St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum

4.71023 Votes Currently Open
  • Address: 100 Red Cox Rd, Saint Augustine, FL 32084, St Augustine, United States
    Map
  • Timings: 09:00 am - 07:00 pm Details
  • Phone: +1-9048290745
  • Ticket Price: 10 USD
  • Tags: Art And Culture, Museums, Light House, View Point, Family And Kids, Architecture , Specialty Museums
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Lying across the bay the lighthouse is illuminated like a beacon. It is impressive in in black and white spiral and was used as a lookout post for enemy ships and submarines which frequented the coastline. A light was emitted from a system of lamps and lenses and used as an aid to navigation for maritime pilots at sea or on inland waterways. The Saint Augustine Lighthouse was built in 1874 and converted into a museum in 1994.

 The original lighthouse of St. Augustine was a wooden watchtower built by Spaniards in the late 1500s in order to shelter themselves from seafaring attackers and to navigate other Spanish ships and traders to their lively port. Unfortunately, the watchtower was burned to the ground by Sir Francis Drake during an attack in 1586. Following this, a coquina tower was built on the site in 1683 from the ruins of a stone chapel. This lighthouse lasted 200 years, but fell to shoreline erosion in 1880. As a result of the threat of erosion, the current tower was built further inland in 1874.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is an attractive and informative museum. Enjoy the most spectacular view in Northeast Florida from the top overlooking the Matanzas Bay and the Atlantic Ocean from Anastasia Island. Climb up 219 steps to discover the glorious history of this lighthouse in the Keeper’s House museum. Archaeologists have discovered a number of historic shipwrecks along with other maritime sites such as breakwaters, plantation wharf remains, and the remains of Florida's first lighthouse.

The museum also researches boat building and the history of the local and regional shrimping industry, and maintains an assortment of World War II artefacts focusing on the history of the U.S. Coast Guard in St. Augustine. The Lighthouse also maintains a volunteer-driven heritage boat building program, which has built a number of traditional wooden boats from various time periods in the port's history.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the past and keeping alive the story of the nation's oldest port. By offering educational opportunities, the museum maintains the memories of those who came before us. It also offers maritime archaeological research, summer camps, home school days and hands on tour.

There are Program scholarships for underprivileged youth, internships, and scholarly investigations. The St. Augustine Lighthouse lobbies for national preservation issues in Tallahassee and on Capitol Hill. They work directly with government agencies to insure that America's castles survive for generations to come. Preserving the Past for Future Generations. The lighthouse also has an oral history library in its permanent collection that continues to grow.

They are an official partner of the Library of Congress Veteran's History Project. They are enthusiastically seeking local stories to share about this great time in the First Coast's history. They work to be the finest light station and maritime museum in the world.

St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum Travel Tips

  • The self-guided tour includes: Shipyard Play Area, 360 degrees views, Shipwreck artefacts, 1876 Keepers House Exhibits, Maritime hammock nature trails & Keepers Cafe.
  • Children must be 44 inches tall to climb the tower; children under 44" tall receive free museum admission.
  • Sunset/Moonrise Tour: Enjoy drinks and appetizers as you watch the sunset and the moonrise over the ancient city from the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
  • Dark of the Moon Tour: The only after dark tour of the lighthouse. Hear the spooky tales and unexplained phenomenon surrounding the lighthouse and its occupants. Limited space available.
  • Sunrise Tour: Enjoy a Florida sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean from the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. This tour takes you behind the scenes of the lives of the Lighthouse Keepers. 1 hr 30 min.
  • Behind the Scenes Tour: Discover relics of maritime history with this tour of the maritime archaeological artefact conservation lab. This guided tour takes you through areas of the Lighthouse not open to general admission.
  • Exclusive Lens Room Tour: Indulge in a premium and personal tour behind the scenes of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum with special access to the Lens Room. Enjoy breakfast and drinks at the top of the world as you experience the lighthouse in full operation sending a stream of light across the coast of St. Augustine. 1hr 30mins, 4 guests, $500 per person.
  • There are 219 steps to the top, equivalent to 13 stories. So be careful and take time.
  • They do sell water and beverages around the grounds and snacks are available in the keepers' cafe.
  • Grab a souvenir in the gift shop. For discounts on tours and purchases, ask about their museum memberships.

Entrance Ticket Details For St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum

  • For Adults: $9.95
  • For Seniors (60 & over): $7.95
  • Children (Age 12 or under and 44" or taller): $7.95
  • Dark Of The Moon Ghost Tour: $ 25; Lost Ships Archaeology Tour: $ 20; Sunset/Moonrise Tour: $ 25.00
  • Behind The Scenes for $ 15; General Admission + T-Shirt Value Pack for $ 20; Ghost Combo: Dark of The Moon + General Admission for $ 30

How to Reach St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum

  • Sunshine Bus Company

  • Gypsy Cab Co Restaurant: American
  • Anastasia Kitchen: Breakfast, desserts
  • Creative Juices Natural Cafe: Juice, smoothies, vegan, soups and salad
  • Nalu’s: Seafood

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in St Augustine before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in St Augustine and book an accommodation of your choice.

  • St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum Address: 100 Red Cox Rd, Saint Augustine, FL 32084, St Augustine, United States
  • St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum Contact Number: +1-9048290745
  • St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum Timing: 09:00 am - 07:00 pm
  • St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum Price: 10 USD
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  • 66.91% of people who visit St Augustine include St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum in their plan

  • 33.95% of people start their St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum visit around 09 AM - 10 AM

  • People usually take around 30 Minutes to see St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum

Tuesday, Friday and Sunday

95% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum

People normally club together St. Augustine Amphitheatre and St Augustine Alligator Farm while planning their visit to St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum.

* The facts given above are based on traveler data on TripHobo and might vary from the actual figures

St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum Reviews & Ratings

St augustine lighthouse and museum
  • Is the Lighthouse at St. Augustine haunted

    Answer Report Abuse
    • There are many ghost stories along with the history of paranormal activity at St Augustine Lighthouse And Museum and the museum also offers ghost tours and ghost-themed private events that you can attend. But, nothing has been proved ever. 

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