St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

The Basics

At the lighthouse, you can tour the Keeper’s House Museum or take a self-guided or an expert-guided behind-the-scenes tour (scheduled hourly), included with your admission. There’s also a pirate ship playground for kids. Visit the lighthouse and museum on your own, or stop there during your hop-on hop-off trolley tour, which includes more than 20 attractions and historical points of interest in America’s oldest city.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The lighthouse and museum are ideal for maritime buffs and families with children.

• Admission is discounted for seniors and children.

• The 219-step climb to the top of the lighthouse may be strenuous for some visitors.

• Children must be 44 inches tall (1 meter) to climb the lighthouse. Carrying children up the stairs is prohibited.

• Food and drinks are available for purchase, and an on-site gift shop sells unique lighthouse-themed souvenirs.

• The ground floor of the Keeper’s House Museum is wheelchair accessible, but the lighthouse is not.

How to Get There

The lighthouse is located on Red Cox Road, across the Bridge of Lions, the Intracoastal Waterway bridge at the north end of Anastasia Island. From downtown St. Augustine, head south on A1A, past the lighthouse, making a left on Red Cox Road. Parking is free.

When to Get There

The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is open from 9am to 6pm daily, and to 7pm in summer and on holidays (except Thanksgiving and Christmas, when it’s closed). Experience the smallest crowds and comfortable weather between March and May. Bring warm clothing between December and February, as temperatures get chilly.

Cool Bonus Tours

In addition to the regular tours included with admission, you can book a ghost tour or sunset lighthouse tour. The sunset tour includes hors d’oeuvres and a glass of Champagne from a local winery. A nighttime paranormal tour comes replete with a haunting narration of ghost tales from the historic lighthouse.

Ways to explore

At the lighthouse, tour the Keepers’ House and take a self-guided tour, included with your admission, or reserve an expert-led behind-the-scenes tour. Plan an hour or two to explore the museum and climb the steps to the top of the lighthouse. Families may also want to carve out time for kids to enjoy the pirate ship playground or stationary play boats.

You can visit the lighthouse independently or see it from afar on a sightseeing boat ride or sunset cruise. Other St. Augustine tour options include golf cart tours, ghost tours, and boat tours.

Accessibility

The ground floor of the Keepers’ House is wheelchair accessible, but the top of the lighthouse tower is not (a “view from the top” video is available).

Age limits

Children must be 44 inches (1 meter) tall to climb the lighthouse.

What to pack

Water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses

What to wear

Flat shoes for climbing stairs, hat, breathable clothing

Not allowed

Weapons, pets in historic buildings, carrying children up the lighthouse tower stairs

Amenities

Gift shop with lighthouse-themed souvenirs, nature trails, snack bar, collection of historic ship models

Address 

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is located on Red Cox Road, across the Bridge of Lions at the north end of Anastasia Island. It can be reached by driving or via the St. Augustine Beach Bus.

Driving

From downtown St. Augustine, head south on the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway past the lighthouse, then make a left onto Red Cox Road. Ample parking is available for free.

Public transportation

Hop-on hop-off trolley tickets include complimentary rides on the Beach Bus. Pick it up at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine in the Historic District, then get off at Alligator Farm, about a 12-minute walk from the lighthouse.

Best times to visit

This landmark is open daily from morning to early evening (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, when it’s closed). Mornings are typically the most peaceful.

Best days to visit

Choose a weekday over a weekend, if possible, to avoid the crowds. Always check the weather ahead of time—the lighthouse tower can be closed due to inclement weather.

Best months to visit

The smallest crowds and most comfortable weather are found between March and May. Bring warm clothing between December and February, as temperatures can get chilly.

Special events

The lighthouse hosts events throughout the year, from holiday-themed community events featuring local student choirs to summer camp programs and educational activities.