List of Florida Lighthouses: A Comprehensive Guide
Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and nature, is also home to many lighthouses. As you venture through the Sunshine State, these iconic structures attract visitors with breathtaking views and storied pasts.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn the stories behind every lighthouse, marvel at their architectural beauty, and appreciate their important role in Florida’s maritime history.
Notable Florida Lighthouses
Cape Florida Lighthouse
The Cape Florida Lighthouse is the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County. It was first lit in 1825, and its current tower was completed in 1846.
There is a small entrance fee for the park in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. $8 per vehicle (containing 2-8 people), $4 for single-occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists.
As you visit, take a glimpse into the past and learn about the history of this iconic lighthouse.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, situated on the northern shore of the Jupiter Inlet, opened in 1860.
As you explore this lighthouse, marvel at the stunning views from atop its tower and appreciate its strategic location, which has guided mariners for generations.
Key West Lighthouse
At Key West Light, you can visit one of the most well-known lighthouses in Florida.
Admission fees for the Key West Lighthouse are $12 for adults, $5 for children aged 6-12, and free for children aged 5 and under.
The current tower dates back to 1848, replacing the original destroyed in the great Havana hurricane of 1846. You can tour the lighthouse keeper’s quarters, which now functions as a museum.
Amelia Island Lighthouse
Discover the Amelia Island Lighthouse, Florida’s oldest existing lighthouse, built in 1838.
Located on the northern end of Amelia Island near the entrance to the St. Marys River, this lighthouse has been an essential guide for vessels passing through the area.
Cape San Blas Lighthouse
Address: 200 Miss Zola’s Dr, Port St Joe, FL 32456
First lit in 1849, the Cape San Blas Light withstood several relocations due to erosion and storms.
Today, you can find it at the Cape San Blas Lighthouse Park in Port St. Joe. This light’s fascinating history presents a testament to man’s persistence in serving safe navigation.
Crooked River Lighthouse
Address: 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle, FL 32322
Built-in 1895, Crooked River Light, also known as the Carrabelle Light, stands 103 feet tall.
As you visit this classic white cast-iron lighthouse, learn about its function in guiding mariners through the difficult waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Loggerhead Lighthouse
Address: Loggerhead Key Lighthouse, Key West, FL 33041
Located on Loggerhead Key in the Dry Tortugas National Park, the Dry Tortugas Light is accessible only by boat or seaplane.
Active since 1858, this impressive lighthouse has played a significant role in the history of maritime navigation.
Egmont Key Lighthouse
Address: North of, Egmont Key, St. Petersburg, FL 33715
Constructed in 1858, the Egmont Key Light guided ships through the southwest entrance of Tampa Bay.
On your visit, take the time to explore the Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge and its surrounding beaches and wildlife.
Related: Love strawberries? Here’s a friendly guide to the top 15 strawberry farms in beautiful Florida, perfect for the entire family.
Garden Key Lighthouse
Address: Fort Jefferson, Key West, FL 33040
The Garden Key Lighthouse stands in the historic Fort Jefferson on Garden Key, within the Dry Tortugas National Park.
Though no longer functional, you can still appreciate the unique octagonal construction and its role in the civil war era as you tour the park.
Gasparilla Island Lighthouse
Address: 220 Gulf Blvd, Boca Grande, FL 33921
The Gasparilla Island Lighthouse, built in 1890 and relocated to its current site in 1927, guides mariners through the Boca Grande Pass.
Today, the lighthouse has been meticulously restored and continues to emit its signature white flash every six seconds.
Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse
Address: 907 Hillsboro Mile, Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062
Serving as a beacon on Hillsboro Beach, the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, built in 1907, is a notable screw-pile design by Union General George Meade.
Climb the lighthouse’s 105-foot tower and enjoy the scenic views of the Florida coast.
Related: Ready for some beachside fun? Here’s a list of the best activities and sights that make Siesta Key one of Florida’s top vacation spots!
Pensacola Lighthouse
The Pensacola Lighthouse has been a guiding presence since 1859, located on the Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Enjoy the panoramic views from the tower’s observation deck and appreciate the rich naval history of the area.
Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse
Address: 4931 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
Standing tall at 175 feet, the Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse is Florida’s tallest lighthouse. Erected in 1887, the sentinel offers visitors a chance to climb 203 steps to the top, enjoying breathtaking views from its gallery deck.
Admission fees for the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse are $6.95 for adults, $1.95 for children aged 2-11, and free for children aged 1 and under. The lighthouse offers guided tours, and there might be an additional fee for the tour.
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse
Address: 880 Belcher Rd, Boca Grande, FL 33921
The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse began its service at the southern end of Gasparilla Island in 1890.
Take your time and explore the surrounding Gasparilla Island State Park, where you can learn more about the area’s history, nature, and Gulf coast views.
Sanibel Island Lighthouse
Address: 112 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Sanibel Island Lighthouse, operational since 1884, was one of the first lighthouses constructed on Florida’s Gulf coast.
As you visit, appreciate the iron-skeleton tower design and take the opportunity to admire the wildlife at the nearby J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
Address: 100 Red Cox Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Part of the St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation, the St. Augustine Lighthouse has been a beacon to mariners since 1874.
In addition to climbing the 219 steps to the top, take a look at the exhibits showcasing local maritime history and the Historic Fresnel Lens.
St. Mark’s Lighthouse
Address: St Marks, FL
Make your way towards the St. Mark’s Lighthouse, serving as a navigational guide since 1842.
This lighthouse is located within the St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge, providing bird-watching, hiking, and saltwater fishing opportunities.
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
Address: PO Box 540583 Merritt Island, FL 32953
You must book a tour with Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Tours in order to see this one! You cannot visit in your own vehicle because this lighthouse is located at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse has guided ships since 1868, with its current location established in 1894.
As you visit this historic lighthouse, learn about its role in the early space exploration era and naval history.
Cape St. George Lighthouse
Address: 2B E Gulf Beach Dr, Eastpoint, FL 32328
The Cape St. George Lighthouse, originally built in 1833 and reconstructed in 2008, is situated on St. George Island.
Don’t miss the chance to climb the lighthouse for a majestic view of the surrounding waters and learn about its fascinating past.
Visiting Florida Lighthouses
Florida is home to various beautiful and historic lighthouses that offer visitors unique experiences.
Your adventures in these Florida lighthouses will shape your understanding of the region’s fascinating maritime history. You may even be awed by the engineering, beauty, and persistence behind these historic structures.
