At the core of Lopez Island is the Walking Village, an area that is home to the island's best restaurants as well as an array of shops. For those interested in picking up a souvenir, hand-crafted item or locally produced food item from the bakery and deli, the Walking Village is the perfect way to spend a few hours of the day.
Rent a bike or kayak to explore the natural beauty of Lopez Island. Outside the Walking Village, there are miles of farmland, or you can paddle on the outskirts of the island along the beaches. You also can take a hike and glimpse some of Lopez Island's abundant wildlife on the trails at Weeks Wildlife Preserve, or hike at Shark Reef Park for some of the best natural views on the island.
For wine and cheese lovers, the Lopez Island Vineyards (lopezislandvineyards.com) is a must-see attraction. Visitors can take a tour through the winery and vineyards before tasting the season's best wines. History buffs should be sure to stop by the Lopez Island Historical Society & Museum (lopezmuseum.org) for exhibits that focus on early settlements, island farming and the area's longstanding connection to the water. Center Church (no website; 312 Davis Bay Road, Lopez Island; 360-378-6310), dedicated in 1889 and still home to a weekly service, is the most picturesque church on the island and the site of a historic cemetery.
If you're looking to get away from it all, even for a few hours, perhaps the best attraction on Lopez Island is its quiet, relaxing atmosphere suitable for a day trip or a long weekend. Bring a book and stake out a quiet spot by the water, take a slow stroll along the beach or grab your camera and explore the island and its seemingly endless array of scenic shots.
