Just a day in your Orcas Island vacation rental is enough time to make you wonder 1 thing: how can 1 little island pack so much natural beauty? Part of the San Juan Islands chain, Orcas Island sits in the Salish Sea, off the northwest coast of Washington State. Whether you spend your day hiking through forests, kayaking around the surrounding waters, or just soaking up mountain views, the island provides a breathtaking landscape that's ripe for exploring. The island is also home to charming villages, many of which offer their own quaint attractions.
Are you hoping to discover top things to see and do while you're in the area? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable vacation rental, you'll want to experience everything that makes Orcas Island a fun place to get away. These are some of the major attractions to see, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
No matter where you turn on Orcas Island, eventually, you're bound to hit a body of water. Take advantage of the watery landscape and soak up the majestic scenery by chartering a sailboat or simply setting out in a kayak or canoe. Want to see regional wildlife in their natural habitat? Take one of the island's popular whale watching tours, or come face-to-face with smaller forms of aquatic life while fishing. If you're not much of seafarer, you'll find plenty of activities on land, from horseback riding excursions to coastal biking and hiking trails.
While packing for your Orcas Island vacation rental, keep that umbrella in mind. But while most rain falls from November through January, the island doesn't get as wet as most areas of the Pacific Northwest, with July being the driest month. Winter conditions are surprisingly mild, with daytime highs hovering in the high 40s. Summer brings sunny skies and temps in the low 70s, making outdoor activities particularly enticing. Pack plenty of layers for a spring or fall visit when daytime temperatures are in the 50s, before evenings dip into the mid-40s.
Various bodies of water, including numerous straights, bays, and sounds, surround the horseshoe-shaped Orcas Island. Work your way inland to such places as Moran State Park and you'll discover an array of sparkling lakes and dramatic waterfalls. Measuring 2,409 feet, Mount Constitution is the highest point in the San Juan Islands and, on a clear day, offers views from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Mount Rainier. Long for the chance to see wild animals in their natural habitat? Wildlife tours offer glimpses of such majestic creatures as whales, porpoise, bald eagles, and elephant seals.
From high-end houses to rustic log cabins, Vrbo has properties to fit all budgets and tastes. Pack your bags and check out these top vacation rentals in Orcas Island:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Orcas Island vacation rental for you.
Punching way above its weight when it comes to charm and innovation, a tiny house vacation rental in Orcas Island offers a front-row seat to big adventure. Shut off your tech and switch your focus to Mother Nature at one of these neat little stays:
From time to time, you just want to get away from the chaos of modern life. That's where Vrbo comes in. We've got an excellent selection of log cabins in and around Orcas Island where you can relax in nature. These are just for starters:
Waltz out of work on Friday and forget all about spreadsheets and networking invites. Get ready for a few days of R&R — with adventure on the side — at one of these wonderful weekend getaways in Orcas Island:
Easy to keep tidy and with everything you need at arm's reach, studio apartments are a terrific choice if you're traveling by yourself or with a buddy. If you're looking for someplace small and comfy to call home, take a look at these studio apartments for rent in Orcas Island:
Yes, so forget about staying in a boring hotel or sleeping in someone's spare room. Choose one of our short-term rentals in Orcas Island and live large in your own private hideaway. Here are a few options that just might inspire you:
Whether you've been together for a few months, a decade or forever, nothing beats a romantic weekend getaway to keep the flames of love burning. If you're searching for a dreamy place to spend a couple of days with your honey, you'll be smitten with these escapes:
If you're planning to take a getaway to remember, don't go alone; take the whole gang. You'll have loads more fun sharing your experiences with the people you love. These vacation rentals in Orcas Island are ideal for large groups:
There are plenty of houses with a pool in Orcas Island, so don your swimsuit and get set to spend your days splashing around. Here are two popular options that'll give you inspiration:
Start putting together your guest list, because Vrbo has tons of family vacation rentals in Orcas Island that'll lay out the welcome mat for your crew. Here are a couple of our top picks: