St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Climb 219 steps to panoramic views from an iconic 1874 lighthouse, explore maritime history, and enjoy family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Climb 219 steps to panoramic views from an iconic 1874 lighthouse, explore maritime history, and enjoy family fun.
"The view at the top is absolutely breathtaking and so worth it."
💧 Bring Water!
Essential for summer visits, especially during the lighthouse climb.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs and exploring grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lighthouse Climb
St. Augustine Lighthouse
Ascend 219 steps for panoramic views of St. Augustine and the Atlantic Ocean.
+1
Maritime Museum
Keeper's House
Discover maritime history, artifacts, and exhibits in the air-conditioned Keeper's House.
Shipwreck Discovery Play Area
Grounds
An engaging, hands-on area for kids to explore maritime themes and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb
+1Beyond the Beacon
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Water!
Essential for summer visits, especially during the lighthouse climb.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs and exploring grounds.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the lighthouse and museum.
✨ Holiday Magic
Experience the 'Nights of Lights' for a dazzling festive atmosphere. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Water!
Essential for summer visits, especially during the lighthouse climb.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs and exploring grounds.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the lighthouse and museum.
✨ Holiday Magic
Experience the 'Nights of Lights' for a dazzling festive atmosphere. +1
📸 Capture the Views
The top offers stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the St. Augustine Lighthouse for its breathtaking views from the top and the educational experience within the maritime museum. The climb, though challenging with 219 steps, is made manageable by rest stops and historical insights. Some find the admission price a bit high, but most agree the overall experience is well worth it.
"The St. Augustine Lighthouse is a pretty cool place to check out if you’re in the area. Admission is a little over $17 per adult, which is on the higher side, but it does give you access to the lighthouse, the museum, and the grounds. The lighthouse climb itself is 219 steps, but it’s really not too bad and the view at the top is beautiful, you get a great look at the coastal front and surrounding area. On a hot day, the museum is a big relief with air conditioning and has some interesting history and artifacts to browse through. The gift shop is also nice, with a big selection of souvenirs ranging from smaller keepsakes to more detailed items. Overall, it’s a neat experience if you want to see one of St. Augustine’s landmarks up close."
Carson Stansbury
"Visiting the St. Augustine Lighthouse was such a great experience! Yes, it’s a lot of steps to the top, but the view once you get there is absolutely breathtaking and so worth it. I loved that there are spots to pause after each flight of stairs, which makes the climb much easier. Each of those areas also has interesting facts and history to read along the way, so you’re learning as you catch your breath. Definitely a must-see when visiting St. Augustine"
Rebecca Ruiz
"Cool place to check out if you’re in the area. The lighthouse was the main attraction of course and it has signs to let you know how far up and how much further you have left as you climbed it. Once you get to the top the views and breeze are nice. The stairs are very narrow so you have to stop and wait or let people go by sometimes. But it’s not a bad hike at all!
The rest of the sites are self guided and in old buildings but are maintained. Most have AC which is where you found the most people with it being so hot. There’s plenty of information and artifacts in each part you entered. Unless you’re stopping to read everything, the tour goes by pretty quickly. I highly suggest bringing water with you if you’re going during the summer months."
Nina Cash
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is located at 100 Red Cox Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32080. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. Many visitors also use ride-sharing services.
While direct public bus routes might be limited, the St. Augustine Old Town Trolley Tours often include stops at or near the lighthouse, making it a convenient option for exploring multiple attractions.
If you're staying downtown, consider a scenic drive across the Bridge of Lions. Alternatively, a taxi or ride-share service is a quick option. Some visitors enjoy biking to the lighthouse if the weather is pleasant.
Yes, there is a dedicated parking lot for visitors at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. It's generally spacious enough to accommodate visitors, especially if you arrive earlier in the day.
It's a bit of a walk, approximately 2-3 miles depending on your starting point on St. Augustine Beach. While doable for some, it's more comfortable to drive or take a trolley.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is around $17-$18 per adult, which includes access to the lighthouse climb, the museum, and the grounds. Prices can vary slightly, so it's best to check their official website for the most current rates.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or holidays like 'Nights of Lights,' to secure your spot and avoid potential sell-outs. +1
The lighthouse and museum are typically open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. However, hours can change seasonally or for special events, so always verify on their official website before your visit.
Discounts may be available for seniors, military personnel, and children. Check the official St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum website for details on any available promotions or group rates.
Your admission ticket grants you access to climb the lighthouse, explore the Keeper's House museum exhibits, wander the grounds, and visit the Shipwreck Discovery Play Area. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
There are 219 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse. The climb is broken up with landings where you can rest and read historical information.
The climb is considered moderately challenging due to the number of steps. However, the landings provide ample opportunity to rest, and the views are widely reported as worth the effort. +1
The museum, housed in the historic Keeper's House, features exhibits on maritime history, shipwrecks, the lives of lighthouse keepers, and local history. It's also air-conditioned, offering a cool respite. +1
Yes, the Shipwreck Discovery Play Area is designed for children to engage with maritime themes through interactive exhibits. The climb itself can also be an adventure for older kids.
Photography is generally allowed inside the lighthouse and museum, but be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage. The views from the top are particularly photogenic.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing beautiful golden hour hues. The 'Nights of Lights' event provides a unique, festive photographic opportunity. +1
Absolutely! The panoramic views from the top are spectacular, offering sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, the Matanzas River, and the historic city of St. Augustine.
From the grounds, you can capture the iconic black-and-white stripes against the sky. Consider framing it with the surrounding natural landscape or historic buildings for varied perspectives.
Typically, drone usage is restricted at historical sites and attractions to ensure safety and preserve the experience for all visitors. It's best to check the lighthouse's official policy regarding drones.
A versatile zoom lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide-angle views from the top and details of the lighthouse structure. A prime lens can also be excellent for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the lighthouse, the museum offers engaging exhibits that can spark curiosity about history and the sea. Many families find the entire experience to be both educational and incredibly fun, creating lasting memories of their visit to America's oldest city.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water and snacks to save on on-site purchases. If you're looking for free activities in St. Augustine, exploring the historic streets, beaches, and Castillo de San Marcos (exterior views) can be great options, but the lighthouse experience provides a unique, memorable activity that many find worth the cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light, capturing the structure in its most dramatic hues. The panoramic views from the top are unparalleled, perfect for sweeping landscape shots of the coast and city. +1Don't forget to capture the details: the intricate brickwork, the Fresnel lens (if accessible), and the historic Keeper's House. During the holiday season, the 'Nights of Lights' event provides a unique opportunity for festive night photography, with the lighthouse often illuminated as part of the display.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Climb: Navigating the 219 Steps
Visitors consistently report that the effort is well worth the reward. The panoramic views from the lantern room are breathtaking, providing a unique perspective of St. Augustine's historic cityscape, the shimmering Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding coastal landscape.
For those with mobility concerns, it's important to note that the lighthouse climb is physically demanding and not accessible for individuals who cannot navigate stairs. However, the museum and grounds offer plenty to explore for all visitors.
Beyond the Light: Exploring the Maritime Museum
Visitors often praise the museum for its engaging displays and the artifacts on view, which bring history to life. You can learn about the Fresnel lens that once powered the light, discover local legends, and understand the vital role the lighthouse played in maritime safety along the Florida coast.
A Festive Glow: St. Augustine's 'Nights of Lights'
While the lighthouse climb might have limited hours during this period, the grounds and the view of the illuminated city from afar are spectacular. Many visitors find that experiencing the 'Nights of Lights' from a boat tour or a scenic overlook provides a stunning perspective of the entire illuminated coastline, with the lighthouse adding its own special sparkle to the scene.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit