St. Augustine is one of Florida’s most fascinating destinations, a place where centuries of history meet coastal scenery and a vibrant local culture. One of its most recognizable landmarks is the St. Augustine Lighthouse, rising above Anastasia Island with bold black-and-white stripes and sweeping views of the Atlantic coast. The St. Augustine Lighthouse has guided ships since the nineteenth century, and today it welcomes visitors who want to take in one of the most impressive viewpoints in Northeast Florida.
A visit to the lighthouse is only the beginning of the many things to do in St. Augustine. Spend time wandering the brick streets of the historic district, where centuries-old buildings house galleries, cafes, and local shops. Explore landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos, stroll along St. George Street, or step into fascinating St. Augustine museums that bring the city’s past to life. Add in a beach walk on Anastasia State Park or sunset views along the bayfront, and a few of the most popular attractions in St. Augustine FL, and you have the perfect coastal getaway.
After a full day exploring, returning to our Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine, FL is the perfect way to relax and recharge. Each morning begins with a gourmet buffet breakfast, with an extended brunch on weekends that gives guests extra time to enjoy a thoughtful selection of fresh dishes before heading out to see more of the city. In the evening, our complimentary social hour brings guests together with wine, beer, and light snacks, a welcoming way to wind down after exploring the historic streets. Warm, personalized hospitality and attention to detail make every stay easy-going. Book your stay today!
Stunning Views From the Top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is one of the most striking landmarks in Northeast Florida. Rising high above Anastasia Island, the tower has guided ships along Florida’s Atlantic coast since 1874 and remains one of the most recognizable historic lighthouses that Florida visitors can explore today. Inside the St. Augustine Lighthouse, a narrow spiral staircase leads up 219 steps to the observation deck. The climb is part adventure and part history lesson, and the reward at the top is spectacular. From the gallery, you can look across the Atlantic Ocean, the marshes of Anastasia Island, and the rooftops of historic downtown St. Augustine.
The grounds are not only home to the lighthouse, but also the Maritime Museum. Exhibits inside the historic keeper’s house and buildings explore centuries of maritime life, from shipwreck discoveries to the tools and technology used by lighthouse keepers. Archaeology plays a major role here as well, with displays that highlight research on historic shipwrecks found along Florida’s First Coast. The museum works to preserve the maritime heritage of the nation’s oldest port through education, exhibits, and research programs connected to local waters.
On the St. Augustine Lighthouse property is Heritage Boatworks, a working program where visitors can often see volunteers crafting traditional wooden boats. The project has been part of the museum’s maritime archaeology and education programs since 2007, helping keep the art of wooden boatbuilding alive while teaching guests about historic vessels once common along Florida’s waterways.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse also offers guided and specialty tours, depending on how in-depth you want your visit to be. General admission typically includes access to the lighthouse tower, the keeper’s house, museum exhibits, and the Maritime Hammock Nature Trails, giving you a well-rounded introduction to the site. For those looking for something more immersive, guided history tours offer deeper insight into the people who lived and worked here, while evening ghost tours focus on the legends surrounding the St. Augustine Lighthouse ghost. These ghost tours are among the most popular tours in town.
While here, don’t miss a bit of nature at the Maritime Hammock Nature Area, where a trail winds through a shaded maritime forest, and interpretive signs explain native plants and wildlife found along Florida’s coastal ecosystems. It is a relaxing walk after climbing the tower, and a great place to pause and take in the setting before heading back toward downtown. With so many ways to explore, it’s easy to see why the St. Augustine Lighthouse stands out as one of the most fascinating attractions in St. Augustine, FL.
Upscale Lodging at our St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast
Our Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine, FL, places you close to the historic district while offering an elegant and welcoming retreat from the busy streets. You can choose from beautifully appointed accommodations. Each space includes thoughtful touches such as fresh flowers and a bottle of sherry waiting in your room, small details that show why we’re a top-rated place to stay in St. Augustine.
Evenings bring their own simple pleasures. Nightly desserts are prepared and packaged just for you, perfect for enjoying after dinner or when you return from a sunset walk. You can gather in the courtyard for nightly s’mores by the fire, a relaxed way to spend time under the Florida sky, or grab a drink at our new onsite bar, Finnegan’s Snug. During the day, the heated swimming pool offers a refreshing break between outings to the city’s historic sites and beaches. We’re the perfect home base for experiencing everything this historic coastal city has to offer. Book your getaway today!
