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.
Exploring San Juan Island’s lighthouses is a lovely and scenic way to experience the island’s rugged charm. The iconic Cattle Point Lighthouse offers sweeping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, while the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, perched dramatically on the edge of a rocky bluff, is one of the best spots in the world to view whales from shore. Make a day of it by packing a picnic, snapping a few photos, and enjoying the fresh salt air along the coastal trails that lead to each one.
Of course, there’s much more to explore on San Juan Island beyond its lighthouses. Browse the galleries and shops in Friday Harbor, take a kayak tour around the harbor, or spend the afternoon at the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. For a memorable stay, book a room at Tucker House Inn, Friday Harbor’s premier bed and breakfast. With charming rooms, warm hospitality, and locally sourced gourmet breakfasts, the inn is a welcoming home base for your island adventures. Whether you’re visiting for romance, relaxation, or a bit of both, Tucker House Inn puts you right in the heart of it all. Book your stay today!
3 of the Best San Juan Island Lighthouses
Exploring the lighthouses on San Juan Island is a remarkable way to experience both the island’s natural beauty and its maritime history. Each lighthouse—like the windswept Cattle Point Lighthouse or the ever-photogenic Lime Kiln—offers a different perspective of the coastline, from sweeping ocean vistas to rocky bluffs where whales often surface offshore. These historic structures feel like quiet storytellers, each with a past rooted in navigation, resilience, and the constant rhythm of the sea.
Walking the trails that lead to them or standing at their base, you get a sense of how this island has guided people—both literally and figuratively—for over a century. It’s not just about sightseeing; it’s about stepping into a living piece of the Pacific Northwest’s coastal legacy. Don’t miss the chance to tour all three of these majestic lighthouses near Friday Harbor.
Lime Kiln Lighthouse
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 San Juan Island 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, this Friday Harbor 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!
Where to Stay in Friday Harbor
Staying at the Tucker House Inn in Friday Harbor offers an ideal base for exploring historic San Juan Island lighthouses and other attractions. Located just a short walk from the ferry terminal and downtown, our Bed and Breakfast is the best place to stay in Friday Harbor. In addition to being walkable, our Inn provides easy access to the island’s sites, including the iconic Cattle Point and Lime Kiln lighthouses. Guests can enjoy the convenience of nearby whale-watching tours, kayaking adventures, and eclectic shops, all within walking distance.
The inn’s accommodations cater to a variety of travelers, offering spacious guest rooms, suites, and cottages that are both family and pet-friendly. Each unit is thoughtfully designed with luxurious linens, handcrafted soaps, and modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests can start their day with a complimentary gourmet breakfast delivered to their door, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients that showcase the local flavors of the island.
Beyond the comforts of their rooms, guests can indulge in the island’s culinary scene at the inn’s own Coho Restaurant, which offers a dynamic menu reflecting the freshest local produce. For those seeking relaxation, the inn provides handcrafted spa amenities, including soaps, lotions, and custom-scented bath and shower products. Whether you’re visiting for romance, relaxation, or a bit of both, Tucker House Inn provides a welcoming home base for your island adventures. Let us help guide your itinerary to plan the best San Juan Island adventures! Book your stay today!
