This 165-foot-tall structure, Florida’s first official lighthouse, was built in 1875 to replace the old Spanish lighthouse that had stood at the inlet since 1565. The lightkeeper’s cottage was destroyed by fire in 1970 but was meticulously restored to its Victorian splendor. The Victorian-style visitor center houses a museum explaining the history of the lighthouse and the area. Demos of lightkeeper duties, wooden boatbuilding, and underwater archaeology are especially interesting. There’s also a play area, nature trails, and a WW2-themed restaurant. You should be in good condition (children must be at least 44 inches tall) to climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse. The SyFy Network’s popular show Ghost Hunters filmed an episode here and found that, after a thorough investigation, the lighthouse is, indeed, haunted and they offer ghost tours, including one inside the tour at night, for $29.95.
St. Augustine
Travel Guide
St. Augustine› Attraction
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
81 Lighthouse Ave, St. Augustine, FL, USA
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Off A1A east of the Bridge of Lions
Hours
Daily 9am–6pm
Phone
904/829-0745
Prices
Admission to museum and tower $14.95 adults, $12.95 seniors, $12.95 children 7–11, free for children 6 and under and all active-duty and retired military personnel
Web site
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum
Map
81 Lighthouse Ave St. Augustine FL USA St. AugustineNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.