A largely undeveloped island off the coast of Anacortes, Washington, Shaw Island is part of the four San Juan Islands located in the far northwestern corner of the United States. Shaw's sister islands include Orca, San Juan and Lopez Islands. Named for naval officer John Shaw, part of the Wilkes Expedition in 1841, Shaw Island is home to less than 200 residents. The islands are known for their recreational opportunities including cycling, swimming and kayaking. Access to the islands is via ferryboats that leave the mainland from Anacortes. Shaw Island doesn't have any resorts, but the nearby islands do.
Located on Orcas Island, the Lieber Haven Resort & Marina sits on the water and offers private beach cottages with one or two bedrooms as well as studio units with free Wi-Fi. All the lodgings have fully equipped kitchens including microwave ovens. The resort offers boat and kayak rentals and use of the marina. The resort does not have a fitness center but guests can get discount passes to the nearby Orcas Spa and Athletic Center. Dining can be found in the town of Eastsound, about 10 miles away. The Madrona Bar and Grill serves seafood, burgers and steaks and has a full bar.
Situated on the west side of Orcas Island, the West Beach Resort offers several options when it comes to accommodations. The beachfront cabins are on the rocky sand and have queen beds, stocked kitchens as well as a wood stove. The units are situated for optimal views of the setting sun. The garden cottages have similar amenities but are slightly inland and just a short walk to the water. The resort also offers tent cabins. These canvas structures have a wooden floor, a queen bed, a futon. The units have no electricity and are a short walk to the toilet and showers. The resort has an ice cream and espresso stand but no restaurant. Visitors not interested in cooking for themselves can try Mamie's Restaurant, which serves American food and is on the island's boardwalk. Mamies and other restaurants are in Eastsound, 4 miles from the resort.
While Guemes Island is one of the smaller islands in the area, it is also one of the more private and quiet. The Guemes Island Resort is the only resort on the island and offers everything from full-sized to quaint small cabins with fully equipped kitchens, wood stove, a double bed and a sleeping futon. The Guermes Resort also offers yurts, which are Mongolian tents on wooden platforms. Yurt accommodations include a queen bed and an additional sleeping futon. A family-sized yurt includes a bunk bed. Guests staying in yurts have access to a cooking pavilions and a communal bathhouse with private showers. The island is relatively small and the resort is on the northern tip. Off-site dining means a short drive across the island and a very quick ferry ride to Anacortes on the mainland. Travelers on foot can walk from the ferry to the Rockfish Grill or the Anacortes Brewery.
Located on Mitchell Bay, the Snug Harbor Marina Resort has a sheltered marina, boat launch and a variety of waterfront cabins. Most of the cabins overlook the Haro Straits on the west side of the island. The resort prides itself on having everything for their guests on-site. Cabins and lodges sleep two to six guests and all have a stocked kitchenette. Activities include whale watching, kayaking, fishing and crabbing. The resort's store offers supplies and houses a small deli. As one of the largest islands in the area, there are plenty of places to dine off resort property. Friday Harbor restaurants include the Front Street Cafe, Downriggers and Herb's Tavern, which are 10 minutes away by car.
All the restaurants serve seafood and American cuisine.
