Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

The Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum offers the opportunity to learn more about the history of the lighthouse and climb to the top!

Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

A visit to the Pensacola Lighthouse offers visitors and locals the opportunity to learn more about the impact of this historic lighthouse.

Adventure seekers will love climbing the stairs to the top and checking out amazing views. History lovers will find the museum fascinating.

The lighthouse was authorized by Congress on March 3, 1823 for $6,000! Winslow Lewis responded to an advertisement in March 1824 saying he would built the light house.

The initial lighthouse was used until 1858 when a new lighthouse was built a half mile west of the original lighthouse.

Construction was completed in 1858, and the lamp in the tower’s first-order Fresnel lens was first lit on New Year’s Day, 1859 by Keeper Palmes.

In 1861, Florida seceded from the United States. Fort Barrancas was abandoned by Union forces during the Civil War in favor of Fort Pickens. This allowed the Confederates to take control of the lighthouse.

In November 1861 the "Lighthouse Batteries" were targets for guns from Fort Pickens and approximately a half dozen rounds struck the tower of the lighthouse.

None of the rounds were able to penetrate the outer walls of the lighthouse. The lighthouse was re-lit on December 20, 1862 with a fourth-order lens.

On August 31, 1886 a rare earthquake shook the lighthouse tower. In 1939 the Pensacola Light Station received electricity and was transferred to the Coast Guard.

Gulf Islands National Seashore was created in 1971 to help preserve the lighthouse along with Fort Barrancas and Fort Pickens.

Climb the Historic Pensacola Lighthouse

From the top of the Pensacola Lighthouse, you can see beautiful views of Pensacola Pass, where Pensacola Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, three historic forts, the Pensacola city skyline, and the historic Naval Yard.

Our friend Rob from 2 Travel Dads climbed to the top while I explored the museum and grounds. He said the climb is amazing.

Requirements include:

• Climbers must be at least 44" tall or 7 years old. Children 12 & under can not climb without a ticketed adult.
• Shoes must have an enclosed back. No Birkenstocks or Flip Flops. No spike heels.

The spiral staircase includes 177 steps to the top of the tower.

Richard C. Callaway Museum

Located in the fully restored Keeper's Quarters which were built in 1869, is the Richard C. Callaway Museum.

Plan time to explore the museum and learn more about the lighthouse keepers and their families who lived in the building until 1965.

The History of Illumination exhibit is really interesting. It covers the evolution of lighthouse illumination techniques, including Fresnel Lenses.

There are also exhibits on the Women who lit the way, Industries of Pensacola, and a living history area where you can see how the Light Keepers lived.

The Oil Shed was built in 1892 and used to store barrels of kerosene that were used to fuel the lighthouses lamp.

Ghost Hunt

You can join a ghost hunt in the historic 1969 Keeper's Quarters and see if you encounter any ghosts.

The Travel Channel and SciFi's Ghost Hunters and paranormal investigators have ghost hunted at the lighthouse.

Blue Angels Practice Viewing

When the Blue Angels are home in Pensacola they practice a couple of times a week from NAS Pensacola. You can reserve a spot at the top of the lighthouse to get an unbelievable view of practice.

Sunset and Full Moon Climb are also offered and give the rare opportunity to view the magnificent first-order Fresnel lens as it casts its beams 27 miles out to sea guiding mariners to safe harbor.

When we checked there were no dates listed for this climb right now. Check out the current Blue Angels Practice Schedule.

Why you will love the Pensacola Lighthouse

• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• You can climb 177 stairs to the top of the lighthouse
• Epic views
• See an original first order Fresnel lens
• Amazing preservation and restoration of a historic lighthouse

Things to know when planning a visit to the Pensacola Lighthouse

One thing to always remember when planning a visit is the lighthouse is located on an active military base.

Make sure you always have your ID with you are all times. If you are visiting with someone who is not a US Citizen there are extra steps that need to be taken.

If you are visiting during the summer or hot season please bring a water bottle with you and be prepared for heat and humidity! There is a bottle refill station available at the lighthouse.

Oversized purses and backpacks are not allowed on the property

Address - 2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508

In order to reach the Pensacola Lighthouse, you will need to enter through the NAS Pensacola Public Gate with a proper ID.

Public access to Naval Air Station Pensacola is available from 9 AM-3 PM through the West Gate only!

NAS = Pensacola Naval Air Station

Phone - 850-393-1561

Hours - Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, with the last admission sold at 3:40 pm.

Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.

Please note that on days the Blue Angels are scheduled to fly, the Lighthouse Tower is open only to guests with reservations to watch the show.

Closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.

Accessibility - Parking spaces with an accessibility placard are located in the main parking lot along the fence line.

The first floor of the Pensacola Lighthouse Museum is accessible via a ramp on the east side of the building.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual.

If you plan to climb the Pensacola Lighthouse you must be wearing shoes with an enclosed back!

Parking  - There is a parking area in front of the lighthouse.

Gift Shop - There is a great gift shop at the entrance with lighthouse gifts, souvenirs, and more.

Restaurants and Attractions nearby

National Naval Aviation Museum - Visit this great museum to learn more about Naval Aviation including the Blue Angels.

Fort Pickens, Gulf Islands National Seashore - Visit this historic fort on Santa Rosa Island in Pensacola.

Lillian's Pizza - Located on Perdido Key is one of our favorite local pizza restaurants.

Whiskey Joe's Bar & Grill - Located in Pensacola Beach this beach restaurant has great food and epic views.

Flora Bama Yacht Club -  On Perdido Key, Florida is a great restaurant for live music, fun, and delicious food.

Flora Bama Ole River Grill - located across the street from the main Flora-Bama and offers great food, friendly staff, and amazing water views.

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - They offer amazing animal encounters! This little zoo is packed with fun.

Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama and so many more!

We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, and more.

Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!

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