St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum

One of only 30 lighthouses still standing in the state of Florida the St. Augustine Lighthouse and museum located in St. Augustine Florida still stands in the same location as it did when it used to guard the city back in the 1800’s. The lighthouse is the biggest attraction to the city and visible from most locations within the city limits. The Lighthouse and museum is a tribute to the struggle of the city of St. Augustine and dedicated to keeping the history of the nations oldest port alive.

History of the St. Augustine Lighthouse
The lighthouse itself is a historical element with rich history. The beauty of the lighthouse on the outside rises 165 feet above sea level and contains 219 steps. Inside the lens is arranged by cut glass prisms arranged in a beehive shape to create a light beacon.

The museum was once the lighthouse keeper’s house. This was restored after a fire in the 1970s and later opened to the public as a museum. Later the lighthouse tower was then opened to visitors to enjoy the beauty of this historic lighthouse. On the inside the museums stores a collection of WWII artifacts including pictures and a library. The lighthouse and museum offers educational opportunities, preservation efforts, continued research and a safe haven for the memories and artifacts stored within its walls.

Originally the lighthouse was a Spanish watchtower said to be build into eh 1500’s. The town of St. Augustine is the oldest town to aid navigation of ships in North America. The original watch tower then became the state of Florida’s first lighthouse in the 1800’s. The lighthouse began to erode and new construction began to restore the new tower which was then destroyed by a storm in the late 1800’s. Later this was reconstructed and is currently the oldest living brick structure in the town. Individuals lived and worked in the lighthouse until automation of the tower began in the 1950’s.

What to See and Do in St. Augustine Florida
The abundance of opportunities available when visiting St. Augustine is sure to please every visitor. If you enjoy history and education the town is full of museums wineries, guided tours by foot, boat or helicopter. The miles of quaint shops hotels and eateries provide a comfortable break from the many things to see and do in the city. Visitors can spend a day just sightseeing around the quaint historic town. If you would prefer a more active itinerary the town also offers an array of water recreation including swimming, boating, fishing and raging water sports.

The St. Augustine lighthouse and museum is a featured attraction in St. Augustine. A visit to the lighthouse and museum allows visitors to truly experience the history of the oldest city in the United States.

The Lighthouse and Museum
There are opportunities for visitors to explore in and around the lighthouse and the adjoining museum. Special exhibits, collections and special tours are offered at various times through out the year.

Exhibits
The Restored Gulf Coast Lighthouse Lens is on temporary display and will be housed at the museum until its ready to be returned to Biloxi Mississippi.

When I Go Out to See the Lights is a display of paintings all inspired by various aspects of lighthouses.

LAMP Boathouse is a live display on what goes into the making of boats.

Tours
The Light of the Moon Tour is a paranormal focused tour.

Educational and school tours may be arranged at the lighthouse at various times.

Workshops and Education
Nature Workshops offer tips on various nature education.

Why We Have Lighthouses are educational stations that allow students to participate in a series of learning opportunities about selected topics relating to lighthouses.

These are just a few of the highlighted attractions in and around St. Augustine. The lighthouse and museum have a varying schedule of unique tours, workshops and activities throughout the year and specialty tours can be arranged by calling ahead.