Summary:
As one of the oldest European communities in North America, St. Augustine has long been dependent on the ocean. A watchtower was built by the Spanish here in the 1500s, this was later converted to a lighthouse in 1824.

The original lighthouse fell victim to erosion. This tower was built on safer ground and was completed in 1874.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse rises 165 feet above sea level and contains 219 steps. At the top, a first order Fresnel lens serves the beacon. The St. Augustine lens consists of 370 hand-cut glass prisms arranged in a beehive shape towering twelve feet tall and six feet in diameter.

As in many of these historical sites, the tireless efforts of many volunteers was required to prepare this site for the many visitors that come through here every year. In 1980, the Junior Service League of St. Augustine, Inc. began a fifteen-year campaign to restore the keeper's house.

Activities:
Walk the grounds and admire the gardens, visit the museum and bottom of the lighthouse, walk to the top of the lighthouse and admire the views of the St. Augustine area.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum is available for weddings, receptions, birthdays, business meetings and other events.

The front lawn is a beautiful area for weddings and receptions. The Anastasia Gallery is a charming space for indoor events. The room measures 43' x 25' and has a maximum capacity of 150 people. Up to 80 people may be comfortably seated for dinner. Please note this room is on the second floor and is accessible only by stairway.

Food & Sundries:
There are markets in St. Augustine, with the largest out on Hwy 1. There are great restaurants all around St. Augustine, from the budget but good to the outrageous.

From the South on I-95: Take Exit 311 to SR 207, then proceed east for 3.5 miles. Turn RIGHT onto SR 312 and proceed east for 3.5 miles. Turn LEFT onto SR A1A and proceed north for 1.4 miles. Turn RIGHT onto Red Cox Road, proceed north for 0.2 miles. The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum is on the Left side of the street.

Local Accommodations:
East Palatka ,  Elkton ,  Orange Park ,  Palm Coast ,  Ponte Vedra Beach ,  Saint Augustine ,  Saint Augustine Beach

Camping & RV:
Planning ahead (up to 11 months) call the Florida State Parks division and make reservations at Anastasia State Park. You'll save $25 - $50 dollars a day. There are also several commercial parks up in the Vilano Beach area.

Notes:
We are not connected to the lighthouse in any way other than having paid our admission and taken the tour. For more information see the official web site or call them directly.