St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.