South Beach takes its name from its straightforward geographic location on the southern end of San Juan Island, within what is now the American Camp section of San Juan Island National Historical Park. Unlike Friday Harbor—which was named after Peter Friday, a Hawaiian sheepherder who worked for the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1830s—South Beach bears a purely descriptive name that reflects its position along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This beach holds historical significance as part of the American military encampment established during the Pig War period from 1859 to 1872, when American and British forces occupied opposite ends of the island in a territorial dispute that was ultimately resolved without violence. The long, sweeping beach provided strategic views across the strait to the Olympic Mountains, making it an ideal location for the American military presence. Today, the beach stretches as the longest public beach in the San Juan Islands, offering visitors a remarkable combination of natural beauty and historical context within the protected national park setting.
The beach environment provides diverse recreational opportunities throughout the year, though visitors should understand the challenges posed by the consistently cold Puget Sound waters that maintain temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. During summer months, the shallow coves at Granny's Cove and Eagle's Cove within American Camp warm slightly to provide limited swimming opportunities for those willing to brave the chill. The primary activities at South Beach focus on beachcombing along the extensive shoreline, where sharp-eyed visitors can discover colorful agates among the beach stones and explore massive driftwood accumulations that create natural sculptures along the sand. Wildlife watching ranks among the most rewarding pursuits, as orcas occasionally swim past offshore while harbor seals haul out on nearby rocks. The beach serves as an excellent picnic destination with its expansive views across the strait to the snow-capped Olympic Mountains, and the surrounding trails through American Camp offer opportunities to explore open prairie landscapes and forested areas. Kayaking tours from Friday Harbor frequently paddle along this coastline, providing water-level perspectives of the beach and opportunities to spot marine wildlife in their natural habitat.
Friday Harbor, located about 6 miles north of South Beach, offers exceptional dining options emphasizing fresh local seafood and Pacific Northwest cuisine. Friday's Crabhouse specializes in fresh cracked Dungeness crab served with drawn butter, grilled salmon with lemon-herb seasoning, homemade crabcakes with remoulade sauce, steamer clams in white wine and garlic, and crispy fish and chips made with locally caught rockfish. Downriggers sits directly on the water's edge serving Pacific Northwest dishes including local oysters on the half shell with mignonette sauce, smoked salmon chowder with fresh dill, pan-seared halibut with seasonal vegetables, and scratch-made cocktails featuring regional spirits. Duck Soup Inn prepares seasonal menus highlighting their signature applewood-smoked local oysters, fresh Pacific seafood preparations that change with availability, island-grown produce, and dishes featuring the best quality meats and poultry. Coho Restaurant offers island-grown Pacific cuisine with Mediterranean influences, serving dishes like grilled octopus with lemon and olive oil, fresh Dungeness crab linguine with garlic and white wine, and locally sourced seafood preparations that celebrate the bounty of surrounding waters. The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House provides creative seasonal menus with panoramic harbor views, featuring dishes such as spot prawn crudo with citrus and herbs, seared scallops with cauliflower puree, and locally caught fish preparations that showcase the chef's commitment to highlighting island-grown and ocean-fresh ingredients.
