Sample plan
A rainy day
- Coffee and pastries in Eastsound
- Orcas Island Historical Museum
- Lunch in the village
- Hot tub after the hike, and a fire if you’re @ Bracken Fern.
Explore Orcas
Plan your Orcas trip.
Plans, places to eat, our favorite hikes and beaches, and what’s on, all in one spot.
Plan your days
Your Orcas days, already sketched out.
Ready-made plans for a rainy day, a long weekend, kids, dogs or a first visit, each one starting from your front door.
Sample plan
A long weekend
- Fri: ferry over, settle in
- Sat: farmers market, then the Cascade Lake loop
- Sun: Mount Constitution overlook, dinner in Eastsound
Sample plan
With kids
- Cascade Lake swim area and the Sugar Shack (seasonal)
- Crescent Beach walk
- Early dinner in Eastsound
Sample plan
With the dog
- Crescent Beach walk
- Cascade Lake loop
Reminder: dogs need to be leashed on beaches and trails.
Sample plan
A first visit
- Eastsound village and the waterfront
- Mount Constitution overlook
- Sunset at Turtleback’s south trailhead
Eat and drink
Where we send our friends.
Our pick
Eggs Benedict
at New Leaf Cafe
Our go-to for breakfast and brunch. Order the eggs benedict. It’s our favorite on the island.
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~4 min / 1.3 mi@ Rosario~12 min / 4.7 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~12 min / 4.7 mi
Our pick
Dungeness Crab Enchilada
at Mijitas
Get the Dungeness Crab Enchilada. In summer, grab a seat on the patio, because it’s amazing out there.
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~4 min / 1.3 mi@ Rosario~12 min / 4.8 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~12 min / 4.7 mi
Our pick
Ham & Leek Quiche
at Brown Bear Baking
Stop in for the Ham & Leek Quiche.
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~3 min / 1.2 mi@ Rosario~11 min / 4.6 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~11 min / 4.6 mi
Our pick
Seafood Bisque
at Madrona Bar & Grill
The Seafood Bisque is the one to order.
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~3 min / 1.2 mi@ Rosario~11 min / 4.6 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~11 min / 4.6 mi
Our pick
Black n Blue Burger
at The Lower Tavern
Come hungry for the Black n Blue Burger.
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~3 min / 1.2 mi@ Rosario~11 min / 4.6 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~11 min / 4.6 mi
Where we’d grab a drink
Our pick
Orcas Island Winery
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~11 min / 4.5 mi@ Rosario~19 min / 7.9 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~19 min / 7.9 mi
Our pick
Island Hoppin Brewery
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~5 min / 1.9 mi@ Rosario~13 min / 5.5 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~13 min / 5.5 mi
Our pick
The Barnacle
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~3 min / 1.3 mi@ Rosario~12 min / 4.7 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~12 min / 4.7 mi
By meal
Hours from the Chamber food & drink guide (opens in a new tab) (October 2026). “Tonight” marks places open for dinner today. Hours change on the island; check before you go.
Plenty of spots have outdoor seating, so your dog can come too.
Breakfast & brunch
Brown Bear Baking
Official site (opens in a new tab)
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~3 min / 1.2 mi@ Rosario~11 min / 4.6 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~11 min / 4.6 mi
Cafe Aurora
Tue–Sat 9 am–2 pm
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~3 min / 1.2 mi@ Rosario~12 min / 4.7 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~11 min / 4.6 mi
New Leaf Cafe
Brunch Thu–Mon 8 am–1 pm
Official site (opens in a new tab)
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~4 min / 1.3 mi@ Rosario~12 min / 4.7 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~12 min / 4.7 mi
Lunch
Madrona Bar & Grill
Daily 11:30 am–8 pm
Official site (opens in a new tab)
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~3 min / 1.2 mi@ Rosario~11 min / 4.6 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~11 min / 4.6 mi
The Lower Tavern
Daily 11 am–11 pm (food until 10 pm), 21+
Official site (opens in a new tab)
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~3 min / 1.2 mi@ Rosario~11 min / 4.6 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~11 min / 4.6 mi
Mijitas Mexican Kitchen
Lunch Wed 11 am–2 pm
Official site (opens in a new tab)
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~4 min / 1.3 mi@ Rosario~12 min / 4.8 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~12 min / 4.7 mi
Lone Pine Larder
Wed–Sat 12–5:30 pm, Sun 12–3 pm
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~3 min / 1.1 mi@ Rosario~12 min / 4.5 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~12 min / 4.5 mi
Dinner
Mijitas Mexican Kitchen
Dinner Tue–Sat 4–8 pm
Official site (opens in a new tab)
Reservations recommended.
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~4 min / 1.3 mi@ Rosario~12 min / 4.8 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~12 min / 4.7 mi
Madrona Bar & Grill
Daily 11:30 am–8 pm
Official site (opens in a new tab)
Reservations recommended.
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~3 min / 1.2 mi@ Rosario~11 min / 4.6 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~11 min / 4.6 mi
The Lower Tavern
Daily 11 am–11 pm (food until 10 pm), 21+
Official site (opens in a new tab)
Reservations recommended.
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~3 min / 1.2 mi@ Rosario~11 min / 4.6 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~11 min / 4.6 mi
Matia Kitchen & Lounge
Thu–Sun 5–9 pm
Reservations recommended.
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~4 min / 1.3 mi@ Rosario~12 min / 4.7 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~12 min / 4.7 mi
New Leaf Cafe
Dinner Thu–Mon 5–8 pm
Official site (opens in a new tab)
Reservations recommended.
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~4 min / 1.3 mi@ Rosario~12 min / 4.7 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~12 min / 4.7 mi
Hikes
Where we’d hike.
Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Our pick
Cascade Lake @ Moran State Park
In season, rent a kayak, SUP or rowboat, then grab ice cream at the Sugar Shack. A short drive from the Rosario homes.
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~10 min / 4.0 mi@ Rosario~4 min / 1.3 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~4 min / 1.3 mi
Our pick
Mountain Lake @ Moran State Park
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~17 min / 6.1 mi@ Rosario~12 min / 3.4 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~12 min / 3.4 mi
Our pick
Turtleback Mountain
Park and start at the south trailhead on Deer Harbor Road.
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~20 min / 8.1 mi@ Rosario~28 min / 11.5 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~28 min / 11.5 mi
Drive times and distances from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM), rounded.
Beaches
Where we’d go to the beach.
Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Our pick
Crescent Beach
A short walk from Bracken Fern.
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~2 min / 0.7 mi@ Rosario~10 min / 4.1 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~10 min / 4.1 mi
Our pick
West Beach
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~11 min / 4.5 mi@ Rosario~19 min / 7.8 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~19 min / 7.7 mi
Our pick
North Beach
Drive time & distance
@ Bracken Fern~6 min / 2.2 mi@ Rosario~14 min / 5.8 mi@ Rosario Sea Views~14 min / 5.8 mi
Drive times and distances from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM), rounded.
Island basics
Orcas, made easy.
Ferry tips, what’s open in the off-season, drive times from each home, and sunrise, sunset and tide times.
Today · Orcas Island
Sunrise, sunset and tides
Estimated right now
Sunrise7:44 am
Sunset6:07 pm- 3:24 am · High5.5 ft
- 8:44 am · Low2.9 ft
- 3:17 pm · High7.4 ft
- 10:01 pm · Low1.7 ft
Tide times and heights are NOAA (opens in a new tab) predictions for Rosario on Orcas. Sun times are for Eastsound.
Getting here
Most people come over on the Washington State Ferries from Anacortes.
Visitor center
Orcas Chamber visitor center in Eastsound, open Mon and Wed–Sat 10 am–3 pm.
Drive time & distance from each home
| To | @ Bracken Fern drive time & distance | @ Rosario drive time & distance | @ Rosario Sea Views drive time & distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastsound village | ~4 min / 1.3 mi | ~12 min / 4.7 mi | ~12 min / 4.7 mi |
| Cascade Lake | ~10 min / 4.0 mi | ~4 min / 1.3 mi | ~4 min / 1.3 mi |
| Mountain Lake | ~17 min / 6.1 mi | ~12 min / 3.4 mi | ~12 min / 3.4 mi |
| Turtleback south trailhead | ~20 min / 8.1 mi | ~28 min / 11.5 mi | ~28 min / 11.5 mi |
| Crescent Beach | ~2 min / 0.7 mi | ~10 min / 4.1 mi | ~10 min / 4.1 mi |
| North Beach | ~6 min / 2.2 mi | ~14 min / 5.8 mi | ~14 min / 5.8 mi |
| West Beach | ~11 min / 4.5 mi | ~19 min / 7.8 mi | ~19 min / 7.7 mi |
| Doe Bay | ~24 min / 10.1 mi | ~19 min / 7.4 mi | ~18 min / 7.3 mi |
| Orcas ferry landing | ~22 min / 9.6 mi | ~30 min / 13.0 mi | ~30 min / 13.0 mi |
Driving times from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM), rounded to the minute. Ferry lines and summer traffic add time.
Annual favorites
Annual favorites on Orcas.
The yearly events we plan around. Each card links to the organizer for this year’s dates.
June – August
Summer Concert Series on the Village Green
Free live music under the open sky on the Village Green in the heart of Eastsound, presented by Orcas Center on summer Sundays at 5 pm. Lineups vary, so check Orcas Center’s site as each date gets close.
More info (opens in a new tab)
July
4th of July on Orcas
Line up early in Eastsound for the island’s beloved 4th of July Parade, with handmade floats, music and bands, creative costumes, and the animals running for unofficial “Mayor of Eastsound.” The Chamber also lists a 4th of July 5k & Community Picnic. Times are posted closer to the day.
More info (opens in a new tab)
Early October
Orcas Island Farm Tours
Part of Farm Tours of the San Juans, when island farms open their gates for tours, tastings and demos. All events are free and need no registration unless noted.
More info (opens in a new tab)
October
Orcas Island Film Festival (OIFF)
Five days of brand-new films, visiting artists, panels and parties in the walkable village of Eastsound.
More info (opens in a new tab)
November
Hops on the Rock: Orcas Island Beer Fest
Orcas Island’s annual beer fest, when Market Street in Eastsound closes for a big tent of Pacific Northwest breweries, cideries and wineries. There’s live local music all day, and it’s 21+ only.
More info (opens in a new tab)
This month on Orcas
October on Orcas.
Planning for later? Pick your month to see what’s on.Once booking is live, this switches to your arrival month automatically.
IndoorsFarmers market, Saturdays through Nov 21
Tower closedMount Constitution, Oct 7 – Nov 9; road and overlook open
Seasonal hoursMany restaurants trim days in fall
Thru18Oct
Coming up
Orcas Island Film Festival
Through Oct 18Oct 14–18 · Venues around Eastsound
More than 40 films over five days, plus panels and parties around Eastsound. Tickets are at oifilmfest.org.
More info (opens in a new tab)Oct17
Wonderful World of Oz dance party
Sat Oct 17, 8–11 pm · Odd Fellows Hall
The film festival’s big night at Odd Fellows Hall.
More info (opens in a new tab)Sat
Fall Farmers Market
Every Sat · through Nov 21Saturdays through Nov 21, 10 am–2 pm · Orcas School cafeteria
It’s moved indoors to the Orcas School cafeteria, with local produce, crafts and live music.
More info (opens in a new tab)Oct17
Cider pressing with Kwiaht
Sat Oct 17, 12:30–2:30 pm · Orcas Island Historical Museum
At the Orcas Island Historical Museum.
More info (opens in a new tab)Sun
Bluegrass, folk and oysters
Every Sun · through Oct 25Sundays 4–8 pm through Oct 25 · Orcas Hotel
At the Orcas Hotel by the ferry landing.
More info (opens in a new tab)Sun
Prime Rib Sundays
Every Sun · through Nov 15Sundays 5–8 pm through Nov 15 · New Leaf Cafe
At New Leaf Cafe in Eastsound.
More info (opens in a new tab)Oct24
Explorations in Wool
Oct 24–25, 10 am–4 pm · Warm Valley Orchard
A hands-on wool and knitting workshop at Warm Valley Orchard.
More info (opens in a new tab)Oct24
TAIKOPROJECT
Sat Oct 24, 7 pm · Orcas Center
Taiko drumming at Orcas Center.
More info (opens in a new tab)Sun
Farm to Table classes with WOW Farm
Every Sun · through Nov 15Sundays 5–7 pm, Oct 25–Nov 15 · Houlme
At Houlme in Eastsound.
More info (opens in a new tab)Oct25
Dia de los Muertos lantern workshop
Sun Oct 25, noon · Creative Space
At Creative Space in Eastsound.
More info (opens in a new tab)Oct30
Cedar Hill’s Haunted Barn
Oct 30–31, 7–10 pm · Cedar Hill
Two nights of Halloween scares at the Cedar Hill Barn.
More info (opens in a new tab)Oct31
Eastsound Halloween and Trunk or Treat
Sat Oct 31, 4–7 pm · Eastsound village
In the village.
More info (opens in a new tab)Next month: November
Nov 6–8
Coming upHops on the Rock: Orcas Island Beer Fest
More info (opens in a new tab)Sat Nov 7
Ha Ha Da Vinci
More info (opens in a new tab)Sun Nov 15
Battle of the Bands
More info (opens in a new tab)Thu Nov 26
Community Thanksgiving Potluck
More info (opens in a new tab)Dec 5–6
Winter Artisans Faire
More info (opens in a new tab)Nothing’s posted for this month yet. The annual favorites above are the ones we plan a year around.
Nothing’s posted for this month yet. The annual favorites above are the ones we plan a year around.
Nothing’s posted for this month yet. The annual favorites above are the ones we plan a year around.
Nothing’s posted for this month yet. The annual favorites above are the ones we plan a year around.
Nothing’s posted for this month yet. The annual favorites above are the ones we plan a year around.
Nothing’s posted for this month yet. The annual favorites above are the ones we plan a year around.
Nothing’s posted for this month yet. The annual favorites above are the ones we plan a year around.
Nothing’s posted for this month yet. The annual favorites above are the ones we plan a year around.
Nothing’s posted for this month yet. The annual favorites above are the ones we plan a year around.
Your Orcas days start from a good home base.
Three dog-friendly homes, hosted by Lori & Todd since 2015.