Before the whirlwind of the holiday season took over, my husband and I decided to escape for a cozy weekend getaway to San Juan Island—and of course, our dog Harper came along! My dream getaway always involves Harper, so finding a place that’s dog-friendly is non-negotiable.
We were so lucky to be gifted a two-night stay at Lakedale Resort, an amazing property that I can’t wait to tell you about.
Getting to San Juan Island
We started our trip with a ferry ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor. For us, it’s a bit of a trek just to get to Anacortes, but the ferry ride makes it all worth it.
There’s something magical about hopping on a Washington State Ferry—it’s peaceful, nostalgic, and downright beautiful, even on a gloomy day.
Fun fact: the ferries aren’t entirely dog-friendly BUT you can still bring your dog in your vehicle. If they're in a carrier, they can also be in the inside area. There's also a spot outside dogs are allowed on leashes. Luckily, the outdoor spot has a cozy “inside-outside” vibe, so Harper could take in the views with us and we didn't get too cold.
Growing up in Washington, ferry rides were a regular part of my life, but they’ve never lost their charm. Honestly, if you’re visiting Washington, taking a ferry should be on your bucket list.
Lakedale Resort: A relaxing oasis
Once we arrived in Friday Harbor, it was just a quick 10-minute drive to Lakedale, a stunning 82-acre property that truly has something for everyone. There are dog-friendly cabins (like the one we stayed in), yurts with private hot tubs, glamping tents, RV sites, campsites, and even an adults-only lodge. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or—like us—with your furry friend, you’ll find your perfect setup here. It really is a choose-your-own-adventure property.
This also makes it a dream for weddings. If I were to plan our wedding all over again, I am not exaggerating when I say this: I would book Lakedale for our wedding venue. The manager, Richard, toured me around the property and showed me some of the locations for wedding receptions and ceremonies and my jaw dropped to the floor. It's a dream come true. Plus, everyone can just stay at the venue in a spot that fits their vibe, preferences, and budget. Literally a dream.
Since we visited in December, the vibe was all about rest and relaxation. Sure, during the summer you can enjoy paddleboarding, swimming, or kayaking, but in the off-season, Lakedale transforms into a peaceful oasis. Dogs are even allowed off-leash if they have good recall. We kept Harper on a leash because while she's a sweet girl, she's not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed.
The highlight? Seeing beautiful swans gliding across the lakes. It was the kind of quiet, cozy moment that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in.
I'd love to come back here in the sunnier months because I can see how this place becomes a dreamy summer camp. But for right now, the slow, peaceful vibe was exactly what we needed.
We didn't want to leave our cozy cabin
We were generously gifted a stay in one of Lakedale’s log cabins, and it was everything I hoped for and more. The cabin had:
A cozy living room with a fireplace
A full kitchen (perfect for lazy nights in)
Two bedrooms (one downstairs and one upstairs in a loft)
Two full bathrooms
A stunning view from the loft bedroom
We had grand plans to go out for a fancy dinner, but once we settled into the cabin, we couldn’t bring ourselves to leave. Instead, we popped over to San Juan Island Brewing for a quick drink and some pizza to bring back. We spent the evening watching movies and snuggling with Harper. It was absolute perfection.
The next morning, I brewed a cup of coffee and enjoyed it on the back deck. It was raining, but somehow that made it even more peaceful. The sound of rain on the lake and the birds chirping combined with a hot cup of coffee in hand made for a dream morning. If you’ve ever daydreamed about the ultimate cozy getaway, this was it. Chef’s kiss.
Exploring San Juan Island
The goal of this trip was: DO NOTHING. Truly, we didn't want to pack our schedule full of activities, so our plans only revolved around what food we were going to eat next. I wish more people would vacation like this. You don't have to pack the itinerary with something every minute of every day. Sometimes relaxing IS the activity.
After our slow morning, we ventured out to Roche Harbor for brunch at Lime Kiln Cafe, where I had the best eggs benedict and hash browns of my life. I’m not kidding—I think about those hash browns at least once a week. We wandered around Roche Harbor, spotted some adorable seals, and then made our way to Westcott Bay Shellfish for oysters. If you love seafood, this place is a must. Their oysters Rockefeller are the stuff dreams are made of.
We returned to the cabin for more exploring and, of course, more snuggles with Harper. For dinner, we went to Downriggers in Friday Harbor. I didn’t get any photos—I was too busy soaking up the moment—but trust me, the food and cocktails were fantastic.
Then it was time to head back to the cabin for more snuggles with Harper, movies, and wine.
Reminder: Resting is productive
I can’t emphasize this enough: sometimes rest is the activity. Lakedale Resort was the perfect place to unplug, recharge, and just breathe. Between the stunning property, cozy cabin, and all the little moments with my husband and Harper, it was exactly the break we needed before the holiday rush.
As we packed up to head home, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly grateful for the experience. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, whether in the summer or off-season, I can’t recommend Lakedale enough. And remember: you deserve rest too.
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