Set on a rocky bluff at the west end of San Juan Island , Lime Kiln Lighthouse is still fully operational to this day . Guided lighthouse tours are available seasonally mid-May through mid-September on Thursday and Saturday evenings . Below , beach combing offers endless adventures , even if you ’ re just making a big pile of rocks on a log .
think of my meal at Coho is fresh .
lisette wolter-mckinley photo
Go Beach Hopping
One of our favorite activities on San Juan Island is beach hopping . Each beach provides interesting scenery and a different vantage point of the island . We like to spend time on each side of the island to keep things interesting . Between beachcombing , rock-throwing , fort building , and exploring — your days can easily be filled solely with beach time .
I love that these beaches help me teach my children about the different types of seaweed , kelp , and sea creatures . And the more we have explored the islands , the more I ’ m amazed to learn all that I don ’ t know .
It ’ s a lesson that ’ s taught me to slow down and enjoy the intricacies of the world around me . While we ’ ve enjoyed every beach we ’ ve visited , San Juan County Park on the west side of the island has proved a favorite , as it ’ s a great spot to launch a kayak . So too has South Beach , thanks to its stunning views of the Olympic Mountains . And for days when hands-on exploring is paramount , lisette wolter-mckinley photo
Fourth of July Beach has offered miles of rocks , sand , and driftwood .
Get Out On the Water
Whenever we visit the San Juan Islands we like to get out on the water as much as possible . San Juan Safaris is one of our favorite outfitters ; their guides and naturalists are professional and possess an enthusiasm for their jobs that is unmatched .
Whenever I go whale watching or kayaking , I always leave inspired by the scenery , but more importantly the people . Whether it is whale watching season or not , we love spending an afternoon on a wildlife cruise . When you are out on the water you will be able to see a variety of animals — from seals and sea lions to eagles and all types of birds .
If you want to see the islands from a different vantage point , plan a long weekend of paddling around the San Juan Islands . Kayak along the rocky shorelines and coves . Get up close and personal with local sea life . A kayak or lisette wolter-mckinley photo
56 explore : NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air