10 Must-See Lighthouses Along Florida’s Stunning Coastline

Florida’s coastline sparkles with historic lighthouses that have guided sailors safely to shore for centuries. These towering beacons tell amazing stories of brave lighthouse keepers and daring sea rescues. From the tropical waters of Key West to the sandy beaches of Pensacola, each lighthouse offers breathtaking views and fascinating history. Pack your camera and comfortable shoes for an unforgettable adventure exploring these coastal treasures.

1. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

Standing proudly since 1860, this red brick tower reaches 108 feet into the Florida sky. Visitors can climb 105 steps to enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.

The lighthouse museum showcases artifacts from shipwrecks and displays about local maritime history. Interactive exhibits help kids learn about navigation and lighthouse operations through hands-on activities.

Guided tours run daily, and the gift shop offers unique souvenirs. The surrounding park provides picnic areas and nature trails perfect for family exploration after your lighthouse visit.

2. Saint George Island Lighthouse

Built in 1852, this 74-foot lighthouse was carefully moved from Dog Island to its current location. The white tower with black lantern room creates a striking contrast against the blue Gulf waters.

Climbing the 92 steps rewards visitors with spectacular views of Apalachicola Bay and barrier islands. The lighthouse keeper’s house now serves as a museum featuring local history and maritime artifacts.

Special events include sunset climbs and educational programs for school groups. The nearby state park offers excellent fishing, swimming, and bird watching opportunities for the whole family.

3. Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse

Originally built in Chicago for the 1893 World’s Fair, this unique lighthouse was dismantled and rebuilt in Pompano Beach in 1907. The 136-foot iron tower features distinctive diamond-shaped windows and intricate metalwork.

Monthly tours allow visitors to climb the spiral staircase and learn about the lighthouse’s unusual journey from Illinois to Florida. The beacon still operates today, guiding boats through the busy inlet.

Photography enthusiasts love capturing the lighthouse at sunrise when golden light illuminates the metal structure. Nearby restaurants and shops make this a perfect stop during a coastal road trip.

4. Key West Lighthouse

Completed in 1848, this 86-foot lighthouse helped ships navigate the dangerous coral reefs surrounding the Florida Keys. The white conical tower and red roof create an iconic image against the tropical backdrop.

Brave visitors can climb 88 steps to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views of Key West and the surrounding turquoise waters. The keeper’s quarters house a fascinating museum with shipwreck treasures and lighthouse artifacts.

Evening visits offer cooler temperatures and stunning sunset photography opportunities. The lighthouse sits in the heart of Key West, making it easy to explore nearby attractions and restaurants.

5. Cape Florida Lighthouse

Dating back to 1825, this lighthouse survived a Seminole Indian attack in 1836 that left bullet holes still visible today. The 95-foot tower stands on the southern tip of Key Biscayne, offering incredible views of Biscayne Bay.

Park rangers lead engaging tours that bring the lighthouse’s dramatic history to life. Stories of lighthouse keeper John Thompson’s heroic escape during the attack captivate visitors of all ages.

The surrounding Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park features pristine beaches, nature trails, and excellent fishing spots. Families can easily spend a full day exploring the lighthouse and enjoying the beautiful coastal environment.

6. Pensacola Lighthouse

Rising 191 feet above sea level, this towering lighthouse offers some of Florida’s most spectacular views after climbing 177 steps. Built in 1859, the black and white striped tower has guided ships through Pensacola Bay for over 160 years.

The lighthouse museum features interactive exhibits about maritime history and lighthouse technology. Children love the hands-on activities that teach about navigation and life at sea.

Ghost tours and special events add excitement to evening visits. The nearby National Naval Aviation Museum and historic downtown Pensacola provide additional attractions for lighthouse enthusiasts exploring the area.

7. Cape Canaveral Lighthouse

Built in 1868, this 151-foot lighthouse has witnessed the evolution of space exploration at nearby Kennedy Space Center. The distinctive black and white spiral stripes make it one of Florida’s most recognizable lighthouses.

Visitors can climb 147 steps to the top for amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and Space Coast. On clear days, you might even spot rocket launches from the observation deck.

The lighthouse grounds include a small museum and gift shop featuring space-themed souvenirs. Its location within Cape Canaveral Air Force Station requires advance reservations, making each visit feel like a special adventure.

8. Amelia Island Lighthouse

Florida’s oldest existing lighthouse, built in 1838, stands 64 feet tall on the northern tip of Amelia Island. The white tower with red lantern room has guided ships through the treacherous waters off Fernandina Beach for nearly two centuries.

Monthly guided tours reveal fascinating stories about lighthouse keepers and their families who lived in isolation. The lighthouse still operates with its original Fresnel lens, creating a powerful beam visible for miles.

Historic Fernandina Beach offers charming shops, restaurants, and Victorian architecture within walking distance. The nearby Fort Clinch State Park provides additional historical attractions and beautiful beaches for family exploration.

9. St. Augustine Lighthouse

Soaring 165 feet above Anastasia Island, this striking black and white spiral-striped lighthouse has been a St. Augustine landmark since 1874. The 219-step climb to the top rewards visitors with breathtaking views of America’s oldest city and the Atlantic Ocean.

Ghost stories and paranormal investigations make this lighthouse famous beyond its maritime history. The lighthouse museum features shipwreck artifacts and exhibits about lighthouse construction and operation.

Night tours and special events create unforgettable experiences for brave visitors. The lighthouse grounds include beautiful gardens and a maritime archaeology lab where visitors can watch researchers work on underwater discoveries.

10. Ponce de Leon Lighthouse

Located in Ponce Inlet near Daytona Beach, this 175-foot lighthouse is Florida’s tallest and second tallest in the United States. Built in 1887, the red brick tower requires climbing 203 steps but offers incredible views of the Atlantic coastline.

The lighthouse complex includes several historic buildings housing maritime museums and exhibits about local history. Interactive displays help children understand how lighthouses work and why they were so important for navigation.

Sunset climbs provide spectacular photography opportunities when golden light illuminates the coastline. The nearby town of Ponce Inlet offers seafood restaurants and charter fishing boats for visitors wanting to extend their coastal adventure.