One of the most popular bike tours of the dazzling San Juans, this trip highlights the finest of island life.

The trip starts on Sunday morning in Seattle with a complimentary 90 minute van shuttle north to the waterfront artists’ town of LaConner. Explore art galleries and boutique shops, then bicycle wooded side roads trimming Puget Sound as you head into Anacortes. An afternoon ferry takes you through sparkling waters to charming Friday Harbor and the rural byways of San Juan Island. Pedal to idyllic Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes, our home for the next three nights. The Fine Living Channel hails Lakedale as one of the '10 Most Romantic Hotels in the World.' You’ll love the deck overlooking the water.

On Monday, bicycle beside the serene shores of San Juan Island, enjoying open farmland and marine vistas from quiet country roads. Visit American Camp, a national historic park that was once part of the “Pig War” between England and the United States, and Lime Kiln State Park, one of the best orca ('killer') whale watching spots in the country. And tour the gardens at beautiful Pelindaba Lavender Farm.

Tuesday, go sea kayaking in the calm waters of Puget Sound. We've hired a local sea kayaking outfitter to supply two-person kayaks, guides, and instruction. You'll spend the morning watching and learning about the abundant bird and marine life along the rocky, tree-lined shore. In the afternoon, take a swim in the lake and relax at our inn, get a massage, hike nearby Mt. Young with commanding views of the islands - or browse the shops, art galleries and whale museum in eclectic, artsy Friday Harbor, the islands' largest town. .

Wednesday you'll ferry to Orcas, largest of the San Juans. Ride to Moran State Park for a perfect waterside picnic. After lunch, hike a forested trail up to the summit of Mt. Constitution, the islands' highest viewpoint. Your reward: a 360-degree view of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges and the emerald archipelago flung wide below. Want to ride? Instead of hiking, challenge the switchbacks on the road to the top of ‘Mt. C.’ You'll spend tonight at the Orcas Suites at Rosario. 

Thursday you'll explore Lopez Island. Lopez is the flattest, most rural, and least populated of the three main San Juan Islands. It’s also considered the bicyclist’s island for its quiet roads, gentle terrain, spectacular marine vistas, and friendly residents who wave as you bicycle past. Ride to Spencer Spit and Shark Reef, where a walk through a wooded park leads to a spot on the rocky shoreline where you can espy seals basking in the sun. Enjoy a fabulous sunset dinner at the Bay Cafe, then stay tonight at winsome Edenwild Inn.

A Friday morning ferry takes you back to Anacortes and a visit to Guemes Island. This tiny island is ideal for cycling, as it has no commercial facilities save a charming country general store. Bicycle the periphery of Guemes on a shore-hugging road, catching glimpses of snow-capped Mt. Baker to the northeast and the major San Juan Islands to the west. The trip concludes with a final ferry ride to the mainland and a van shuttle back to Seattle.