Your Family-Friendly Guide to the scenic and savory eastside of Orcas Island

Welcome to our family travel series dedicated to Pacific Northwest adventures! Join us as we explore top destinations, featuring must-see attractions, delightful dining spots, and activities tailored to the whole family. Writer Kate Neidigh launched this series in 2018 as a new mom, determined to get out and explore with her little one. Fast forward to today, and she’s now a seasoned mom of two, excited to share her travel experiences and insights learned along the way. So, pack your bags, gather the fam, and let’s discover the wonders of the PNW and beyond.

Welcome to the Eastside of Orcas Island!

The eastside of Orcas Island might just be the soul of the San Juans.

From historic Eastsound to the misty trails of Moran State Park, this corner of the island delivers postcard-worthy nature, small-town charm, and more than enough waffle-fueled wonder to keep kids and grownups grinning.

On a recent trip with my husband and our two kids (ages 3 and 9), we explored the Eastside’s wild beauty and vibrant local scene—with plenty of detours for pastries, hikes, and hidden beaches.

Where to Stay

We checked in at iconic Doe Bay Resort & Retreat, a 38-acre waterfront hideaway where unplug-and-play is practically the house motto. Think of it as choose-your-own-adventure lodging:

• Cabins—from rustic to deluxe. We stayed in the Harbor House (our perch above Otter Cove) and it sleeps a crowd with queen beds, bunks, and a futon, but bigger crews can spring for Retreat House or three-bedroom deluxe cabins, which come with full kitchens and swoon-worthy Salish Sea views.
• Yurts & domes. Sprinkled among the woods are canvas-topped yurts and geodesic domes—some wired for electricity, none with running water—and you get instant camping-glam that still feels like nature’s front row.
• Campsites. Drive-in spots fit camper vans; walk-in and bluff-top sites reward tent-toters with sunrise views over Rosario Strait. Group sites let reunion crews pitch a mini-village.

Down the hill, three saltwater soaking tubs and a cedar sauna perch above a trickling waterfall. The tubs are clothing optional during communal hours, but you can book the entire spa for a private, swimsuit-optional session if that’s more your speed. Kids are welcome during designated daytime slots, so everyone gets their zen.

Before breakfast, unroll a mat in the glass-walled yoga studio; after lunch, paddle out on a Shearwater–guided kayak tour or wander the orchard and one-acre organic garden that fuels the resort’s seed-to-table café. Massages, live-music nights, and s’mores around the beach-fire ring fill in any gaps between tide-pool rambles.

Why we loved it as a family: everything is walkable—café, playground, shoreline—and the resort’s low-key vibe makes even a salt-spray-in-your-hair dinner feel special. Added bonus: guests get priority spa reservations and café discounts, a nice perk after a day spent combing the beach for purple sea stars.

Explore Eastsound

Just 15 minutes from the ferry, the walkable village of Eastsound is packed with gems. We wandered the shelves at Darvill’s Bookstore, grabbed coffee from the adjoining café, and browsed dreamy body products at Island Thyme.

I picked up jammy preserves at Girl Meets Dirt (crafted from 100-year-old island orchards), while the kids gave two thumbs up to Island Hoppin’ Brewery’s root beer. Don’t miss Doe Bay Wine Company, where you can taste island-crafted wine in a laid-back setting—and if you can sneak in a date night, the wine and charcuterie pairings are a must.

Creative Finds & Island Time

On Olga Road, Little Farm bursts with seasonal flowers, garden treasures, and adorable farm merch. It’s equal parts nursery and wonderland. Nearby, Orcas Island Artworks—housed in a historic strawberry packing plant—is a co-op featuring over 45 local artists. Even the kids were captivated by the colorful gallery, especially the dreamy prints of island scenes upstairs.

READ MORE | Forest Ceramic Co. creates vibrant, functional art on idyllic Orcas Island

Nature Immersion

The eastside shines when it comes to the great outdoors. Moran State Park is an all-day kind of destination with five lakes, cascading waterfalls, and endless trails. We loved the hike to Cascade Falls, and our drive to Mt. Constitution (the island’s highest point) rewarded us with sweeping views of the San Juans and Mt. Baker. Don’t forget a Discover Pass or $10 for day parking.

For a quieter escape, Obstruction Pass State Park is a stunner. The short trail winds through madrone groves and ends at a beach made of smooth, rainbow-colored pebbles. It’s perfect for skipping stones, watching birds, and letting little ones roam free.

Where to Eat

Let’s be real: food is a big part of any family trip, and the eastside delivers in spades. Brown Bear Baking in Eastsound became our go-to morning ritual—our kids devoured the Belgian-style waffles while we savored flakey croissants, seasonal galettes, and truly perfect coffee. Come early if you want the best selection; the line is worth it.

We stopped by Doe Bay Café for brunch and fell in love with the seed-to-table magic. Nearly everything on the menu is sourced from the resort’s onsite garden or nearby farms and fishermen. The lemon ricotta pancakes and Dungeness crab hash were standouts, and the relaxed, sea-view setting made it all the more memorable. Word to the wise, make sure to make a reservation, this place books up!

Buck Bay Shellfish Farm in Olga quickly became a family favorite—we ate there twice and could’ve gone back again. It’s an active shellfish farm with plenty of space for kids to roam, picnic tables overlooking the water, and the freshest seafood we had on the island.

We cracked open buttery Dungeness crab, slurped oysters straight from the bay, and toasted the view with cold local cider. Casual, scenic, and delicious.

For dinner, we couldn’t resist returning to The New Leaf Café at the historic Outlook Inn—yes, we went twice. The French-inspired Pacific Northwest menu hits that perfect sweet spot: elegant enough for a memorable meal, but totally family-friendly. House-made pastas, wild-caught fish, and a top-notch wine list, plus a grassy lawn for the kids to stretch out. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger.

We also loved the vibe at Olga Rising—part café, part boutique, and all charm. It’s a sweet little garden hideaway where you can grab espresso, fresh pastries, and quirky local finds before heading out for the day. The patio seating is peaceful, and the “old island style” setting feels like stepping into a postcard.

Don’t be surprised if a food truck or farmers market stand pops up during your stay—on Orcas, some of the best bites come when you’re not even looking.

Get Involved: Travel with Purpose

One of the highlights of our getaway was taking part in the Great Islands Cleanup—a volunteer event that brings locals and visitors together to care for the shorelines. With gloves on and garbage grabbers in hand, we joined other families to help protect the natural beauty that draws people to the islands in the first place. This kind of experience adds a new layer to travel, especially for kids learning about the impact they can have. Visitors are also encouraged to sign the San Juan Islands Pledge, a simple way to commit to respectful, sustainable travel.

Until next time!

Planning a trip to Orcas Island? Don’t skip the eastside. It’s got that just-right mix of rugged coastline, creative small-town energy, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel more like a guest than a tourist. Out here, the days seem to stretch a little longer—in the best way. You’ve got time to wander, time to breathe, and time to actually be with the people you came with.

We spent our days hiking through mossy forests, eating incredible local food, and finding tiny treasures in tidepools. Some of our favorite moments were the simplest ones—like watching the kids race down to the beach from our cabin at Doe Bay or lingering over dinner at Buck Bay as the sun slipped behind the trees. No schedules, no pressure, just space to slow down and enjoy each other.

That’s what makes the eastside special. It’s not flashy. It’s not packed with shops or crowds. But it’s full of heart—and it’s the kind of place that stays with you. We left feeling more connected, more rested, and already dreaming about coming back. If you’re looking for a trip that’s a little wild, a little off-the-grid, and a whole lot of memorable, this corner of Orcas is it.

Kate Neidigh is a writer for Seattle Refined, covering lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel, real estate, gift guides and feature stories. See more of her work on Instagram here. While some products, services and/or accommodations in this story were provided without charge, the opinions within are those of the author and the Seattle Refined editorial board.

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