St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

This lighthouse has played an integral role in the history of St. Augustine and the museum has an assortment of displays that are highly informative and intriguing.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is a must-see when visiting the country’s oldest town! This place allows for a unique look into the history of St. Augustine and the role it has played in maritime affairs since the 16^th century. The lighthouse stands at 165 feet above sea level and overlooks the Matanzas Bay and Atlantic Ocean. The second lighthouse stood for 200 years before succumbing to erosion (the original was burned down in the late 1500s), and the one you see today has been standing since 1874. The Keeper’s House provides insight into the shipwrecks that have occurred off the coast as well as how the lighthouse has served the area over the years, like during WWII.

There is much to explore on the grounds here and so much to learn. The museum has an array of exhibits that explore the past, there is a beautiful butterfly garden, a shipyard play area for kids, and WWII-era structures. St. Augustine is brimming with an almost overwhelming amount of fascinating history, and the lighthouse and museum are a couple of the best places to come and learn about some of the most essential aspects of what makes this town so important. On top of everything you will learn and take away from a visit to the lighthouse, you will be met with some of the most remarkable views of this stunning area that you will surely never forget.