9 Florida Lighthouses So Beautiful You’ll Want Them on Your Bucket List

Florida’s coastline is dotted with magnificent lighthouses that have guided sailors for generations. These towering structures aren’t just functional—they’re stunning landmarks surrounded by beaches, wildlife, and breathtaking ocean views.

Whether you love history, photography, or simply exploring new places, visiting these lighthouses offers unforgettable experiences that belong on every traveler’s must-see list.

1. St. Augustine Lighthouse – St. Augustine

Standing tall since 1874, this iconic tower features bold black-and-white spiral stripes that make it one of the most photographed lighthouses in America. Climbing its 219 steps rewards you with panoramic Atlantic views that stretch for miles.

The lighthouse grounds include a fascinating museum where you’ll discover shipwreck stories, keeper tales, and maritime artifacts. Ghost tours run at night for those seeking spooky adventures.

Surrounded by coastal marshes and historic buildings, this landmark perfectly blends natural beauty with rich Florida heritage that captivates every visitor.

2. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse – Ponce Inlet

At 175 feet, this brick-red giant holds the title of Florida’s tallest lighthouse and offers jaw-dropping views from the top. The climb involves 203 steps, but the stunning coastline panorama makes every step worthwhile.

Built in 1887, the site features beautifully preserved keeper’s cottages that now house exhibits about lighthouse life and local maritime history. Walking through these buildings feels like stepping back in time.

The surrounding grounds include native vegetation and waterfront trails perfect for bird watching and nature photography, making this destination ideal for lighthouse lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

3. Cape Florida Lighthouse – Key Biscayne

Imagine a pristine white tower rising against bright blue skies, framed by swaying palms and crystal-clear turquoise waters. That’s exactly what awaits you at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

This 1825 lighthouse survived a Seminole attack and multiple hurricanes, standing as a testament to Florida’s resilient spirit. Guided tours share dramatic stories of keeper battles and survival.

The park’s beaches rank among Miami’s most beautiful, offering swimming, picnicking, and sunset views that photographers dream about.

4. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse – Jupiter

Bright red bricks give this 1860 lighthouse a warm, welcoming appearance that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding blue waterways and lush mangroves. The tower stands 108 feet tall, offering spectacular views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can tour the lighthouse museum and learn about the Seminole Wars, shipwrecks, and the Tequesta people who once inhabited this area. The exhibits bring centuries of coastal history to life.

Nature trails wind through the grounds, where you might spot manatees, sea turtles, and tropical birds, making this location perfect for combining cultural exploration with wildlife watching adventures.

5. Sanibel Island Lighthouse – Sanibel

Unlike traditional solid towers, this 1884 lighthouse features a unique iron-skeletal design that lets wind pass through during storms. Its distinctive structure stands out against Sanibel’s famous shell-covered beaches and calm Gulf waters.

The surrounding area is a sheller’s paradise, where thousands of colorful seashells wash ashore daily, creating a natural treasure hunt for visitors of all ages. Early morning walks along the shore reveal the best finds.

Two charming keeper’s cottages flank the lighthouse, though they’re not open for tours, they provide wonderful photo opportunities.

6. Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse – Pompano Beach

Bold black-and-white diagonal stripes wrap around this dramatic skeletal tower that has guarded Hillsboro Inlet since 1907. Standing 136 feet tall, it’s one of the most powerful lighthouses on the East Coast, visible for 28 miles at sea.

The lighthouse sits on a private island, accessible only by boat, which adds an element of adventure to your visit. Tours are limited and require advance reservations, making the experience feel extra special.

Surrounding waters teem with marine life, and the inlet’s scenic beauty attracts boaters, fishermen, and nature lovers who appreciate its unspoiled coastal charm and photogenic lighthouse views.

7. Pensacola Lighthouse – Pensacola

Perched next to the famous Naval Air Station Pensacola, this 1859 lighthouse offers postcard-worthy Gulf views and fascinating connections to military aviation history. The black-and-white tower rises 150 feet, requiring a 177-step climb to reach the observation deck.

From the top, you’ll see vintage aircraft, emerald-green waters, and miles of pristine coastline that make the Panhandle famous. The keeper’s quarters now house a museum with lighthouse artifacts and local history displays.

8. Amelia Island Lighthouse – Fernandina Beach

Built in 1838, this charming white tower holds the distinction of being Florida’s oldest existing lighthouse still in operation. Its timeless design and oak-lined surroundings create a storybook setting that transports visitors to simpler times.

The lighthouse stands on Coast Guard property, and tours are offered on limited days, so planning ahead is essential. Climbing to the top reveals sweeping views of Cumberland Sound and Georgia’s coastline.

Fernandina Beach’s Victorian downtown sits nearby, where brick streets, antique shops, and waterfront restaurants provide the perfect complement to your lighthouse adventure, creating a memorable day trip filled with coastal charm and history.

9. Cape St. George Lighthouse – St. George Island

After collapsing into the Gulf during a 2005 storm, this beloved lighthouse was painstakingly reconstructed brick by brick and reopened in 2008. Now it stands proudly on St. George Island’s pristine beaches, symbolizing community dedication and coastal resilience.

The 74-foot tower offers incredible Gulf views and serves as a museum celebrating the island’s maritime heritage. Climbing its spiral staircase feels like conquering a piece of living history.

Surrounding beaches remain wonderfully undeveloped, with sugar-white sand and crystal waters perfect for swimming, shelling, and watching dolphins play offshore, making this remote lighthouse worth the journey for adventurous travelers.