridge of Mt Finlayson makes for a pleasant walk with splendid views and bird-watching.
San Juan Island National Historical Park (American Camp)
San Juan Islands
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
21.63 MILES
Far more than just another pretty flower arrangement, Butchart is a national historic site and a triumph of early-20th-century gardening aesthetics. With…
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16.56 MILES
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Nearby San Juan Islands attractions
1. San Juan Island National Historical Park
0.75 MILES
Known more for their scenery than their history, the San Juans nonetheless hide one of the 19th century's oddest political confrontations, the so-called …
2.81 MILES
At the south of the island, this is one of the best places to look for orcas from the shore.
3.55 MILES
A nice little walk through the forest leads to the shore and rocky reef. Expect to see lots of seals. The trailhead is easy to find: head to the airport…
4.5 MILES
In an 1890s farmhouse on the outskirts of Friday Harbor, the San Juan Historical Museum commemorates early pioneer life on San Juan Island. While the…
5. San Juan Islands Museum of Art
4.5 MILES
Housed in the most swanky, modern building in town. Visit to see rotating exhibits featuring primarily Pacific Northwestern artists.
4.52 MILES
If you have time for only one sight, visit the excellent Whale Museum, a small but cleverly arranged space dedicated to the life of the orca (killer whale…
4.88 MILES
Turn Island is a hit with beach campers and especially kayakers. The marine park is part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
8. Lopez Island Historical Museum
6.03 MILES
This tiny museum exhibits antiquated farm machinery, early pioneer photos and various rotating exhibitions. What it lacks in scale it makes up for in…