Florida has 30 lighthouses marking its coastline, it ranks 7th in the country for most lighthouses. If you want to visit lighthouses while in Florida it can be difficult to decide where to start. Here are our picks for the best lighthouses in Florida and the ones that you must see if you have the chance!
10/10
St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum serves as a scenic and educational maritime museum. It stands 165 feet above sea level, overlooking the Matanzas Bay and the Atlantic Ocean from Anastasia Island. Visitors can climb the 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for a spectacular view of the city and ocean. Experience life at a Light Station through the many exhibits in the Keeper’s House, stroll the picturesque grounds, or enjoy a “Behind the Scenes” guided tour, included with admission. There is also a gift shop open to the public where visitors can choose from a unique array of nautical souvenirs
9/10
Ponce de Leon Lighthouse
The Ponce de Leon Lighthouse is most impressive for its outstanding height of 175 feet. It is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and the third tallest lighthouse in the entire country. If you feel like braving the 203 step climb to the top you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Ponce Inlet waterways and the surrounding area. There’s also a small museum that teaches the lighthouses history.
More than 500 years have come and gone since the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce De Leon first encountered Florida in 1513, and more than 130 years since the lighthouse bearing his name was first lit on the evening of November 1st, 1887. Dive into the fascinating history of Florida, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station, and the US Lighthouse Establishment/Service. Discover the many educational opportunities the museum has to offer for regular visitors and school groups alike, including upcoming special events, guided tours, onsite workshops, outreach programs, and more!
8/10
Pensacola Lighthouse
Climb 177 steps up the historic Pensacola Lighthouse for one of the most beautiful views on the Gulf Coast. Built in 1859, the lighthouse is located on board NAS Pensacola, right across from the National Naval Aviation Museum.
The top of the tower offers stunning views of Pensacola Pass (where Pensacola Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico), three historic forts, the Pensacola skyline, and the historic Navy Yard. The fully restored Keepers’ Quarters – built in 1869 – is home to the Richard C. Callaway museum, which houses numerous exhibits on local history and the lighthouse itself.
The Pensacola Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
7/10
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
Conceived in 1851, the Jupiter Lighthouse was constructed in stages over the next eight years. The tower is constructed of brick. The lighthouse at Jupiter was first illuminated on July 10,1860. Over the years the humidity and sea air discolored the brick and it was painted red around 1910. The Light was converted to electricity in 1928. A visit to this lighthouse is a full experience by itself. You can experience the beautiful views from the top of this lighthouse by first visiting the museum.
6/10
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse has stood on the Cape for over 150 years. Situated amidst America’s Premier Gateway to Space, the lighthouse is owned by the United States Space Force and maintained as an active aid to navigation by the United States Coast Guard. Visits to the lighthouse, museum, and gift shop are available via prescheduled tours, only.
5/10
Key West Lighthouse
The Key West Lighthouse is a traditional lighthouse that makes a beautiful mark on the country’s southernmost city. The real draw of this lighthouse, though, is its location. Surrounded by Key West tourist attractions on all sides, The Key West Lighthouse is an easy addition to any Key West vacation. In fact it’s right across the street from The Ernest Hemingway House and Museum.
4/10
Cape Florida Lighthouse
First erected in 1825, the Cape Florida Light has survived nearly 200 years of erosion, dozens of hurricanes, an attack by native Seminole Native Americans, and an explosion of lantern oil and gun powder. Yet, through all the tribulation, it still stands.
When the lighthouse was originally built, it guided sailors around the Florida reef helping them avoid an unfortunate accident. Today, the lighthouse is a cultural landmark that has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
From the top, a wrap-around balcony supplies a legendary view over Key Biscayne. In the north onlookers get a view of world-famous Miami Beach. To the east swirls the Atlantic Ocean, home to dolphins, stingrays and manatees. In the south, the floating homes of Stiltsville are still visible standing over the water. And in the west, adventure seekers capture an unparalleled view of vibrant Cape Florida and Key Biscayne.
3/10
Saint George Island Lighthouse
The Saint George Island Lighthouse is a simple lighthouse and a fun way to spend a day. It’s most famous for sliding into the Gulf of Mexico and collapsing in 2005. But this is the little lighthouse that could, rebuilt and opened to the public in 2008. You can visit the lighthouse at almost any time, but for a completely unique experience they have an event at every full moon for people to climb to the top of the lighthouse and watch the sun set and the moon rise.
2/10
Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse
The Saint George Island Lighthouse is a simple lighthouse and a fun way to spend a day. It’s most famous for sliding into the Gulf of Mexico and collapsing in 2005. But this is the little lighthouse that could, rebuilt and opened to the public in 2008. You can visit the lighthouse at almost any time, but for a completely unique experience they have an event at every full moon for people to climb to the top of the lighthouse and watch the sun set and the moon rise.
1/10
Amelia Island Lighthouse
Few structures in Florida boast heritage as long and intriguing as the *Amelia Island Lighthouse,*built in 1838. This is the state’s oldest lighthouse, and it is the only one from the Territorial Period that has survived without major rebuilding.
When the lantern first sent its beam out to sea, Florida was not yet a state. Through the years, the old sailing ships gave way to modern freighters and fishing boats. The beacon kept shining and still guides seafarers into the channel toward the Fernandina Harbor.
The City of Fernandina Beach received possession of the lighthouse from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2001. The Coast Guard, with the help of local Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers, is responsible for the function of the beacon. The City will preserve this monument, recognizing its importance as one of the island’s most visible and beloved historic sites.
— Popular News —
The Historic Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa
LA QUINTA HOTEL GETS APPROVED FOR LIGHTHOUSE POINT
BOLD REDS
Okonomiyaki – JAPANESE VEGETABLE PANCAKES
Monterrey Magic: IC The Clement Monterrey
LIGHTHOUSE POINT’S NEW MAYOR IS KYLE VAN BUSKIRK
Drone Show and Pier Dedication, Saturday, April 2
LIGHTHOUSE POINT MAYOR GLENN TROAST REMEMBERED BY COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS
Carrabba’s Italian Grill hosts “Eat with Friends” Night for Community Leaders
ISLE CASINO REDEVELOPMENT IN POMPANO BEACH: PLANS FOR A TOPGOLF ENTERTAINMENT VENUE ARE UNDER REVIEW
[elementor-template id=”13910″][elementor-template id=”13903″][elementor-template id=”13902″][elementor-template id=”13901″]
