My first airplane flight was to San Juan from Chicago O’Hare. I was about 13. The difference in the airports alone was such culture shock. It seemed the moving walkways were replaced by caged animals. And it was painted pink and blue! I loved it. It felt more natural to me at the time.
How to go to the San Juan islands
How I did it: My cousin actually got married on San Juan in Roche Harbor. We flew into SeaTac first, and ate lunch in Seattle at Pike Street Market, then caught a Kenmore Air pontoon plane to Roche Harbor. This aspect of the trip alone was more than worth it and I HIGHLY recommend taking it if you plan on visiting: you get a great view of the Puget Sound with all the lush green islands, plus takeoff and landing is a wholly unique experience.
San Juan itself was fantastic: we went in early fall and the weather was unbelievable: we kayaked around Pearl and Henry Islands and saw Orca pods coming up the coast. The air was so clean and fresh and the people were great.
Resources: Recommend Hotel De Haro (http://www.rocheharbor.com/)
Their guest book is signed by Teddy Roosevelt and John Wayne! It's rustic and has a kickass view!


