Salish Sea Style

Where to Stay and What to Do on Washington's Idyllic San Juan Islands (and Beyond)

Orcas, Whidbey, and the rest of these Washington Islands are favorite road trip destinations near Seattle. Here are the best restaurants, hotels, and more.

07/08/2021 By Allison Williams Illustrations by Levi Hastings

Safety First

How a Washington Ice Cream Producer Joined the State’s Mask-Making Machine

Locals are stepping up to mitigate the shortage of PPE.

04/01/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Destination: Lopez Island

Locavore Goes Hardcore at Ursa Minor

Nick Coffey hews to strict limitations in the kitchen, but his dishes look like art—and taste just as inspired.

08/14/2018 By Allecia Vermillion

Editor’s Note

An Island Mystery on Lopez

The lure of our local archipelago is strong.

08/14/2018 By James Ross Gardner

Getaway Guides

Guide to the San Juan Islands

The San Juans are Washington’s special, secluded archipelago, a tiny realm barely tucked into Puget Sound’s pocket. And they’re ripe for exploration.

05/25/2017 By Seattle Met Staff

Island Dining

Ursa Minor Ushers in a New Dining Chapter for Lopez Island

In a place where everyone has access to beautiful, farm-sourced ingredients, chef Nick Coffey gets creative.

05/19/2017 By Rosin Saez

Road Trip Dining

Nick Coffey Will Open Ursa Minor on Lopez Island

The isle’s allure for the Seattle chef: “It clears my brain and inspires me to create different dishes.”

02/16/2017 By Rosin Saez

Shifts & Shakeups

This Week in Restaurant News: Caffeine Buzz

Mmmhmm Coffee lands a permanent home, and the ubiquitous green siren finds a way through your front door.

02/20/2015 By Caroline Ferguson

Guide to the San Juans

Lopez Island: What to Do and Where to Eat

Welcome to a biker's paradise where drivers wave at every cyclist and where grocery shopping is done at farm stands. Some of the island's best beaches are tucked at the end of Lopez Island's sleepy roads.

08/01/2014 By Allison Williams With Caroline Ferguson