Lighthouses are not just historic landmarks; they provide a fun and usually inexpensive way to get the best view in town. Note: Florida has A LOT of lighthouses, so it would be impossible to include them all, but this trip would be a good way to start learning about Florida's history and natural beauty. There's no better place to spend a weekend than along the coast of the sunshine state, visiting the beautiful and historic side of the state with this lighthouse road trip in Florida. Fall in love with the southern edge of the United States all over again, friends.
1. Cape St. George Light
This 72-foot brick beauty sat on St. George Island for 153 years before it fell over in 2005. Thankfully, the pieces were recovered and restoration of the lighthouse was finished in 2008. Here you can explore the lighthouse museum and gift shop. For a small fee, you can even climb the lighthouse. It remains one of the most famed historic lighthouses in Florida.
2. St. Marks Lighthouse
Next we'll head to St. Marks to the second-oldest lighthouse in the state of Florida. The 82-foot lighthouse sits on the Apalachee Bay, and it's still active today. It's a definite must-visit on this unique road trip in Florida.
3. Amelia Island Light
First constructed in 1838, the Amelia Island Light is Florida's oldest lighthouse. It was built with materials from Georgia's Little Cumberland Island Light. Lighthouse tours are offered regularly, and prior registration is required. Keep in mind that climbing the lighthouse is not part of the tour.
To learn more about the Amelia Island Lighthouse tours, click here.
4. St. Augustine Light
Looking for things to do on the coast of Florida? Then make a stop in St. Augustine! The current version of the St. Augustine Light is open to the public, and there are even ghost tours given at night. It was built in 1874, and it's located on the northern end of Anastasia Island. It's one of the most popular spots in the state, and requires a stop on this lighthouse road trip in Florida.
5. Ponce De Leon Inlet Light
This striking red lighthouse stands at 175 feet, making it the tallest lighthouse in Florida. This landmark located south of Daytona is open seven days a week for climbing. There is also a museum and three keepers' houses to explore.
6. Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
This unique-looking lighthouse was constructed to warn ships of the dangerous shoals off the coast of Cape Canaveral. The current light was constructed in 1868 and moved inland 30 years later. The tours here are more expensive than most, but the three-hour tours also include stops at the Air Force Space and Missile History Center, two launch sites, and admission to Port Canaveral's Exploration Tower.
7. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
No lighthouse road trip in Florida is complete without a stop at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse! This iconic lighthouse sits in one of the most beautiful natural areas of Florida. Daily tours give guests the chance to climb the lighthouse stairs, and it's an incredible experience.
8. Hillsboro Lighthouse
Making a trip to this lighthouse in Pompano Beach is a little trickier than the others, but it's a really special experience. If you want to include Hillsboro Lighthouse on your trip, you'll have to plan carefully. It's only open on select dates. The scenic view at the top is worth the trip. For more information on booking a tour, check out this site.
9. Cape Florida Lighthouse
You can visit this historic lighthouse and one of the best beaches in the country at the same time with a trip to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. If you're looking for things to do on the coast of Florida, then you'll want to add this to your bucket list.
Are you ready to hit the road? Do you have any favorite lighthouses in Florida? You can look at the map for the Lighthouse Road Trip here.
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