The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is much more than a place to take in a great view. This historic site shares stories of lighthouse keepers, shipwrecks, maritime archaeology, and the people who shaped Florida’s oldest port city.
For families staying in our St. Augustine vacation rentals, the lighthouse makes an easy addition to a day of sightseeing. You can climb the tower, tour historic buildings, explore exhibits, and give kids plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning.
Lighthouse History
The current St. Augustine Lighthouse was built between 1871 and 1874. On October 15, 1874, lighthouse keeper William R. Russell lit its first-order Fresnel lens for the first time. The tower stands 165 feet tall and remains one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
The history of navigation at this location goes back much further. Spanish watchtowers stood on Anastasia Island centuries ago, and an earlier coquina tower eventually became Florida's first lighthouse in 1824. The current tower replaced that structure as the shoreline moved closer to the older lighthouse.
Today, the museum works to preserve these stories and the region's maritime heritage.
Enjoy the View from the Top
Visitors can climb 219 steps to reach the observation deck. There are eight landings along the way, giving you places to stop before continuing upward.
At the top, you can enjoy 360-degree views across St. Augustine, Anastasia Island, and the surrounding waterways. The climb is one reason the lighthouse stands out among popular St. Augustine attractions.
Keep in mind that there is no elevator in the historic tower. Children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb. Families traveling with younger children can still find plenty to see elsewhere on the property.
Explore the Grounds
You do not have to climb the tower to enjoy your visit. The historic grounds include nature trails, interactive activities, maritime exhibits, and areas designed for children.
Families can visit the Shipyard Playground or explore the Maritime Hammock Nature Trails. The site also includes Heritage Boatworks, where visitors can learn about traditional wooden boatbuilding.
Plan enough time to walk around instead of treating the lighthouse as a quick photo stop. There is much more to explore beyond the tower itself.
Tour the Maritime Museum
The museum brings St. Augustine's connection to the sea to life through exhibits and historic spaces. Inside the 1876 Keepers' House, visitors can learn what daily life was like for lighthouse keepers and their families.
Exhibits also cover local shrimping history and shipwreck discoveries. The WRECKED! exhibit explores an American Revolution-era shipwreck through artifacts and interactive displays.
The museum's Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program conducts ongoing research into shipwrecks and submerged historic sites. Visitors can also see the Artifact Conservation Lab, where discoveries are studied and preserved. It adds another layer to the experience, especially for families interested in history and archaeology.
Final Thoughts
The St. Augustine Lighthouse combines history, coastal scenery, and family-friendly activities in one stop. It can easily fill several hours, especially if you plan to climb the tower and explore the museum.
Guests staying in one of our vacation rentals in St. Augustine can pair a lighthouse visit with other Anastasia Island activities or spend the rest of the day exploring historic downtown.
Book Your St. Augustine Rental with TPG Vacation Rentals
Make The Proper Group your home base for exploring St. Augustine. Our vacation homes give families and groups comfortable spaces to relax between beach days, historic sites, local restaurants, and outdoor adventures. Explore our selection of St. Augustine rentals and find the right home for your next Florida getaway. Book your stay with The Proper Group and start planning your time in the nation's oldest city.
