The Guide To Visiting The St. George Island Lighthouse

Situated along the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida panhandle, Saint George Island provides a remote beach retreat for solos, couples, and families alike. The island offers a sleepy feel with a slower pace than other Florida beach destinations, like Daytona Beach or Panama City, and the coastal vibe you can’t find in Tallahassee or Orlando. You’ll truly be able to embrace ‘Island Time’ at St. George!

What the island lacks in big tourist attractions it more than makes up for in small town charm, fantastic local dining, and unique local landmarks. Cape St. George Lighthouse, in particular, is a popular draw on the island. Conveniently located in the center of St. George Island, the lighthouse is a true beacon of the community, and a spot worth visiting during your next stay. Originally constructed in the 1800s, the lighthouse has a rich history and has been an important landmark for almost 200 years.

History Of The Lighthouse

The first lighthouse was constructed on the west end of SGI at Little St. George Island in 1833, and it stood 65 feet tall. The location marked the narrow entrance to the Apalachicola Bay where boats navigated between St George St. Vincent Islands. At the time, the bay was an important port for cotton distribution, so access was essential to the local economy. Storm damage in 1846 led to the need for a rebuild at a new location on the island’s southern cape.

The reconstructed lighthouse (now 75 feet tall) took substantial damage from a hurricane in 1851 – the same storm that left nearby lighthouses at Cape San Blas and Dog Island destroyed. The Cape St. George Light was rebuilt once again. 

The third lighthouse (at 72 feet tall) was completed in 1853, and it was re-enforced many times over the next 100+ years. Its light was turned off during the Civil War to avoid aiding enemy ships, only being relit in 1865 by lighthouse keeper James Reilly. The power source was converted to mineral oil in 1882 and then to incandescent oil vapor in 1913. The light was automated in 1949 when the Coast Guard removed the third-order Fresnel lens, and then temporarily decommissioned in 1994.

In 1995, beach erosion resulting from Hurricane Opal caused the lighthouse to shift into a slight tilt. Local and government fundraising efforts were completed in the early 2000s to correct the tilt and re-open the lighthouse, though the base was still exposed to the surf, causing vulnerability that led the lighthouse to collapse on October 22, 2005.

Island volunteers formed the official St. George Light Association, raising donations and securing government grants to save the lighthouse, and reconstruct it on a more secure site. Salvaging whatever possible from the pieces of the fallen icon, the lighthouse was rebuilt at the center of St. George Island and opened to the public in December of 2008.

The Current Lighthouse

Today, the lighthouse is fully functional and features a replica of the original Keeper’s House, where guests will find the Lighthouse museum and gift shop. The Cape St. George Lighthouse stands at 72 feet tall and is open to the public throughout the year, though hours of operation vary seasonally. It’s also interesting to note that the current lighthouse is the fourth iteration, but the current version does contain bricks and elements of the original structure from the 1800s.

Visiting The Lighthouse

Location: 2B East Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island, FL 32328

Phone: (850) 927-7745

Website: http://www.stgeorgelight.org/

The lighthouse has seasonal hours. Check their website for current hours of operation.

Climbing Fees:

  • Adults (ages 13+): $5
  • Youth (ages 7-12): $3
  • Children (6 and under): Free
  • Military: $3

Members of the St. George Lighthouse Association, Florida Lighthouse Association, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum are admitted free of charge. 

Group rates are also available.

The lighthouse museum and gift shop are free to enter.

Please note that lighthouse visitors must be at least 40 inches tall and able to climb the 92 wooden stairs to enter the climb. Access to the lantern room is through a 24″ X 21″ scuttle hole. 

Pets are not allowed in the lighthouse, museum, or gift shop.

COVID-19 Policies: Starting Friday, 7/17/2020 all those age 6 and over wishing to visit the St. George Lighthouse Museum and Gift Shop will be REQUIRED to wear a face mask or facial covering. Disposable masks will be available at the front door of the Museum/Gift Shop for a minimum donation of fifty cents each. Since reopening in mid-May, capacity in the Lighthouse, Museum and Gift Shop have been limited, and visitors are asked to sanitize their hands prior to entering the buildings. Enhanced cleaning procedures have been implemented to help keep visitors and staff safe.

St. George Island Lighthouse Full Moon Club

Photo credit: Fickling Vacation Rentals

Though beaches are typically known for amazing sunrises or sunsets, there’s something special about a full moon at the beach. Experience a one-of-a-kind event by scheduling your beach trip during a full moon. The lighthouse offers Sunset and Full Moon Climbs each month. Full Moon Climbs include a tour of the lighthouse and bottled water. This unique event is perfect for couples or families and can be enjoyed for only $15 ($10 for Lighthouse Association members). Because this event only happens once a month, reservations are recommended. You can save your spot by calling the Lighthouse Gift Shop at (850) 927-7745. For current information on these and other community activities at the lighthouse, check their Upcoming Events page.

Vacation Rentals Within Walking Distance of The Lighthouse

An early morning or evening stroll to the lighthouse is a great way to start or end your days at the beach! We offer several St. George Island vacation rentals near the lighthouse. Here are a few of our most popular listings, within walking distance:

Visiting the historic lighthouse in St. George Island Florida is an annual tradition for many—and it’s not hard to see why! This beautiful local landmark offers a way to embrace the rich maritime history of the Apalachicola region and Florida’s Forgotten Coast, while building a stronger connection with what is sure to become your favorite beach destination.

The St. George Island lighthouse is just one of the island’s charming local attractions. Be sure to visit our ‘Things To Do’ guide for more beach itinerary ideas and visit our specials page to start planning your beach retreat today!