St. Augustine Lighthouse

The St. Augustine Lighthouse stands on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, Florida, marking the entrance to the nation's oldest continuously occupied European-founded city. The present black-and-white spiral-banded tower was completed in 1874, replacing earlier colonial-era watchtowers and lights, and rises 165 feet with a first-order Fresnel lens. Alongside its restored keepers' house, it now forms a maritime museum that interprets the region's seafaring history and preserves the working light.

The lighthouse is among Florida's most famous "haunted" sites and has been investigated on national television. Visitors and staff report footsteps, voices and shadowy figures, with stories often connected to two young girls who drowned in a construction accident during the tower's building and to former keepers. These reports are anecdotal and subjective, and the museum presents them as part of local lore rather than established fact.

The site's genuine value lies in its maritime heritage, its preserved lens and keepers' quarters, and the sweeping views from the top of the tower. It offers a substantial, well-documented history of coastal navigation and the people who maintained the light.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is run by a nonprofit organisation and is open to the public daily, with an admission fee that includes the museum grounds and, for those able, the 219-step climb to the top of the tower. Special sunset and paranormal-themed tours are offered at additional cost.

The tower climb is steep and physically demanding, with height and age or supervision requirements for children, so visitors should review current rules and their own fitness. Please treat the historic buildings, exhibits and grounds with care and follow all staff guidance.