Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

The Pensacola Lighthouse has watched over the entrance to Pensacola Bay since 1859. The black and white tower stands about 150 feet tall on the grounds of Naval Air Station Pensacola, and visitors can climb its 177 steps for one of the best views on the coast: the bay, Fort Pickens and Santa Rosa Island, the Gulf and the base spread out below. The light is still an active aid to navigation, and at the top sits a first-order Fresnel lens installed in 1869.

The climb

The spiral iron staircase winds up the inside of the tower to the lantern room and an outdoor gallery. It is a real workout on a hot day, with landings and windows along the way where you can stop and catch your breath. Climbers must be at least 44 inches tall or 7 years old, and children 12 and under must climb with a ticketed adult. Closed-toe shoes with secured backs are required, and oversized purses and backpacks are not allowed.

The Maritime Museum

The keeper’s quarters, built in 1869, house the museum’s exhibits on the lighthouse, its keepers and the maritime history of Pensacola Bay. It is a good stop for anyone who would rather stay on the ground, and a place to cool off after the climb.

Ghost hunts and sunset climbs

The lighthouse has a reputation for being haunted, and it leans into it with after-hours ghost hunts and investigations, along with special sunset climbs on select dates. For these evening events, civilian guests ride the lighthouse’s shuttle bus onto the base. Check the lighthouse’s event calendar for dates and tickets.

Getting on base

The lighthouse is on NAS Pensacola, so daytime visitors enter through the West Gate at the south end of Blue Angel Parkway. Every visitor 18 and older needs a REAL ID-compliant license or a valid U.S. passport, and vehicles are subject to inspection.

Hours and admission

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with last admission at 3:40 p.m.
Admission: $10 for adults; $7 for children 12 and under, seniors 65 and older, and military.

Pair your visit with the free National Naval Aviation Museum just up Radford Boulevard. See more nearby on our Pensacola area page.