St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum Offers a Great View, and Lots of History

While staying at the beach, in St. Augustine, we drove to the Historic part of the city, and checked out some of the places of interest. You will need plenty of money, as most of them charge entrance fees. At the oldest house, you can park by the side of it for free, but on the whole you have to pay for parking too.

We drove back over the beautiful bridge, and where heading south. I noticed a perfect lighthouse, to our left, and suggested that we find it. We did a U turn, and still wasn't sure which road took us there, but after a few turns, we were at the parking area for the lighthouse.

We parked up, and then walked over to the gift shop. Here we lined up for our tickets. The cost for adults was $9, and as we are senior citizens we paid $7.50 each. We got a tight band for our wrists, a receipt, and were all set.

We walked out the back door and followed the people ahead of us.

When we came to the lighthouse, it was picture taking time. The black and white lighthouse is striking. It is 165 feet above sea level.

We entered it, and there were viewing areas on the ground floor, but I figured that Len might have difficulty climbing the 219 steps. He is the reason I wanted to go there, as one of his passions is lighthouses.

We were told that the steps were wide enough for people to pass, and I know that Len gets claustrophobic, so I was a little concerned.

Well the first set of steps were wide, and only about 20 in total. We made them with no problem. Then there was an area where people could sit, get their breath back, or wait, while others were walking on the steps.

As we continued up the steps they got narrower, and there was no way we could have passed people. A couple of times children came down before parents, and as there were railings, we just held on, and let the children pass us.

These steps are open, and I wondered how Len felt about that, but he was determined to get to the top.

At each level we either looked through a window, Len sat on a bench, or we checked out something of interest. If you are handicapped, there is no elevator, just foot power. However, you can check out the Keeper's House, while the rest of your party take the tour.

The top stairs are very narrow, and when you get to the top, you can step out onto the observation deck. I walked all around a couple of times, and took lots of pictures. There was a tour guide outside, and he had lots of interesting information.

At the top of the steps you get an amazing view, when you look over the center railing. I know I shouldn't but I hung over it to see the spiraling railings, and steps below me. Getting down was no problem. Len found it easier, and didn't get out of breath so much. We had to check each time, to see if people were coming up. If they were we waited for them.

Once at the bottom we checked out the rooms, and this is where the oil was kept. They had a bucket there, and you could lift it, to see how heavy it was.

From here we walked across to the museum, and really enjoyed the rooms, that had the history of the lighthouse, photographs, items to look at, and so much more.

There was an old lighthouse that fell into the water, and this one was started in 1871, and completed in 1874.

"The lighthouse is an official, privately-owned, active aid to navigation. The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, a not-for-profit organization, owns and maintains the light station."

Len and I enjoyed reading, and seeing the artifacts, from the British ship that had too much cargo on it, yes guns, etc., that was wrecked on the coast, in 1764. That will teach us British to behave ourselves.

On our way back we noticed that they have a small cafe, with outside eating. We sat for a few minutes and chatted to other visitors, but didn't eat there.

We had to go through the gift shop to leave the premises.

We enjoyed our adventure, and loved the black and white spiral lighthouse, with the red top. It is a landmark that St. Augustine should be proud of.

St. Augustine Lighthouse,
St Lighthouse Avenue,
Fl. 32080.

Telephone 904-829-0745.