If you love oysters, fresh seafood, and discovering the source of where local food comes from, make room for Westcott Bay on your San Juan Island itinerary. About 20 minutes from Friday Harbor, Westcott Bay Shellfish Company is a working, family-run aquaculture farm where oysters, clams, and mussels are grown in the tidelands of the sparkling bay. It is also one of those rare island experiences where lunch is part of the adventure. You can sit beside the water, order oysters grown just yards away, watch the farm crew at work, and learn a little about shellfish farming while you eat.
Westcott Bay has been associated with shellfish farming since the late 1970s. The original operation became known for its oysters, and its products developed a following well beyond San Juan Island. Over time, however, the farm fell into disrepair, and the shellfish stocks were depleted. By 2013, the property was a neglected five-acre farm that might easily have disappeared altogether. That is when Erik and Andrea Anderson stepped in.
The couple, who had been living on nearby Henry Island, purchased the property in September 2013 with the goal of restoring the old shellfish farm and keeping it part of the island community. They arrived with plenty of enthusiasm, but very little experience in shellfish farming. The years that followed involved a steep learning curve, major investment, rebuilding infrastructure, and replanting oysters, clams, and mussels.
Their work transformed the property into the Westcott Bay Shellfish Co. you can visit today, a working farm with a farm store, seasonal dining, and a strong focus on environmental stewardship and community. That history is part of what makes a meal special. You’ll be ordering local seafood, right as you sit at a farm and eat food that began its journey in the water directly in front of you. Exploring here is just one of the many wonderful things to do in the San Juans!
For guests staying at Tucker House Inn or Harrison House Suites, Westcott Bay makes an especially good daytime outing. Pair lunch at the farm with an evening reservation at Coho Restaurant in Friday Harbor, and you have the makings of an exceptional Island food itinerary. Our charming San Juan Island Bed and Breakfast is the perfect home base for so many adventures; you’ll love our welcoming staff and dedication to warm hospitality. Book your room today!
Westcott Bay Oysters, From the Farm to Your Plate
Oysters are the stars at Westcott Bay, and the experience gives you several ways to enjoy them.
The farm grows multiple varieties, including High Beach Sweets and Olympia oysters, called Little Olys. High Beach Sweets are Pacific oysters known for their sweet flavor and light brine. Olympia oysters are much smaller and grow slowly, making them a particularly interesting variety for anyone who wants to compare different oyster types. Tasting notes on the menu call Olympia oysters petite, five-year-old oysters, while High Beach Sweets are grown for a shorter period before harvest.
You can enjoy Westcott Bay oysters raw on the half shell, complete with traditional accompaniments, or choose the farm’s grilled preparations. The grilled oysters are topped with house-made compound butters, with flavors including herb, lemon, and garlic; lime, cilantro, and sriracha; and chipotle bourbon. These may change with the seasons.
Not in the mood for oysters? The menu also features farm-raised clams and mussels, along with salads, bread, sandwiches, and other seasonal dishes. The farm works with other local producers, too, so there is plenty to enjoy even if not everyone in your group is an oyster fan. You can also purchase shellfish to take with you. Ask the farm crew for tips on shucking and preparing your oysters, then make use of your private grill back at the inn.
Tide Tables or the Net Shed?
Westcott Bay Shellfish offers two distinct ways to enjoy the farm, depending on the season and the kind of experience you want.
Lunch at Tide Tables
During the warmer months, Tide Tables is the place to be.
- The outdoor dining area sits right beside the water, overlooking the cultivated tidelands where the farm grows its shellfish. Tables, umbrellas, and the waterfront setting create an easygoing spot for a long lunch, with the added pleasure of watching the tides and seeing the working farm around you.
- Reservations are strongly recommended for Tide Tables during the busy season. Reservations are generally available during the main season, while walk-in availability can be quite limited.
- This is the setting to choose if your idea of a great San Juan Island lunch involves fresh oysters, a picnic table beside the water, and plenty of time to enjoy the view.
The Net Shed
The Net Shed offers a different experience and is particularly useful when Tide Tables is unavailable or when you want a more casual visit.
- The rustic building provides a sheltered place to enjoy shellfish and other farm fare, and it serves as a walk-in option when Tide Tables is full.
- Net Shed seating is first come, first served.
- It is also a good choice when the weather is less cooperative. Northwest Island weather can change quickly, and having an indoor option makes it easier to enjoy Westcott Bay outside the height of summer.
Take a Tour of the Oyster Farm
Want to understand more about what goes into those oysters on your plate? A farm tour takes you beyond the dining experience and into the working side of Westcott Bay Shellfish. Previous tour offerings have included a behind-the-scenes look at the farm, an opportunity to see how shellfish are harvested, a shucking lesson, and lunch at the Tide Tables. The experience runs about two hours, and reservations are required when tours are offered.
How to Get to Westcott Bay Shellfish
From Friday Harbor, Westcott Bay Shellfish is about a 20-minute drive toward the northwest side of San Juan Island. The farm is located at 904 Westcott Drive, near Roche Harbor Road. If you are driving, park near the farm entrance and follow the path toward the waterfront. There is also a hiking option from English Camp, allowing you to combine a visit to Westcott Bay Shellfish with a day at the national historical park. Boaters can also reach the farm by water, although the dock has specific size and docking requirements. The current guidance allows boats up to 20 feet and requires bow-tie docking.
Build the Perfect San Juan Island Food Itinerary
One of our favorite ways to enjoy Westcott Bay Shellfish is to make it part of a full day of exploring San Juan Island. Start your morning at our San Juan Island Bed and Breakfast with a fresh morning meal delivered to your door, then head out to explore the island. Spend a few hours visiting Roche Harbor, walking through English Camp, touring a local winery, or taking a scenic drive following the island roads toward the coast.
Around lunchtime, make your way to Westcott Bay. Order a plate of oysters, try a grilled preparation, add some clams or mussels, and settle in beside the water. If you have time, take a farm tour or walk the shoreline afterward. Then, after an afternoon exploring more of San Juan Island, return to Friday Harbor for dinner at Coho Restaurant, our sister property, just a block from our Inn, where our culinary team takes local produce and proteins and creates magic on the plate. We can’t wait to host you; book your room today!