What you'll find at the St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse sits on Anastasia Island at the southern edge of St. Augustine, Florida, and operates as both a working lighthouse and a museum open to the public. The tower itself is 165 feet tall and dates to 1874, replacing an earlier lighthouse destroyed during the Civil War. You can climb the 219 steps to the top for a view of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area, though the climb is steep and there is no elevator.
The museum portion occupies the keeper's house and several outbuildings on the grounds. Exhibits cover the lighthouse's history, the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families, maritime history of the St. Augustine area, and the technology of lighthouse operation. The site also includes a gift shop and a small café.
Key Takeaways
- The lighthouse tower is open for climbing year-round during operating hours, with 219 steps leading to the observation deck at the top.
- Admission covers both the tower climb and the museum exhibits in the keeper's house and outbuildings.
- The site is located on Anastasia Island, about two miles south of downtown St. Augustine, and has its own parking lot.
- Hours and admission prices vary by season, so check the lighthouse website or call ahead before visiting.
- The climb to the top is not suitable for people with mobility issues, heart conditions, or fear of heights, as there is no elevator and the stairs are narrow.
Hours, admission, and what to bring
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is open most days of the year, though hours shift between seasons. Summer hours (typically June through August) run longer than winter hours. The lighthouse closes on a few holidays each year, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. You should check the official website or call ahead to confirm hours before you visit, as they do change.
Admission is charged per person and includes access to both the tower and the museum. Children under a certain age may enter free or at a reduced rate; the exact policy varies, so ask at the ticket window. The lighthouse accepts cash and credit cards.
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the tower stairs are metal and can be slippery, especially if your shoes are wet from the beach. The observation deck at the top is open to the elements, so bring sunscreen and a hat. If you are sensitive to heights, the climb may feel uncomfortable—the stairs are narrow and the railings are metal grating, which means you can see straight down.
Getting there and parking
The lighthouse is located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue on Anastasia Island. From downtown St. Augustine, take San Marco Avenue south, which becomes A1A as it crosses the bridge to Anastasia Island. Continue south on A1A for about two miles; Lighthouse Avenue branches off to the east. The site has a dedicated parking lot with spaces for standard vehicles and handicapped-accessible spaces.
If you are using GPS or a mapping app, enter the street address directly. The parking lot fills during peak summer season and on weekends, so arriving early in the day improves your chances of finding a spot near the entrance. There is no public transportation directly to the lighthouse, so a car is necessary unless you arrange a taxi or rideshare service.
What the tower climb involves
The 219 steps are divided into sections with landings and rest areas, but there is no elevator, so you must climb all of them to reach the observation deck. The stairs are metal and spiral tightly around the inside of the tower. The railings are metal grating, which provides a find grip but also means you can see down the center of the spiral as you climb—this can be unsettling for people afraid of heights.
The climb takes most people 10 to 15 minutes at a steady pace. The observation deck at the top is small and can feel crowded when other visitors are present. The view extends across the ocean, the inlet, and the surrounding marshland. On clear days you can see several miles in each direction. The deck is open to the weather, so wind can be strong at that height.
If you have a heart condition, mobility issues, or significant fear of heights, the climb is not recommended. There is no way to descend other than by walking back down the stairs, so you cannot be carried or assisted down if you become uncomfortable partway up.
Museum exhibits and the keeper's house
The keeper's house is a two-story structure built in 1876 and furnished to show how lighthouse keepers and their families lived during different periods. Rooms include a kitchen, dining area, bedrooms, and a parlor. Exhibits explain the daily routines of keepers, the role of their families in lighthouse operation, and how technology changed over time.
Additional buildings on the grounds house exhibits on maritime history, shipwrecks in the area, and the technology of lighthouse operation. One exhibit covers the history of the original lighthouse that stood on this site before the Civil War. Another focuses on the lives of African American lighthouse keepers who worked in Florida.
The museum is indoors and air-conditioned. Most visitors spend one to two hours exploring the exhibits. There are benches and chairs throughout if you need to rest. The gift shop sells books on lighthouse history, local history, and maritime topics, along with souvenirs and snacks.
Nearby attractions and planning your visit
The lighthouse sits near other St. Augustine attractions. Anastasia State Park is adjacent to the lighthouse grounds and offers beach access, nature trails, and picnic areas. The Alligator Farm Zoological Park is about one mile north on A1A. Downtown St. Augustine, with its historic district, shops, and restaurants, is about two miles north.
If you are visiting St. Augustine for multiple days, the lighthouse works well as a half-day activity. You can combine it with a beach visit at Anastasia State Park or a drive north to downtown attractions. The site has a small café on the grounds, but for a full meal you will need to drive to restaurants in downtown St. Augustine or nearby commercial areas.
The lighthouse grounds are outdoors and exposed to sun and wind, so plan for weather. In summer, afternoon thunderstorms are common, and the lighthouse may close temporarily if lightning is in the area. Winter weather is generally mild, but the observation deck can be windy. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable climbing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I climb the tower if I'm pregnant or have a heart condition?
The climb is strenuous and involves 219 steps with no elevator and no way to descend except by walking. If you have a heart condition, pregnancy complications, or any condition that limits strenuous activity, you should not attempt the climb. The museum exhibits in the keeper's house are accessible without climbing the tower.
Is the lighthouse accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tower itself is not accessible—there is no elevator and the stairs are narrow and spiral. The keeper's house and some museum buildings have level or ramped entry, but not all areas are wheelchair-accessible. Call ahead to ask which exhibits you can reach with your specific mobility needs.
What should I do if I start climbing and feel uncomfortable?
There are landings with benches at intervals where you can rest and decide whether to continue. If you become too uncomfortable to continue, you can turn around and walk back down at your own pace. There is no shame in stopping—many visitors do. The museum exhibits are available without climbing the tower.
Is there a fee to park, and can I bring my own food?
Parking is free and included with your admission. You may bring your own food and eat in the picnic area on the grounds, though there is also a small café on site. Outside food and beverages are permitted.
How long does a typical visit take?
Most visitors spend two to three hours total—about 15 minutes climbing the tower, 30 minutes at the top and descending, and one to two hours exploring the museum exhibits. You can spend less time if you skip the tower climb or more time if you read all the exhibit text carefully.