About Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor History
FRIDAY HARBOR
The San Juan Islands (which are comprised of over 170 islands) was voted #5 In Travel & Leisure’s 2025 readers’ poll of the top 15 islands in the continental U.S . Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is the major commercial center of the Islands, and the county seat. The town name originated from Joseph Friday, a native Hawaii
FRIDAY HARBOR
The San Juan Islands (which are comprised of over 170 islands) was voted #5 In Travel & Leisure’s 2025 readers’ poll of the top 15 islands in the continental U.S . Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is the major commercial center of the Islands, and the county seat. The town name originated from Joseph Friday, a native Hawaiian who raised and herded sheep around the harbor. The city was incorporated in 1909 and trade from the island included apples, pears, strawberries, lime, and salmon. The Great Depression, World War II, and competition from Eastern Washington’s agriculture forced a decline in trade until the 1970’s. That new era brought in tourism, people relocating for retirement, real estate, construction and more. Today Friday Harbor remains busy and prosperous. While Friday Harbor is the largest city of the islands in terms of population, don’t let that fool you into thinking this historic seaport is like any other. There are no stop lights, and main street is dotted with quaint boutique shops and cozy restaurants with mouthwatering food. The Friday Harbor Marina has been enjoyed by generations of boaters, and those who simply want to walk the docks and see the various pleasure, tour, and fishing boats. Go back in time and enjoy this charming, walkable town that also includes artists galleries, museums, an historic movie theatre, whale and kayak tours, and of course…our Friday Harbor Jolly Trolley tour.