The Beach House on Lopez Island (San Juan, Washington)
Nestled among the 172 San Juans sits Lopez Island. In this nook of the Pacific Northwest, it’s consistently sunny and warm, receiving half the annual rainfall of Seattle. Known as the “Friendly Isle,” this 29.5-mile stretch of land is among the most stunning places in the world to sea kayak — which is why, instead of driving straight to the house, you should pick up a kayak (from $40/day) at Lopez Island Sea Kayak. Although the beautiful coastline and promise of orca pods will lure you out onto the Salish Sea for much of the day, there is plenty to do off the water near the house, like exploring Watmough Bay, Sharks Reef Sanctuary, and Iceberg Point. In addition to offering views of the surrounding archipelago, this bright and airy two-bedroom property perched on Mackaye Harbor has a sauna, fire pit, and direct access to the beach, just 50 feet away. [From $175, peak season; homeaway.com]
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