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Waterfront Cottage near Friday Harbor - Best Place Cottage

Photo gallery for Waterfront Cottage near Friday Harbor - Best Place Cottage

Best Place cottage pictured from the circular driveway. This is a Non-Smoking house
Watch harbor seals haul out on the dock. (dock not for guest use)
Water View - View of Shipyard Cove and Brown Island from property.
Living room is furnished with a sleeper sofa and has a electric fireplace insert. Enjoy the flat screen TV with satellite tv, bring your favorite DVD, or simply enjoy the peaceful view of the bay.
Kitchen - Kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need to cook a meal, as well as a view of the bay.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Friday Harbor, WA
  • Whale Museum
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • San Juan Islands Museum of Art
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • San Juan Island National Historic Park
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Friday Harbor, WA (FBS-Friday Harbor Sea Plane Base)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Other Space 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen

About this property

Waterfront Cottage near Friday Harbor - Best Place Cottage

Waterfront! Best Place Cottage is a cozy, comfortable and historic piece of the island. Relax in this adorable waterfront cottage!! (Best Place Cottage) This home was built in 1910 and is an authentic piece of San Juan Island history. Perched above Jensen's Shipyard and Shipyard Cove Marina, the cottage is nicely updated and offers a great vantage point for boating activity. This is a perfect property for a couple or small family of 3.

Located minutes from town, this waterfront property offers great views from almost every room. The water-facing living room is equipped with an electric fireplace insert and is furnished with a sofa sleeper. The full kitchen is stocked with basic kitchen cookware and utensils for preparing a dinner in, or a quick lunch. Enjoy eating meals around the dining table while watching the Harbor Seals play down in the water. This home is equipped with a continental style bathroom for access from the hallway and the bedroom. The bedroom is nicely appointed with a large closet and a Queen size bed.

Although there is no dock access from this property, the Shipyard Cove Marina does offer transient mooring, making this a great spot for boaters to regain their land legs!

*There is NO dock access from this home.

** Parents please be aware that this home has high-bank waterfront. Although the owners welcome families, the home may not be suitable for all children.**

This house has good cell phone reception.

This house does not have Internet access and has satellite TV.
Approximately a 5 minute drive to the Friday Harbor Ferry Dock.
This is a Non-Smoking house
Not pet friendly
Please be advised, yard maintenance may occur during your stay.

vr permit number: pcup00-09-0003

Property manager

San Juan Property Management
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill
Beach view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Friday Harbor

Located in Friday Harbor, this cottage is on the waterfront. San Juan Island National Historic Park and San Juan Islands Sculpture Park are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at San Juan Golf & Tennis Club and Pelindaba Lavender Farm. Whale Museum and Jones Island State Park are also worth visiting. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including birdwatching.
Map
Friday Harbor, WA

What's nearby

  • Whale Museum - 4 min drive - 2.4 km
  • San Juan Islands Museum of Art - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
  • San Juan Island National Historic Park - 14 min drive - 12.1 km
  • Roche Harbor Marina - 20 min drive - 18.1 km
  • Lime Kiln Point State Park - 21 min drive - 17.5 km

Getting around

  • Friday Harbor, WA (FBS-Friday Harbor Sea Plane Base) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sweet Retreat & Espresso - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Salty Fox Coffee - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪San Juan Island Brewing Company - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Vic's Drive Inn - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Golden Triangle Thai Restaurant - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront Cottage near Friday Harbor - Best Place Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Waterfront Cottage near Friday Harbor - Best Place Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront Cottage near Friday Harbor - Best Place Cottage?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront Cottage near Friday Harbor - Best Place Cottage located?

Situated in Friday Harbor, this beach cottage is within 2 miles (3 km) of Lafarge Open Space, Turn Island State Park and Whale Museum. San Juan Islands Museum of Art and San Juan Historical Society and Museum are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 107 out of 141 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 141 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 141 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 141 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 141 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sara N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Waterfront Getaway

This cabin was an absolute gem! The location is stunning, overlooking the water, and the best surprise was getting a visit from some harbor seals which was such a magical experience. It was a little chilly inside, but the owners provided heaters, which made it nice and cozy. You can tell they’ve really put thought into making the stay comfortable and enjoyable for guests. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway in Friday Harbor, this place is a fantastic find.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Adorable

Adorable waterfront cottage. When not out exploring the islands, can sit on porch and watch the seals.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage by the cove

We enjoyed our stay at Best Place Cottage. The sunset views were spectacular. Also, loved watching the seals play in the water near the dock. Perfect get away location close to Friday Harbor yet quiet enough to enjoy the water views.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Randy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Place Cottage

Best Place was well appointed, clean and comfortable. Located on a quiet part of the island, the cottage sits by the water's edge affording the lodger outstanding water views including sea birds, otters and seals. A cozy spot.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Annette van der V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Blissfull

The cottage is lovely, super clean, location idyllic, it lacked nothing. I loved it, so peaceful to sit on quaint porch and watch the wild life! Would definitely return there. Conveniently close to ferry dock.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Fantastic waterside cottage

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Beautiful views and a nice, clean and comfortable place to stay.

10/10 Excellent

Christopher M., Vancouver

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage on the water

We had a wonderful time staying at the little cottage on the water. We thought it was very cozy for two adults and an infant. We would have liked wifi access, but other than that we enjoyed the scenery. The seals chilling on the dock was a nice surprise.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What an amazing location!

We were so important as we walked through the door! The cottage has everything you could need! Bed was very comfortable and the back porch made it nice to watch the little harbor with the boats and birds. Super easy access to town and grocery stores. We would absolutely book again the next time we come to Friday Harbor!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maureen G., San Jose, California

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint, Cozy Cottage

Oh Best Place Cottage! We will be back. Great little cottage. So relaxing to sit and drink coffee and watch the harbor seals on the dock. Hard to get motivated to get moving, but there is so much to see on San Juan Island and all of it easy to access.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Maureen B.

Comfy Weekend on Picturesque Harbor

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: A quiet, clean, well appointed cottage on the edge of a lively inlet in Friday Harbor - minutes from town.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

M Therese F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sweet, comfortable, nice view

My husband and I stayed. The weather was cool, so lack of ac was no problem. Small and cozy space. Nice small marina just outside — view held interest and the as quiet. Porch was great for morning coffee and evening reading… Bed was comfortable. The house is well-finished — (no chance of mold: something those of used to Maine seaside might worry about.)
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sarah F.

Best place to relax and watch the seals

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We enjoyed our stay at best place. Such a wonderful view and we truly enjoyed the seals playing in the harbor. The kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed. The house was close to Friday Harbor, but far enough that it was very quiet. The only thing that needs to be improved is the hideabed mattress. We brought a blow up mattress for our nine year old and placed it on top of the hideabed mattress because of the previous reviews. Otherwise this cute little house was great!!

10/10 Excellent

Jodie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

100% on our list of places to stay again!

Adorable, comfy cottage was an awesome stay experience for us. Location was incredible! On the cove harbor we saw tons of wildlife from our windows and the quaint covered deck. Harbor seals were our favorite, and also enjoyed great blue herons, geese, ducks, bald eagles, turkey vultures, and many beautiful birds. Cottage was well equipped and very comfortable. Enjoyed the furnishings and decor as well as the well equipped kitchen. Made breakfast every morning. Plenty of basic kitchen necessities. Our host was incredible to work with. Easy check-in and out!! Very accommodating and reasonable cleanup process- just the basics, nothing elaborate. Location was 5- 8 minutes from Friday Harbor docks, port, restaurants and shops. 100% on our list of places we’d stay again. Keep exploring and stay curious!
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Monireh M.

Great location, quiet but close enough to town

Rating Details: The property manager was more than helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This is a cozy home that’s the perfect size for a couple. We enjoyed the view, particularly watching the harbor seals play and snooze on the dock. The house is in a great location, very peaceful and also close to town for any needed items or just to wander around. The house is well-appointed. The only drawbacks to the home were the lack of window coverings in the living room (faces the cove, so not a huge deal), and the couch is *very* dated, looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. The management was responsive and pleasant to work with. Keep in mind that there’s really no flexibility to check-in or out time.

10/10 Excellent

Erin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jamie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Yvette S.

Cute cabin

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Wonderful stay !
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Travis L.

coastal cabin water view

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This place was very quiet and has a view like no other. the houser is small and cozy with ample amenities to cook amazing meals. I would watch the harbor seals feel during the tides and peer out the windows at the boats in the harbor. Very close to town and Jacksons beach. No internet so no working without a hotspot.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

4/10 Poor

Ruth P.

Needs upgrade

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very dirty. I was very happy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: PROS: SJPM was very responsive to any phone call made to them and it was delightful watching the otters and seals at play.CONS: The furniture was filthy (stains on the couch and dining room chairs) and the pull out bed on the sofa was unusable - it was old, thin, lumpy. I would recommend someone from SJPM pull out the bed and lay on it and see if you would recommend this to anyone. It was more comfortable sleeping on top of the sofa - and even that wasn't that comfortable.SUGGESTIONS: Upgrade the furniture (couch and dining chairs were filthy); upgrade your description of the property to show 1 queen bed (not that it sleeps 3); upgrade your bedsheets and blankets (more than 1 blanket had holes in it); put screens on the windows (it was nice opening the windows in the evening but uncomfortable in that insects came through; for guests staying more than 1 night, clean out drawers in the closet so that people can unpack their bags; upgrade the coffee maker (though this may have been changed since my last day at this location the coffee maker stopped working); replace DVD player (we never could get it to work); get internet to allow decent watching of tv (at the end of a long day some days it would have been nice to unwind with a little tv).Currently I would *not* recommend anyone to stay at this location because of the above facts.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nancy F.

Best Place Cottage in Friday Harbor - it really is a 'Best Place'

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The Best Place Cottage right outside of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island was amazing! The sweet cottage sits right on the water, with a beautiful view. You can watch seals play in the water and on a dock right from the back windows or patio. It's a quick 3 minute drive into the heart of Friday Harbor, and a great location as a starting point to visit all the other wonderful sites on the island. The cottage itself was sparkling clean, much roomier than we expected, and has everything you need for a wonderful, relaxing stay. If we return to the area we would definitely stay at Best Place Cottage again!
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Christine D.

Very nice little cottage

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Cute little cottage, great location
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

JAMES W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome view

Enjoy watching the seals hunt for food and bask in the sun on the dock. Occasional float plane landing
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paul H., Seattle

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely quiet spot With ongoing animal theater

Comfortable and with great views. Lots of seals eagles kingfishers herons and hummingbirds. A very relaxing place but also easy launching point to the rest of San Juan is. Highly recommended for 2, awkward for 3
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Julie E.

Cousins trip to visit family on the island

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Great location on the island, just minutes from the ferry! When we arrived the sea lions were all sitting on the dock...what a great welcome! The view from this little cottage was just beautiful! We picked up pizza after arriving off the ferry and sat out on the porch with our wine and pizza(highly recommend Van Go’s pizza). The kitchen was fully equipped with all we needed for our stay...even some great wine glasses that we used our entire stay. The living room could really use an update on the furniture...the pullout couch especially! This cottage would be ideal for a couple that do not need the second bed. We ended up bringing in our own blowup mattress. The wine(also recommend visiting Madrone Cellars)and the jet lag helped make it bearable sleeping on the blowup. All in all it was a fantastic trip and great stay on Friday Harbor!!

10/10 Excellent

Kari H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy, terrific location

Very comfortable and well equipped, but be aware space heaters are critical. Location is lovely and very convenient. Cottage is charming and quiet, with a great view. Pretty much everything you could ask for!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

About the host

Hosted by San Juan Property Management

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Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests