St. Augustine Lighthouse: A Complete Visitor’s Guide
The St. Augustine Lighthouse at a Glance
The St. Augustine Lighthouse has guided ships along this stretch of Florida coast since 1874, its black-and-white spiral rising 165 feet above Anastasia Island. Built between 1871 and 1874 to replace an earlier Spanish watchtower lost to erosion, it remains an active aid to navigation today, maintained by the nonprofit St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Climbing the tower is only part of the visit. The grounds also cover shipwreck archaeology, wooden boatbuilding, and the history of the families who once lived at the light station.
Climbing the Tower
There are 219 St. Augustine Lighthouse steps between the ground and the observation deck, with eight landings along the spiral staircase where you can pause and let others pass. At the top, a 360-degree gallery takes in the historic district, Anastasia Island, and the surrounding waterways.
Children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb and must be able to complete the climb on their own; carrying children in the tower is not permitted, and there is no elevator. Visitors who skip the climb can still explore the main floor of the Keepers’ House, the World War II Garage, and the Maritime Education Center, all of which have ramp access.
What Else Is on the Grounds
General admission covers far more than the tower. The 1876 Keepers’ House explores Victorian-era life at the station, and the Wrecked! exhibit examines a British shipwreck that sank off St. Augustine in 1782. The Artifact Conservation Lab shows recovered pieces being studied and preserved, and Heritage Boatworks lets volunteer boatwrights demonstrate traditional wooden boatbuilding. Younger visitors have a ship-themed playground, and the Tin Pickle snack shop serves hot dogs and fudge inside the historic garage.
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum Tickets and Hours
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum tickets and hours change by season, so check the museum’s official ticket page before you go. The site typically opens at 9 a.m. year-round, with later closing hours in spring and summer than in fall and winter. The lighthouse is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and closes early on Christmas Eve.
Arriving near opening on a weekday is the best way to climb the spiral staircase without a crowd. Late afternoon tends to bring good light for photography over St. Augustine and Matanzas Bay.
A Bed and Breakfast With Complimentary Admission
St. Francis Inn sits at the quiet, residential end of St. George Street, dating to 1791 and offering 19 individually styled guest rooms with private baths. Select rooms add fireplaces, jetted tubs, or private balconies. Guests staying here receive complimentary general admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, one of several amenities built around exploring the city on foot rather than by car.
A hot breakfast buffet is included each morning, and an evening social hour brings out wine and light snacks before dinner. Between outings, the walled courtyard, heated pool, and complimentary bicycles make it easy to fill an afternoon without leaving the property. For a beach getaway that still puts the historic district and lighthouse within walking distance, book a stay at our Bed and Breakfast in the St. Augustine Historic District.
Beyond the Lighthouse on Anastasia Island
Once you’ve climbed the tower, Anastasia State Park is a short drive away, with more than 1,600 acres of beach, tidal marsh, and maritime hammock along four miles of Atlantic shoreline. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm sits nearby as well, and history-minded travelers can continue toward Fort Matanzas National Monument or back downtown to the Castillo de San Marcos.
St. Augustine Lighthouse FAQ
How many steps are in the St. Augustine Lighthouse?
There are 219 steps from the base of the tower to the observation deck, with eight landings along the way.
How tall is the St. Augustine Lighthouse?
The tower stands 165 feet tall and has served as an active aid to navigation since 1874.
Can kids climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse?
Yes. Children must be at least 44 inches tall and able to climb on their own; carrying children in the tower is not permitted.
Is admission included if I stay at St. Francis Inn?
Yes. Guests receive complimentary general admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum as part of their stay.