Cape San Juan

San Juan Island which includes general coastal views and tranquil scenes
Visit the Cattle Point Lighthouse and see if you can spot some seals at the southern tip of San Juan Island.

Go for a coastal walk and enjoy the sea views from Cattle Point Lighthouse or spot seals playing in the water or lazing on the rocks. The serene beaches, prairies and forest of the American Camp National Historical Park surround the lighthouse, so bring your hiking shoes.

Many centuries ago, Cape San Juan was a separate landmass from San Juan Island. Over the years, however, the tide and continental drift combined to narrow the gap. Since the 1960s families in search of a laid-back place to live have settled here. Cape amenities include a marina, a heated pool for residents and beaches.

Comprising 129 acres of forested and prairie land along the coast, the area is much more than just a key residential part of the San Juan Islands.

Come the Cape to take a closer look at nature. Enjoy the sea views from Cattle Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is part of the San Juan Islands National Monument, which protects antiquities. Take pictures of the surrounding mountains in the distance or climb down to the water’s edge to spot seals in the bay. Just be careful when scrambling over the rocky coastline, it can be slippery. The so-called harbor (or “common”) seals are playful animals, so you can see them roll around in the waves and warm up and sleep on the rocks.

Cape San Juan sits in the southeastern corner of San Juan Island. Griffin Bay, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the American Camp surround it.

To get there, take the ferry from Anacortes on mainland U.S. to Friday Harbor and drive through the National Historic Park. At the end you can’t miss the large wooden ‘Cape San Juan’ sign. Boats can make use of the guest facilities of the marina in Fish Creek, off Griffin Bay.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Cape San Juan

Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn
Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn
3 out of 5
5316 Ferry Terminal Road, Anacortes, WA
Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn
Earthbox Inn & Spa
Earthbox Inn & Spa
2.5 out of 5
410 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA
Earthbox Inn & Spa
Friday Harbor Suites
Friday Harbor Suites
2.5 out of 5
680 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA
Friday Harbor Suites
The Orca Inn
The Orca Inn
2 out of 5
770 Mullis St., Friday Harbor, WA
The Orca Inn
Tucker House Inn
Tucker House Inn
4 out of 5
275 C Street, Friday Harbor, WA
Tucker House Inn
Friday Harbor House
Friday Harbor House
3.5 out of 5
130 West Street, Friday Harbor, WA
Friday Harbor House
Bird Rock Hotel
Bird Rock Hotel
2 out of 5
35 First Street, Friday Harbor, WA
Bird Rock Hotel
Snug Harbor Resort
Snug Harbor Resort
2.5 out of 5
1997 Mitchell Bay Rd, Friday Harbor, WA
Snug Harbor Resort
Deer Harbor Inn
Deer Harbor Inn
3 out of 5
33 Inn Lane, Deer Harbor, WA
Deer Harbor Inn
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.