Check the map above to get a glimpse of our favorite places to eat and various places with things to do on the island. Here’s a list for your convenience:
Restaurants & Bars
We’re entering the off-season on the island, so many places may have limited hours or availability - make reservations!
The Mansion Restaurant at Rosario Resort: The onsite restaurant with beautiful sweeping views of the bay. The food is good (not the best on the island), but it’s proximity to your room and the kind of good company can't be beat.
The Moran Lounge at Rosario Resort: The swank, exclusive bar and lounge in the restaurant. Its cozy digs are right off the front desk and restaurant adjacent. They'll pour a mean drink and serve solid apps, occasionally a full menu from the restaurant.
Brown Bear Baking in Eastsound: This is a great bakery with an amalgam of tasty treats, both savory and sweet. Legend has it, Oprah (who - no joke - owns property in Rosario) was spotted here, on a lazy late Summer afternoon in 2019. Egads!
New Leaf Cafe in Eastsound: One of the best breakfast/brunch and dinner spots in town. Homemade brioche with local farm-made jam? Yes please!
Hogstone's Wood Oven Pizza in Eastsound: This place is some of the best pizza Luc's ever had (Karissa hasn't yet experienced this Orcas gem). And it's not just their pizza - everything is good here. It's worth stopping in and having your mind blown.
Island Hoppin' Brewery in Eastsound: The official™ supplier of brews at our reception, Island Hoppin' is a great place to test a flight of the island's best (and only) locally brewed beer. They have snacks on the menu as well.
Island Skillet in Eastsound: The local greasy-spoon breakfast joint. A cost-effective, heaping pile of goodness on each plate. Eggs, hashbrowns and related fare will sate even the most ravenous appetite.
Wild Island in Eastsound: We haven't tried this place, but boy oh boy does it look tasty. If you end up here, let us know how it goes!
Darvill's Bookstore & Coffee Shop in Eastsound: The book selection is what you'd expect from a small tourist town on a small island - browse at your leisure! - but the coffee shop in the back is worthy of a Seattleite's taste (yes, that was supposed to come off snootily).
Clever Cow Creamery in Eastsound: ICE CREAM!!!
Doe Bay Cafe in Doe Bay: Another amazing food joint. Yes, it's way out of the way on an island that, itself, is way out of the way, but so worth the trip. Great farm-to-table food and great spirits, this cafe is set in a gorgeous, rustic setting overlooking the bay.
Catkin Cafe in Olga: An out-yonder art studio/brunch cafe that serves breakfast and lunch all day. We've never eaten here, but keep this place in your back pocket if the more popular places in Eastsound fill up or you find yourself wandering in comatose state of bliss after dipping in the Doe Bay pools further down the road.
And many more! There are more places in Eastsound we haven’t tried and didn’t list above, so keep your eyes peeled if your first choice is all booked up.
Things to do
Even in the off-season, there are a number of activities available. Be sure to check ahead of time as needed.
Relax with a good book and cup of coffee on your balcony looking out over the bay.
Wander around Eastsound: Get on island-time and stroll leisurely through this quiet, off-season beach haven. There are plenty of shops and eateries to keep you busy for hours on end.
Soak in the heated Pools at Doe Bay: The "spa features three outdoor soaking tubs (clothing optional) and a dry sauna" overlooking the bay. Yes, clothing optional. Yes, it can be weird (but only if you make it weird and only for the first couple minutes). This is an essential Orcas Island experience and you will feel a strong sense of comfort and peace here. Reservations required!
Moran State Park: Rosario Resort is conveniently located a short 5-minute drive from Moran and there’s a lot to do here. (NOTE, the park requires a Discovery Pass to park, but you can purchase a day pass on-site):
Drive up Mt. Constitution and check out the lookout at the summit, the highest point in the San Juan Islands.
Go on a hike (here’s a park map showing all the trails: https://moranstatepark.com/park-map/)
Go horseback riding with Orcas Trail Rides.
Join us Friday for Tacos and Games at the Moran Picnic Shelter right on Cascade Lake.
Hike! Check out these other hikes and outdoor walks around the island:
Obstruction Pass State Park Trail - 1.9 miles roundtrip, 305 ft. elevation gain.
Ship Peak Loop - 2.9 miles roundtrip, 860 ft. elevation gain.
Turtlehead Summit - 5.7 miles roundtrip, 1295 ft. elevation gain.
Crescent Beach Preserve - 1.5 miles roundtrip, 40 ft. elevation gain (more of a nature walk).
Walk the Beach in Eastsound - The entrance is across the street from New Leaf Cafe/Outlook Inn.
Whale Watching with Deer Harbor Charters: From 12:30 - 3:30 each day, you can embark on a whale watching tour to try and catch a glimpse of the myriad local whales who live in and migrate through the Puget Sound. Just make sure to get back in time for the ceremony (or else!).
Rent a kayak and paddle around Crescent Bay: The site is honestly pretty laughable with a note saying it’s launching May 15th, so we’re not sure if this place is open.
Book a massage at the Rosario Resort & Spa. It is a bit spendy, but you’re worth it - treat yo’self!