Alligator Reef, Islamorada

Lighthouses appeal to the romantic in all of us, and Florida has its share of these iconic landmarks lining the coasts. This spider- legged structure, which dates from 1873, sits atop a reef in the Florida Keys named for the USS Alligator, a Naval Schooner that foundered on the coral shallows. The light sits four miles east of the village of Islamorada. It is closed to the public and can only be reached by boat. A local Keys artist now stages the Annual Swim for Alligator Lighthouse event to raise awareness for the preservation of lighthouses. Photo: Rob O’Neal/Key West Seaplanes
Cape Florida Lighthouse, Key Biscayne

This lighthouse is the oldest standing structure in the Miami area. Constructed in 1825, it was heavily damaged by a Seminole Indian attack a decade later, then rebuilt to a height of 95 feet and equipped with a more powerful light. Today, it sits within the grounds of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. While the lighthouse is impressive and open to daily tours, it is the park itself that draws the visitors. Boaters come to picnic, anglers to cast lines from the seawall, and sunbathers to swim and enjoy one of the area’s finest beaches. Photo: Ivan Miladinovic/iStock
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, Jupiter

Sitting atop a natural sand dune where the Indian River meets the Atlantic Ocean, this 105-foot tower dates from 1860. The lighthouse remains in operation to this day and can be seen from as far as 25 miles at sea. The brick tower underwent renovations in 1999, including a conversion from bright red to its current brick red. The lighthouse has since become one of the area’s most recognized landmarks. Visitors climb 105 stairs that spiral counterclockwise around an iron column to gain panoramic views of the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Tour offerings include twilight yoga, sunset and moonrise visits. Photo: Dmitry Chernomazov/iStock
Key West Lighthouse, Key West

When Key West’s first lighthouse was destroyed in a massive hurricane in 1848, a 50-foot tower was built in its place. As the town’s trees and buildings grew taller, another 20 feet of height was added in the 1890s. Decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1969, the Key West Lighthouse tower and its keeper’s dwelling are now a museum dedicated to Key West’s maritime heritage. Visitors can climb the 88 steps for a bird’s eye view of Key West, while the museum houses belongings, photographs and paraphernalia of past keepers. Photo: Chuck Wagner/Shutterstock
Sanibel Island Lighthouse, Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island’s most photographed landmark was almost lost before it was ever built, as the ship carrying iron girders used to construct the tower sank two miles offshore in Southwest Florida’s waters. Divers salvaged the wreck, and work on the 98- foot-tall structure was completed in 1884. The beacon, which marks the entrance to San Carlos Bay, was eventually declared obsolete by the Coast Guard. Local efforts saved the light and accompanying keeper’s house from demolition, and in 2010, the City of Sanibel assumed ownership of the property and has since worked to preserve and restore the structure. Photo: William Silver/Shutterstock
Hillsborough Inlet Lighthouse, Pompano Beach

Still in use as an aid to navigation, this 147-foot light tower emits 5.5 million candlepower, making it the most powerful light currently operating on the U.S. East Coast. Built in 1907, the light occupies the tip of a peninsula that is privately owned. There is no land access to the site, but it can be reached via boat tours offered by the Hillsborough Inlet Preservation Society. The grounds, which are maintained by the Coast Guard, include a number of historic wooden structures, but the highlight of the tour is the climb to the top. Photo: Shutterstock
Loggerhead Lighthouse, Dry Tortugas

When a smaller lighthouse sitting atop the ramparts of Fort Jefferson proved inadequate for warning ships away from the shoaling waters of the Dry Tortugas, this larger and more powerful light was constructed on Loggerhead Key, some three miles to the west. Dating from the 1850s, it overlooks the area’s most dangerous reefs. Visitors arriving at the fort, which sits 70 miles off Key West, by boat or seaplane catch a glimpse of the tower on the horizon. There is no visitation to the site, which is automated and under the care of the National Park Service. Photo: Dan Kosmayer/Shutterstock
St. Augustine Lighthouse, St. Augustine

Dating from 1824, Florida’s first lighthouse occupied the same site as a watchtower built by the Spanish in the 1500s. Storm damage to the original tower lead to the construction of the current structure in 1874. Visitors climb the 219 steps for a panoramic view of the Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean and downtown St. Augustine from 165 feet above sea level. Visit during the dark of the moon for ghost stories and a paranormal tour of the tower and the keeper’s house; you might just meet the spirits of the light keepers who once protected the coast. Photo: Debbie Snow

Florida Lighthouses
Published on: 9/15/14 By Debbie Snow

More Photo Galleries

Plan

The end of Highway 560 at Kee Beach marks the beginning of the wild and unsettled section of Kauai known as the Napali Coast. To explore this pristine ...

Play

Big animal encounters, Diving with Goliath Grouper

10 Places in the Tropics for Big Animal Encounters

Coral reefs and colorful tropical fish are what many seek when they embark on snorkeling or diving adventures. But there are bigger fish in the sea, and ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: St. Thomas Beaches

Best known for shopping, dining and nightlife, this US Virgin Island sometimes gets passed up as a beach destination. But with 40 stretches of sand, quiet ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: Anguilla Beaches

Anguilla is known for two things: luxury resorts and beautiful sand beaches. In all, the island offers 33 gorgeous stretches of powdery white sands formed from crushed coral and washed by clear aquamarine waters. Whether ...

Plan

Hawaii’s Natural Wonders

Hawaii is home to so many spectacular sights it's nearly impossible to picture just one iconic landscape when imagining the state's natural beauty. Sprawling beaches, towering coastal cliffs, tropical rainforests, ...

Play

Common Reef Fish of the Caribbean

What was that fish? More than 500 species of finned creatures live in the waters of the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. While you may not see them all on ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: Dominican Republic Beaches

The top beaches of the Dominican Republic dazzle with sugary white sands and shimmering turquoise waters. Most of these are in the Punta Cana and Bavaro ...

Plan

Great Places to Watch a Florida Sunset

As the sun sinks toward the sea, the western horizon ignites in glowing hues of orange and pink. Yet another magnificent Florida sunset is underway, bringing ...

Stay

Six Caribbean Resorts Where Irresistible Hammocks Await

The word comes to us from the Taino people: amaca. These woven strands evolved from fishing nets into chairs, beds and carry sacks. Sailors slung them in the ...

Plan

Florida Lighthouses

Lighthouses appeal to the romantic in all of us, and Florida has its share of these iconic landmarks lining the coasts. This spider- legged structure, which dates from 1873, sits atop a reef in the Florida Keys named for the ...

Plan

Birds of Costa Rica

Home to more than 800 species of birds, Costa Rica is a favorite destination among bird watchers. But you don't have to be a dedicated ornithologist to ...

Plan

7 Colorful Caribbean Harbors

Caribbean harbors have an energy all their own. In contrast to the busy industrial ports of the world, they offer a more intimate take on nautical customs. ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: Barbados Beaches

With more than 80 beaches to choose from, Barbados provides shore side diversions ranging from the relaxing to the inspiring and even the exhilarating. A trip ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: St. John Beaches, USVI

Finding a gorgeous beach on St. John is easy- the island's north shore is lined with one stunning strand after the next. Choosing a favorite beach might ...

Play

Cuba's Classic Rides

With U.S. imports cut off after the 1959 revolution, these vintage vehicles serve as a reminder of times gone by. This fleet of classic American cars from the ...

Play

How to Spot a Monkey in Costa Rica

Bird watching is fine, but for a real treat; search the treetops for monkeys the next time you are in Costa Rica. The country's extensive nature preserves ...

Play

Supermodels and Sand: 10 Top Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Locations

Sports Illustrated invented the swimsuit issue more than 50 years ago, tempting readers with images of bathing beauties vamping in some of the most scenic ...

Plan

The US Virgin Islands, Above and Below

Seen from above, the US Virgin Islands present a tantalizing hint of what lies below. When Caribbean waters transition from deep blues to vibrant ...

Plan

Earth Day Images From the Tropics

On April 22, the natural world takes center stage as humans around the globe pause to reflect on the importance of protecting and enhancing the ecosystems ...

Plan

Great Escapes and Serene Spaces

There are private spaces far removed from the crowds and the everyday world. Set against the grand tapestry of nature, these spaces engender admiration ...

Stay

Iconic Pink Beach Resorts

The historic pink hotels that grace beaches in Florida and the Caribbean harken back to the palazzos built by wealthy Italian families in the 19th ...

Stay

Dream Sleeps: Resorts with Water View Bedrooms

Imagine falling asleep to sea breezes and the sound of the surf. Or waking to a sunrise over the water. A select number of resorts around the world have ...

Plan

Birds of Panama

Panama is a bird watcher's paradise. This Central American country lies at the heart of migratory routes between North and South America, and also harbors ...

Stay

Outdoor Showers: 15 Top Resorts with Amazing Private Open-air Cascades

There's nothing like standing under the cool, cleansing flow of an outdoor shower set amid natural surroundings. While lathering up in bubbles, you might ...

Plan

12 Memorable Moments on Oahu

From historic sites and downtown diversions to natural wonders and scenic attractions, the island of Oahu has much more to offer than just sun and sand. ...

Stay

Superior Soaks: Amazing Resort Bathtubs in Tropical Garden Settings

Whether it's a cleansing dip after a day of adventures in rainforest and reef, or a relaxing immersion in preparation for a private candlelight dinner on ...

Drink

TropixTraveler's Top Picks: Margarita Recipes

Nothing says fiesta like a frosty margarita. But did you know that this most Mexican of cocktails was actually created by accident when a bartender in ...

Plan

Florida Beaches

Florida is surrounded by some of the most popular beaches in the world. But, it's still possible to find an empty stretch of sand. The key is timing. ...

Plan

10 Beautiful Black Sand Beaches of the World

They are sexy, silky and mysterious. Some are hidden and hard to find while others are well known and favored by beach lovers. Images of dark, dramatic ...

Plan

7 Amazing Caribbean Views to Add to Your Bucket List

7 Incredible Seascapes You’ll Want to Add to Your Bucket List.

Eat & Drink

Dining on the Sand in the Caribbean

We've rounded up seven of the best beach dining experiences in the Caribbean. At these resorts, you can wiggle your toes in the sand, gaze at the sun ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: Seychelles Most Spectacular Beaches

The granite islands of the Seychelles showcase a unique combination of ancient rock formations, soft sands

More Photo Galleries

Most Popular Articles

The Tropics are Calling

The Tropics are
Calling