St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

100 Red Cox Drive St. Augustine, FL 32080

st-augustine-lighthouse-and-maritime-museum-001
st-augustine-lighthouse-and-maritime-museum-002
st-augustine-lighthouse-and-maritime-museum-003
st-augustine-lighthouse-and-maritime-museum-004
st-augustine-lighthouse-and-maritime-museum-005
st-augustine-lighthouse-and-maritime-museum-006

Hours

Open daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (From early-March to late September open until 6:30 p.m.)

Last ticket sold half-hour before closing time. Check their website for additional information and closures due to weather or other events.

Cost

  • Adults General Admission: $18
  • Children General Admission (12 and under): $13
  • Senior General Admission (60+): $16

Check their website for combined tours and additional offers. Prices are subject to change.

Phone(904) 829-0745
WebsiteVisit Website

About

This historic landmark and museum are cemented in St. Augustine's rich history. The first documentation of this lighthouse dates all the way back to 1589. Since that time, it has stood through multiple wars and guided countless ships to shore safely. In 1871, Congress appropriated $100,00 in funding to rebuild the lighthouse and prevents its sinking. Today, it stands 165 feet above sea level.

As one of the most iconic (and tallest) structures on the island, there is a lot to take in when you visit. Firstly, there are the daily demos. These demos depict light-keeper duties and daily life. In addition, you will be educated on other topics including sailing, boatbuilding, and underwater archaeology. Next, there is the Maritime Hammock Scavenger Hunt. Explore the grounds as you search for animals that live in this environment and learn about the plants that grow here as well. This is a fun way to entertain the kids while also teaching them some history and biology.

Additionally, there are many tours available. The listed prices account for general admission. These tickets will allow you to self-tour and have access to many areas of the property including the lighthouse tower. If you want a more specific type of guided tour, we recommend purchasing a ticket to one of these:

Dark of the Moon Ghost Tours

Did you know that the Tower has a reputation for being haunted? If you do a little research, you can find many stories about deaths that have taken place at the tower. On this tour, you will be taken on a guided tour of the lighthouse at night. This is the only tour that will grant you tower access at night. Warning: It can get pretty spooky! This would be a fun tour in the fall/winter, especially around Halloween.

Ghost Tales

This is similar to the Dark of the Moon ghost tours, except it has a more informational approach. Also, you will not be exploring inside the tower at night. In Ghost Tales, a guide will share the history and hauntings of the Lighthouse. Additionally, they will lead you through the grounds, Light-keepers' House, and the base of the Lighthouse itself.

Sunset/Moonrise Tour

Enjoy stunning views of sunset and full moonrise from atop the tower. This tour will include champagne and hors d'oeuvres. This would be a very romantic date! However, space is limited so be sure to reserve tickets early.

Local Tips

  • Purchase your ticket ahead via their website and use code LH15 for 15% off.
  • Children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb the tower and must be able to do so under their own power.
  • All public restrooms are handicap accessible.
  • Children under the height requirement get free admission + one half price adult ticket.
  • Various guided lighthouse tours are additional with purchase of an additional ticket.
  • Free parking is available at the museum.

Location

100 Red Cox Drive St. Augustine, FL 32080

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Augustine is located minutes off of I-95 between Jacksonville Beaches and Palm Coast. If flying, the closest airport to St. Augustine is Jacksonville (JAX) about 30 minutes away.

The best times to visit are March–May and September–November. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds than summer, and access to the area’s top events, including Sing Out Loud Festival and Founder’s Day. Spring is ideal for beach lovers and garden tours, while fall is perfect for history buffs, culinary travelers, and ghost tour enthusiasts.

The Old Town Trolley Tours are a favorite for first-time visitors, offering hop-on/hop-off convenience and guided narration through the city’s landmarks.

Try local favorites like Aunt Kate’s, Cap’s on the Water, or Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille for fresh coastal fare with a St. Augustine twist.

St. Augustine, Florida is known as the nation’s oldest capital and oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. It was founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez and Spanish settlers 50 years after Ponce de León claimed Florida for the Spanish crown. The majestic Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., remains a central attraction for visitors to St. Augustine.

St. Augustine provides a rich calendar of events at any time of the year. The city’s Nights of Lights (Nov – Jan) is listed by National Geographic as among the top 10 holiday light displays in the world. Come spring, The Players Championship takes place at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra just minutes from St. Augustine. The city is also home to several festivals showcasing historic reenactments, Spring bird watching, film, food, and pirates.

Any trip to St. Augustine should undoubtedly include a visit to the monumental Castillo de San Marcos on the western shore of Matanzas Bay. The national monument, built by the Spanish over 300 years ago, remains a steadfast reminder of the area’s colonial past.

In addition, one of the best ways to catch all the must-sees in St. Augustine in just one day is to hop on the Old Town Trolley. This will take you to iconic spots including the Old City Gates, the famed Fountain of Youth, and across the Bridge of Lions.

Closer to the coast, step into the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum where you can climb up into the historic 165-foot-tall lighthouse for a view of the area. Stop over for lunch at Salt Life Food Shack near St. Augustine beach for the laid-back vibe and eclectic seafood dishes.

Be sure to take time during the day to explore the shops, boutiques, and cafés along St. George Street in the historic center. This pedestrian-only street was historically the heart of the city and continues to be a thriving hub of activity lined with restaurants, shops, and history galore.

Wind down the evening by treating yourself to dinner at Columbia in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district. Named as one of Florida’s top restaurants since 1967, the Columbia is the largest Spanish restaurant in the world and family-owned and operated since 1905.

Downtown has metered street parking, garages, and park-and-ride options. During peak times (especially Nights of Lights), it’s best to arrive early or use public shuttles.

More questions

More questions?

Feel free to send us an email with any and all questions you might have regarding the start of a Casago Franchise!

We'd love to help answer your questions!

Shoot a Direct Mail