Orcas Island is an ideal Northwest escape for those who love nature, outdoor activities and cultural attractions. From kayaking and whale watching on Puget Sound to touring artisans’ studios, enjoying the wide array of activities will help create an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most beautiful locations.

Organ Concert and Rosario History Narrative
Christopher Peacock, accomplished musician, author and Rosario historian, offers a presentation of music and photography that walks guests through the history of the Moran family and the Rosario estate. Highlights of the presentation include the historic Moran Photograph Collection, Phantom of the Opera music played on the Mansion’s 1,972 pipe Aeolian organ with silent film, stories of the Mansion’s most colorful residents, and Christopher’s original piano compositions played on the 1900 Steinway Grand Piano. Saturdays at 4 p.m. Complimentary and open to the public.

Moran Mansion Museum
The Moran Mansion Museum is a tribute to the man that built and made the mansion his home, shipbuilder and former Seattle mayor, Robert Moran. The Museum features original photographs taken from the early 1900’s, Arts and Crafts period furnishings, and an extensive display of the ships built by the Moran Brothers Company in Seattle. Open daily from 8 am to 9 pm.

Whale Watching/Wildlife Cruises

Enjoy an unforgettable and informative narrated cruise through the San Juan Islands in search of Orca (Killer Whales) and Minke Whales. The thrill of seeing one of these majestic creatures will be an experience you will never forget. You’ll pass by unspoiled, pristine islands and historical landmarks. This is simply the best way to see and learn about Orca whales and other marine wildlife of the San Juan Islands. Educational narrated trips with experienced captain/naturalists aboard depart daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day directly from the Rosario Marina. Nature Cruises depart from Deer Harbor Marina most weekends throughout the year. For reservations and information, call 360-376-5989 or visit the Deer Harbor Charters website.

Kayak Tours

Sea kayak tours guided by knowledgeable and experienced guides depart from the Rosario Marina daily during the summer months. Whether you are trying sea kayaking for the first time or wanting to improve your paddling skills, Shearwater Adventures has a tour for you. This is a great opportunity to get closer to the sea and learn about the marine environment surrounding our beautiful island. Tours available from other parts of the island after Labor Day. For reservations and information, call 360-376-4699 or visit the Shearwater Kayaks website.

Swimming

Marina Pool - This outdoor heated pool is open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day for Resort & Marina guests and is located near the marina across from the Cascade Bay Grill. Children 17 & under are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Mansion Pool - This adult only pool is located on the waterfront side of the Moran Mansion and is open Memorial Day through September 15.

Indoor Pool - The historic Moran Mansion Indoor Pool is open daily from 8 am - 9 pm.

Fishing Charters

North Shore Charters departs out of the Rosario Marina and offers a blend of nearly two decades of experience. Their intimate knowledge of our amazing ecosystem will offer you one of the most unique experiences you can have in the San Juan Islands. North Shore Charters offers the highest quality boat tours in the San Juans. Deep Sea Salmon and Halibut Fishing and day cruises to and from Victoria BC, Vancouver and the Canadian Gulf Islands. All of our trips are custom tailored to fit your vacation desires. Just ask – they can make it happen. For reservations and information, call 360-376-4855 or visit the North Shore Charters website.

ACTIVITIES ON ORCAS ISLAND

Bicycle Rentals
http://www.wildlifecycles.com
Bicycle rentals, as an alternative method to enjoying the scenic beauty of Orcas Island, are available for 1-day, 3-day, or weekly rentals. Helmets are included, and the friendly folks will outfit and size you properly.
Phone : 360-376-4708

Biplane Tour
http://www.magicair.com
Fly over the San Juan Islands on a remarkable flight aboard the world’s most gorgeous TravelAir biplane (April - October).
Contact Magic Air Tours at 360-376-2733

Buck Park
The Park features baseball and softball diamonds, basketball hoops, tennis courts and lots of running room, so it is often the scene of Ultimate Frisbee contests. It is located next to the high school on Mt. Baker Road in Eastsound.

Farmers Market
http://www.orcasislandfarmersmarket.org
A visit to the Orcas Island Farmers Market is a good way to visit a variety of vendors in one location. The Farmers Market is a very popular Orcas Island attraction located in the county park in the heart of downtown Eastsound. Explore offerings made by Orcas Island artists, craftpersons, farmers and foods purveyors. Find tee shirts, tie-dye's, hand-thrown ceramics and pottery, hand-woven textiles, natural body products, candles, jewelry, baked goods, fresh produce, roasted coffee beans, bottled sauces, spices, vegetable starts, flowers, eggs, locally caught salmon, grass-fed pork, Lamb production, sheepskins, comforters and more!
Every Saturday, May - October 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The Funhouse
http://www.thefunhouse.org
Interactive, hands-on discovery center for kids, teens & adults. Over 50 exhibits include climbing wall, interactive science displays, internet stations, activity room with pool table & foosball, pitching cage, arts & crafts, and outdoor playground & garden. Open for teenagers only Friday and Saturday nights.
Phone : 360-376-7177

Golf
http://www.orcasgolf.com
The Orcas Island Country Golf Club is open to the public and is just 20 minutes from the resort. This is a PGA-rated nine-hole course (with alternate tees for those wishing to play 18) with rentals and powercarts available. Pro shop, gift shop and food are also available.
Phone : 360-376-4400

Moran State Park
http://parks.wa.gov
The chance to experience the rugged beauty of neighboring Moran State Park brings our guests back to Rosario Resort & Spa time and time again. Covering more than 5,000 acres, the park offers 38 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, plus lakes and waterfalls to explore and get back to nature. Experience the beautiful drive up Mt. Constitution (2,409 ft.) to the observation tower and enjoy a 360 degree view of the San Juan Archipelago, Vancouver Island, and the Cascade & Olympic Mountain Ranges. Swimming and paddle boat rentals are available at the Cascade Lake Picnic Area.

Trail Rides
www.orcastrailrides.com
Enjoy the opportunity to go horseback riding on Orcas Island. Ride the scenic trails of one of Washington’s state parks located on Orcas Island. No matter what your riding experience is, Orcas Island Trail Rides has a horse for you.
Phone : 360-376-2134

www.trailheadfarm.com
Enjoy a guided horseback ride to explore the wonders of this beautiful island setting. Trailhead Trails follow secluded roads and trails through forests, around lakes and marshes, to the water’s edge where seal and porpoise can be seen, to mossy knolls with spectacular views of the surrounding Gulf Islands and coastal mountains.
Phone : 360-376-3649

The Orcas Skate Park
http://www.skateorcas.org
Spearheaded by ski film producer Warren Miller and designed by renowned skate construction firm Grindline, the Orcas Skate Park is considered among the top skateboard parks in the country. It is located at Buck Park in Eastsound.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES ON ORCAS ISLAND

Orcas Island Artworks
http://www.orcasisland.comartworks/
One of the oldest northwest cooperative galleries with over 65 local artists on display, including pottery, drawings, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, glass, wood art, and more.
Phone : 360-376-4408

Orcas Island Library
http://www.orcaslibrary.org
Offers a large collection of books, magazines, periodicals, and more on a variety of subjects including culture, history, and literature. Also features many programs and activities, including children’s programming.
Phone : 360-376-4985

Crow Valley Pottery
http://www.crowvalley.com
Classic “old Orcas” 1866 log cabin, pottery & gallery features over 70 artists. Enjoy the gardens brimming with playful yard-art.
Phone : 376-4260

Howe Art Gallery
http://www.howeart.net
Featuring International Sculptor Antony Howe. Kinetic pieces displayed in an outdoor setting off Orcas Road. Indoor gallery with metal wall pieces and prints.
Phone : 376-2945

Lambiel Museum
http://www.lambielmuseum.org
Permanent collection featuring over 200 artists of the San Juan’s, a museum of works dating from 1915 until the present. Allow two hours, $10 donation per person.
Phone : 376-4544 By appointment only

Orcas Center
http://www.orcascenter.org
The Orcas Theatre and Community Center features local productions, international touring artists, and is home to the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival (http://www.oicmf.org). The Lobby Gallery features local paintings, sculpture, and pottery with changing exhibits.
Phone : 360-376-2281

Orcas Island Historical Museum
http://orcasmuseum.org
In the 1950s and 1960s, various island families donated six original homestead cabins built during the 1870s and the 1890s to the Historical Society. These cabins are now over a hundred years old, and not only house the collections, but are considered important historical artifacts in themselves. Each cabin serves as a space for interpreting specific aspects of island history as told through the life stories and material culture of the First Peoples and early European-American settlers of this area. Open June - September, Tuesday - Sunday.
Phone : 376-4849

Orcas Island Pottery
http://www.orcasislandpottery.com
Beautiful jewel toned functional art, set in an enchanted forest that opens to a water-view location in an 1860’s log cabin. Displays the work of more than 20 artists.
Phone : 376-2813

Right Place Pottery
Features handmade pottery of a unique style that can be personalized. Featuring pieces by Trudy Erwin, who has more than 50 years of experience.
Phone : 376-4023