St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum — Attraction in Saint Augustine

A Beacon of History and Wonder: St. Augustine Lighthouse

Nestled on the picturesque shores of St. Augustine, the St. Augustine Lighthouse stands as a timeless sentinel of history, guiding generations through the annals of time. I had the pleasure of visiting this magnificent structure just last week, and the experience left me in awe of its rich history and undeniable charm.

A Glimpse into History

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is more than a towering beacon; it is a living testament to the past. Stepping onto its hallowed grounds, I was transported back in time. The lighthouse, with its distinctive black and white stripes, has a history that spans over 140 years. It has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, bearing witness to countless stories of sailors and seafarers who depended on its light to navigate treacherous waters.

As I explored the meticulously preserved keeper's house and surrounding grounds, I was enveloped in a sense of nostalgia. Each step I took felt like a journey through history. The exhibits within the museum provided a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the keepers who tended to this vital beacon, often braving the harshest of conditions to ensure the safety of others.

The Ascent: A Journey to Remember

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the climb to the top of the lighthouse. With each step up the spiral staircase, I felt a growing sense of anticipation. And when I finally reached the observation deck, the view that greeted me was nothing short of breathtaking. The panoramic vista of St. Augustine, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Matanzas River stretched before me like a canvas of natural wonder.

From this vantage point, I couldn't help but reflect on the generations of mariners who had relied on this lighthouse to guide them safely home. It was a humbling experience to stand where they once stood and appreciate the significance of this towering icon.

A Lasting Impression

My visit to the St. Augustine Lighthouse was not just a journey through history but a memorable encounter with the enduring spirit of exploration and discovery. The lighthouse and its surroundings are a testament to the dedication of those who have worked tirelessly to preserve this treasure for future generations.

As I reluctantly descended the staircase and bid farewell to this historic gem, I left with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience such a remarkable piece of history. The St. Augustine Lighthouse is more than a tourist attraction; it is a living embodiment of the past, a beacon of light that continues to inspire and captivate all who have the privilege of visiting.

If you find yourself in St. Augustine, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this iconic landmark. Prepare to be transported through time, to stand in the footsteps of keepers and mariners, and to witness a breathtaking view that will linger in your memory for years to come. The St. Augustine Lighthouse is not just a destination; it's an unforgettable journey into the heart of...

Not really knowing what to expect, my family decided to go to the lighthouse for something to do. Getting there was easy as GPS takes you right to the parking lot. Across the street from the main parking lot is an overflow (dirt) parking lot. I am not sure of the verbiage provided in to overflow parking lot but, it said something to the effect on the weekends - trucks, trailers, and boats have priority in the overflow lot, as there is a boat launch nearby.

We visited on a weekday around 1030am, and it was cold lol. Really it was 58°F and windy. From the ground looking to the top of the lighthouse, you could see people that decided to brave the colder winds up high on the observation deck. As we walked towards the entrance, we followed the people in front of us as we had never been there before. Closing in on what I assume is the museum entrance, an employee greeted the group that consisted of an adult and a couple kids 10-12 years old or so, in front of us and asked if they were purchasing tickets. At this point I am thinking this is going to be great. I could not hear exactly what was being said between the employee and the group leader however, I got the feeling the group was let down somehow and one of the children asked something to the effect of how many steps is it and the employee answered and then the child said “I wonder how those people got to the top” at which time the employee rudely commented “they walked and that's the only way up there.” The group seemed disappointed and I was shocked to hear the demeanor in the employees voice change in an instant. Different members of my family looked at each other in disbelief.

Again, I am not exactly sure what was said, however, it was enough for me to forego paying to visit the rest of the grounds.

Walking or driving around the area near the lighthouse still provided us with some good pictures, a wonderful time, and another place that we...

Much more to do than we had anticipated. We actually spent most of the afternoon there on President's Day.

The grounds of the old coast guard station serve as the museum, where you are free to roam around. You can go in and out of the buildings and even down into the basement of the light keeper's house. There was so much cool and fun information to learn. It was even fun for the kids.

We took a break at the snack shack, which served surprisingly great food. We had hot dogs and quiche, lemonade and sangria 🌭🍋🍷

The star of the show is obviously climbing the lighthouse. Be warned that the stairs wind up and up and it's open in the middle all the way down to the bottom. My husband doesn't like heights and he stopped at the second floor.

I continued with our daughters, who are 8 and 11. We took it slow and stepped carefully since the stairs have no risers and it was just me with two kids. Slow and steady, we made it to the top.

Once you get outside at the top, there is a staff member there, who pointed out lots of cool things as we chatted. The railing going around the top is high, completely closed in and very secure.

The views were spectacular and you can see so far. So glad we checked it out and will be bringing guests in the future, as we just live in...