Welcome to Lopez Island!
I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for more than 30 years, but somehow I’d never made it to Lopez Island. After spending a long weekend there with my husband and our two kids, ages 10 and 4, I’m wondering why we waited so long.
Lopez is affectionately called “Slow-pez,” and now I completely understand why. Life moves at a different pace here. There are more bikes than cars, strangers wave as they pass, deer casually wander through neighborhoods, and nobody seems to be in much of a hurry. What I loved most about Lopez is that there isn’t any pressure to constantly be doing something. Some of our favorite moments were the simplest: riding bikes, walking the beach, eating ice cream by the water, and watching the deer wander by.
Getting there is part of the adventure. We boarded the Washington State Ferry in Anacortes, and my kids were outside on deck scanning the water and watching for wildlife. Just one tip before you go: while you can reserve your ferry ride to Lopez Island, you can’t make a reservation for the trip back to Anacortes. Arriving at the ferry terminal about an hour before our return sailing gave us the best chance of making our preferred boat.
If you’re looking for a laid-back Pacific Northwest getaway where kids can roam, parents can relax, and everyone leaves feeling refreshed, Lopez Island might just be your new favorite family escape.
Where to Stay
For families, renting a vacation home is often more comfortable than a traditional hotel. We stayed at Pebbles on Bayshore, a three-bedroom home overlooking Fisherman Bay. With separate bedrooms, a full kitchen, and space for the kids to spread out, it made our trip so much easier.
If booking a hotel with kids, consider the Lopez Islander Resort, located on Fisherman Bay. It includes a seasonal heated pool, hot tub, outdoor games, and family suites, all conveniently near bike and kayak rentals.
For families with older children who enjoy the outdoors, the Lopez Farm Cottages provide a peaceful escape.
Where to Eat
- Islander Bar & Grill: This waterfront restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families. Kids can play lawn games while you enjoy the view.
- Blue Heron Bistro: A cozy spot focusing on locally sourced ingredients, ideal for a sit-down dinner.
- Setsunai Noodle Bar: Fresh ramen and noodle dishes provide a delightful change of pace.
- Lopez Village Market: A must-stop for vacation rental guests, offering breakfast essentials and picnic supplies.
- Lopez Island Creamery: Post-beach ice cream is a tradition! Don’t miss the salted caramel.
The Best Things to Do with Kids
- Biking with Village Cycles: Renting bikes was our family’s favorite activity. The island is bike-friendly, with quiet roads perfect for exploration.
- Shark Reef Sanctuary: A short hike leads to coastal cliffs with harbor seals below. Supervise younger children near the cliff edges for safety. The beach here is great for shell hunting!
- Otis Perkins Day Park: A perfect spot for a relaxed beach walk where kids can explore.
- Spencer Spit State Park: Pack a picnic and explore its beaches and trails.
- Lopez Farmers Market: Visiting on Saturday offers a taste of local culture with fresh produce and handmade goods.
- Explore Lopez Village: Don’t rush through town! Check out the Lopez Bookshop, Chimera Gallery, and the Lopez Island Historical Society and Museum.
Is Lopez Island Worth Visiting with Kids?
Absolutely. Lopez Island is not about cramming activities into every moment. It invites you to slow down, notice the simple joys, and foster connections with nature and family. For us, it was the reset we didn’t know we needed.
After over 30 years in the Pacific Northwest, I’m left wondering: why did we wait so long to visit?
Kate Neidigh is a writer for Seattle Refined, covering lifestyle, real estate, gift guides, and feature stories. See more of her work on Instagram here.
While some products and services in this story were provided at no charge, the opinions expressed are those of the author and the Seattle Refined editorial board.
