St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is one of the signature historic attractions in St. Augustine. Located on Anastasia Island, the black-and-white striped tower has helped guide vessels along Florida’s Atlantic coast since 1874. Today, visitors come for the climb, the sweeping views, and the museum campus, which explores local shipwrecks, lighthouse keepers, maritime archaeology, and the story of the nation’s oldest city.

Top Attractions at the St. Augustine Lighthouse

The Lighthouse Tower
The 165-foot lighthouse is the centerpiece of the visit:
- Climb 219 steps to the top for panoramic views of St. Augustine, Anastasia Island, Salt Run, and the Atlantic Ocean.
- See the historic first-order Fresnel lens and learn how lighthouse technology helped mariners navigate this stretch of coast.
- Discover stories tied to the lighthouse’s construction, its keepers, and its long role in coastal navigation.
Keeper’s House and Museum Buildings
The historic buildings on the campus help bring daily lighthouse life into focus:
- Explore exhibits about lighthouse keepers and their families.
- View maritime artifacts, photographs, and interpretive displays tied to St. Augustine’s waterfront history.
Maritime Museum Exhibits
The museum presents a wider look at the region’s nautical past:
- Learn about area shipwrecks, coastal trade, and the museum’s maritime archaeology work.
- Enjoy hands-on and family-friendly exhibits that make local history more engaging.
- See models, tools, and displays that show how navigation and maritime technology evolved over time.

Special Experiences

Ghost Tours and After-Dark Programs
The lighthouse is widely known as one of St. Augustine’s most talked-about haunted sites:
- Evening ghost tours are often available on select dates, including programs associated with the site’s paranormal reputation.
- Availability, age guidance, and tour themes may vary, so it’s smart to reserve ahead when these experiences are offered.
Specialty Tours and Programs
Beyond general admission, the museum may offer additional experiences throughout the year:
- Some programs highlight archaeology, preservation, or areas of the property not covered in a standard visit.
- Seasonal events, educational programs, and member or holiday activities may also be scheduled.

Family-Friendly Activities

Interactive Exhibits
Children and adults can explore museum displays that make maritime history easier to picture and understand.
Outdoor Grounds
The campus includes open-air spaces where families can enjoy the setting, take photos, and appreciate the lighthouse from different angles.
Seasonal Programs
Family activities, educational workshops, and special events may be available on select dates throughout the year.

Dining and Shopping

Museum Store
Browse lighthouse-themed gifts, books, educational items, and souvenirs related to St. Augustine’s maritime heritage.
Nearby Dining
While the museum experience is the main draw, visitors will find restaurants, coffee shops, and casual dining spots a short drive away on Anastasia Island and in historic downtown St. Augustine.

Amenities

Parking: On-site parking is typically available for visitors.
Restrooms: Visitor restrooms are available on the museum campus.
Gift Shop: The museum store is a convenient stop before or after your tower climb.

Accessibility

The lighthouse tower itself is not wheelchair-accessible and requires climbing a long staircase. However, much of the museum campus can still be enjoyed without making the tower climb.

Ground-Level Experiences: Museum exhibits, interpretive spaces, and outdoor areas allow non-climbers to enjoy the site’s history and atmosphere.
Check Ahead: Because this is a historic property, accessibility features and route options may vary; contacting the museum before your visit is the best way to confirm current accommodations.

Lighthouse Museum Map and Location

Nearby Attractions

Anastasia State Park: A beautiful coastal park with beaches, paddling, nature trails, and camping.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park: A longtime family attraction featuring alligators, crocodiles, birds, reptiles, and more.
Castillo de San Marcos: Explore the historic masonry fort that overlooks Matanzas Bay in downtown St. Augustine.
Historic St. George Street: A walkable district filled with shops, restaurants, museums, and historic sites.

Tips for Visiting the St. Augustine Lighthouse

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The tower climb is lengthy and includes a spiral staircase, so supportive footwear is a good idea.
Check Hours Before You Go: Admission hours, last tower entry times, and special tour availability can vary by date.
Plan for the Weather: Bring water, sunscreen, and sun protection on warm days; breezes at the top can feel cooler than conditions at ground level.
Book Specialty Tours Early: Ghost tours and other limited-capacity programs may sell out during busy travel periods.

Why Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse?

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum combines history, scenery, and hands-on learning in one of the city’s most recognizable settings. Whether you want to climb for the views, dive into local shipwreck stories, or simply experience one of the area’s best-known landmarks, this museum campus delivers a memorable stop on any St. Augustine itinerary.

For current hours, tickets, tower-climb details, and special tour availability, visit the official website: https://www.staugustinelighthouse.org/