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 climb its 219 steps and look out across the nation’s oldest city. From the top, the rooftops of the historic district, the sandy shoreline, and the Matanzas Bay stretch out in every direction, creating 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!
The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is one of the most striking landmarks in Northeast Florida, and climbing it is an experience that stays with you long after your visit. Rising high above Anastasia Island, the tower has guided ships along Florida’s Atlantic coast since 1874 and remains one of the most recognizable examples of a historic lighthouse 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, perfect for anyone curious about the region’s deep connection to the sea. 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. Watching the builders shape wood and assemble these boats gives the St. Augustine Lighthouse experience a hands-on element that many people do not expect.
There are also several ways to experience the St. Augustine Lighthouse through 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 and are among the most popular tours in town. There are also behind-the-scenes experiences and seasonal programs that highlight maritime archaeology and preservation efforts.
Aside from the tower and museum galleries, the St. Augustine Lighthouse also offers space to explore the natural side of Anastasia Island. Explore 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. Between the sweeping views, maritime history, working boatbuilding program, and peaceful trails, the St. Augustine Lighthouse stands out as one of the most fascinating attractions in St. Augustine, FL.
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, depending on how much room you prefer during your stay. 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.
Evenings bring their own simple pleasures at our Bed and Breakfast St. Augustine, FL. Nightly desserts are prepared and packaged just for you, perfect for enjoying after dinner or when you return from a sunset walk near the St. Augustine Lighthouse. You can gather in the courtyard for nightly s’mores by the fire, a relaxed way to spend time under the Florida sky. During the day, the heated swimming pool offers a refreshing break between outings to the city’s historic sites and beaches. With inviting accommodations and warm, attentive hospitality, we’re the perfect home base for experiencing everything this historic coastal city has to offer. Book your getaway today!
We are proud to announce our new San Sebastian River House vacation rentals. They are spacious, modern homes along the San Sebastian River, which is just steps from St. Augustine’s historic district. Enjoy private outdoor spaces, water views, and full kitchens, plus access to St. Francis Inn amenities.
