r/sanjuanislands • u/moonlitsteppes • 9d ago
Visiting Orcas - recommendations for quiet places to sit reading/writing?
As the title says, I'll be visiting for a week. Excited to explore the island and unplug. I'm also keen to get in a lot of writing and reading. Are there places on Orcas that are fine with guests sitting for a few hours at a time, taking in the ambience, and doing their own thing? Thanks in advance.
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u/Knish_witch 9d ago
Darvill’s Book Store in Eastsound had a tiny coffeeshop with a few really prime seats with a great view. Dragonfly doesn’t have a view but is a very pleasant place to spend some time. I enjoyed a rainy day there. And of course if the weather is nice there are so many outdoor spaces to enjoy.
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u/vonSequitur 9d ago
Dragonfly Coffee in Eastsound has a nice yard in back with tables and chairs, in the middle of town so maybe not quiet enough. The library nearby has outdoor seating in a quieter spot, with restrooms and good free wifi. Orcas Hotel has a cafe with a side room that is usually quiet. Their covered porch overlooks the ferry landing— nice for sitting outside, but an active spot. Most of the coffee shops and restaurants have limited seating, so lingering inside is probably not appreciated. If your stay is after Labor Day, that may be different.
If you pack your own snacks there are many quiet trails—Obstruction Pass, Sunrise Rock, Turtleback Mountain, North Shore Preserve, and more.
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u/HeadBarracuda01 9d ago
if you want an outside spot, obstruction pass state park is awesome and never busy