Lighthouse Road Trips in Florida

lighthouses jacksonville florida

Taking a lighthouse road trip in Florida is a great way to learn more about the state’s history and natural beauty. There are 38 lighthouses in Florida. Some are open to the public for tours.

The oldest lighthouse in the state is Amelia Island Lighthouse, which was built in the early Territorial Period. It is located about 30 miles south of Jacksonville. Guests can learn about the history of the lighthouse and take part in hands-on activities for children. It is open only on the first and third Wednesday of the month. It is also the only lighthouse from the Territorial Period still standing in Florida.

The Pensacola Lighthouse is located in western Florida on the panhandle. The keeper’s dwelling and the tower are open to the public. The tower is 150 feet tall and painted white on the bottom. The lantern is black. The lighthouse was built in the 1856-1858 period.

The Sombrero Key Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the Florida Keys. It is a cast iron skeletal octagonal screw-pile tower. It was first lit in 1858. The lighthouse is operated by the US Coast Guard.

The Anclote Key lighthouse is a square pyramidal skeletal tower with 138 steps. It is located in the Anclote National Wildlife Refuge. It was originally black.

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is the most popular Florida lighthouse. It has a tower that is 108 feet tall and offers museum tours. It has a gift shop and nature trails.