Every August 7, National Lighthouse Day shines a light on the beacons that have guided ships safely along America's coasts for centuries. The date commemorates the Lighthouse Act of 1789, signed into law by President George Washington.

On Washington's San Juan Island, Lime Kiln Lighthouse brings that history vividly to life. Built in 1919 on a rocky bluff overlooking Haro Strait, its white flash still guides vessels through these waters. Nearby, Lime Kiln Point State Park is famous for something even more thrilling: orcas. Visitors often scan the waves from shore and may spot these powerful whales passing close to land.

From keepers tending lamps through long, stormy nights to today's automated systems, lighthouses have evolved while preserving their essential role. Many now serve as historic landmarks and scenic viewpoints, yet even in the age of advanced navigation, they remain enduring symbols of safety, resilience, and adventure.