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Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum: A Beacon of History

Explore Pensacola's maritime past at the historic lighthouse. Climb to the top for stunning Gulf Coast views and discover captivating stories!

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Climb the historic Pensacola Lighthouse, built in 1859, for panoramic Gulf Coast views. Explore the Richard C. Callaway Museum in the restored 1869 keeper's quarters to discover the area's rich maritime history and the lighthouse's significance.

A brief summary to Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID for everyone over 18 for base access.
  • Wear shoes with enclosed backs for climbing the lighthouse.
  • Children must be at least 44 inches tall or 7 years old to climb the tower.
  • Arrive before 3:40 PM, as that is the last admission time.
  • Note that oversized purses and backpacks are not allowed on the property.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-10, take Exit 7 (Pine Forest Road, 297) and head south for about 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Blue Angel Parkway and drive approximately 11 miles to the West Gate of NAS Pensacola. Continue down Blue Angel Parkway/Radford Boulevard; the lighthouse will be on the right. Note that public access to NAS Pensacola via the West Gate is available from 9 AM to 3 PM. Ensure all U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals 18 and older have a valid government-issued photo ID. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Pensacola Beach, take ECAT Route 61 (Gulf Breeze) toward the Gulf Breeze Zoo. After 30-40 minutes, transfer to Route 58 (Pensacola) at the Gulf Breeze transfer station. Get off at the stop closest to Radford Blvd, then walk north for about 15 minutes to reach the museum at 2081 Radford Blvd. A single ECAT ride costs approximately $1.00.

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Discover more about Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

The Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum offers a captivating blend of history and stunning coastal scenery. Built in 1859, the lighthouse stands as a beacon, guiding ships through Pensacola Bay for over a century. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974, it's an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation. Visitors can ascend the 177 steps to the top of the lighthouse, where they are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, Pensacola Pass, three historic forts, the Pensacola skyline, and the Navy Yard. The Richard C. Callaway Museum, housed in the fully restored 1869 Keepers' Quarters, features exhibits on local history and the lighthouse itself. The museum showcases maritime artifacts, historical photographs, and personal accounts, detailing the region's nautical past. Exhibits cover topics such as the Coast Guard, the evolution of lighthouse lighting, and the role of women in tending the lighthouse. Recent excavations have also unearthed the homestead of Charles Hart, an enslaved African American laborer who helped construct the lighthouse, adding another layer to the site's rich history. The Pensacola Lighthouse Association actively restores and preserves the site, ensuring its legacy for future generations. Visitors should be aware that the lighthouse is located on board NAS Pensacola and requires adherence to base access regulations.

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