Lime Kiln Point State Park Tours

Lime Kiln Point State Park showing a house and forests
Lime Kiln Point State Park showing hiking or walking, mountains and general coastal views
Lime Kiln Point State Park which includes rocky coastline, a bay or harbor and general coastal views
Lime Kiln Point State Park featuring heritage architecture, rocky coastline and a lighthouse
Photo by Kirk & Lynn


Also known as Whale Watch Park, this diving site is one of the best places in the world to view wild orca pods from the shore.

Lime Kiln State Park offers a splendid opportunity to see orca pods in the wild and with activities such as diving and bird watching it is easy to see why sightseers are so enamored with the park. Bring the family for a day trip to this scenic spot and if you are staying on the island, don’t miss your chance to photograph the panoramic view of the setting sun over the ocean.

Lime Kiln State Park was established in 1984 after the Coast Guard handed over the area to Washington State Parks. Previously, it was a quarry where kilns were built to burn limestone and produce lime, explaining the park’s industrial name.

One of the top attractions in the park is Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Head there first to learn more about orcas, seals and porpoises before trying to spot them in the wild. Naturalists are usually on hand to offer guidance. Follow the path and check the lighthouse’s reader board and see when orcas were last spotted. Bring a picnic and don’t be in a hurry, because it may be a few hours before they pass by.

The park has a rich environment of nature and a rocky shoreline. It is a marine preserve, so no fishing is allowed but scuba divers with their own gear can wade in and explore the subaquatic landscape and colorful fish. See if you can find rockfish, wolf eels and the occasional octopus. The best time to dive is during low tide, just take care on the steep, rocky entry.

The 36-acre Lime Kiln State Park sits on the western shore of San Juan Island and is open year-round from early in the morning until dusk. It is a 20-minute drive from Friday Harbor on the east of the island. Admission is free, although parking costs a small fee. Restrooms are available at the entrance and dogs are allowed on a leash.

Plan a trip to see Lime Kiln Point State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Orca Inn
Inn to the Woods B&B
Friday Harbor Suites

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lime Kiln Point State Park

Inn to the Woods B&B

Inn to the Woods B&B

3.5 out of 5
46 Elena Drive, Friday Harbor, WA
Inn to the Woods B&B
Snug Harbor Resort

Snug Harbor Resort

2.5 out of 5
1997 Mitchell Bay Rd, Friday Harbor, WA
Snug Harbor Resort
Trumpeter Inn

Trumpeter Inn

3 out of 5
318 Trumpeter Way, Friday Harbor, WA
Trumpeter Inn
Friday Harbor Suites

Friday Harbor Suites

2.5 out of 5
680 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA
Friday Harbor Suites
Beach house,  heated pool, hot tub, private beach, shared dock

Beach house, heated pool, hot tub, private beach, shared dock

Friday harbor
Beach house, heated pool, hot tub, private beach, shared dock
The Orca Inn

The Orca Inn

2 out of 5
770 Mullis St., Friday Harbor, WA
The Orca Inn
Westcott Bay Waterfront pet friendly home. just minutes from Roche Harbor.

Westcott Bay Waterfront pet friendly home. just minutes from Roche Harbor.

Friday Harbor
Westcott Bay Waterfront pet friendly home. just minutes from Roche Harbor.
Earthbox Inn & Spa

Earthbox Inn & Spa

2.5 out of 5
410 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA
Earthbox Inn & Spa
Waterfront Home - Watch a Sunset from the Hot Tub, Private Beach, Mooring Buoy

Waterfront Home - Watch a Sunset from the Hot Tub, Private Beach, Mooring Buoy

Friday Harbor
Waterfront Home - Watch a Sunset from the Hot Tub, Private Beach, Mooring Buoy
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lime Kiln Point State Park

At Lime Kiln Point State Park in Friday Harbor, visitors can enjoy exciting activities like whale watching, ferry rides, and exploring diverse wildlife. The park offers beautiful beach trips, lighthouse tours, and excellent opportunities for spotting whales, particularly during peak seasons. Be sure to check the park hours to make the most of your visit and experience the best of what this stunning location has to offer.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, visit the charming shops in Friday Harbor, where you can find local art and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Darvill's Bookstore is a delightful stop 17 miles away, offering a wide selection of books and gifts.

Recreation

At San Juan County Park, enjoy peaceful walks along scenic trails and relax by the waterfront, immersing yourself in nature's tranquility. For sports enthusiasts, the San Juan Golf & Country Club and San Juan Golf & Tennis Club offer invigorating rounds of golf and tennis amidst beautiful outdoor landscapes.

Adventure

Embark on a Lopez Island Bike Ride, located 11 miles from Lime Kiln Point State Park. This scenic trail offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and stunning views, allowing you to explore the beautiful landscape while enjoying an invigorating ride through nature.

Find the best attractions near Lime Kiln Point State Park

Lime Kiln Point State Park in Friday Harbor offers a variety of attractions, including a historic lighthouse, a scenic marina, and a delightful sculpture garden. This destination is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike, providing ample opportunities for adventure and exploration. Don't miss the chance to capture stunning photos of the park's iconic lime kiln and discover other nearby attractions that enhance your visit.

  • Roche Harbor Marina: Located 6 miles from Lime Kiln Point State Park, Roche Harbor Marina offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for outdoor adventures. Enjoy stunning waterfront views, relax on the beach, and indulge in various water activities.
  • Pelindaba Lavender Farm: Just 2 miles away, Pelindaba Lavender Farm is a serene escape filled with fragrant lavender fields. Visitors can explore the farm, participate in workshops, and purchase unique lavender products, all while enjoying the scenic landscape.
  • San Juan Island National Historic Park: Situated 7 miles from Lime Kiln Point, this historic site showcases the rich culture and history of the San Juan Islands. Explore walking trails, historic landmarks, and beautiful vistas that tell the story of the area’s past.

Best time to go to Lime Kiln Point State Park

The best time to visit Lime Kiln Point State Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Lime Kiln Point State Park falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Lime Kiln Point State Park falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
June57.4°F (14.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July60.6°F (15.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lime Kiln Point State Park

To save money on your visit to Lime Kiln Point State Park, take advantage of the free park entry. Consider traveling between December and February for lower accommodation rates, and aim for a Tuesday stay to secure cheaper hotel prices. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter and compare prices, and explore eco-certified hotels for sustainable options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential package savings, and join Expedia’s One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards on future bookings. Enjoy free activities at the park while keeping your travel costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lime Kiln Point State Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lime Kiln Point State Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Lime Kiln Point State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Lime Kiln Point State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.