San Juan Island is known for many things! The charming town of Friday Harbor, arriving by ferry, whale watching, and fantastic hikes. One of the must-visit attractions on the island is the Lime Kiln State Park Lighthouse. This iconic 1919 landmark sits on the Western end of the 41-acre park, looking out over waters across Dead Man’s Bay and the Haro Strait into the Cordova Bay of Canada, with stunning views of the Olympic Mountain range.
The lighthouse is such a great spot to get that bird’s eye view, and as this park is also known as “Whale Watch Park,” seeing one of these majestic tails or a breech of these marine mammals out in the water is not a stretch. Lime Kiln State Park is one of the best places in the world to watch whales from shore! The Lime Kiln State Park Lighthouse plays an interesting part in the island’s history: named after the Lime Kilns (you can see some of the remnants of these at the park as well) and it was the last major light established in Washington.
Before you start filling out your San Juan Island itinerary, you’ll want to choose your lodging, and our bed and breakfast in Friday Harbor is the best central location for those hoping to explore the island’s highlights. Our Inn has an array of overnight accommodations and is within walking distance of the ferry dock and everything in downtown Friday Harbor, and you’ll be a quick scenic drive or bike ride from the Lime Kiln State Park Lighthouse and these other iconic landmarks. Book your lodging today!
Lime Kiln State Park Lighthouse & More Iconic Landmarks
Perched along the rugged coastline of San Juan Island, the Lime Kiln State Park lighthouse stands as a majestic sentinel overlooking the Salish Sea. Steeped in maritime history and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, this iconic landmark offers visitors a glimpse into the rich maritime heritage of the Pacific Northwest.
The Lime Kiln State Park Lighthouse is just one of the fascinating landmarks to seek out during your visit. Here are a few more great places to add to your itinerary.
- Cattle Point Lighthouse at American Camp: Head through the American Camp prairie, which opens up onto stunning views of the Salish Sea. The Lime Kiln State Park Lighthouse isn’t the only one on the island, as the Cattle Point Lighthouse has been guiding mariners since 1935.
- Hike at Mount Finlayson: With expansive views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca contrasting with deep forest lagoons, the Mount Finlayson loop features a variety of San Juan Island’s ecosystems in an easy and scenic trail.
- McMillin Memorial Mausoleum: One of the most iconic landmarks on the island, this memorial is a tribute to a famed leader in the limestone industry. The After Glow Vista trail leads you through an ancient cemetery up to a haunting open-air memorial to the family of John S. McMillin.
- Roche Harbor Marina: This is a stunning area of the island where hundreds of sailboats and yachts tie up to dock. You can walk along the wooden piers of the marina, follow the historical markers, and find a couple of great dining options.
- San Juan Island Sculpture Garden: This outdoor sculpture garden has long been a fixture on San Juan Island for local and national artists to display their impressive pieces.
- English Camp Grounds: The other component of the Pig War history on San Juan Island, English Camp has a serene parade ground and formal garden to explore. The one-mile Bell Point Trail at the far end of the parade ground is a picturesque flat walk around Westcott and Garrison Bays.
- Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm: This quiet cove on San Juan Island is home to an excellent lunch spot and a working shellfish farm tour. During the warmer months, be sure to make a reservation for one of their outdoor tables for freshly shucked and barbecued oysters.
For more information or directions to the Lime Kiln State Park Lighthouse or these other landmarks, feel free to ask your Innkeepers at our bed and breakfast in Friday Harbor.
Stay at our Bed and Breakfast in Friday Harbor
There’s something magical about staying on our quiet island in the San Juans. Friday Harbor offers a glimpse into island life, where time moves a little bit slower, you can count the hours by ferry horn, and the people are friendly and welcoming. With our bed and breakfast in Friday Harbor as your home base, you’ll be in the ideal location to explore the highlights of the island, including the Lime Kiln State Park Lighthouse, the Cattle Point Light, and any of the iconic landmarks nearby.
Our Inn collection offers a variety of lodging accommodations to fit any style of vacation, whether you’re traveling just for two, with your pets, or a whole bunch; our bed and breakfast in Friday Harbor has a solution. We have cozy rooms, multi-room suites, and entire vacation cottage rentals available. All of our overnight options are equipped with lovely comfort amenities, including fine linens, fluffy towels, and luxurious bath products. Our friendly Innkeepers are also available to provide concierge services during your stay.
Another outstanding component of choosing our bed and breakfast in Friday Harbor is our gourmet food options. You’ll start your day with a homemade breakfast delivered to your door with local and seasonal ingredients. Before check-in, we’ll send you a questionnaire to learn more about your dietary restrictions. In the evenings, Coho Restaurant is just a block away, where we also strive to serve the finest, organic, and island-sourced meals. Dining here will be a highlight of your stay. We can’t wait to welcome you to Friday Harbor; book your lodging today!
