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Free Traveling Guides » States » Washington » Greater WashingtonFriday Harbor
Friday Harbor is situated halfway along the eastern shore of San Juan Island, that is, between Washington State mainland and Canada’s Vancouver Island. It is a county seat of San Juan County, Washington, United States and also the main commercial center of the San Juan Islands archipelago. It became an incorporated city in 1909 and is the second largest island among 172 islands located in the northernmost stretch of Puget Sound.
Friday Harbor, situated in the heart of the Salish Sea, is a seaport of historic importance. It is surrounded by 3 beautiful cities of the Pacific Northwest- Vancouver, Seattle, and Victoria. It was named after Joseph Poalie Friday, a Hawaiian man who worked for the Hudson Bay Company from 1841 to 1860. Today, Friday Harbor functions as a fourth class Municipal Corporation. It has an unbiased form of government. Revenues are derived primarily from real estate, 1% sales tax, personal property taxes, hotel/motel tax, liquor excise tax, and gasoline tax.
The Town of Friday Harbor has land area of approximately one square mile (640 acres). On the basis of land-use, the town is officially divided into 8 zones: shoreline public accommodation; public accommodation; commercial; professional service commercial; industrial; multi family residential; single family residential; and mobile home parks. Vacant areas, public facilities, quasi public facilities, and parks are among other land-use categories in the town.
The Harbor is well known for its Friday Harbor laboratories and Marine Biology Laboratory. The land here is rich in California Poppies and Lavender. Major tourist attractions include the Historical Museum, the Port of Friday Harbor, the Waterfront Park, and the Coast Salish house posts carved by artist Susan Point. Besides, there are many museums, galleries, shops, stylish restaurants, and a live theatre. Another major tourists’ stop is the Whale Museum where you can enjoy watching several whale species, sea lions, porpoises, river otters, seals, bald eagles, and as many as 250 species of birds.
It is also known for its seaside activity, culture, and recreational activities. Whale-watching is a favorite tourist activity on the Friday Harbor. Sea kayaking treks, birding tours, wildlife cruises, and scuba diving are among other recreational activities on Friday Harbor.
Friday Harbor is connected to the mainland by Washington State Ferries that sail between the town and Anacortes, Washington throughout the day. Besides, there is limited airline service available as well. Taxis, shuttles, mopeds, and bicycles are provided for rent on the harbor.
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