On Anastasia Island, east of St. Augustine, this active lighthouse and maritime museum pairs a climb up its 219 steps with exhibits on coastal history. From the observation deck, you can look over the city, Matanzas Bay and the ocean. The grounds include the Keepers’ House, historic support buildings, nature trails, boatbuilding demonstrations and hands-on activities for children. Inside the museum, look for shipwreck artifacts and displays about lighthouse keepers and World War II. The tower climb involves a spiral staircase, so plan for the steps before you go.
A working lighthouse on Anastasia Island
The black-and-white tower was built between 1871 and 1874, replacing an earlier lighthouse. At 165 feet tall, it remains an active navigational aid. Its striped exterior and spiral staircase make it easy to recognize, but the light station includes more than the tower: the Keepers’ House, former Coast Guard barracks, summer kitchens and other historic structures are part of the museum grounds.
The site’s history reaches further back than the present tower. A wooden watchtower stood on Anastasia Island in the late 1500s, and a light was later established in a coquina structure in 1824. The current brick lighthouse became operational in 1874. During World War II, the Coast Guard used the station to watch the shore; a former barracks and a garage associated with jeep repairs are among the buildings on the property.
Inside the tower and Keepers’ House
The ascent takes you up 219 steps on a spiral staircase, with landings along the way. At the top, the view takes in St. Augustine, Matanzas Bay, beaches and the ocean. If stairs are not suitable for you, a video at the bottom shows the view from the top.
The Keepers’ House now holds museum exhibits. Its rooms and period furnishings give a sense of how lighthouse keepers and their families lived and worked. Displays also cover the lighthouse’s operation, including the oil room and keepers’ office. Elsewhere, maritime exhibits include shipwreck finds and material about coastal navigation and local maritime history.
Activities across the museum grounds
Set aside time to explore outside the tower. Nature trails run through grounds shaded by oak trees, and a play area gives children another place to spend time. Hands-on displays and activities introduce lighthouse and maritime history to younger visitors, including opportunities to explore shipwreck clues.
The museum also supports traditional wooden boatbuilding, with boats and demonstrations connected to the craft. Its Maritime Education Center includes an archaeology lab, and the site has an active archaeological dig. Guided tours are included with admission and can add context to the buildings and collections. Admission also covers access to the lighthouse and museum areas; tickets are recommended in advance.
Perguntas frequentes
How many steps are in the lighthouse?
The tower climb has 219 steps on a spiral staircase. Children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb.
What can you see from the top?
The observation deck looks out over St. Augustine, Matanzas Bay, nearby beaches and the ocean.
Are guided tours included?
Yes. Guided tours are included with admission.
Can you visit without climbing the tower?
Yes. You can explore the museum buildings and grounds, and a video at the bottom of the stairs shows the view from the top.
