Tour Two Stunning Lighthouses Near Flagler Beach

With more than 1,800 miles of coastline, Florida is home to a pretty impressive lineup of historic lighthouses — 30 in total that have been lovingly preserved, with eight open year-round to the public for climbing. Two of the most spectacular are just a short drive from Flagler Beach: the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum to the south and the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum to the north. If you’re staying with us at the Beach Front Motel and looking to blend beach time with a little coastal history, these iconic towers are worth the trip.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse: Tallest in Florida
Just 30 miles south of Flagler Beach, the red brick Ponce Inlet Lighthouse rises an impressive 175 feet into the sky, making it Florida’s tallest lighthouse and the second tallest masonry lighthouse in the country. Built in 1887, it has safely guided mariners for well over a century. Today, visitors can climb the lighthouse’s 203 steps to reach the gallery deck, where sweeping views of Daytona Beach and the Atlantic Coast await.

The entire light station has been preserved remarkably well and is one of only a handful that has retained all of its original buildings. The museum grounds include restored keeper's dwellings filled with exhibits and artifacts, plus a modern exhibit hall that showcases several awe-inspiring Fresnel lenses. For a self-paced visit, you’ll receive a map detailing each building’s history and purpose.

Want something even more memorable? Sign up for one of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse’s specialty tours. “Climb to the Moon” offers breathtaking sunset views followed by a full moon rising over the ocean, while “Climb with the Keeper” gives you an exclusive peek into the past with a costumed guide sharing stories before or after regular hours. These experiences bring the spirit of the lighthouse and its keepers to life in a unique and personal way.

St. Augustine Lighthouse: Historic and Haunted
Thirty-six miles north of Flagler Beach, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is another must-see. Built between 1871 and 1874, this black-and-white spiral-striped tower topped with a red lantern stands 165 feet tall and is the only lighthouse in the nation with this striking color combo. Visitors can climb all 219 steps to the observation deck for panoramic views of the oldest city in America.

The history here runs deep. Inside the beautifully restored 1876 Keepers’ House, you’ll find galleries filled with shipwreck artifacts discovered by underwater archaeologists, as well as exhibits on the U.S. Coast Guard and St. Augustine’s shrimping history. You’ll even see the original first-order Fresnel lens still in operation — a hand-blown beauty crafted in Paris in 1874.

For a bit of adventure, expand your visit by booking a “Sunset Moonrise” or “Twilight at the Top” experience, both offering incredible views and a closer look at this still-active beacon. And for those who enjoy a good ghost story, the “Dark of the Moon Ghost Experience” is a spine-tingling favorite. Explore the tower and keeper’s house by glow stick as you hear tales of paranormal activity at one of St. Augustine’s most haunted locations.

A Memorable Day Trip from Flagler Beach
You can’t go wrong with either lighthouse — they both offer a perfect blend of history, stunning views, and coastal charm. After a day of climbing towers and diving into maritime stories, you’ll be ready to kick off your shoes and relax back at the Beach Front Motel. Located just steps from the sand, our retro-style oceanfront motel accommodations are the perfect place to unwind and soak in the sea breeze.