Situated on Anastasia Island, the St. Augustine Lighthouse has been guiding mariners along Florida's First Coast since the 19th century. This picturesque black and white spiraled lighthouse, coupled with the adjacent Maritime Museum, offers visitors a unique blend of history, maritime education, and panoramic views. Let's delve into all you need to know for your visit to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is located at:
81 Lighthouse Avenue St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA.
For those using GPS, the coordinates are approximately 29.8855° N latitude and 81.2884° W longitude.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is open seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours until 7:00 PM in the summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Note that the last lighthouse climb begins at 5:45 PM, or 6:45 PM during extended summer hours. As always, it's best to check the official website for any changes or updates to their operating hours.
Visiting the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is an enlightening blend of historical exploration and physical endeavor.
The Lighthouse Itself: A significant part of the experience is climbing the 219 steps to the top of the 165-foot tower, which gives you a spectacular view of St. Augustine and the surrounding area. The lighthouse's distinctive black and white spiral design is also a photographer's delight.
Maritime Museum: The museum houses a variety of exhibits detailing St. Augustine's rich maritime history. Learn about the area's early Spanish explorers, pirates, and shipwrecks through interactive exhibits.
Keeper's House: Adjacent to the lighthouse, the restored Victorian-style keeper's house provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Nature Trails: The museum's grounds include nature trails and a maritime hammock that offer a serene setting for a leisurely stroll.
Dark of the Moon Ghost Tours: For the thrill-seekers, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is reputed to be one of the most haunted locations in Florida. The lighthouse offers nighttime ghost tours that blend history, legend, and spooky tales.
After your visit to the lighthouse, there's still plenty to see and do in St. Augustine:
Historic District: St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., and its Historic District is a well-preserved piece of the past. Explore centuries-old Spanish colonial buildings, quaint shops, and delightful eateries.
Castillo de San Marcos: Just a short drive from the lighthouse, this 17th-century Spanish stone fortress offers another slice of St. Augustine's rich history.
Anastasia State Park: For nature lovers, this nearby state park offers beautiful beaches, tidal marshes, and a diverse array of wildlife.
All in all, a visit to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is more than just a journey to the top of a tower. It's a step back in time, an educational adventure, and an appreciation of both natural and man-made beauty. This iconic beacon truly illuminates the rich tapestry of Florida's First Coast. Happy exploring!
Situated on Anastasia Island, the St. Augustine Lighthouse has been guiding mariners along Florida's First Coast since the 19th century. This picturesque black and white spiraled lighthouse, coupled with the adjacent Maritime Museum, offers visitors a unique blend of history, maritime education, and panoramic views. Let's delve into all you need to know for your visit to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is located at:
81 Lighthouse Avenue St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA.
For those using GPS, the coordinates are approximately 29.8855° N latitude and 81.2884° W longitude.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is open seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours until 7:00 PM in the summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Note that the last lighthouse climb begins at 5:45 PM, or 6:45 PM during extended summer hours. As always, it's best to check the official website for any changes or updates to their operating hours.
Visiting the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is an enlightening blend of historical exploration and physical endeavor.
The Lighthouse Itself: A significant part of the experience is climbing the 219 steps to the top of the 165-foot tower, which gives you a spectacular view of St. Augustine and the surrounding area. The lighthouse's distinctive black and white spiral design is also a photographer's delight.
Maritime Museum: The museum houses a variety of exhibits detailing St. Augustine's rich maritime history. Learn about the area's early Spanish explorers, pirates, and shipwrecks through interactive exhibits.
Keeper's House: Adjacent to the lighthouse, the restored Victorian-style keeper's house provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Nature Trails: The museum's grounds include nature trails and a maritime hammock that offer a serene setting for a leisurely stroll.
Dark of the Moon Ghost Tours: For the thrill-seekers, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is reputed to be one of the most haunted locations in Florida. The lighthouse offers nighttime ghost tours that blend history, legend, and spooky tales.
After your visit to the lighthouse, there's still plenty to see and do in St. Augustine:
Historic District: St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., and its Historic District is a well-preserved piece of the past. Explore centuries-old Spanish colonial buildings, quaint shops, and delightful eateries.
Castillo de San Marcos: Just a short drive from the lighthouse, this 17th-century Spanish stone fortress offers another slice of St. Augustine's rich history.
Anastasia State Park: For nature lovers, this nearby state park offers beautiful beaches, tidal marshes, and a diverse array of wildlife.
All in all, a visit to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is more than just a journey to the top of a tower. It's a step back in time, an educational adventure, and an appreciation of both natural and man-made beauty. This iconic beacon truly illuminates the rich tapestry of Florida's First Coast. Happy exploring!