11 Lighthouses to visit in Florida

Hi guys, I decide to write this post because our tradition is to visit lighthouses! Visiting light houses is a unique experience where you can get the most fabulous ocean view that you never imagine. Whenever, you are not afraid of heights, I recommend visiting at least 1 lighthouse in your life.

Let start this tour of lighthouses from south of Florida.

Boca Chita Lighthouse

Built in 1930, this is a great spot to visit in Biscayne National Park. To arrive to this 65-foot-tall lighthouse you need a boat, or you can take one of the park institute tour. Also, you can camp, picnicking, and hiking there. Importantly, you need to bring your own food and water there are not restaurants in the island. If you go by yourself in your own boat, you have to wait for park employees to be able to open the observation deck for viewing.
You can book a tour to the island in https://www.biscaynenationalparkinstitute.org/

Cape Florida Lighthouse

Built in 1825, it is located in key Biscayne and recognized as the oldest structure in South Florida. This is one of the Miami’s secret gems! The lighthouse is in a tropical oasis, after you climb, you will get the most beautiful views in all directions. Make sure you plan your visit ahead, the tours are offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Thursday through Monday. The lighthouse is inside of the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, also you will find a lot activities to do as bicycling rentals, camping boat, fishing, hiking, paddling, picnicking, roller blading, swimming, walking and running, and wildlife viewing. Also, you will find 2 restaurants around.  Because the lighthouse is located inside the park you have to pay an entrance fee to the park – $8 per vehicle (limit 2-8 people per vehicle), $4 Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle, and $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of annual individual entrance pass.
More information visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse

Built-in 1906, the lighthouse is located in Hillsboro Beach. This place is beautiful, peaceful, and historical. The only way to visit this lighthouse is by a tour by boat ($35 per person.) and only happen one Saturday per month. So, you really need to plan ahead if you want to visit this lighthouse. Also, you can visit around the lighthouse anytime by yourself if you have a boat, but you cannot climb it. This lighthouse is 147 feet high and tiny inside; for this reason, they allow only one group after another to go up and down. There is a small beach and long white sand, so you be prepared with your bathing suits, chairs, and coolers to enjoin the rest of the day on the beach. You can stay as long as you like, but the last boat returns to the marina at about 3:30 pm. Try to have cash with you, so you can tip the boat people. They don’t accept reservations, if you want to get a tour boat you should arrive early and sign in. The location for catching the boat tour varies depending on the season, so make sure you check on their website http://www.hillsborolighthouse.org/

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

It was completed in 1860. The first time you visit this place, probably you will think is not the prettier lighthouse, but once you arrive to the top of this lighthouse; after climb 105 steps, you will forget about it. In this place you will get the best view of West Palm Beach! Around the lighthouse you will find a beautiful garden with some areas for the kids. In addition, the lighthouse itself is very small and narrow and for this reason, they allow only one group after another to go up and down. You must wear shoes and shirt. Children must be 4′ tall to climb and may not be carried on the stairs. Also, no tripods or selfie sticks allowed. And no snack permitted (only water).

Price tickets adults $12, US veterans & seniors (60+) $10, and child (ages 6-18) $6. Check their website for admission rules and maintenance dates (these days you cannot climb the lighthouse). Address: 2639 N Riverside Dr, Pompano Beach, FL 33062
More information visit https://www.jupiterlighthouse.org/

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse

The lighthouse was relit in July 1894. It is 151 feet tall. And the only way to visit it is through the canaveral tours who provides weekly tours to the Lighthouse and Air Force Station. The lighthouse tour is limited to the 5th level due to safety reasons. The tour price is $49.95 per person and the length of tour is approximately 4 hours. Minimum height of 48″ tall is required to climb lighthouse. You must wear closed toed shoes that have a heel support, no flip flops, no slider/slip-on shoes, no high heels. Tours require 2-day advance reservation and foreign visitors require 4 days advance reservation. Personal identification information is required in advance and preferred at time of booking. More information visit https://canaverallight.org/

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

It was completed in 1887. This lighthouse is the tallest in Florida with 175 feet tall and 203 steps. In addition, it was well maintained. A pretty place to visit and you don’t need a boat or take any tour to visit this place. You can just arrive there by car. Climb the lighthouse is a challenge but the view from the top is nice. General admission rates adults (age 12+) $6.95 and children (age 3-11) $1.95. Address: 4931 S. Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127. More information visit https://www.ponceinlet.org/

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

The tower is 165 feet tall and has 219 steps. Don’t be afraid to climb the stairs because the view from the top of the tower is stunning. We really enjoyed this place; it is one of the prettier lighthouses. Inside is very big and you have some rest areas on the way to the top. It is good to known they do not allow drones in, on, or above their private property. With the admission ticket, you have access to the Lighthouse and the other buildings on the property. Children can enjoy the Cracker’s and Eliza’s Club featuring a shipyard play area. Ticket prices, adults $12.95, seniors (60 & over) $10.95, and children (Age 12 or under and 44″ or taller) $10.95. Address: 81 Lighthouse Avenue St. Augustine, Florida 32080. For gps address: 100 Red Cox Road St. Augustine, FL 32080.

Our recomendation is visit this place as early in the morning you can because after few hours (specially weekend days) is very popular.
For more information about schedules and events visit https://www.staugustinelighthouse.org/

 

St. Mark’s Lighthouse

Built in 1830 but completed in 1831. The lighthouse is 88 feet tall and has 85 steps; it is not a big lighthouse. Once on the top you will have two views, freshwater on one side as well as the ocean saltwater on the other. This is a gorgeous place to be and enjoy great sunset. It is a perfect place to get away from routine and the best part is not a crowded place. The lighthouse is located in St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Cawfordville. here. Address: 1255 Lighthouse Rd. St. Marks, FL 32355
Plan your trip ahead because the lighthouse is not always open. For hours and tours information visit http://stmarkslighthouse.net/

St. George Island Lighthouse

Built in 1852; it is 72 feet tall and you will climb 92 wooden spiral stairs. This lighthouse is located in St. George Island. It is a beautiful Lighthouse with a great little gift shop. Also, there are plenty of shops and restaurants in the area, so you can have a wonderful day around the Island. Climbing Fees for Lighthouse: adults $5.00, youth 16 & under $3.00, and children 6 & under – no charge. Address: 2B, E Gulf Beach Dr, Eastpoint, FL 32328.
More information visit http://www.stgeorgelight.org/

“St Georges Island and Lighthouse” by Cassandra Dowd is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Cape San Blas Lighthouse

Built in 1849 it is 85-foot high. It is a small lighthouse and a little different from the other lighthouses. It is tight spiral stair and only one group after another to go up and down. I have to say that each lighthouse has something special; in this case, the ocean view is crazy, and this place is so peaceful. Visit this place is a great thing to do in Port St. Joe. Address: 200 Miss Zola’S Dr, Port Saint Joe, FL 32456.

Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

Built in 1859; it is 159-feet-tall, and you must climb 177 steps. The Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation. Unfortunately, the Base has not been open to the public since the tragic shooting on December 2019. The Lighthouse is open daily from 9;00 am to 5:00 pm, but currently is limited to only DoD ID holders and their guests. Please visit https://www.pensacolalighthouse.org/ for more details or their Facebook page @PensacolaLighthouse

“Pensacola lighthouse” by marttj is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

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