Florida Lighthouses: A Guide To The State’s Historic Beacons

Florida is home to some of the most iconic lighthouses in the United States. With 1800 miles of coastline, these lighthouses have played an important role in maritime history, guiding ships safely through Florida’s treacherous waters. 

Barrier islands often have lighthouses on them. Visiting these lighthouses is always on my list of things to do. The view from the lighthouses on these islands is magnificent.

No two are alike. When climbing up the stairs to the beacon, I often wonder how the lighthouse keeper lived in these lighthouses as well as making sure the light shined bright for boats on the water.

Today, these lighthouses are popular tourist attractions, offering visitors a glimpse into Florida’s rich maritime heritage.

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One of the most famous lighthouses in Florida is the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Built in 1874, this lighthouse stands 165 feet tall and is located on Anastasia Island. 

The St. Augustine lighthouse on Florida’s East Coast has been beautifully restored and is open to visitors, who can climb to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Be sure to visit the Maritime Museum after you tour the lighthouse.

Another popular lighthouse in Florida is the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. This lighthouse is located near Daytona Beach and was built in 1887. Standing at 175 feet tall, it is one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States. 

Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area.

Below I have listed the must-see Florida lighthouses as well as other things nearby to visit. Many of these are located on the back roads of Florida and not as crowded as other tourist destinations.

You can also jump to the area you plan to visit with this table of contents:

How Many Lighthouses Are There in Florida?

Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and historic lighthouses. Lighthouses have played a significant role in Florida’s history, guiding ships and boats safely through the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Florida Keys.

Currently, there are 30 lighthouses in Florida, which are overseen by the United States Coast Guard. These lighthouses range from small beacons to towering structures that are over 150 years old.

The lighthouses in Florida are divided into two categories, active and inactive. Active lighthouses are still in use, while inactive lighthouses are no longer operational and are maintained for their historical significance.

Of the 30 lighthouses in Florida, I believe 10 are active, and 20 are inactive. The oldest lighthouse in Florida is the St. Augustine Lighthouse, which was built in 1824.

The tallest lighthouse in Florida is the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, which stands at 175 feet tall.

Florida’s lighthouses are not only important for navigation but also serve as significant landmarks and tourist attractions. Be sure to include a lighthouse visit when you are in an area they are open to the public. 

Many offer public tours, exhibits, and other educational experiences. You can even see the keeper’s quarters in some of these lighthouses.

Lighthouses You Can Climb in Florida

Florida is home to many historic lighthouses that offer visitors a chance to climb to the top and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area.

Here are some of the historic structures and most popular lighthouses that you can climb in Florida:

St. Augustine Lighthouse

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is one of the most popular lighthouses in Florida, and for good reason. Visitors can climb the 219 steps to the top of the tower and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area. The lighthouse is also home to a museum that tells the story of the lighthouse and the people who lived and worked there.

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida, standing at 175 feet tall. Visitors can climb the 203 steps to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area. 

The lighthouse is also home to a museum that tells the story of the lighthouse and the people who lived and worked there. It is also a national historic landmark. 

Cape Florida Lighthouse

The Cape Florida Lighthouse is located on the southern tip of Key Biscayne and offers visitors a chance to climb to the top of the tower and enjoy stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

The lighthouse is also home to a museum that tells the story of the lighthouse and the people who lived and worked there.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is located on the northern shore of the Jupiter Inlet and offers visitors a chance to climb the 105 steps to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area.

The lighthouse is also home to a museum that tells the story of the lighthouse and the people who lived and worked there.

Key West Lighthouse

The Key West Lighthouse is located on the southernmost point of the continental United States and offers visitors a chance to climb the 88 steps to the top of the tower and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area.

The lighthouse is also home to a museum that tells the story of the lighthouse and the people who lived and worked there.

Overall, Florida’s lighthouses offer visitors a unique opportunity to climb to the top of historic towers and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area.

Lighthouse History in Florida

Florida has a rich history of lighthouses, with some of the oldest lighthouses in the United States located in the Sunshine State.

This section will explore the history of lighthouses in Florida, including the oldest lighthouse, the Florida Lighthouse Association, and the US Coast Guard.

Oldest Lighthouse in the Sunshine State

The oldest lighthouses in Florida are the St. Augustine Lighthouse and the Amelia Island lighthouse. Amelia Island is shown as the first lighthouse in Florida. It was built in 1838.

The St. Augustine lighthouse was constructed to help mariners navigate the treacherous waters off the coast. The tower stands 165 feet tall and has 219 steps to the top.

The lighthouse is still operational and is open to the public for tours, but it is not the original lighthouse in St. Augustine.

Florida Lighthouse Association

The Florida Lighthouse Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring lighthouses in Florida.

The association was founded in 1995 and has since helped preserve and restore many lighthouses throughout the state.

The association also provides educational programs and events to promote the history and importance of lighthouses.

US Coast Guard

The US Coast Guard has played an important role in the history of lighthouses in Florida. The Coast Guard has been responsible for the operation and maintenance of many lighthouses throughout the state.

Today, the Coast Guard still operates and maintains several lighthouses in Florida, including the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and the Key West Lighthouse.

Overall, lighthouses have played an important role in the history of Florida. They have helped mariners navigate the treacherous waters off the coast and have become an important part of the state’s maritime heritage.

Many lighthouses in Florida have been preserved and are open to the public as museums and historical sites.

List Of All Lighthouses in Florida

Atlantic Ocean Lighthouses in Florida

Florida has 30 lighthouses along its coastline, 20 of which are located on the Atlantic Ocean side of the state. These lighthouses were built to guide ships through the treacherous shoals and reefs that line the Florida coast.

The following is a list of all the Atlantic Ocean lighthouses in Florida:

Lighthouse Name	Location	Year Built
Amelia Island Lighthouse	Fernandina Beach	1838
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse	Cape Canaveral Air Force Station near Kennedy Space Center	1868
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse	Jupiter	1860
Key West Lighthouse	Key West	1825
Mosquito Inlet Lighthouse	Ponce Inlet/New Smyrna Beach	1887
St. Augustine Lighthouse	St. Augustine	1874
Sand Key Lighthouse	Key West	1827
Sombrero Key Lighthouse	Marathon	1858
Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse	Pompano Beach Between Fort Lauderdale & Boca Raton	1907
Boca Grande Lighthouse	Boca Grande	1890
Cape Florida Lighthouse	Key Biscayne	1825
Fowey Rocks Lighthouse	Key Biscayne	1878
Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse	Pompano Beach 1851-1910	1851
Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse	Pompano Beach 1911-1920	1911
Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse	Pompano Beach 1921-1950	1921
Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse	Pompano Beach 1951-1950	1951
Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse	Pompano Beach 1981-2010	1981
Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse	Pompano Beach 2011-Present	2011

Gulf of Mexico Lighthouses in Florida

Florida’s Gulf Coast is home to 10 lighthouses, each with its own unique history and character. These lighthouses were built to aid ships in navigating the shallow waters and shifting sands of the Gulf of Mexico.

The following is a list of all the Gulf of Mexico lighthouses on the West Coast of Florida:

Lighthouse Name	Location	Year Built
Anclote Key Lighthouse	Tarpon Springs	1887
Boca Grande Lighthouse	Boca Grande	1890
Cape San Blas Lighthouse	Port St. Joe, Florida Panhandle	1848
Egmont Key Lighthouse	St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay	1858
Pensacola Lighthouse	Pensacola	1859
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse	Gasparilla Island	1890
Sanibel Island Lighthouse	Sanibel Island (Being rebuilt after Hurricane Ian)	1884
St. Marks Lighthouse	St. Marks	1831
St. Joseph Point Lighthouse	St. Joseph Bay Peninsula	1838
Suwannee River Lighthouse	Old Town	1852

Florida’s lighthouses are an important part of the state’s history and culture.

They serve as reminders of the state’s maritime heritage and continue to guide ships safely through Florida’s waters today.

List Of Lighthouses to Put on Your Must-Visit List

When it comes to Florida, there are few things more iconic than its lighthouses.

With a long and storied history, these structures have played a vital role in keeping ships safe along the state’s coastlines.

For those looking to explore Florida’s lighthouse heritage, here are some must-visit options.

St. Augustine Lighthouse

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is one of the oldest and most recognizable lighthouses in Florida. Built in 1874, it stands 165 feet tall and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Visitors can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the coast, or explore the museum and gift shop on the grounds.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

Located in Palm Beach County, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1860.

Visitors can climb the 105 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.

The site also features a museum and gift shop, as well as regular events and activities.

Key West Lighthouse

The Key West Lighthouse is one of the most unique lighthouses in Florida. Built in 1848, it stands 86 feet tall and offers views of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can climb the 88 steps to the top, or explore the museum and gift shop on the grounds.

I do want to mention, there is a lighthouse off the coast of Key Largo. It is the Carysfort Reef Lighthouse. This lighthouse was listed for public sale in 2020.

There is also a lighthouse in the Dry Tortugas Lighthouse is off the coast of Key West. The Garden Key Lighthouse was designed to cover all the islands of the Dry Tortugas.

Port Boca Grande Lighthouse

The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse was built in 1890 to guide ships through the treacherous waters of Gasparilla Pass.

During World War II, this lighthouse was used to watch for German U-Boats. 

Today, visitors can explore the restored lighthouse and museum, or take a guided tour of the surrounding area.

Cape Florida Lighthouse

The Cape Florida Lighthouse is located on the southern tip of Key Biscayne, just a short drive from Miami. Built in 1825, it is the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County. 

Visitors can climb the 109 steps to the top for a stunning view of Biscayne Bay, or explore the museum and gift shop on the grounds.

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse

The Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse is located in Pompano Beach, and has been guiding ships since 1907.

Visitors can climb the 175 steps to the top for a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, or explore the museum and gift shop on the grounds.

​If you are in South Florida, this is one lighthouse to put on your list. It does take planning though to see it.

You can reach it by private boat or pay the admission which is $35. Note: If you join the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society for $35, it includes free tours.

Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse

The Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse is located in Daytona Beach, and has been guiding ships since 1887.

Visitors can climb the 203 steps to the top for a stunning view of the surrounding area, or explore the museum and gift shop on the grounds. This is one of my favorites.

Gasparilla Island Lighthouse

The Gasparilla Island Lighthouse is located on the southern tip Gasparilla Island, and has been guiding ships since 1890.

Visitors can climb the 105 steps to the top for a panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico, or explore the museum and gift shop on the grounds.

St. George Island Lighthouse

The Cape St. George Lighthouse is located on the eastern end of St. George Island, and has been guiding ships since 1852.

Visitors can climb the 92 steps to the top for a stunning view of the Gulf of Mexico, or explore the museum and gift shop on the grounds.

​Nearby you can visit the Crooked River Lighthouse which is located in Carrabelle.

Restored in 2007, the lighthouse is listed on the National Historic Register and offers full moon climbs where you can see Carrabelle Beach as well as St. George Sound.

Amelia Island Lighthouse

The Amelia Island Lighthouse is located on the northern end of Amelia Island, and has been guiding ships since 1839.

Visitors can climb the 67 steps to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding area, or explore the museum and gift shop on the grounds.

Pensacola Lighthouse

The Pensacola Lighthouse is located on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, and has been guiding ships since 1859.

Visitors can climb the 177 steps to the top for a stunning view of the Gulf of Mexico, or explore the museum and gift shop on the grounds.

Overall, Florida’s lighthouses offer a unique glimpse into the state’s maritime history. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a fun day trip, the above lighthouses should definitely be on your must-visit list.

Can You See All the Lighthouses on a Road Trip?

Traveling to see all the lighthouses in Florida can be a fun and exciting road trip. However, it’s important to note that not all lighthouses are accessible to the public. 

Some are located on private property or military bases, while others have been decommissioned and are no longer standing.

In addition to the best view over open water you can possibly imagine, the history of many of these lights date prior to the Civil War.

There are a total of 30 lighthouses in Florida. Of these 10 are open to the public and can be visited. These include:

• Amelia Island Lighthouse
• Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
• Cape Florida Lighthouse
• Egmont Key Lighthouse
• Gasparilla Island Lighthouse
• Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse
• Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
• Ponce de Leon Lighthouse
• St. Augustine Lighthouse
• Sanibel Island Lighthouse

Visitors can plan a road trip to see these lighthouses, but they should be aware that some are located in remote areas and may require a boat or ferry ride to access.

It’s also important to check the visiting hours and admission fees beforehand. Some lighthouses due have an admission fee.

For those who are unable to visit all the lighthouses in person, there are virtual tours and online resources available.

The Florida Lighthouse Association website provides information on all the lighthouses in the state, including their history and current status.

White it may not be possible to see all the lighthouses in Florida on a road trip, visitors can still enjoy visiting the ones that are accessible to the public and learn about the rich maritime history of the state.