St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Inc. Reviews

Want entirely sure what to expect with the Lighthouse Museum, but was very happy to spend the afternoon exploring and learning intro about the lighthouse and its historical workings. If you are physically able, do make the trek up the many steps to the top of the lighthouse for a great view of St. Augustine as well as Anastasia State Park and the Atlantic beyond. It is work, but well worth it. And while you are up there, be sure to take a peek at the actual workings of the light and its lenses. Astounding the level of engineering in evolved with that.

While the view is the star, there is a lot to see and learn across the rest of the grounds. It is a bit of reading, but the info is fascinating and helps you get a good idea of the importance of the lighthouse and its stewards during both peacetime and wartime.

Well worth the steps! There are landings to catch your breath and read the history. The view at the top is wonderful:)

Another interesting piece of St Augustine History even if you don’t climb the lighthouse. An assortment of old buildings to look through.

Great place, great views, long way to the top. I think 218 steps to the top. It’s a must see. At night it has a light that shines very bright

Clean and not too crowded. Clear signage and labels on historic items. Safe stairway to the top. Great view and wonderful sites. Would recommend except the climb can be exhausting.

Our hotel had a coupon bucket with 15% off if you bought tickets in advance online online, so we did. Saved us five bucks! The lighthouse is in excellent condition, really a nice structure. Great gift shop and friendly people and lots of exhibits included in your admission fee for non-climbers.

A beautiful place to visit. Not a tourist trap place, no huge buildup around this working light. No shops or food, just a lighthouse to climb for awesome viws, a walk through the keepers house, a walk on a trail through the woods, cute play area for the kids. Maybe an hour and a half trip. Good for that couple of hours to fill. Quiet and very well taken care of. Warning 219 steps, don't try it with bad knees!!

Walk the 229 steps up to the top with a fantastic panoramic view of the city and the ocean. Onsite, several interesting exhibits, and the volunteers are very helpful and giving background information. We were going to skip this during the visit; but we were both glad we didn't.

Very poorly run. Two separate field trips going on while we were there. They closed a portion of the museum for it but still charged everyone full price. I was told that there was a 10 to 15 minute wait to climb to the top of the lighthouse. They told me to tour the house and then come back. When I did, there was a long line to go to the top. Safety was another issue. I’m the basement they built a small boardwalk to walk on but it was not level and caused me to stumble a couple of times. I definitely would not recommend this place to elderly adults.

The lighthouse is very pretty and the grounds are well kept. However it’s a bit expensive just to walk on the grounds. We opted to see it from afar, but it is a nice stop to make when in St. Augustine

It was worth walking up for the sunset and moonrise views! Champagne and horsdeuvres finish the trip very well.

People here are very friendly and helpful. we were able to do the 219 steps but I recommend you doing this lighthouse early in the morning as I am sure that it gets crowded later in the day. There is one good place to sit and catch you breath but there are several stopping points to rest just no place to sit.

The lighthouse is magnificent when there is a little of fog, the light patterns are unique.
Don't lose the opportunity to see it.

We went on the Sunset Moonrise tour. We don't live in St Augustine and called ahead to ask if our tickets would allow us general admission. I was told it would. We got there at 4 and told we weren't not allowed in until 4:30 (the park closes at 5). We left and came back at 4:30, excepting to be let in. Instead, we told that we could only be in the gift shop and on the patio. We have no idea why we were told to come back at 4:30 when we couldn't go in until 5. Very frustrating and a waste of our time!
After 5, everything was amazing.

Really enjoyed the visit. Climbing to the top of the lighthouse yields some beautiful views. Interesting to read and see the history in the various exhibits. Take the time to go into each of the buildings. Nice gift shop as well.

My daughter and I love to explore lighthouses. The St Augustine Lighthouse has a very special history because the original water tower was there since at least 1569 when Sir Francis Drake added it to his map. Back then it was a wooden water tower used to watch for the enemy. It eventually slid into the ocean in 1880. The current St. Augustine Lighthouse was built between 1871 and 1874 and futther away from the ocean. It took three years to build due to a lack of manpower and funds. It was first lit on October 15, 1874.

We bought our tickets online so that we could get reservations and pick which tour we eanted. Prices for Adults is $14.95 per adult and $12.95 per Senior over 60. We chose the evening Lighthouse tour & Grounds only at 7:15pm. We had 9:00 pm reservations for a boat tour that same evening so we didn't have time to see the Lighthouse Keeper's tour.

There are 219 steps to reach the observation deck. There are also eight landings where visitors can stop and let other people pass. My daughter climbed all the way to the top with frequent stops on the platforms. I couldn't do it because of medical reasons. But there was enough to look at from down below. When younger, I climbed to the crown on the Statue of Liberty.

You can bring your dog here if it is leashed and under your control on the grounds only, but not in any of the buildings. You might call them about support dogs and the rules.

Accessible parking is available on the grounds and restroom.

This was a wonderful experience.

We went for the illumination & were so impressed! Pet friendly area except for buildings so we took turns watching them as we discovered all of the gorgeous lights & trees. Very worth it!!

A must for a trip to St. Augustine! Lots of history and information. Really pretty in December with all the lights. Very informative with all the history here.

We did the dark of the moon ghost tour. We guide was good at telling stories of happenings around the lighthouse over the years. They gave us all glow sticks which made the tour fun in the dark. Our favorite part was climbing the lighthouse in the semi darkness. It was a cooler than when we climbed it last year during the day.

The lighthouse is currently under renovation, but you can still climb to the top. The lighthouse keeper's house is fascinating. Lots of educational opportunities too.

Love, love, love exploring the grounds of the Lighthouse. The kids enjoyed the artifacts, playground and the staff was very friendly and helpful.

Fantastic view of surrounding areas. The museum across from the lighthouse was nice. At night can see the beacon from the fort.

We had been to St. Augustine many times but this was our first visit to the lighthouse. It is a beautiful structure in and of itself, but the views from the top are just incredible. The museum and walking trails also make this a must see. It's much taller than you might guess since the base is surrounded by trees, so be prepared for a long climb.

The view is worth the climb. The staff is very friendly. We met a couple who are archaeologists there and they helped bring history to life along with the keepers quarters and a house filled with history. It’s not a destination to just see a lighthouse. You learn about why lighthouses are painted a certain way. The life the keepers families lived. Industry in the area, WWII impact and more. Absolutely worth going.

It made me wish I had cared about history in high school.

Make sure you drink water!

I enjoyed climbing the lighthouse and taking in the view, but found the rest of the sight to be a little lacking. The shipwreck items on display in the basement of the light keepers house were neat, as were the displays explaining the process of uncovering and recovering artifacts found on the site. The rest of the exhibits and the small trail system failed to really hold my interest.
The grounds are beautiful, and I do think this location is worth visiting when in St. Augustine, if just for the climb.

A must see! You can climb the 219 steps to the top and see a spectacular view. The Lighthouse served to protect our coast in World War II. We were also able to tour the Keeper's house.
Well worth the trip.

Large complex with several buildings to explore. The Christmas decorations were still up when we were there and added to the beauty of the site with many themed trees all over the property. Decent signage on site. There is a fee to enter. There are four areas to check out including the visitors center with a gift shop, the exploration zone with a play area for littles and some trails to explore, the Victorian light station to climb up the tower and 1876 Keepers house exhibit (don't forget the basement), and the Maritime Heritage Park with some places to grab a snack, see small wooden watercraft being built onsite, and Coast Guard barracks.

Yes there are alot of steps but it is so worth it to see how from the top and to watch the inner workings of the light. The lighthouse keeper job was not easy as you will find out. The museum parts are very well displayed and easy to understand. Highly recommend for everyone.

A long walk up but worth it. I wish we had gotten there earlier as there are quite a few points of interest regarding the lighthouse, its history, shipbuilding etc. Plan on a couple of hours.

We ordered tickets on their website and didn't have any issues getting through the check-in when we arrived. There was a line outside to go into the lighthouse and they were letting people in to the lighthouse in groups. We had about a 15 minute wait before we got in to the lighthouse. We started climbing and had to wait at one of the landings so another group of people could come down. It was very crowded at the top of the lighthouse but the view was wonderful. The museum outside the lighthouse was interesting to walk through and gave some history of the area and the lighthouse itself.

Beautiful grounds Kids loved climbing the lighthouse Interesting historical information
Displays were historical and interesting Clim isn't bad just pace yourself

Fun historical stop right outside of town. The grounds are beautiful and include various paths that meander through overgrown foliage, giving it a “jungle” feel. The climb to the top is fun if you’re in shape. There are landings on the way up, so you can rest. Though if you’re scared of heights you may not want to step onto the viewing deck.

This place is very nice, it carries water so you can go all the way, the view above is breathtaking. Personally I like heights and I am impressed when I arrive, because it is quite high, but very cute

We normally visit lighthouses, but this site is much more. Besides the climb to the top of the tower and the keepers house, it offers other buildings and nature trails. Although the climb is strenuous, the view from the top is spectacular! Do not miss the operating lens and certainly do not miss St. Augustine Lighthouse.

Had a great time climbing and learning about the history of the lighthouse. They also have additional museum exhibits and my wife really liked the shipwreck exhibit.

Easy to find(you can see it for miles!) Good parking area and interesting to see. Unusual black and white painted exterior.

This is a beautifully preserved lighthouse with out buildings. We felt the price was a little high but there are a few extra well preserved and furnished buildings, including the light keepers house, and the grounds are well kept. We were there for St. Augustine's Festival of Lights and the grounds were also decorated beautifully for Christmas.

Little expensive but beautiful view at the top. Appreciated stories on each level and that you could see where the light was still functioning. Light keepers museum was great. There were other things to see on the property but the kids didn’t last.

Omgosh. This was so worth the money. Check local flyers for coupons. The view is so cool!!
If it’s a hot day no worries. There’s a lot of wind at the top!! Lol

St.Augustine Lighthouse is approximately 1.5 miles from the Lions Bridge so a car is required to visit. Nice lighthouse.

We had to come see - & climb! - the lighthouse. But it’s so much more than that! Lots of info on the lighthouse, maritime industry, wrecks, boatbuilding, etc. well organized and very knowledgeable staff/volunteers. Also quite kid-friendly. Highly recommend.

Came here at the end of our St Augustine spring break trip. Cool lighthouse with quite bit of informational history. Had 3 kids with us and they all enjoyed it. There is more than just the lighthouse. Found the coast guard and WW2 history interesting. I took a bad spill while touring( not in the lighthouse I was outside). Employees were helpful, first aid was supplied right away. I mainly just skinned up my knees but employees made sure I was bandaged up.

It was very interesting. The ranger was full of interesting facts, she answered all my questions. The grounds were beautifully decorated with Christmas lights.

My husband and I had an amazing time climbing the lighthouse! It was my second time climbing to the top and his first! I was so excited to share the view with him and let him experience the climb while also learning about the lighthouse along the way. We will definitely be back!

Interesting site to discover history associated with the Lighthouse and st Augustine. Good gift shop

Thoroughly enjoyed this experience, although it was very hot outside on Memorial Day. There were tons of flags and patriotic decorations which were really appreciated. There is a lot of historic and educational material available, depending on your interest level. Water bottles thankfully allowed everywhere due to the heat. The climb up to the top of the lighthouse is not that difficult but the stairs are narrow- the view is spectacular and worth the effort!

Great experience! It is a long trip to the top, but worth the view! Good railing for those with a fear of heights. Several our buildings and paths to explore. Also has some kid activities. But, the trip to the top of the lighthouse would be rough with little ones.

We didn’t pay to do the tour. We were a little disappointed that the entire area is gated and closed off. We’ve been to other lighthouses that you could view and walk up and photograph. So we took a few photographs from where we could and moved onto the beaches!

We stopped by and really liked this place. The climb to the top is well worth it for the view. Lots of interesting artifacts and some still being preserved so you might catch them actually working on various items.

This is one of the best lighthouse visit ever, and we’ve been to many from the Pacific Coast of California/Oregon to the NE of Maine. In addition to being allowed to climb to the top (14 stories), the very well preserved grounds include a Keepers House and beautiful grounds. The 219-steps to the top of the tower include several landings where you can rest (and my 76 year old legs and COPD lungs required rest each time). One of the highlights of our 3-night stay in St Augustine. Make this a priority stop and allow a couple of hours to experience everything there.

This is the second lighthouse I’ve been too and it is beautiful! The 219 steps up to the top were not hard to climb in my opinion and though it was hit, the windows of the lighthouse were open and there was a nice breeze to cool off. The museum was really cool as it was interactive and had information about not only the first keeper but also his wife, daughter, a different keeper, and an archeologist that has been diving in the nearby waters. There is a lot of information about archeology and the process of restoring relics found in the ocean which was something we knew practically nothing about so that was really cool. There are refreshments and a nice gift shop with air conditioning to cool off if need be. This is a definite must-see during a trip to St. Augustine!

My husband and I visited on the Fourth of July weekend. It was very hot, so make sure you bring water with you. We were pleased they had a discount for seniors, and we spent at least two hours here going through all the museums. Unfortunately my husband‘s knees no longer allow him to climb the lighthouse so we missed out on the view, which we had done 20 years ago, but we thoroughly enjoyed all the little museums that are on site and talking to the volunteers at the boat building area. I would not bring very young children here, as there is not enough to keep their interest, but older children certainly could find it interesting. Very nice gift shop. I advised one of the ladies at the gift shop on the way out that they need to add hooks on the back of the doors of the ladies room toilets. Nowhere to hang your purse while you go to the loo! That is my only complaint!! Hopefully they will take note and fix it! :-)

Fun, tall lighthouse. I've been to many lighthouses and this was better than most. It is tall and you can go out on lookout ramp at the top. Not too hard to climb if you take your time. I would rate the San Marcos castle as the top thing to see in St. Augustine, but this is in the top 5.

This was a highlight of our trip! We went on the “Dark of the Moon” tour on a Friday night. The lighthouse is beautiful in the moonlight and stars were bright. The tour guides were knowledgeable and open to questions. It was about an hour guided tour before we were let loose on the grounds for another hour. I don’t think an hour is long enough to see the grounds , especially if you want to climb the 200+stairs to the top of the lighthouse. I wanted to stay up there and take it all in! The views were magnificent. The grounds and gardens are gorgeous. Would love to see them in the daylight, as they only give you a glow stick but you can use your phone light. Definitely worth your time and money!

It has a nice but not spectacular view from the top after climbing the 200+ steps. Lots of visitors, we skipped the museum and gift shop.

What a wonderful adventure, you have to climb the stairs to the top, but it's a haul for sure! The view from the top is priceless, you will be awarded for your effort

Obviously, the best part is the top of the lighthouse. It's quite a climb, but the view is worth it. Go on a nice day. We did also enjoy the museum and I think they have some sort of gardens or trails too but we ran out of time.

What a great experience! Worth climbing 219 stairs to the top of the lighthouse. Great views of St Aug from the top! Great history lessons to be learned here! Best part of our trip!

Beautiful lighthouse. Grounds are lovely and the park personnel had loads of info about the history as well as a host of interesting information.

History. It was very interesting visiting. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Great to see part of how our history developed this country.

The highlight is indeed going to the top of the lighthouse. They make it easy by having a landing every couple of dozen steps. What I did not expect was a history of the area during WWII, where it was used to defend against German U-boat attacks. There are a few exhibits related to this, and the lighthouse keepers' lives. Well worth the visit.

Be sure to go on a nice day. Beautiful view from the top of the lighthouse, do not miss this, it is the best part. At the top it can be cold and windy. I enjoyed the informative wall murals on the hike up the 219 steps. The museum exhibits were not that interesting, that’s why only 4 stars. I will hike up every lighthouse I can for the experience and the view.

Nice museum that showcases the history of the lighthouse and the city of St. Augustine. Sadly the lighthouse was being renovated when we visited, so we did not get to go inside. The grounds featured beautiful architecture, history, and even some snacks. Some of the exhibits were out of commission. Wish we had more time to do a ghost tour!

Easy climb to the top of the Lighthouse. Beautiful view of the boats in the water and what looked to be several dolphins. The staff is amazing, The gift shop was neat and we found some treasures to take home. Well worth the visit.

We chose just to stop by and photograph the lighthouse rather than enter the museum. Be careful using GPS to find the lighthouse as some local roads are one way or narrow. It's very pretty and worth a stop.

The lighthouse is under renovations so they still charge to get in the other buildings to see are small and really nothing to see, the fee should be free until the lighthouse is open again. Very dissapointed

Great view from the top! Went on a Sunday morning so it wasn’t overly crowded. 219 steps up I believe. Property was pretty

This is a must when visiting St Augustine.
It costs 17.99$ per person to enter. You can ( and should) climb up 219 steps all the way up the light house for an amazing view .
There is also the option to visit the keeper’s house museum.
Well worth a visit!

I was not certain that I wanted to visit this site since I knew that I would not want to climb to the top of the lighthouse. But when I read that there was more to see, I decided to visit.
Parking was ample and there appeared to be overflow parking across the street. You enter through the gift shop to buy tickets. A wristband shows that you have paid for admission.
We toured the lighthouse keeper’s home where the parlor was furnished while other rooms had displays. Be sure to read the story about William Harns which is posted on a wall.
You can enter a building adjacent to the lighthouse. One room was an office while the other room was a storeroom with containers for the oil used to light the lamps. There are other buildings to tour as well as you follow the map received at admissions. Also if you did not see the front of the lighthouse keeper’s house walk there before you leave.

We came here in a sunny blue sky afternoon, free parking and greeted by a staff member that directed us to the gift shop to purchase entrance tickets. They offer senior discount. The entrance fee is the same whether you climb the lighthouse, or not. There were several exhibits to go through, as well as the lighthouse keeper building to visit.

The 219 steps to the top were very well maintained. Beautiful cast iron steps, be sure to take a picture from the upper level for a fantastic visual photograph. Several landings to allow short rests, with informational posters on the wall. When you get to the top, walk the 360 for sweeping view of St. Augustine. Absolutely worth the steps and what gorgeous views!

We really enjoyed our time spent here. Job well done!

What an amazing view and a must TO -DO list item when visiting SAG. Check ahead of time as the lighthouse is under going renovations. The history and lore of Anastasia Island is fun!

Been to the lighthouse several times either for a regular visit, a ghost tour or for their Christmas Lighthouse Illuminations. Each visit has been very enjoyable. Staff friendly and knowledgeable. Honestly the Lighthouse Illuminations is amazing! It's the best Christmas Display in the area. And the view from the top seeing the St Augustine Christmas lights is well worth the climb. That event is highly recommended and worth the price of the ticket. Plus then you don't have to fight the traffic/crowds of St Augustine Christmas light display.

We did not go more than halfway up (the height got to us), but the museum was fascinating! Our tour guide was so cool & full of info, including how the maps & the sandbars change so rapidly!

The grounds are just as amazing as the lighthouse. We enjoyed walking around the estate and into all of the buildings to see the history. The Keepers House was probably my favorite, be sure to go to the basement! Prepare yourself for the walk to the top!

We visited this lighthouse and had a great time. You are able to climb the lighthouse through the circular staircase the view was amazing. All the historical artifacts are really interesting.

A very neat experience. There is a small museum on the grounds. A small fee to access the lighthouse. Once inside you can climb to the top. It's a long ways and crowded and cramped spaces, but worth every long step. The views at the top are magnificent. Worth the admission, maybe worth the long climb. Enjoyable afternoon activity.

The light house and the area that surrounds it was so amazing. There’s a lot more than just the light house. They have several out laying houses that house artifacts also the light house keeps home with so much history. They have walking trails around the light house too. All of the birds and wildlife it’s a great place.

A great lighthouse and nicely laid out historical exhibits. It’s 200 plus steps but a wonderful view from the top; albeit a bit windy when we visited. Reasonable fee too. I highly recommend it.

We survived the 219 steps to the top, hold onto you hat when it’s windy! Such a beautiful piece of history, I’m so fortunate enough to have visited. The gift shop was full of treasures. A must see while you’re in Florida.

This is a must see if you go to Saint Augustine. It’s a self guided tour through the way it was set up ages ago. The lighthouse is awesome climbing to the top. Beautiful view. $$

Nice place but don’t go after eating and make sure to take water. The steps are quite demanding. Good facts and info. Pretty place. Ample parking.

For a view of St. Augustine that'll make you sigh!
The stairs may be winding, but don’t you fear,
For the view from the top will bring you cheer.

The Maritime Museum is a treasure to find,
With stories of sailors and ships of all kinds.
Exhibits that sparkle with history’s light,
Turn a visit to here into pure delight.

Guides with a smile will share tales so grand,
Of shipwrecks and sea-faring across the land.
With each step you take and each corner you see,
You'll be immersed in a maritime spree.

So set sail for the Lighthouse, it’s a nautical thrill,
With views and adventures that'll fit the bill.
For a day of wonder and maritime fun,
The St. Augustine Lighthouse shines like the sun!

Wow this experience has changed from 20+ years ago and is fantastic. The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is well worth a trip. There is so much to see, read and of course do - like climbing the beautiful lighthouse. The volunteers are so informative, interesting and helpful. Be sure to check out everything there and take time to listen to the conservation lab volunteer. So glad we visited again!

So much to see and do at this location. The history of those who serviced the lighthouse as well as the lighthouse’s many meeting the needs of the area is enlightening. (A nice gift shop to help support the costs of this historic landmark).
Plan a minimum of half a day to tour and climb to the top.

I did not climb it (no way!), but I thought it was still a worthwhile visit. I walked around the keeper’s house and the grounds while my son and kids climbed it.

Even if you don’t climb it, I recommend walking inside the base of the tower (you don’t have to wait in line for that, just ask the employee watching the entrance). You can see the two rooms in the base, and then walk to the landing to look up at the spiral staircase.

We went on a Wednesday afternoon during spring break, and it was very busy.

Beautiful lighthouse but you climb 219 steps to get to the top! Thankfully there is a platform between stair cases to stop and catch your breath! Great views of St. Augustine from the top! There is also a care takers cottage you can tour that contains items recovered from a ship wreck to view.

After climbing the stairs you have a great view from the top of the Lighthouse.
And the whole place arround the Lighthouse is very nice as well. You can take a walk through the woods and visit buildings containing museums.
We liked it very much.

I'm 64 and my husband is 72 with a knee brace currently. We climbed it and thought it easier than the Tybee Island lighthouse we climbed 20 years ago on our honeymoon! The luminaries were beautiful and they had decent live music and homemade bakery items. We got there right at 6 and thought we would not be able to go, but lucked up with someone leaving right in front of the lighthouse. We're not from the area and parking seemed to be very hard to find especially when it's already dark.

This was the best lighthouse we have experienced. It was an entire little village that had house tours and very informative welcome greeters. The lighthouse steps were wide and there were breaks in between! It was also a little cooler than others. I definitely recommend going in the morning when it is cooler.

We enjoyed all the museum and grounds had to offer. There is lots to see and do. Nature hikes, historical artifacts, and best of all a great view atop the lighthouse.

Privately owned so the price tag was a little high, but the grounds are absolutely immaculate. If your party is 2 or more it's worth getting the annual membership. The membership provides access to private events, "free" admission tot he lighthouse, and discounts on local business', museums, and attractions, all for a few dollars more than the cost of admission for two people. 219 steps take you to the top of the tower for the most spectacular view in the county, and probably all of North Florida. You can see everything from the top, downtown St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Anastasia Island State Park, and even views all the way to Vilano Beach. There's an overflow parking lot which is crucial because the main lot fills fast. Keepers House is a must visit and don't miss the second floor (accesible from an exterior staircase), it's filled with beautifully detailed ships from all points in time.

This was one of my favorite tours. Not too expensive. Well worth the money and had a lot to do. If you have kids they will like it but if they are too little they might not be able to climb the lighthouse. It is a nonprofit. One of the best lighthouse tours and has a boat building section

Beauitful Florida setting to see the light house. I recommend the Inn Keeper's tour ( a bit more money) very informative. Seeing the volunteer boat builders was neat.

This is one of the most beautiful and well maintained lighthouse. The inside is relatively spacious as for a lighthouse with many landings which makes the climbing easier. The garden and keepers house are also very well taken care of.

The lighthouse is very well preserved and maintained. The attached museum is very well done and worth a walk through.

Great views from the top. The staircase up has a few landings along the way so there are points where you can take a break if climbing a bunch of stairs is not your thing. We had a group ranging from age 5 to 64 and everyone was able to enjoy this attraction.

we stopped here while we were in town. lots to see and do and learn about.
you are able to walk to the top of the light house and see great views of the area. there is information on different levels of the light house as you walk to the top. several building to walk into and see things from the past. we liked it. there is staff there to tell stories about the past and how things worked. there is also play spots for the younger kids. does have bathrooms that are clean. also a nice gift shop. parking is also there.

Beautiful lighthouse. Fee to go to the top. Well worth it but if you are afraid of heights you may just want to admire from the ground.

Thoroughly enjoyed are visit, lots of friendly preservation society volunteers to answer questions. If able you should climb to the top to appreciate the lighthouse construction and operation. Plenty of other interesting exhibits as well covering life as a lighthouse keeper and the shrimp trade.

The lighthouse and the entire surrounding complex are well preserved. The view from the top of the lighthouse is incredible. It's not easy to climb 216 steps to the top, but it's worth it. Good place to visit, sit down and relax as well as letting the children play in various parts of the complex, including the caravel-shaped toy with a slide.

Best place to visit in St. Augustine. The lighthouse is available to climb, and the views from the top are amazing. It was the best kept lighthouse we have seen in many years. There was a group of boat builders on site, working on several projects. There is also a lab where students are actively working on cataloging and restoring archaeological finds.

We really enjoyed our time at the St Augustine lighthouse and museum. We went on an early Monday morning and beat the crowds. Climb to the top was an easy one and less people to worry about going up and down. The views were amazing. Museums were very informative. Highly recommend.

Beautiful grounds and friendly staff. Convent parking which is hard to find other places. Comes with a view to behold. Try to visit if you can

We really enjoyed visiting the St. Augustine lighthouse and grounds!! Loved seeing the lighthouse keeper’s house and all the historical information at the site. If my 74-year old mom can make it to the top, so can you and the views were well worth the climb.

This place is so cool! So much history and mystery! My husband and I visited twice: once for the daytime touring and again that night for the Dark of the Moon Tour. Do both if you can! The lighthouse history and its ties to the Civil War, WWI, and WWII are fascinating enough on their own. But then you have the mystery and reputed hauntings surrounding the site, too! There's something for everyone. They also recover and restore artifacts from shipwrecks onsite so that's really cool.

We were thinking we'd only get good stuff at night. Our reason for visiting was to record episodes for my husband's podcast, The Strange Woods Podcast. He and his two childhood best friends do it for fun. It's for about weird, strange, unusual, and spooky things...like a haunted lighthouse! But the history and the grounds were awesome and definitely stand on their own. We ended up with 2 episodes!

If you like spooky, spring for the Dark of the Moon Tour! It was amazing!

TLDR: Go here and you'll love it!

I was fortunate to meet the Board at a recent dinner and was impressed with the dedication of the board members and employees. Not only is this a spectacular lighthouse, but it is also a maritime museum.

Visited the lighthouse while on vacation. Our timeshare was just minutes away. Grounds are nicely maintained as is the lighthouse and the other buildings on site. I made it UP the 219 steps and purchased at-shirt that stated so! 😎 Very nice museum in the light keeper house. Gift shop had some nice items. The volunteers were very nice, informative, and helpful. Enjoy!

This was a great experience and an excellent lighthouse with a lot of interesting history. Would definitely recommend if you are visiting the area.

We enjoyed the lighthouse tour. Well kept grounds and the staff very knowledgeable. Such interesting history of the lighthouse.

Another wonderful museum to visit. The Lighthouse had great views at the top. There were smaller museums located throughout like the house which showed you about the shrimping industry on one floor, life in the house , and a great display regarding the retrieval of shipwrecked artifacts. The third floor actually shows you items recovered from a shipwreck which were restored on site. The guide, Dot, told us about all the steps involved in finding the site, retrieving the items in concretia, cleaning them and going through the process of dating and verifying their historical significance. Another building had a great wartime exhibit about the role of the Lighthouse. And one showed the process of cleaning those items found in shipwrecks. Beautiful grounds to walk through as well.

This is the 2nd time we visited. The lighthouse was under renovation but you could still climb up it. The light house keepers house and other buildings are full of interesting things to see and learn. We enjoyed some hot dogs, cookies and water from the snack shack on-site.

The view was amazing! The stairs are not too bad, we took a little break at each landing. You can take you time going up and down at each landing. Depending on how busy it is you have to stop on the landings between flight for others to pass you in the opposite direction as it’s single file. It was worth it. Cute gift shop too.

Worth it! Basement of museum is cool. Have some cool artifacts, but it's not a large collection. Nice ocean view from top of lighthouse. We had to take turns to go the top since we have little kids, but they offered a discount since the kids couldn't go to the top. We got there just 45 minutes before closing and we had time to see it all and let the kids play on the pirate ship playground. Staff recommended 1.5 hours. I think the extra time might be necessary only if it's busy. The place was empty when we were there.

Spending tourist time in St. Augustine FL must always include the lighthouse. Being 70 years old and in good health ( back problems only) I went for the climb with the kids. I made it all the way to the top and HAPPY for the achievement - the view was great. The walk down was slow.

We love visiting this lighthouse! We’ve been both in May 2023 & May 2024 with plans to return this May! If your not able to climb the stairs of lighthouse it is still worth a visit!

Fantastic view from the top! 219 stairs but, worth it! Tin pickle lemonade was exactly what I needed after the climb! We tried the dill pickle - the brined marinaded is packed with a punch, definitely worth a try if you like DILL
pickles.

We had a great time. We were surprised by how far from the sea the light house is. The property is pet friendly and we all enjoyed ourselves.

We really enjoyed this place. Beautiful park and loved the history. You are able to walk to top of the lighthouse and have great views. Nothing official but the employees are a wealth of information and enjoy talking to us about the lighthouse and history. Numerous other buildings to go in as well as a beautiful canopy walk.

What a beautiful, well-kept park! The lighthouse was decorated for Christmas and the weather was great. We toured all the outbuildings with so much history and memorabilia. But Climb the lighthouse first! It’s not too hard, and there are rest stops on the way up too. Once at the top… it’s a breathtaking view!

We're so glad the St. Augustine Lighthouse was a priority for us on our recent trip! We visited on the very busy weekend of Feb. 18-20. Since we knew everything would be crowded, we called in advance to see if they ever turn people away from the lighthouse. They said no, so we bought our tickets online to get a discount. We walked up the 219 stairs to the top and saw incredible views! To help with the crowd, an employee at the entrance let a reasonable amount of people enter at a time and instructed us to wait on each landing until those on the steps came down. Another employee at the top directed traffic and didn't rush us, so they helped everyone have a great time. There was plenty of parking even on a busy day. We also enjoyed the exhibits in the numerous buildings, including interesting WWII history and several beautiful ship models. We bought several nice items in the gift shop and made sure we got a souvenir penny from their machine. We hope to visit again sometime!

The lighthouse is definitely worth a visit. My 82 year old mother walked up all 219 steps to the top. Plenty of landing areas to take a rest. Be sure to read the story about Smokey the cat on your way up. The view is gorgeous. Enjoyed walking thru the entire property. Everything is so clean and well kept. If you book in advance on the lighthouse website, you'll save 15% on general admission tickets.

See the Lighthouse from the river and discovered that it was open to the public.
Stunning views when you make the effort to climb to the top.
The Pickle hut does the best Hot Dogs ever definitely try the specialty mustard.

We visited the lighthouse the last week of May on the kids first beach vacation. We absolutely LOVED the lighthouse and museum. Very educational and fun. Kids must be a certain height to climb the light house for safety purposes. Both of my boys got to climb and they handled it better than I did. Very sturdy climb and balcony/railing. Kid friendly museum and a playground/area.

Enjoyed our visit so much we purchased a yearly pass that includes other lighthouses and restaurant discounts. Learned some very interesting things. People working there are positive, kind, easily approachable, and willing to help if needed,

We touring the lighthouse on our first day. We couldn't manage the 117 steps but we enjoyed seeing it and touring the museums. We particularly enjoyed watching the boat builders, who are only there in the morning.

The view that can be seen from the top of the lighthouse was absolutely breathtaking. A true panoramic site for the perfect picture.

My mother and I had so much fun exploring this lighthouse and museum! It truly is a historical beauty. Take the time to read the plaques and watch the videos. It’s very educational, Make sure to wear sensible shoes. There are little landings to take a breather if needed.

I do have bragging rights on climbing it in wedges since it was a spur of the moment stop. All 219 steps. It’s worth the money.

You can also look into the compartment that holds the light and it’s full of prisms.

You can also buy a brick for $200 if you ask for the form. The coolest part was seeing where the scientists actually work for conserving their archeological finds on the property.

Everyone here was so kind and knowledgeable. The staff is friendly and clearly passionate about educating others. All of the exhibits were so cool and interesting as well. I also really enjoyed how spacious the entire place is with picnic tables, there is a playground, and plenty of things for kids as well. I definitely plan on returning and bringing my kids here.

We took the Lighthouse Keeper's Tour which gave us access to the tiny room at the top of the lighthouse containing the Fresnel Lens - amazing! The climb to the top is not an arduous thing. There are landings to stop at for each "floor" on the way up but it was really easy and the view is such a great payoff.
The site also has other buildings with artifacts from old shipwrecks in the area and a room where their conservation/preservation efforts are made. Interesting and fun!

This museum centers on the lighthouse, but it also provides a lot of information on a 1782 shipwreck in the immediate area, and the process of restoration of artifacts found underground and in the water. The lives of the lightkeepers and their families are discussed. We did not go up to the top, BUT there is a video that displays the views from the top of the lighthouse. The gift shop was ok. Overall, worth seeing.

My aunt & I did the St Augustine Lighthouse Sunset Moonrise Event & would highly recommend this! It is such a unique experience & the Lighthouse staff & volunteers make it very special. Approximately 45 minutes before sunset you climb 219 steps to the top of the St Augustine Lighthouse. You can take your time, they do not rush you! You get either champagne or water at the top. As you wait for sunset & moonrise, they bring around hor d’oeurvres that are very tasty & more champagne or water. For this event it was a super harvest moon. It was spectacular! So thankful we made it to the top!

Various outbuildings of interest on complex with the lighthouse being the capstone. Wonderful panoramic views at the top of the lighthouse--219 steps to climb, but you can take your time climbing a level at a time.

A must see when in St Augustine. Had a great time. Climbing was really fun and the views at the top were breathtaking. Pretty reasonably priced.

Light up St.Augustine 2024 girls trip in the books. 3 ladies had never been. We were excited to schedule the late tour. We had done this tour many times before. Very disappointed and I want my money back. The tour guide talked briefly in the dark and we were then on our own. It was pitched black, no lights, no trees lit up. Couldn’t see anything. Looked liked they closed down for the night. So disappointed.

This is an absolute must we absolutely loved it . The last two buildings did have an awful smell that makes you nauseous so I had to get out quick but the staff was so friendly and we absolutely loved it and everything about it . When we where there there where ghost hunters which was neat .

Beautiful. Something for every age. Interesting displays for the adults and interactive experiences for the kids. Take the time to climb to the top! There are several landings on the way up, so you can rest as you go.

An important landmark from St.Augustine.A lot of history explanation and beautiful view from the top of the lighthouse tower.The people do an amazing job!

A great lighthouse to visit. The climb to the top is made easier by several landings along the way, and it has a beautiful view once you reach the top. There is also a lightkeepers house to visit while you are there, and don't miss walking the grounds to see what is located nearby. Shaded parking is located out front.

Love this lighthouse. All the staff are super friendly, informative, and love the lighthouse. They have a super cute gift shop and also a playground for little kids to play on while the rest of the group hike to the top.

We enjoyed visiting the lighthouse and grounds. My husband and grandson climbed the 219 steps to the top. I stayed down with my dog and walked around the grounds. Yes they are dog friendly. My husband enjoyed the displays of boats in various stages. My grandson had a good time.

WOW! This tour was quite the experience and even though I'm scared of heights, it was still worth the 200+ stair climb to the top. This museum (multiple buildings) is really well done and very interesting for someone with a desire to know the early American maritime history of St. Augustine.

I would highly recommend the lighthouse museum and would suggest you have at least 1.5 hours but to see it thoroughly set aside 2+ hours.

I was totally surprised by the amount of things to do at the lighthouse. The entire place was very informative. The nature paths were and added bonus. The price was most definitely affordable and well worth it. I would highly recommend.

The climb to the top of the lighthouse and window view’s leading up to the top are spectacular. It was a clear sunny day.

We booked the Lightkeeper talk. Thomas was so knowledgeable and informative about so many interesting facts about the St Augustine lighthouse. Climbing the steps in the lighthouse was not difficult since their is a landing Avery 20-25 steps to rest and catch your breath.

Loved walking up to the top of this lighthouse. The landings were great with fun historical information. The docent at the top answered all of our questions. He was very thoughtful, knowledgeable and kindly took my husband's & my photo. Do not miss an opportunity to tour this classic place.

We enjoyed climbing to the top of the lighthouse for the nighttime view, but also the various offices around the property, all of which were beautifully decorated for Christmas. The lighthousekeeper's house was very beautiful and interesting as well.

The Twilight Tour sounded nice but I have to say was quite disappointing.
There is no discount for seniors and even though your description warns about the number of steps to the top the 4 senior ladies in my group (who paid $24 each) just stood for 20 minutes while the tour guide relayed the history of the lighthouse. Although we knew in advance they would not be able to negotiate the stairs just standing there in the dark left us all feeling ripped off. It certainly seems a discount should be offered. The rest of the area was dark and the tour guide couldn't usher us out quickly enough so if there was anything else to see there it certainly isn't included in the twilight tour.

The museum and grounds are definitely worth the visit as there is a lot to learn about the lighthouse and its keepers. The lighthouse is 165 ft tall with 219 steps to reach the observation platform, which has fantastic views of the surrounding area. There are several landings along the way and each one has signage so you can read while you rest. We also took the Lighthouse Keepers tour which provided great information on how the families lived and took care of the lighthouse. Heritage Boat Works is also onsite and is an educational program staffed entirely by volunteer boatwrights that keep the art and skill of wooden boatbuilding alive.

We have gone to a lot of lighthouses and maritime museums. We were not expecting to learn much new. First the light itself is in great shape and has a terrific view at the top. The museum held out attention for over 2 1/2 hours. Beautifully curated with a variety of this to learn--different roles of the light through the history of St Augustine, boat builders, archeological dives and much more

We had an excellent recent visit to the lighthouse and grounds.

The website instructed us that work was being performed on the lighthouse, and the friendly associate (Ozzy was his name?) inside the gift shop *also* openly informed us of what we had already known from the website, as we purchased our discounted tickets.

I am unsure why people would give this wonderful facility one star for having to complete a few weeks' worth of upkeep to such a beautiful historical landmark.

Beyond the lighthouse, there are countless additional things to view on site, including the multi-level Harns home. The basement shipwreck exhibit is excellent and was a favorite of ours, as was the shrimping exhibit on the top floor. The floor you initially enter on also has tons of information via wonderful interactive exhibits.

It was so interesting to watch the man work on the boat within the Heritage Boatworks area. We also enjoyed walking through the Maritime Hammock Nature Trails (they are not handicapped accessible - many roots and uneven terrain as they are in their natural state; however, they were lovely to walk through)

The small building housing ship models / exhibits and the Fresnel lens, as well as the conservation lab next door was fascinating.

The U.S. Coast Guard look-out building also had wonderful information inside.

We got to eat lunch at the Tin Pickle - the onsite gedunk - and had great hotdogs and chips served by a very friendly lady.

There were so many things to see, so much information to absorb, and great artifacts to view. We spent about 3 hours roaming the grounds, and we'll definitely be back to see the lighthouse once it's back opened.

Highly recommend!

This was our last day at St. Augustine and we decided to visit this beautiful place. The lighthouse is beautiful and it’s being restored at the moment. When you get to the top the view is breathtaking and it’s worth all the 219 steps that you have to climb to get there. Really good experience

Climbing up the lighthouse was neat. There are landings at each floor so it gives a little break (or makes the climb less scary). Pretty views at the top. The grounds had a good bit to see (the keepers house, artifacts from shipwrecks), but we went through pretty fast with small kids so it seemed a bit pricey.

If you want to see St. Augustine from a different perspective go! There are walking trails, a museum, and other things to do. Not everyone makes it to the top, but there is something to do for everyone. Not an overly long activity.

Beautiful lighthouse with a very nice garden surrounding the area. We didn’t go up. Entrance fees are $15 per person or you can do a tour for more

Wow what a great view from the top of the lighthouse, after the 200+ steps, well worth it. The lighthouse and it's surrounding buildings have so much history connected to the St Augustine area. The WW2 was very interesting, good to see these historical areas being preserved.

219 steps!!!!! It was worth it though; the view was great and also learning about the history of the Lighthouse. This is worth visiting if you are in St Augustine. Even those who can’t climb can still see the Lighthouse up close and look at the various exhibits at the maritime museum.

We took the Lighthouse Keeper's tour which was so informative AND it gave us access to the lighthouse room at the top which houses the Fresnel Lens. It was really interesting - and the view from the balcony was great! They make a big deal out of the steps, but I've walked more in any apt. building in NYC.

Visiting the lighthouse is a must for any visit to Saint Augustine. We purchased our tickets online in advance. Parking was easy, and the climbing was easy as well. The grounds surrounding the lighthouse are beautiful.

My husband and I took our kids to visit the lighthouse not expecting to have so many things for them to do. The Keepers House was set up with interactive exhibits the kids could explore and learn about history. There were nature hikes, a play ground, and let's not forget the amazing lighthouse! Such a great place to visit for the whole family!

It's been a few years since I'd been to see the St Augustine Lighthouse and was pleasantly surprised to see they've added more displays to look at!!
We had free tickets to get in compliments of our Inn CASA de SUENOS.
There was a keepers cottage, a large display of model boats, and even some boat building in work! My husband and son-in-law enjoyed talking to the boat builders about their dying craft. My son-in-law took the challenge and climbed to the top of the lighthouse! They have a wonderful gift shop with a large selection of items.
Definitely a beautiful, historic destination!

I went here when I was a kid with my parents so of course I had to go again. It's beautiful to see. There's 219 steps. The view is amazing. My legs definitely felt the burn the next day. Once you've gone up and down the lighthouse there's an option to purchase a certificate for $1 from the gift shop before you leave.

Killing time before our check-in time at our B&B, we stopped in at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum. It turned out to be our highlight of the day. The volunteers at the lighthouse were very knowledgeable and added an extra dimension to our visit. The wrought-iron spiral staircase to the light was graceful and the climb was challenging with 219 steps to the top of the 175-ft tower’s observation deck.
The light keepers house has been converted into a museum and there are several other buildings on the property that were built during WWII.
There are nautical interactive displays throughout the property that are fun for kids of all ages.
Count on at least 1.5-hrs for your visit.

Interesting lighthouse visit. It was a typical Florida day so it was hot and humid... Some of our group climbed the stairs but not everyone. Nice, educational site with artifacts, and several paths through the trees on the property.

The lighthouse and its grounds are wonderful. The views from the top of the light house is beautiful. Worth visiting and the staff is super nice.

There is so much more to see here than the lighthouse. We were there 3 hours. 216 steps up to the top. pretty narrow circular stairs. The view is amazing. Lots of things on displayed that have been found in the bay and the ocean from finding sunken ships, etc.

This place is great! A must see when you are in the area. it is in a beautiful setting and the grounds are very nice.
Lots of things to see and learn about.
Staff is very helpful and knowledgeable.
Lots of parking - did not buy tickets in advance just showed up but it was during the week so it was somewhat quiet.
Well worth the visit.

I love lighthouses but I do not like heights so it is never my intention to climb them. I love learning the history, seeing the architecture and taking pictures. This light house provided some beautiful pictures and it’s presence can be seen around the island. There is a lot of history so be sure to take the time to learn some of it.

The lighthouse views are breathtaking and worth the 219 steps to get to the top. Fortunately, they have landings, so you can rest. The museum and grounds are definitely worth your time to discover all there is to know about the lighthouse.

Always wanted to see a lighthouse. The volunteers were very nice. We both made it to the top and back!

Good place for some history. Quite a bit too see, nice way too spend some time. I did not go up to the top of the lighthouse but understand it is a great view.

For a mere $15 each, we scaled the heights of this historic lighthouse and captured the breathtaking vistas of America’s oldest city from the pinnacle.

The grounds are mottled with historic exhibits that showcase the lighthouse’s rich history, including a dedicated museum. Each landing of the lighthouse features interesting photographs and trivia about the lighthouse as well.

This is a must-see for anyone passing through the historic city of Saint Augustine.

We went to the lighthouse a few days after Christmas. We waited in line for about 45 minutes. It gets very cramped at the top, not much space but views are beautiful. There is a museum with artifacts from shipwrecks. We also walked the nature trail which was a nice reprieve from the crowd. There is also a spot to it hot dogs and brownies.

You can visit the gift shop & get a picture of the lighthouse without paying the admission price.

It's a nice lighthouse, but I've seen many of them.

This nice old lighthouse has 165 steps to take you to the top for a nice view of the area. The lighthouse keepers residence just beside it is a very nice and very spacious building

I was here back in 2017 to scout the area for my Moms visit. You have a great view of St. Augustine. When Mom came to visit from Germany we drove up A1A from Daytona Beach. A1A is very scenic and along there are many places to stop. It's worth a visit for sure. In general St. Augustine is a nice City to explore on foot. So many different Restaurants and Store to stop in and enjoy.

My mother came to visit Florida in January of 2018 and she really enjoyed her visit here.
If you are in the area check it out.

Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse to get to see the gorgeous views from the top! Experience the light keepers’ history with historic photographs and a visit to his quarters. Great gift shop and beautiful trees surrounding the entrance. So many opportunities for incredible photos!

Was a neat experience. A lot of information to read. When you purchase tickets ahead of time it is not real clear about not letting children under 44” not go up at all, it just states they don’t require a ticket. The lady at the front taking tickets was a bit snotty. The young lady at the top was very friendly and informative.

What a welcoming and interesting place to visit! The staff was outstanding, the displays so well laid out and explained. Grounds are well maintained - and staff very engaging! We loved our visit - so memorable! Would love to return to this lighthouse! The climb was doable! Worth the wonderful views!

We walked over the walker friendly bridge to this amazing lighthouse! The view from the top is spectacular!

Love old light houses and this is a great one! I did the “walk” up - wife decided not to do. Great views. Not so bad but I’m still sore a couple of days later - but I’m also 76! Rest stops on the way up ( and down!) nice tour of home of the keeper with interesting exhibits and info. Nice grounds with some beautiful trees. Nice gift shop. A good visit and highly recommended!

Must do attraction. Very cool place. There are 219 steps to the top of the light house that can be a little tough if you are not used to walking up lots of steps, but it has a few levels where you can stop and rest before you get to the top.

This is a must see when in area. I like to visit lighthouses when I travel and I will say this is maybe best one I have visited. It is well maintained and you can climb the 219 steps to the top. I am not a heights person but I did it. I did only peaked outside the main deck. My family went out though and they loved the view. We were expecting the light house and home but the museum has number of out buildings to stroll around and explore. All the buildings were well reserved. The inn keeper’s house was very nice with a lot of great history. We did go earlier on Saturday and by time we left was getting crowded so plan accordingly. We did get the annual pass as for 4 of use it was only 5 dollars more and you get a discount at the museum store and some other locations. We used the pass to get a discount at the oldest house. So was worth the 5 extra dollars.

My husband and I are in our 60s and we had no problem climbing the steps. It’s been recently painted it’s all fresh and brand new. Good railings to hold onto. And it was very shady parking. If you like light houses this one is not to be missed. They also sell beer, and fabulous lemonade

We went to the lighthouse on a Monday morning so it wasn't too busy. It has a great history. Very cool to go to the top.
The employees were very informative and even gave us ideas for other things to do.

This is much more than just an amazing lighthouse, there is so much to see & learn. Make sure to read & look at each landing while ascending the lighthouse stairs. We went on a Thursday afternoon, it was busy but not too crowded, we were still able to see, do & read about everything that interested us.

We went to see the lighthouse the day after we took a ghost tour there. The ghost tour was amazing and the museum is so interesting!

We were very lucky we got to climb the lighthouse because intermittent lightning, although no rain, was spotted in the immediate area, so keep an eye on the weather. Summertime thunderstorms are common along the coast. The staff was monitoring the weather carefully and after waiting a certain amount of time, we got the all clear, and we headed up! It’s 100% worth the wait and the climb and it wasn’t too difficult for moderately in shape 40 somethings. Our teenagers basically ascended the tower without breaking a sweat or needing a break. Enjoy your youth! Great workout for the booty though! Beautiful view and a massive, incredible French lens. There are some exhibits in the AC to catch a break from the heat. You can pick up your prepaid wristbands in the gift shop. There is a price advantage to purchasing them online. This was the first lighthouse I had climbed personally. My husband had been to one other along the SC coast. These are precious historical structures and I hope the St. Augustine lighthouse remains available for generations to enjoy. If you include a stop here in your vacation plans, you’ll be supporting the conservation efforts.

Worth the visit, but wish we had more time though to just roam around the lighthouse area. Guides were very knowledgeable, but information sessions were just a bit too long.

Top place to see. Wonderful history of lighthouse keepers family and many other exhibits as well. 218 steps up, I think, but view was marvelous.

Always wanted to climb the lighthouse. It was busy when we visited in December but still was able to enjoy the grounds, climb the tour and visit the museum. Everyone was very nice and the site is very well taken care of. Strongly recommend.

This is a worthy stop for anyone visiting St Augustine. We appreciate the work that goes on here enough we paid the little bit extra to become members. There's a lot to learn at the museum with or without a guided tour, though a guide will help keep you up-to-date on the recovery work their teams are doing in the field. We also like the boat-building exhibitions and nature walks, but the lighthouse is the main attraction, no doubt about it. It is a significant climb, but there are plenty of landings where you can take a break, most with windows with a view. But then there's the top with its surrounding, outdoor catwalk. The second you step through that door and realize how far you can see and how gorgeous the panoramas are, you'll know the climb was worth every step. I have an aversion to height, but the views are so beautiful I've made that climb a few times and expect I'll do it again.

We did one of the after dark ghost tours and had a blast. While we didn’t experience any ghostly encounters we did enjoy our selves. The lighthouse is beautiful and well taken care of.

we went to the lighthouse museum and we did not go because we went back to the hotel on the beach and we will return soon

The lighthouse was a highlight of our vacation! We took the Lighthouse Keepers Tour which is a one hour tour that’s offered a few days a week and must be booked 24 hours in advance. We had a great tour guide who took us all around the grounds and gave us a history lesson in this lighthouse and grounds and also lighthouses in general. They have a group that’s building boats right there on the grounds and it was fun to watch. We enjoyed trying a few different homemade pickles from their snack shop and also the best sangria I had the whole trip! Also homemade!

This tourist attraction is built around the lighthouse, and they added on some exhibits and there is a historic house as well. The things around the lighthouse are only mildly interesting and the overall experience probably isn't worth the ticket price - but you come to climb the tower and see the views - and it delivers on that. The climb up to the outdoor catwalk is a bit of a hike up grated stairs where you can see below your feet. I had to go carefully to avoid triggering my vertigo and my dad and I took breaks on the numerous landings. The view from the top was cool - as was the experience of having made it there. The gift shop was overwhelming with long lines and a bit of chaos with people unhappy about various special passes they bought.

My husband and I enjoyed our time at the lighthouse. It was our first time to ever climb one and it was strenuous but doable. Utilize the landings that they give you to rest on. DO NOT, ladies, try this in heels. This is an iron spiral staircase that has about 20-40 (my estimation) spiral steps in between each landing to rest. The man before us had canes, I was worried about him, but he made it...at his own pace. It also has a care-takers house that has been turned into an interactive museum with diary inserts, furniture, computer pictures etc... the cellar houses different naval artifacts and stories; the 3rd floor is all about the shrimping business (actually quite interesting as I'm from Maryland and we love seafood). You can walk the grounds and they have very short trails to walk. They are renovating some small sheds/garages on the property for future use. Plus, they have a nice gift shop that I blew some money in. My only warning: it is VERY, VERY windy at the top. dont wear something to get blown off. I have a nervousness about heights, so I was definitely scaling the building and holding onto the rails but sweating it. Glorious view though.

Well done, didn't expect how well they presented the history and story of this beautiful lighthouse.

Very well presented. Lots of history in the accompanying buildings. I didn't know that German U-boats roamed the coast off Eastern Florida and sank many US ships. I wasn't able to climb up in the lighthouse, but those who did said the view was spectacular. Enjoyed the property.

Fun place to visit with a lot to do. The views from the lighthouse are lovely. I also enjoyed the exhibits in the other buildings. The staff and volunteers were very friendly and helpful.

This was a fun experience and educational! The lighthouse is amazing along with the grounds. Artifacts, a lab, lighthouse keepers housing and artifacts. Snack bar with vaious drinks. Boat building to see. Much, much more!!

Allow more time than you think you'll spend here as there is a lot to do. This is a must-do in St. Augustine. We recommend the Lighthouse Keeper's tour - it was a real plus. Jason took us around the entire facility and provided interesting insights into life at the lighthouse over the centuries. The view from the lighthouse is worth the climb.
The volunteers are so enthusiastic and helpful.

Very interesting- lots of history. Walked to the top of the lighthouse. While resting at each floor there was lots of information to read. Views from top were spectacular in all directions. Very windy up there.
Museum Al’s had information on shipbuilding and a walk thru the woods. Good way to spend a couple of hours and learn something.

This lighthouse is so cool! Parts of it were under renovation but that did not take away from the fun factor. The other buildings were great and full of historical information

Lighthouse is absolutely beautiful. The museum & buildings throughout the property are very educational. The view from the top is lovely. All the staff we encountered were very friendly and knowledgeable. Walking around the grounds is so nice. While we didn't use, they had also had a very nice play area for kids. If you are in St Augustine and have time to visit, I would highly recommend!

I probably shouldn't review this place, but I'd like to let people know there isn't enough parking. We couldn't find any parking and left. Three other cars behind us did the same thing.

So disappointed! Waited so long to finally get here and see this lighthouse. It is being renovated inside and outside. You not only can't go IN, you get an ugly view outside with scaffolding and catch fencing all around the outside. AND, you still get to pay to see all of this. The only part of the trip to St. Augustine I hated. What a waste of time. I was even hoping for the nigh time ghost tour of the lighthouse. I get this work must be done, but, do you really have to ruin it inside and out at the same time? I strongly suggest you find out what is happening here BEFORE you waste your history site seeing time and money.

It was a beautiful lighthouse. Very well maintained. Lots of stairs but a beautiful view.
The keepers house was very interesting especially the basement.

I recommend the Lighthouse Keeper's tour - it was a really good and made it much more enjoyable then trying to read all those signs. Kim was are guide very knowledgeable and really made it fun. She knows when to take breaks climbing the steps and ensures everyone has room.

Beautiful lighthouse. Grounds very clean. Parking close and handicapped accessible. Nice gift shop and we really enjoyed our visit.

Great experience. View from the top of the light is worth the climb. The exhibits are very well done.
All the staff are very welcoming!

My husband and I were staying in the area and decided to visit the lighthouse. We bought a yearly membership because my husband works in the area often. We had a great time touring the houses with different items and the lighthouse and the garden trail was interesting too. We didn't get to visit everything but we will be returning in June when we are back in the area.

Another self guided paid tour. $36+ for two adults. Gift shop and pictures from the water (free). Lots of people on a Saturday morning.

Don’t be afraid of the climb. There are a lot of stair landings with informative signs on the walls. The view from the top is spectacular.

We had a great time looking at all history behind the Lighthouse. It was not over crowded and the weather was nice. The view from the top of the lighthouse is great.

I wasn't sure that young kids would enjoy this museum but I am so glad we went! Our youngest that whines on even the shortest hike had a blast climbing to the top of the lighthouse. There are 219 steps to the top, but there are 8 landings so you can take it slow and read some info as you go up. There is a decent view at the top and the breeze up there will cool you down for your trek back down the lighthouse. The grounds have several other exhibits that you can enjoy, making the visit worth the fee and trip. We ended our visit with a stop at the small playground on site.

My husband and I are 70 years old. We were somewhat uncertain about attempting the climb, but there are numerous resting places along the way. The views from the top were amazing. Would definitely do again. Well, except for the sore legs! Highly recommend

Loved reading all of the facts as you climb the lighthouse. There is a great story of a brother putting a parachute on a cat…
219 steps didn’t seem to bad and lots of railings and stopping points to rest.

I thought $15 was a little steep at first but its well worth it. The ground are nice, feels like a southern plantation. The history of shipwrecks, shrimp farming in st sugustine and of course all the ethnicities that came to st augustine all all covered in the museums plus the lighthouse of course. The lighthouse climb is a must if you're fit. The views of the surroundings are nice. There was trails but I passed for time.

Breathtaking views and beautiful upkeep to surrounding buildings. Did not go up to top of lighthouse as I'm terrified of heights but it is very impressive! Can see how much love and care is taken to preserve its beauty and history

Lovers of lighthouses will love this. The views from the top are astounding, but one has to walk 187 steps to the top, then back down, as there is no elevator. One can view St. Augustine and the ocean from the top.

We visited on a Saturday afternoon in July, so it was probably about as busy as it gets. It was not the cheapest place to visit for 3 people, but I really enjoyed it. The main building attached to the front of the lighthouse is currently under construction, so I didn't get really good photos of the whole thing, but this work obviously needs to be done.

I wandered all of the buildings, climbed to the top for the view, wandered around the large building in front of the tower and got different shots of the lighthouse from various angles through trees and whatnot. It was a good stop.

We could see the top of the lighthouse from the main streets and just had to go and tour it. The lighthouse and Keepers House and grounds which include information on shipbuilding and people working on some boats, is just beautiful. There are 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse. My husband made it all the way up! We toured the lighthouse rooms and the bottom floor of the Keepers House (that is all that is open for touring). There is also live demonstrations of boat building and examples of different kinds of boats from long ago. Around the front of the Keepers House is just beautiful with majestic trees out front with Spanish moss hanging from them. Everything was kept up very nicely. The people working there were all nice and helpful. Some were working on the gardens while we were there. We are seniors so our admission was $12.95. It was well done and worth the stop.

Our family of four spent several hours here. The grounds are very beautiful with large shade trees. The view from the top of the lighthouse is well worth the 219 steps. The spiral staircase is wide and there are several landings where you can sit and rest if you need to. There is a large keeper's home as well as several other buildings with exhibits about the role of the lighthouse at different periods of history. We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon!

We did the ghost tour at night of the lighthouse and it was amazing. Knowledgeable guide set the tone with historical happenings and it was spooky. The lighthouse is beautiful at night. They have emf recorders available to rent and we saw a lot of activity on them. Highly recommend for those who like to get a little spooked. The climb was a lot and my legs felt like jelly afterwards but worth it.

The view from the top of the light house was amazing. So glad we took time to see this! Lots of interesting history in this area.

Light of the Moon haunted night tour. This was fun. However, it is a little unsafe due to the lack of light. Unfortunately, the moon wasn't giving out much light. I would be worried about older people trying to do this in the dark. Great for youngsters.

When in the area a must do. Easy walk to the top. The grounds feature multiple experiences and historical artifacts. Large gift shop. Snacks and drinks available on site.

This will be my last trip to St Augustine. There’s
homeless people everywhere begging. This is the first time I’ve ever seen this. No less than a dozen were on old St George St and half of them were sprawled out in the narrow street asleep. We were very uncomfortable the whole time we were in the Historic District. I feel for people who have chosen this path for their lives but I won’t be spending my vacation dollars somewhere that I don’t feel safe.

We did the Dark of the Moon tour & all loved it. Family of 4 (17 & 12 yr olds). My son got an RMF reader & thought that was so cool. The stories are very entertaining. The lighthouse & grounds are beautiful (even though we only saw them in the darkness with glow sticks but that was the fun part). When in St Augustine & if interested in ghosts, this tour is a must.

We aren't able to climb the steps and didn't want to pay the full fee, so just looked at the few items in the welcome center. I heard other people complaining about the same thing. I think they'd benefit from offering a reduced admission fee to tour the grounds .

My wife convinced me to visit and I'm glad she did. We were driving by and she wanted to visit. I was expecting just the lighthouse, but there was more to see. There are several buildings and some of those have exhibits. The major exhibits are in the old keeper's home. The basement exhibit on recovering artifacts from wrecks was well done and very interesting. The upstairs exhibit on shrimping in Florida looked well done, but not something that caught our interest.

My wife did the climb and said it wasn't hard. I explored some short trails on the grounds which were nice.

Climbed the stairs, went through all of museum opportunities. It was well curated! All volunteers are enthusiastic-Nancy was especially helpful from the education department in helping me find a certain book. The Lighthouse Caretakers house and Lighthouse were my favorite part. Be sure to read the little descriptions on the landings of the stairs while ascending or descending the Lighthouse -the story about little Wilma’s cat 🐈‍⬛ was amusing 😂😂 and there is a t-shirt to match in the gift shop. We heard from Nancy that Ms. Wilma is still alive and in her 90’s and still comes on her birthday to the lighthouse!! Not many snacks are available of site, so pack a few snacks or a picnic lunch of your own, nice shady area in front of caretakers house. In my opinion, best for kids ages 5+ to read plaques, etc.

This is a late review … we went the week of Thanksgiving 2023. We did a night visit and paid a little extra to go up. Luckily, we picked a later timeframe in the day because they only allow a certain amount of people at a time to go up. The stairs up are narrow as with any other lighthouse but there weren’t any crowds when we went.

I do have to say that this is the most beautiful lighthouse we’ve ever visited. It was lit up for Xmas and the view was pretty awesome from up top. But in addition to the actual lighthouse, the grounds and keepers house was spectacular … so much history and information and done really nicely. If you’re in the area, around Xmas especially, definitely stop by. The only bummer was that because we took our time visiting the lighthouse and exhibits, we didn’t have time to check out the shop because we were the last group there.

We decided to go around 2 in the afternoon and we were lucky to hit a lull in the action. We had the view to ourselves for about 5 minutes! The climb up is fantastic and the view is even better. Each landing has some interesting stories about the keeper of the lighthouse. Please keep your eyes peeled for the ghosts! We were there during the day, but I would love to visit the lighthouse in the evening. The museums were very informative and I highly recommend this site if you are visiting St. Augustine.

I love historical places. The lighthouse didn’t disappoint. We climbed the 219 steps to the top. No big deal, right? Ha! Do it in the august heat and then argue with me 😂 for anyone wondering, there are conveniently placed landings in the lighthouse with tidbits of information to read while you catch your breath.
The presenters are knowledgeable. Other staff are helpful.
Most of the buildings had A/C set on deep freeze, thank the lord. It was an enjoyable visit :)

We enjoyed seeing the lighthouse and the buildings that told the history of the lighthouse. We actually didn't climb or see the lighthouse because it is under restoration for the next three weeks. I would go again because the lighthouse is amazing looking and the buildings were authentic.

the lighthouse had alot of history and the building with 2 floors and a basement has a mannequin inside and a carboard cutout

This is a really neat place to visit. Lots of information and history. The only reason I only give it 4 stars is because there was no live demonstrations going on (boat building, etc.) We were there on a Sunday, but it was Labor Day weekend so we were hoping to see a little more action. Still well worth the trip & definitely recommend.

We took the ghost tour (husband and myself). We have taken lots of ghost tours in many place on our trips. This was by far one of the best ghost tours we have been on. We had lots of interaction with the girls and Peter. Be sure to rent an EMF finder to use during the tour. We told our guide that this tour rated with the one from Gettysburg. We will do this again when we come back.

Friendly staff, BIG OLE CLIMB, but the view was well worth the effort to get to the top. We will definitely visit again

Went on the Ghost tour and was lots of fun. Go ahead and spend the extra and get the ghost toys they are fun. Spend the extra time in the lighthouse and basement...really spooky especially if you have a date or significant other lots of opportunities for comforting hugs . We parked at the boat ramp before the tour and got some outstanding pictures of the lighthouse. They do turn the lights back on at the end of tour making for some great pictures. Didn't really have any supernatural events. Beware of the 200÷ steps to the top.

Good information about the history of lighthouse and keepers home. Walk to top of lighthouse optional.

We had considered this as an option for the afternoon. Then saw the admission price reduced. It was reduced because you can't go up in the lighthouse. Pass.

Our 3rd day in St Augustine was visiting the Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. We visited mid afternoon after spending the morning at the Dolphin centre. I was pleasantly surprised not only with the lighthouse but with the Museum buildings and the information they held. It was obviously an experience to climb to the top which wasn't as difficult as I expected with all those steps for a 73 year old and the views were magnificent so well worth the climb, as long as you don't mind heights of course. And at the top there was Caleb with all the information you needed to know if you have any questions.

We love this lighthouse! This is a must visit on our annual Florida vacation- always introducing it to whoever is traveling with us and everyone we take loves it! Beautiful grounds, interesting history!

The lighthouse is very beautiful. We took the night of lights tour and climbed to the top of the lighthouse. The climb is tough spiral all the way, but there was spots to take a break. Everything was lit up so beautifully. The decorations surrounding the house and lighthouse was very pretty. The staff was very friendly and helpful. they had a snack station too if you wanted. A must see when in st. augastine

Two seniors visited here in late January 2023 and had an excellent day. We literally spent from 10am until 5pm here. Between the actual lighthouse, the shipbuilder’s area (where they are building a couple of actual sea-going boats), the archaeology conservation building and the actual three story museum, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Note that we are history nerds and tend to absorb/read all of the information available, so YMMV in how long you stay. They even offer lighthouse keeper tours for a few dollars more that looked interesting but were all filled up for our available times. The actual museum had exhibits on the lighthouse, the keepers and their families, commercial shrimping in the area, and underwater archaeology they have done in the local rivers including cannons and other artifacts from the Revolutionary War that they have found and are conserving. Well worth your time. Elementary age children and older would most likely find it interesting also.

This is a must-see for families with children. We had three kids in our group ages 6 to 10. The trek to the top of the lighthouse is worth it, and we appreciated each level having interpretive signs to learn more about the lighthouse. There's a playground and multiple educational exhibits for kids. The kids enjoyed brownies and homemade pickles from the Tin Pickle.

To say this experience was outstanding is an understatement! Not only did we climb to the top of the light house to take in the 360 picturesque view, but there is so much history about St. Augustine that they do a well thought out and very intentional way of sharing this history. We spent 3.5 hours there unexpectedly, but it was time well spent! Definitely recommend and parking was easy!

Super hot and strenuous climb to the too but worth it. Great artifacts and interesting things. The view from the top was worth it.

I made the trip to St. Augustine to visit this haunted lighthouse. The climb for the lighthouse is a workout. There are 219 steps to reach to the top. Once you reach the top, the view are amazing. My friends and I paid to do the ghost tour. Our group rented those EMF apparatus for $5 to see if we can pick up any energy. Unfortunately, we didn't see anything peculiar that night, because there were too many people for the night ghost tour.

This was an amazing day trip. There was so much more to see than just the lighthouse. The climb was somewhat challenging to do quickly, and I did feel I needed to go quickly because there were so many people behind me. The view was wort it and you can remain up top as long as you want. All of the other buildings had so much history and info. It took me at least 20 minutes per building after the lighthouse because there was so much to see and learn.

Beautiful views, lovely breeze and a very wide interior climb with resting levels.Really nice gift shop and great volunteers.

Took our 11yo granddaughter for a weekend in St Augustine. The lighthouse was close to our hotel. We enjoyed the displays and historical building, but the highlight was climbing the lighthouse. Though it was a bit chilly and drizzly, we enjoyed the view.

This was a great place! The grounds are beautiful, and there is great attention to detail with the exhibits. Plenty of activities for children (playground, exploring, photo ops) of all ages. The climb up the lighthouse gave us great views. Came for the climb and stayed for the museum.

We recently dedicated nearly an entire morning to exploring the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, and it was time well spent. While we opted not to conquer the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse on this visit, the self-guided tour offered a rich and engaging experience that kept us thoroughly captivated. There's so much more to see and learn than just the climb! We were pleasantly surprised by the gift shop, which offered a wonderful selection of reasonably priced souvenirs – we found many lovely items to remember our visit by. This attraction truly provides a fascinating glimpse into St. Augustine's maritime history.

Though we had done the ghost tour, we missed the actual lighthouse on our previous trip to St. Augustine, so made it a priority this time. The weather was great and my wife, at age 7x (ha! secret) climbed all 219 steps easily. We forgot to get it, but if you do climb, make certain to obtain the climb certificate in the gift shop.

One of the things we learned is that all light houses today in the U.S. are privately owned.

There is plenty to see and we enjoyed the museum part, too. I also bought some fudge which was pretty good.

Thought this venue was priced reasonably. The 212 steps up to the top was a bit challenging but well worth the climb. Many other exhibits that for a true history buff could take all day.

The lighthouse is fantastic and well maintained, but there’s much more to see. They offer an alcohol stand and a little restaurant, paths to explore and other historic buildings too. You could easily spend 2-3 hours here and I definitely recommend coming and checking it out, but wear bug spray! I don’t know what they feed the mosquitoes (the blood of unsuspecting tourists perhaps), but they’re huge and hungry!
I also enjoyed the lab where you can see some of the latest discoveries from ship wrecks. Very cool place. For discounted tickets go to the visit Florida website. I snagged 15% off.
The gift shop also has some fun items with certificates for $1 that certify you climbed the 200+ stairs of the lighthouse.

Went all the way to the top and the view did not disappoint. Interesting education on how wreckage artifacts are salvaged. Great for families.

They have a great gift shop with the nicest person, Abby, running the gift shop. We like the gift shop so much we went back. The lighthouse staff was very friendly as well.

Really enjoyed our trip to the lighthouse! So much history, not only of the lighthouse but also of the times, coast guard, family of the lighthouse keeper. Wonderful views from the top of the lighthouse! Very interesting to talk with and observe the carpenters working on boats on the grounds. Much to see and do! Very well preserved and interesting exhibits!

Upon entering the gift shop you are immediately approached by nice and kind staff who are willing to assist you in anyway. Prices are very reasonable for Florida so that helps. Once you get your tickets and exit the gift shop you can take trails into the woods or take the concrete path directly to the lighthouse. We were greeted by a volunteer whom I don’t remember his name, but we chatted about different theme park attractions and he also told us that the lighthouse has been recently painted and updated within the past few years thanks to all the donations. That was so nice to here. The lighthouse has 219 steps to the top. There are a few landings in between in flight which would be nice if there was benches, but understand if there isn’t. Due to asthma I couldn’t go all the way up and had to stop on the 2nd landing. It still has a nice view from the window there. History of the grounds and of the town is amazing. They have a lot of history on ship wrecks in the area and it’s very interesting. They also have a small cafe where you can get lemonade, cookies, etc. Go during the day before the rain, because if there’s lightening in the area they have to close the lighthouse since it’s more likely to get struck and other reasons. All theme parks are like that due to safety.

The light house is very good maintained, and the museum is very informative.
We enjoy the conversation with both guide, one in the main floor, and Roy in the top.
Great way to see the surrounded area and know more about Saint Augustine history

We really loved our visit here..were I not 84 I would have gone to the top..plenty more to see, however

Great place. Got engaged here in may 2021 and came back this year to relive the magic. The view is definitely worth the climb up the 219 steps

I wasn't a big fan. My wife liked it better than my daughter and me. They have a little restaurant called the Tin Pickle. We were super hot and hungry when we got there. She said they ran out of hotdogs and didn't have time to make more, so she closed the shop. This was at 2:30, and they closed at 4:00. One building was closed with a sign about a class tour. The lighthouse has scaffolding on the building portion. Workers were there discussing what they were trying to do. My wife went up to the top, and there was a great view of the area. There's a building across from the lighthouse with a lot of information and artifacts. A guy was outside pointing you to things to see and answer questions. To me, the ticket price was way high for what was there. I guess it takes a lot to keep up maintenance. Also, the island in front of the lighthouse is manmade and came after the lighthouse. That's why it's not on the ocean. Learned that on a boat tour.

The museum exceeded my expectations. the beautiful view was complemented by history from various eras and a great insight into archeology. Your ticket is good all day so if you have the time you can take the in the view at different times of the day. The climb is not too challenging, but wear good shoes.

A nice way to spend a few hours. We didn’t go up the lighthouse and I’m sure that would have been nice to do. The displays and buildings are nicely done and there’s a small place where you can get snacks and drinks. Also areas to take leisurely strolls. Staff was incredibly pleasant and friendly and helpful.

We visited St Augustine Lighthouse in May 2022. It was a beautiful sight to see.
Unfortunately, we could not climb up due to construction.

Very informative displays about the lighthouse and grounds. The climb in the lighthouse includes fun facts at each level, which were interesting. A great half-day trip.

Good workout getting to the top but well worth it. Museum info is well done and there is a lot to do and see. Staff is helpful and professional.

Easy to find. Steps have a sitting area. Not hard to navigate. Great views. Whole complex very educational and informational.

I love this lighthouse so much, I have it tattooed on my arm! Highly recommend visiting, and climbing the 219 stairs (there are several landings on the way to rest if needed). Cannot beat the views at the top! Down below, stroll through the grounds, the inn keepers house, and learn from all the archeological finds.

Beautiful grounds, very informative displays, and a wonderful feat of maritime engineering make this a really special place to visit. I learned so much American history and the local history of St. Augustine. It was also wonderful to learn about archaeological techniques used to excavate maritime sites. Kudos to the curators of the section dedicated to the shrimping industry, too.

You can make it all the way to the top, yes you can!

I looked so forward to visiting the St Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Saved a day to do just that but, when we arrived, we found the Lighthouse was not open because it was undergoing renovations. Granted the grounds were open, but my focus was on getting inside and climbing to the top of the Lighthouse. We didn't stay to do the museum, left disappointed. Instead, we spent the day taking a boat out to view the lighthouse from the water. That was pleasant. My disappointment was in that they didn't let viewers know on their website. Maybe next time I visit the area., I will try again.

Of course the lighthouse is stunning but the grounds are amazing too! Loved visiting the museums and the kids enjoyed the ship shaped playground, which was the perfect resting point after climbing the lighthouse.

The lighthouse is intimidating and I have a fear of heights. Even so we all made it up the lighthouse...(myself barely) including children ages 7, 8, and 9 who all made the climb without an issue.

We did pass a family with an older child that was crying and some scared adults as well. If you have a serious fear of heights this climb is probably not for you.

This is a fun adventurous stop for families of all sizes.

The lighthouse was recently repainted and is absolutely beautiful. You can see the care and maintenance that goes into the light and surrounding buildings. Each building had informative exhibits on topics ranging from shrimping to lightkeeper life in the 1880’s, to archeology and WWII info.
The climb to the top of the light was worth it for the information on the way up, along with the great information we learned from Jason at the top.
Highly recommend stopping when you’re in the area.

This is a well preserved and beautiful lighthouse, worthy of your time and money to visit. Get your walking shoes on and go all the way to the top with over 200 stairs. (Don't be a wuss). The volunteers were great and very informative, and the grounds were well kept. In January, there is less crowd to deal with, so we had extra fun going up and taking our time!

The lighthouse and adjoining museum grounds are a wonderful experience. The views from the top of the lighthouse are breathtaking and the charm or museums are inviting. Great places for families with kids with visit.

Absolutely FANTASTIC way to spend some time if you're in the area. This is a working lighthouse that you can climb all the way up - while Ponce de Leon lighthouse is taller, this lighthouse's observation deck is higher. The views are fantastic and even on a hot day, you'll feel much cooler up there making the climb worth it. We visited early on a weekday and there was no wait and maybe 4-5 other families visiting around the time.

My 8 and 6 year old kids climbed up the 200+ steps up the lighthouse in 80+F weather without any issues.

TIP: You can get a 15% discount if you buy tickets online and use the discount code mentioned in the tripadvisor description.

We are not staying away from the old city since it looks more and more like a homeless horde from "The Walking Dead." A great place for families and the food is really good too. We literally go here on every visit. Get the annual pass.

It is a great way to spend a few hours enjoying the view and the grounds. I would make a point of climbing the lighthouse as the view is spectacular.

The lighthouse stair climb is the best part. 219 steps up to the top. there is a playground and trails as well as a museum.

We did not clime the lighthouse, but the several museums on the lighthouse grounds are very interesting. This is a very interesting place and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves here.

We have been to more than 50 lighthouses over the years and appreciated the wide stairs in this one. The keepers house highlights are the basement and exterior. There is a model of the first lighthouse built in one of the buildings. For a snack or lunch, stop at the Tin Pickle on site. Picnic tables available. Seniors age 60 and older $12.95. Ample parking near entrance and adjacent lots.

We have always wanted to stop here since we saw it on Ghost Hunters. We did a stop and it was nice. Everyone was very friendly and it was well laid out. Lots of historical information as well. Glad we stopped. Also take bug spray as there were a ton of mosquitoes when we went.

The lighthouse, is in a beautiful place, is charged the entrance. Lack a little more care with the gardens (maintenance) the climb up the lighthouse is worth a lot, see St Augustine from above is very beautiful.

We took the ghost tour with Mariah on June 13th. First, she spoke in a monotone as if making up a story as she went. Her tone was not pleasant. Second, she spoke so softly that you could barely hear even right by her. Third, there seemed to be no enthusiasm in her whatsoever. Last, she kept clearing her throat as if she was sick or had a sore throat. When Cory, I believe was his name, told us about the girls in the cart story it was amazing. He spoke loud, clearly and was very excited to be doing his job.

Also, the majority of the people on our tour were loud, rude and I believe non ghost believers. So disrespectful I feel like they should have been asked to leave. Some were literally screaming up the lighthouse to the rest of their group with no respect for the other guests trying to hear or see spirits. I know the workers can not control the visitors but you have rules for a reason and consequences should have been served.

Fun visit. There is more to see than just the lighthouse. Very thoughtful and well organized. Would highly recommend. The climb was not too bad and the views were interesting. Make sure to visit other exhibits.

I visited St. Augustine Lighthouse over the holidays and very much enjoyed my visit. The lighthouse itself it obviously very lovely, with that well known black and white barber pole pattern that Cape Hatteras has. The tower itself is not that tall, but there is a very long line to climb it because it was a weekend, so I didn't have time to do that. However, in addition to the lighthouse itself, there are a lot of other little exhibits in various buildings around the grounds, a little shop to get snacks, not to mention a short nature path behind the lighthouse. The town of St. Augustine is quaint with a lot of points of interest. I would definitely recommend to anyone visiting to spend a couple of hours visiting.

Interesting, nice gift shop, enjoyed other small buildings. Disappointed in lack of artifacts, though. Seems like there could’ve been so much more to see. Otherwise, we enjoyed the visit & appreciated the admission discounts for veterans and seniors.

I am terrified of heights, that being said I did climb the lighthouse! There are landings to stop at on your way up and down. There is a great little snack shop on site for a refreshing glass of lemonade, soda, and a few choice beers. They had snacks available as well. On the grounds you can tour the housing units and there is a cute little playground area for kids. Once you finish, stop by the gift shop and purchase your I climbed the lighthouse t shirt or certificate. They stamp and sign the certificate! Great little adventure.

Children have to be 44 inches tall to climb the tower. This is a safety precaution. Our 5 year old was not tall enough, so she was admitted for free, and one adult in our group was 1/2 price. We hiked the tower in shifts while our littlest stayed below. The map shows a kids area with a pirate ship for kids under 44 inches, but it was not there. As a result, our little one got pretty bored waiting. There is a lot to explore, but those of us hiking the tower wanted to see everything, so our 5 year old ended up doing some things twice.

Our seven year old enjoyed being on the top of the lighthouse. On the rest of the grounds, there are many interactive exhibits for kids: different kinds of boats to sit in, touch screens, and replicas of artifacts to touch. They also have nice trails through the woods (bring bug spray if you do the trails.)

The staff was excellent there, and the grounds were maintain impeccably. The price is not cheap, but you can see where the money goes.

The gift shop has a lot of kid-friendly items at very good prices, so souvenirs are a real possibility.

Although it was pouring buckets when we arrived, we managed to get inside the gift shop without getting too wet. Nice merchandise to remember your trip with. Because of the rain, the lighthouse was closed until the storm passed due to threat of lightning. Once the rain stopped and we were able to visit the grounds, we toured the lighthouse keeper's home. Charming. Interesting display in the basement from a shipwreck. Lovely gardens. As we are older, we did not climb the 219 steps up to the lighthouse, but took beautiful pictures. We toured the other buildings, seeing model ships and learning about the history of shipbuilding in the area. We thoroughly enjoyed our day there.

Such a beautiful place! Make sure to climb to the top - take you time going up - stop and look out the windows. When you get to the top, stay awhile and enjoy the views!

Such a well done renovation. It looks brand new. The museum was interesting, informative and original.
The lighthouse was wonderfully restored. I didn’t climb the 200+ steps but there were many people who did and really seemed to enjoy the experience. The store had items not in all the tourist shops. I liked it well enough to become a member even though I live in NYS.

The highlight is the view from the top of the lighthouse. However, it is 291 steps up…and exhausting. There are 8 “balconies” places to rest on the way up. Not for the weak of heart! The surrounding houses are the “museum” and mildly interesting.

Well pserved piece of history. The lighthouse and surrounding buildings were amazing. The main house was well appointed with period pieces and historical artifacts. The lighthouse climb is good workout and the reward is a great view of the surrounding area.

Very interesting and pretty! The lighthouse, museum, and everything else on property was very cool! We climbed up to the top of the lighthouse and the view was amazing! We will be back!