Where to Stay on Orcas Island?
If you are coming to Orcas Island, you simply must stay for more than a day trip. This gorgeous island has so much to offer and some of it is in the places you can stay! The accommodations on this island are varied and all very unique so I created a top ten list of places to stay on the island!
1. Outlook Inn and New Leaf Cafe
View from the rooms at Outlook InnOutlook Inn is a fantastic location to stay in Eastsound! Right on the waterfront, you will find beautiful views of the sound and easy access to town shopping and dining. Not to mention the New Leaf Cafe inside the hotel! The New Leaf is one of my favorite places to dine on the island because they always feature fresh foods from the island farms and their dishes are excitingly prepared. The rooms themselves are of course clean, and very comfortable! I would recommend booking through the Inns website for free vouchers towards a delicious breakfast! Pet-friendly rooms are available at Outlook Inn for an additional 15 for every pet.
2. Rosario Resort and Spa
Located a little less than six miles away from Eastsound, Rosario Resort is a true haven! The historic main building is situated right on the water, with the rest of the buildings and accommodations along the cliff sides that offer incredible views of the water. In the main building, you will find the restaurant and bar to be great places to dine, and just a stroll down to the marina will lead you to the waterside Grill. Available for activities are day sailing and kayaking. Rosario also offers three different pools for your swimming needs. And Cascade Lake is only a few miles up the road and offers wonderful swimming and hiking too! Pets are not allowed.
3. Rosario Condos
Condo with a view! Another way to experience Rosario is to stay in condos near Rosario! One such condo is located in the hills above Rosario bay. Each of the three units has a beautiful view and is outfitted in a modern and stylish way! Comfortable to stay in, and easy to book, these condos are a really good way to stay on Orcas Island. Pets not welcomed.
4. Inn at Ship Bay
Cliffside view at the Inn at Ship BayThe Inn at Ship Bay is a beautiful getaway right on the cliff sides of the sound. The rooms are beautiful and all have a view of the water with being a couple of minutes drive out of town. But the restaurant there is my favorite on the whole island! Enjoy fresh Oysters and Mangalitsa pork (raised by the chef himself!) and/or try the Chef’s Tasting Menu; a six-course journey through the extensive gardens at the Inn. Whether you are staying or dining, The Inn at Ship Bay is guaranteed to give you an incredible experience. Pets not accepted.
5. Doe Bay Resort and Retreat
If you are looking for a true escape on Orcas, Doe Bay Resort is for you! This secluded resort has some of the best views on the island while sporting hot tubs, a wonderful spa, and a few different types of accommodations. Also in the summer, Doe Bay Festival grips the island with awesome musical experiences. At Doe Bay, you can stay in a 1-3 room cabin (with or without running water), a yurt or ‘dome’ (with or without electricity) or a fabulous campsite for your tent or camper van. Pets are allowed in some of the accommodations at Doe Bay but need to be ‘authorized’ in advance.
6. West Beach Resort
West Beach is one of my favorite places to go to see the sunset because of the view there is just incredible! You can see these views from an adorable cottage (right on the water!) and or from your tent/RV camping spot. This is a great place for you if you have kids on Orcas Island because of all the activities available! Westbeach is home for a lot of really incredible fish! You can view these fish by kayaking, paddle boarding, or getting some gear from the Resort and fishing or clamming all on your own! Pets are allowed in certain accommodations at West Beach.
7. Beach Haven Resort
Beach Haven CabinsIf you are looking to have a place all your own while on Orcas Island, Beach Haven is a good spot for you! This resort specializes in cabins of all types! From one room to three-room with open lofts, you can find fine accommodation here right on the waterfront! While you’re there you can rent kayaks and paddleboards from the resort to further explore the island waters. Pets are not allowed at Beach Haven.
8. Deer Harbor Inn
Cabin at Deer Harbor InnDeer Harbor Inn is located just above the Deer harbor marina and so the views are breathtaking! Cozy cabins of the mom and pop feel are available in different sizes and locations. And don’t forget about the restaurant which offers local seafood and warm service! Pets are allowed at Deer Harbor with an additional 25 dollars a night.
9. Orcas Hotel
Built over a hundred years ago, the Orcas Hotel rests on the hill overlooking the ferry dock and Shaw Island. This historical building features many unique rooms where you can stay in comfort and take in the views. There is also a cafe that features a lot of local seafood.
10. Camping on Orcas
On Orcas, we’re blessed with two sweet parks to camp in. Accessible only by boat is Point Doughty, a tiny park out on the north edges of the island. There are a few campsites and a whole lot of adventure! If you’re not traveling by boat, there is also Moran State Park! This park has two large lakes (both very suitable for swimming) and many exciting trails to wander along. There are many campsites here, but they get booked up early in the summer so plan your adventure in advance!
In addition, there is some ‘glamping’ available through LeanTo, a campsite near Moran State Park. These campsites feature canvas tents furnished nicely and cleanly.
If you want to see the local farm culture while staying on Orcas, Mount Baker Farm offers a wonderful campsite with varying options. They can provide you with a kodiak tent, or a really cool glamping Lotus tent! Also, they have a guest house with a few rooms.
Orcas Island Pet-Friendly Lodging
In addition to some of the places on the list that allow pets, there are many privately ran Airbnb that allow pets! And if you need somewhere to board your friend, there is dog boarding available at Eastsound Kennels.
