Fourth of July Beach earned its patriotic name from a bold act of defiance during the tense period leading up to the Pig War of 1859, when Paul K. Hubbs Jr., serving as American tax collector on San Juan Island, flew a giant American flag at this location on the Fourth of July to deliberately annoy the British authorities who also claimed jurisdiction over the disputed island. Hubbs played a crucial role in the events that sparked the Pig War, having informed Captain George Pickett about the conflict between British subject Charles Griffin and American settler Lyman Cutlar over a pig that Cutlar shot after it repeatedly rooted in his potato patch. An alternative theory suggests the beach name might relate to a Fourth of July fireworks fire in 1890 that burned the nearby village of San Juan Town to the ground, though the Hubbs flag-raising story appears more widely accepted as the true origin. The beach sits on Griffin Bay within what is now San Juan Island National Historical Park at American Camp, where American troops maintained a military presence from 1859 to 1874 during the joint occupation that resulted from the territorial dispute. The area surrounding the beach holds deep historical significance as the site of San Juan Town, one of the island's earliest settlements, and Jakle's Lagoon, named for early settlers who established themselves along this sheltered shoreline before the military occupation began.
Fourth of July Beach offers a quieter alternative to the more popular South Beach within American Camp, providing visitors with a secluded picnic area and access to Griffin Bay's protected but deceptively strong waters. The pebbly sand beach stretches approximately 200 feet from the parking area via an unpaved trail that requires stepping down to reach the shoreline, creating an intimate setting for those seeking a less crowded national park experience. Swimming is actively discouraged despite the apparently calm waters, as strong currents pose safety hazards that have caught unwary swimmers off guard, making wading in the shallows during summer the safer option for those wanting water contact. Kayak launching from the shore ranks among the beach's most popular activities, with paddlers using it as an access point to explore Griffin Bay's shoreline, kelp beds, and nearby Cattle Point, all while maintaining awareness of the currents that require respect and proper planning. Beachcombing along the shore rewards visitors who walk eastward toward Jakle's Lagoon, following the Old Town Lagoon Beach Walk that traces the historical site of San Juan Town and offers opportunities to discover shells, driftwood, and glimpses of the community that once thrived here. Picnicking at the designated area provides opportunities to enjoy views across Griffin Bay toward Lopez Island and the distant Cascade Mountains, with fires permitted below the tide line for those planning evening gatherings. Berry picking attracts foragers in July and August, when wild strawberries ripen in July followed by blackberries in August, offering sweet rewards for those exploring the trails and edges around the beach area.
Friday Harbor, located approximately 7 miles from Fourth of July Beach, offers exceptional dining options emphasizing fresh local seafood and Pacific Northwest cuisine. Friday's Crabhouse serves fresh cracked Dungeness crab with drawn butter and lemon wedges, grilled wild salmon with herb seasonings and seasonal vegetables, homemade crabcakes featuring local crab meat with spicy remoulade sauce, steamer clams prepared in white wine and garlic broth, and classic fish and chips made with locally caught rockfish and hand-cut fries. Downriggers occupies a waterfront location serving Pacific Northwest cuisine including fresh local oysters on the half shell with champagne mignonette and cocktail sauce, smoked salmon chowder enriched with cream and fresh dill, pan-seared halibut with seasonal vegetables and lemon beurre blanc, grilled steaks with garlic butter, and craft cocktails made with regional spirits and house-made ingredients. Duck Soup Inn prepares seasonal menus featuring their signature applewood-smoked local oysters served with mignonette, fresh Pacific seafood preparations that change with seasonal availability, island-grown produce from San Juan Island farms, and carefully selected meats and poultry presented with creative techniques that highlight natural flavors. Coho Restaurant offers island-grown Pacific cuisine with Mediterranean influences, serving grilled octopus with lemon and olive oil, fresh Dungeness crab linguine tossed with garlic and white wine, locally sourced seafood preparations including spot prawns and rockfish, and dishes that celebrate the agricultural and marine bounty of the San Juan Islands. The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House provides creative seasonal menus with panoramic harbor views, featuring dishes such as spot prawn crudo with citrus and fresh herbs, seared scallops with cauliflower puree and microgreens, locally caught salmon and halibut prepared with innovative techniques, and wine pairings from Pacific Northwest vineyards that complement the ocean-fresh ingredients and historical setting of San Juan Island.
