Light, Salt and Stories: Climbing the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Cruising the Historic Bay
Climb 219 steps for the best seat in St. Augustine—then take to the water for dolphins, sunsets and historic views.
The spiral narrows, the air tastes of salt and old paint, and each step brings a new slice of the Atlantic—blue, indifferent, and alive. From the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, the city lays itself out like a weathered map: the Castillo de San Marcos anchoring the bay, the Bridge of Lions arcing elegant and white, the thin green ribbon of Anastasia Island and beyond that the long, low Atlantic. Below, the keeper’s houses sit mute and brick-still, their porches still smelling faintly of oil and varnish from a century of maintenance. The climb is honest: 219 steps to a lantern room that has watched these waters since 1874. Your breath will match the cadence of the sea.
Trail Wisdom
Wear grippy shoes
The lighthouse stairs are steep and can be slick—closed-toe shoes with traction make the climb safer and more comfortable.
Book sunrise or sunset cruises
Wildlife and light are best at the edges of day; book early or late departures for the most dramatic views and sightings.
Bring binoculars
A compact 8x42 will help you spot dolphins, manatees, and shorebirds from boats without disturbing wildlife.
Reserve kayak tours in advance
Popular tours fill quickly—reserve ahead and choose morning times for calmer water and better wildlife activity.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Anastasia State Park boardwalks for quiet beach birding
- •The museum’s shipwreck collection and interactive rescue exhibit
Wildlife
dolphins, manatees
Conservation Note
Local groups monitor sea turtle nesting and estuary health—visitors are asked to avoid bright lights on nesting beaches and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect sensitive habitats.
The current St. Augustine Lighthouse tower was completed in 1874 and stands at approximately 165 feet, replacing earlier structures damaged during the Civil War.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: migratory birds, calmer seas, wildflower viewing
Challenges: occasional thunderstorms, variable tides
Spring brings migratory shorebirds and comfortable temperatures—expect active birdlife and increasingly busy tour schedules.
summer
Best for: warm water swimming, long daylight hours, sea turtle hatchlings (late summer)
Challenges: high heat and humidity, afternoon storms, increased tourist crowds
Summer is hot and lively; early mornings are the coolest for kayak tours and wildlife viewing, while afternoons can be stormy.
fall
Best for: pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, clear sunsets
Challenges: hurricane season peaks early fall some years, occasional choppy seas
Fall offers mild weather and crisp light—ideal for sunset sails and lighthouse climbs—though keep an eye on tropical storm forecasts.
winter
Best for: Nights of Lights cruises, calm, crisp days for birding, off-season rates
Challenges: cooler evenings and wind, shorter daylight hours
Winter is festive and clear; Nights of Lights boat tours are a unique experience, but dress warmly for evening decks.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Provides traction for the tower stairs and protection during shore walks.
Binoculars (8x42)
Helps you spot dolphins, manatees, and birds from boats without approaching them.
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin and local marine life during extended time on the water.
Light wind shell
Blocks bay breezes on sunset cruises and keeps you comfortable after dusk.
Common Questions
How many steps are in the St. Augustine Lighthouse?
The lighthouse has 219 steps to the lantern room; the climb is steep but well-maintained and open to visitors during museum hours.
Can I join a boat tour that passes the lighthouse?
Yes—many local cruises and wildlife tours pass the lighthouse and explain its history, including sunset cruises and champagne sails.
Are children allowed to climb the lighthouse?
Children are allowed but must be supervised; some tours or climbs have age restrictions for safety—check the museum’s policy before you go.
When is the best time to see dolphins and manatees?
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best wildlife activity, but dolphins can be seen throughout the day; manatee sightings are more common in cooler months when they seek warmer estuarine waters.
Is the Nights of Lights visible from the water?
Yes—boat cruises during the Nights of Lights provide an exceptional waterfront view of the city’s millions of white lights and are a popular seasonal option.
Do kayak tours require experience?
Most eco-kayak tours accommodate beginners and provide instruction; you’ll need basic swimming comfort and moderate upper-body strength for paddling.
What to Pack
Closed-toe shoes for stairs, binoculars for wildlife, reef-safe sunscreen to protect both you and the environment, light jacket for breezy evenings
Did You Know
The current St. Augustine Lighthouse tower was completed in 1874 and measures approximately 165 feet tall, with 219 steps to the top.
Quick Travel Tips
Buy lighthouse tickets online to skip lines; schedule wildlife or kayak tours for early morning; arrive 15–20 minutes before boat departures; wear layers for changing coastal breezes.
Local Flavor
St. Augustine blends Spanish colonial history with coastal cuisine—try local seafood plates, fresh shrimp, and craft rum cocktails at waterfront taverns after a day on the water.
Logistics Snapshot
Hours vary by season—allow 1–2 hours for the lighthouse and museum; boat tours typically run 75–120 minutes; parking available on site; book peak-season and Nights of Lights tours early.
Sustainability Note
Respect nesting beaches by avoiding lights and flash photography at night, use reef-safe sunscreen, and choose operators who follow wildlife approach guidelines to minimize disturbance.