The San Juan Islands are known for dramatic landscapes along the coast. From pebble beaches that stretch for miles featuring forgotten driftwood and sea glass to majestic cliffside forests reaching up toward the Pacific Northwest sky, these islands are quite magnificent. During your vacation, be sure to visit some of the noble figures along the shoreline. We mean the beautiful San Juan Island lighthouses that once guided ships in toward the shore amidst a blanket of darkness. Many still stand as historic testaments to their golden years providing safety for many a San Juan seaman. Here are 5 must-see San Juan Island lighthouses!
Find out more about all of the many sights near Tucker House Inn when you download our free Vacation Guide. It’s full of the best recommendations for things to see and do, like visiting these San Juan Island lighthouses.
3 of the Best San Juan Island Lighthouses
Lime Kiln Lighthouse
On the main San Juan Island, where our lovely Tucker House Inn resides, you can discover a few of these majestic statues. One of the most renowned San Juan Island lighthouses is the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, located on the west side of the island at a rocky overlook. Constructed in 1919, this unique lighthouse still operates today as a navigational beacon to ships coming into the Haro Strait. While many of its brethren have long since sent their last beam to the sea, the Lime Kiln Lighthouse is still shining! It is also home to a center for orca research, since its location coincides with a top whale watching destination on the island.
Cattle Point Lighthouse
Another selection of must-see San Juan Island lighthouses is the Cattle Point Lighthouse in Friday Harbor, WA. The modern structure is a 34-foot octagonal concrete tower, which was constructed in 1935 after the Navy closed the previous compass station in the area. The Cattle Point Lighthouse on San Juan Island currently sits in a windswept meadow of grassy dunes, spotted with seabirds and golden eagles. Adjacent to the Cattle Point Natural Resources Conservation Area, the lighthouse is a beautiful monument among the surrounding San Juan Island nature. When you visit the lighthouse, you will be able to see the structure in its splendor. Trails lead from the conservation area to the lighthouse, allowing visitors to see it close up.
Turn Point Light
Once you’ve seen these stunning San Juan Island lighthouses on the main land mass of the archipelago, you can travel from your home base at Tucker House Inn to others. The surrounding islands also hold some of these historic architectural gems. Offshore on Stuart Island, you will discover the Turn Point Light. This important guide lit the way for vessels traveling from the Strait of San Juan de Fuca to Vancouver. At this point, ships would make a hard right turn, following the same route as pods of orcas. You can see this lighthouse by boat if you decide to island-hop during your stay!
Make Tucker House Inn Your Home Base
Located in Friday Harbor, WA, near the Cattle Point Light and Lime Kiln Lighthouse, Tucker House Inn makes a great home base for your explorations. Our pet-friendly bed and breakfast features an open-arm hospitality as well as luxurious accommodations and amenities. We want to make your stay the very best it can be. Let us help guide your itinerary to plan the best San Juan Island adventures!
