Become A MEMBER
Make A Donation
Purchase My Plate

Member Login

Sign in with your FLA member email.

Forgot password?

Your membership account is managed by WildApricot.

Florida Lighthouses

St. Augustine
Northeast Region

St. Augustine

St. Augustine
Built 1871; restored in 1994-95 and again in 2000. On National Register Listing.
All Lighthouses
Official Website

At a Glance

Region
Northeast Region
Type
Historic Lighthouse
Latitude
29.88546
Longitude
-81.28846

St. Augustine Lighthouse


Photo: Stan Beckstrom		 Active: Yes

Characteristics: Fixed white light with a flash every 30 seconds.

Height: 167 feet, 219 steps

DayMark: Black & white spiral stripes with a red lantern

History: Built 1871; restored in 1994-95 and again in 2000. On National Register Listing.

Lens: Original: first-order Fresnel Lens; L. Sautter et Limonier, 1874. Focal Plane: 161 feet.

Construction: Architect: Paul J. Pelz. Brick conical tower made of brick and iron.

Coordinates:
     29 53 08 N
     81 17 19 W

Operated by: St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, Inc.

Visit Status: Open to Public

Days Open: Open daily. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Facilities: Museum, Gift Shop, handicap accessible

Hours Open: 9 am to 6 pm (extended summer & holiday hours starting in late May)

Visitor Info: For their safety, children must be 44 inches tall to climb the tower. Free museum admission is offered to children under 44 inches.

Admission: Tower and Museum - Adults $9.50; Seniors (55+) $7.50; Children 12 and under $7.50;
 
Contact:
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, Inc.
Kathy A. Fleming, Exec. Dir.
81 Lighthouse Avenue
St. Augustine, FL  32080

Email:  KFleming@StAugustineLighthouse.com
Website: St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum

Back to Lighthouse List>

Overview

The spiral-striped St. Augustine Lighthouse is one of Florida’s best-known landmarks. The brick tower, red lantern, historic lens, keeper’s dwelling, and surrounding maritime museum form a complete station overlooking the inlet and the nation’s oldest city.

History

Spanish watchtowers and an early American lighthouse once stood closer to the inlet, but erosion threatened the old coquina tower. Construction of the present lighthouse began in 1872, and its first-order Fresnel lens entered service in 1874. The earlier tower fell into the sea in 1880, confirming the wisdom of the new location. The station was electrified in the 1930s and later automated. After the keeper’s house was damaged by fire and faced demolition, local preservationists organized a long restoration campaign that grew into today’s museum and archaeological program.

Visiting & Access

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is open on a regular daily schedule on Anastasia Island. General admission includes museum exhibits, grounds, and the tower climb, subject to height, weather, and safety requirements. Check the museum for current hours and special programs.

Current Status

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum owns and preserves the station. The lighthouse remains active with its original first-order Fresnel lens. The tower, keeper’s house, grounds, and museum exhibits are open to visitors.

Back to Directory
History Reference
Become A MEMBER
Make A Donation
Purchase My Plate