One of my favorite spots on the island is set by three small lakes near the center of San Juan Island.
Lakedale Resort (360/378-2350 or 800/617-2267, www.lakedale.com) features a number of accommodation options, starting with the well-appointed but still down-to-earth rooms in its lakeside lodge, which go for $249 d in high season. The resort also has six attractive two-bedroom lakeside log cabins with full kitchens and shared bath houses. Rates are $339 d (plus $35 per extra adult). Larger families and groups may also appreciate the three-bedroom Lake House ($439 for four), which features a greatroom with a fireplace, three bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, and a huge deck. Resort amenities include a hot tub, continental breakfast basket, rowboats, canoes, and paddleboats.

Right on the harborfront, Friday Harbor House (130 West St., 360/378-8455, www.fridayharborhouse.com) is a contemporary place with stylish rooms and suites for $250–360 s or d. All have fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, fridges, windows facing the harbor, and a continental breakfast. A two-night minimum is in effect on summer weekends.

One of the nicest bed-and-breakfast options in Friday Harbor is offered by sister properties Harrison House Suites B&B (235 C St., Friday Harbor, 360/378-5587 or 800/407-7933, www.harrisonhousesuites.com) and Tucker House B&B (260 B St., Friday Harbor, 360/378-2783 or 800/965-0123, www.tuckerhouse.com). Set side by side within easy walking distance of the ferry, these two establishments shine come morning, when the resident innkeepers serve up a dazzling multi-course meal sure to wow even the most experienced B&B veteran. Harrison House features five well-appointed suites (one is 1,600 square feet) for $185–375 and has hot tubs available for all guests. Tucker House offers a more traditional B&B experience in the rooms within its 1898 Victorian house ($125–225 s or d). It also has three cottages ($130–175 d) with private baths and woodstoves. Guests can use the hot tub, and kids are welcome in the cottages. Both Harrison House and Tucker House are pet-friendly.

Located on the west side of the island, Highland Inn (directions provided with reservation, 360/378-9450 or 888/400-9850, www.highlandinn.com) offers some of the finest lodging in the area, with two luxurious suites ($275 d), each with a king-size bed, steam showers, jetted tubs, and fireplace. A covered porch runs the length of the house, providing knock-your-socks-off views across Haro Strait; it’s a great place to watch for orca whales, and a hot tub is on the grounds.

The classic 19th-century Roche Harbor Village (360/378-2155 or 800/451-8910, www.rocheharbor.com) at beautiful Roche Harbor offers a wide range of lodging options. Employees of the Roche Harbor Lime Company once occupied the rustic cottages, and all cottages have two bedrooms and full kitchens for $579–609 s or d. Also available are a number of condos, starting at $235 for one-bedroom units up to $350 for three-bedroom condos. The modern condos seem glaringly out of place in this historic and scenic place.

For the most luxurious Roche Harbor accommodations, book one of the four McMillan Suites located in an old harborside home. Each of these features a wraparound covered deck, king-size bed, gas fireplace, ceiling fans, clawfoot tubs and radiant heated floors in the bath, and tasteful furnishings. These cost $395 s or d and are a great splurge.