5 Best Hotels in Orcas Island, The San Juan Islands

Outlook Inn caters to a range of budgets with its attractively appointed offerings, including basic options with shared bathrooms, mid-range rooms with king or double queen beds, and rambling bay-view suites with gas fireplaces, kitchenettes, and soaker tubs. Some rooms book up months in advance, especially those overlooking Eastsound Bay.

The family-friendly Doe Bay Resort has definite hippie roots, and some of that vibe remains intact—its large communal hot tubs overlooking a lovely little bay are still clothing optional—but the current owners have restored the charming rustic cabins that dot the 38-acre waterfront resort, all of which are clean and comfortable. The treehouse, boasting a lofted bed and an indoor bathroom with a window that hugs a tree trunk, is the hardest to snag during summer.

Set back from the road behind a large garden overlooked by a lovely covered porch, this B&B in a local landmark Craftsman features nicely appointed rooms with en suite bathrooms. It has an interesting history: it's named for a Depression-era resident kangaroo that provided entertainment for islanders (ask the friendly, knowledgeable hosts for the story), though these days the busy bird feeders and deer wandering through the brush are the main animal attractions.

Spacious units in this atmospheric 1902 house are equipped with a king or queen bed, private bath, and all the serenity a guest could ever want. Suites are equipped with coffee maker, microwave, and mini-fridge; one king suite also has a kitchenette. The inn's restaurant, which features small plates, burgers, and some locally-inspired entrees in an airy waterfront setting, is open for dinner seasonally, usually Wednesday through Saturday.

This old-school cabin compound with a dazzling beachfront location on the island's northwest shore, just a 10-minute drive from Eastsound, can be a good value for families and groups of friends, especially in the shoulder season—most of these compact, rustic cabins sleep four to six guests, and all have kitchens. The furnishings are fairly basic, although the owners continue to make upgrades; if you're seeking a few more creature comforts, request one of the deluxe suites, with large deck and more room to kick around. Amenities include a convenience store and espresso bar with a good selection of groceries, beer, wine, and Lopez Island Creamery ice cream; boat rentals; and a full-service marina. There's RV and tent camping at the resort, as well as a handful of tent cabins.