Haunted History and Ghostly Encounters
Perched on Anastasia Island, the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum rises 165 feet above the coast and stands among the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Built between 1871 and 1874, the black-and-white tower is celebrated for its maritime history, museum exhibits, and sweeping views from the top. It is also widely known for longstanding ghost stories tied to tragic events, former keepers, and unexplained reports from staff and visitors.
Haunted History
- The Pittee Sisters: One of the site’s best-known tragedies dates to 1873, when a construction railway cart carrying children rolled into the water. Two of the Pittee sisters and another young girl died, while the youngest sister survived. Their story remains central to the lighthouse’s haunted reputation, and reports of children’s laughter, small footsteps, and figures in period clothing are often linked to this event.
- Keeper Lore: Local legend also points to earlier lighthouse keeper Joseph Andreu, whose death became part of the area’s ghost story tradition. Visitors have long described a tall figure, the smell of cigar smoke, and a watchful presence around the grounds and tower.
- The Keepers’ House and Grounds: Beyond the tower itself, the restored keepers’ quarters and museum areas are often included in paranormal accounts. Guests and staff have reported unexplained footsteps, voices, sudden cold spots, and doors or objects seeming to move without explanation.
Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour
For visitors who want to experience the site’s supernatural side after dark, the lighthouse is known for its Dark of the Moon ghost tour. This guided evening program typically explores parts of the lighthouse grounds and shares the stories, legends, and reported encounters that have made the property famous with paranormal enthusiasts. Tour dates, age policies, and availability may change, so it is smart to check the official calendar before planning your visit.
Visitor Information
- Official name: St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
- Address: 100 Red Cox Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080
- Hours: Museum and tower hours vary by date, season, weather, and special events. Confirm current hours on the official website before visiting.
- Admission: General admission and specialty tour pricing may change. Buying timed tickets or tour reservations in advance is often the best option.
- Tower climb: Reaching the top involves climbing 219 steps, so plan accordingly.
- Contact: (904) 829-0745
- Website: https://www.staugustinelighthouse.org/
Vicinity of the Lighthouse
Nearby Attractions
- Castillo de San Marcos: Explore the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States and learn about centuries of colonial and military history.
- Colonial Quarter: Walk through interactive exhibits and living-history areas that bring colonial-era St. Augustine to life.
- Flagler College: Tour the former Ponce de Leon Hotel, admired for its grand Spanish Renaissance architecture and Gilded Age history.
Why Visit?
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum offers more than a tower climb. It combines coastal history, museum exhibits, and one of Florida’s most enduring haunted legends in a single stop. Whether you come for the views, the stories, or an evening ghost tour, it is one of the most distinctive attractions in St. Augustine.
