Lighthouse hopping is one of the most fun things you can do around Seattle. Not only are you rewarded with stunning coastal views, but these spots also offer beautiful places to walk, relax, or even hike. If you’re looking to explore some of Washington’s most scenic coastal gems, here’s a list of lighthouses you can visit.
Don’t forget to bookmark this post, I’ll keep adding new ones as I discover them along the way. From iconic city viewpoints to quiet, tucked-away shores, each lighthouse offers its own unique charm, history, and perspective of the Pacific Northwest’s rugged beauty. You can also check out my the Ultimate Seattle Nature Guide blog post, where I share the top parks, lakes, and wildlife viewing spots in and around Seattle.
West Point Lighthouse, Seattle
This is one of my favorite go-to lighthouses in Washington, located in Discovery Park, the largest green space in Seattle. Sitting right along the shoreline, West Point Lighthouse feels like a peaceful escape from the city. The best part is the panoramic view.
On a clear day, you’ll see Mount Rainier in the distance, ferries passing by Bainbridge Island, and the Olympic Mountains stretching across the horizon. Pair it with a beach walk, and it’s easily one of the most scenic spots in Seattle. You can also spot plenty of wildlife here, including birds, porpoises, sea lions, and even orcas.
If you’re looking for a quick hike within Seattle that offers a decent challenge and rewarding views, I recommend taking the West Point Lighthouse Trail via Discovery Park East parking lot. We love hiking on this, especially during Spring and Summer and love taking our friends and family as well, visiting Seattle. You can watch my Discovery Park video 🎥 to get an idea of the place.
Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, Mukilteo
A short drive north of Seattle takes you to Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, which offers a completely different vibe. This charming lighthouse, with its signature red roof, sits right next to the ferry terminal, giving you front-row seats to the rhythm of Puget Sound. Watching ferries glide across the water at sunset is the highlight here, making it perfect for a slow, relaxed evening by the shore. It’s also a great spot for tide pooling and wildlife spotting.
I visited this lighthouse for the first time on my visit to Everett since it was a short bus ride, and you can see (Mukilteo video 🎥) it worth totally worth the visit, especially during the sunset.
Point Wilson Lighthouse, Port Townsend
If you’re up for a day trip, Point Wilson Lighthouse in Port Townsend is absolutely worth it. Located inside Fort Worden State Park, this lighthouse sits at the meeting point of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Admiralty Inlet. The setting feels dramatic and expansive, with windswept beaches, historic military bunkers, and endless ocean views. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend hours exploring.
Reaching here by public transit is fairly easy, making it a great day trip from Seattle, you can read more about planning the perfect Port Townsend trip here and watch my Port Townsend vlog, where I visit Point Wilson Lighthouse 🎥.
Browns Point Lighthouse Park, Tacoma
If you’re looking for something quieter and more off the beaten path, Browns Point Lighthouse Park in Tacoma is a hidden gem. Overlooking Commencement Bay, this small park offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views of Mount Rainier and passing cargo ships. It’s less crowded than other spots, making it ideal for a picnic or a calm afternoon by the water. A car is the best way to reach this spot, but it’s absolutely worth the drive.
Point Robinson Lighthouse, Vashon Island
Another great day trip from Seattle, this one offers a true island experience. Point Robinson Lighthouse 🎥 is located on Maury Island, part of Vashon Island, overlooking the southern Puget Sound with views of Mount Rainier. This classic red-and-white lighthouse sits along a driftwood-lined shoreline and feels wonderfully secluded. On clear days, Mount Rainier creates a stunning backdrop, and the overall atmosphere is calm, quiet, and perfect for slowing down. On your way, you can take a detour to visit the famous troll statue for a fun photo stop. You can also check out my Vashon travel guide for more details on planning this trip.
Like I mentioned earlier, this is a growing list, and I’ll keep adding more as I explore. If you visit, try to time it around sunset, the views become incredibly scenic. Also, fun fact: some lighthouses offer stays in the keeper’s quarters. I personally find them a bit pricey, but if that’s not a concern, it’s definitely a unique experience worth trying at least once.
