Roche Harbor

Roche Harbor ( http://www.rocheharbor.com/index.html ) is a peaceful resort in the tip of the San Juan Islands. Only accessible by boat or plane, Roche Harbor offers privacy and escape from the hub-bubs of city life. The main hotel, Hotel de Caro, was a favorite destination for President Roosevelt, 100 years ago. The area used to be a lime & cement mining lot, but has since become a beautiful place for weddings and weekend get-aways. Depending on the time of year, it is very quiet in the island, you can go bike riding, kayaking, whale watching or just walk the grounds. There is one chapel in the island. and the minister uses a biplane between the islands for mass! This is a link to the island webcam ( http://www.islandcam.com/roche.html ). more

Roche Harbor is a huge complex that features a big marina, restaurants and various accomodations. Its a summer time paradise in the San Juans. The best way to experience it is to take or charter a boat up there. The marina there is one of the largest, but the best thing about it is that there are cottages to stay (they are very rustic, but have a huge swimming pool) and there is a complete set of restaurants and services. Nothing quite beats a long day in the San Juans followed by pulling up to the marina for a beer and fish and chips. The only issue is that it is insanely crowded, so the best time to get a slip is mid AM when everyone else is taking off. So if you don't have a boat, I'd suggest staying somewhere higher end (Friday Harbor House) and making the day trip out to Roche. If you've got a boat, then head for the slips there. more