Travel + Leisure’s 2026 “World’s Best Awards” recognized this Washington island destination

Washington’s San Juan Islands have landed among the best island destinations in the continental United States in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards.

The Salish Sea archipelago ranked No. 5 on the magazine’s annual list of the best islands in the continental U.S., making it the only Washington destination in the top 15.

The San Juan Islands received a reader score of 85.20 out of 100.

San Juan Islands rank No. 5 in the U.S.

Travel + Leisure’s 2026 ranking placed Georgia’s Golden Isles at No. 1, followed by Mount Desert Island in Maine, Nantucket in Massachusetts and Kiawah Island in South Carolina.

The San Juan Islands rounded out the top five.

The ranking highlighted island destinations based on reader ratings covering factors including natural attractions and beaches, activities and sights, restaurants and food, friendliness and value.

More than 207,000 Travel + Leisure readers participated in the 2026 World’s Best Awards survey, casting about 661,000 votes across more than 10,000 travel properties and destinations.

The San Juan Islands also appeared on the magazine’s 2025 list, when they ranked No. 5 with a score of 84.36.

Why were the San Juan Islands ranked among the best in the U.S.?

Located between mainland Washington and Vancouver Island, the San Juan Islands are one of the Pacific Northwest’s best-known destinations for kayaking, hiking, cycling and wildlife watching.

San Juan County includes 172 named islands and reefs, although Washington State Ferries provides regular vehicle and passenger ferry service from Anacortes to four major islands: San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw.

San Juan Island, Orcas Island and Lopez Island contain most of the area’s lodging, restaurants and visitor services.

Friday Harbor on San Juan Island serves as the county seat and is one of the main arrival points for travelers. Visitors can find restaurants, shops, lodging and access to outdoor activities within and beyond town.

Orcas Island is home to Moran State Park and Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands. A stone observation tower at the summit provides views across the islands and toward the Cascade Mountains on clear days.

Lopez Island is known for cycling, shoreline access and a quieter rural setting.

What can you do in the San Juan Islands?

The surrounding Salish Sea makes the islands a popular destination for kayaking and wildlife tours.

Travelers may encounter orcas, humpback whales, harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles and other marine and coastal wildlife. Whale-watching and kayak tours operate from several communities throughout the islands.

The islands also have more than 300 miles of shoreline, ranging from rocky beaches and protected coves to harbors used by kayaks, sailboats and other vessels.

Visitors can also explore the region’s Coast Salish history and culture. Sites include Coast Salish house posts at Fairweather Park in Friday Harbor and cultural interpretation on Orcas Island.

The Lopez Island Historical Society and Museum also covers the islands’ history and Indigenous connections to the region.

How do you get to the San Juan Islands?

For most travelers, the primary gateway to the islands is the Washington State Ferries terminal in Anacortes, about 80 miles north of Seattle.

Ferries connect Anacortes with San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw islands. Travel times vary depending on the route and number of stops.

Summer is one of the busiest periods for island travel, and travelers bringing vehicles should plan ahead for ferry schedules and reservations when available.

The islands can also be reached by private boat and regional air service.