Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Best View in Town! Climb 177 steps up the historic Pensacola Lighthouse for one of the most beautiful views on the Gulf Coast. Built in 1859, the lighthouse is located on board NAS Pensacola. The tower offers stunning views of Pensacola Bay, the Pensacola skyline, and the historic Navy Yard. Please visit our website at www.pensacolalighthouse.org and click "Events" to see what special tours we have available, including our Ghost Hunts and Sunset Tours!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Randy R1 contributionMake the climbWatching the Blue Angels from the top of the Light House was a Once in a lIfetime experience, though I plan to do it again. I happened to go on a day when some retired Fighter pilots were there and they were fascinating to hear them comment on the Blues and also as they talked "Pilot talk". JC is a great tour guide and made the experience all the better. Be prepared for windy weather up there. Take your binoculars, and hang on tight to your cell phone/camera. Sometimes you get taken by surprise by a "Sneak Attack" and can startle the bejeebers out of you. If you can handle 177, 9 1/2 inch steps, go and do this. The view is spectacular even if you go on a day when the Blues are not flying.Visited May 2023Written 4 May 2023
- Candy MCalabash, North Carolina155 contributionsBeautifulf LighthouseWe are lighthouse hunters and really wanted to see this lighthouse. It is located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station. We were lucky to be allowed on the base --it was a visitor day. The grounds are lovely, and the lighthouse and buildings are well cared for. The museum is filled with artifacts and items of interest.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 June 2023
- Thomas NGreenville, South Carolina14 contributionsPensacola Lighthouse and MuseumWe drove from Ft Walton Beach so we could check off another lighthouse visited. It was the day after Labor Day, so it wasn’t crowded. We made the hike up the 177 steps to get to the top for a view of the Gulf Coast, Ft. Pickens, and Ft. McRee.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 September 2023
- jet126Okeechobee, Florida227 contributionsEye-Level View of the Blue AngelsWe were fortunate enough to get tickets for a Blue Angels practice. It was an incredible experience to be able to watch them fly by at eye level, so close we could feel the rumble of the engines down to our toes and catch whiffs of the jet fuel smell. The 15 slots sell out quickly, but they do take a waitlist. Highly recommended!!Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 September 2023
- Jenny M15 contributionsWorth the climb!The Pensacola Lighthouse is a national landmark and is a must-see when in Pensacola. We combined it with a visit to the National Naval Aviation Museum the same day. I do think the admission was a little pricey at $9.50 a person, but the museum is free, so it evens out. The climb to the top is a workout, but it's worth it. The view is incredible!Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 January 2024
- MNDoodlesStillwater, Minnesota689 contributions177 historic steps to an extraordinary viewIt’s fantastic the public is still permitted to climb to the top of this historic lighthouse and be rewarded with a breathtaking view. Admission is under $10 and well worth it. The handrail is sticky but for safety use it going both up and down. Wash hands afterwards in the gift shop restrooms. The gift shop is great with many fun items for kids and adults. Lighthouse is across the street from the Naval Aviation Museum. We stopped at the lighthouse after a day at the museum and had plenty of time to walk to the top. Even if you can’t walk up, the lighthouse grounds and museum are excellent.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 February 2024
- Kimberly MartinPensacola, Florida3 contributionsI have so many bucket lists since moving to Pensacola...this lighthouse was one of them. I have never visited any beforeWe climbed the whole lighthouse, my husband and myself. I saw many others turning back. I don't know if it's the height or the physical extertion of climbing 177 stairs to the top, but we made it and the view was amazing. The wind was extreme, but we had already pre-booked one of the haunted tours for this same lighthouse in October. We're ready to get scared for Halloween after our lovely day today. Truthfully, though we had already booked the haunted tour and just wanted to see where we were going during the day. Best day, after winter, with lovely temperatures. The views were so beautiful. Everyone should visit the tallest lighthouse in Florida located on the Naval Air Station, Pensacola FL. It was a beautiful day and our expectations didn't disappoint. My first time every seeing a lighthouse in person. I'm moved with every new experience we get to encounter here in Pensacola, FL.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 February 2024
- allifromWIWest Bend, Wisconsin292 contributionsNice to visit, even when the view isn't at its bestSadly, it was really foggy the day we visited, but I'm still glad we went. The grounds were beautiful and the museum had a lot of great history and a little fun science. The lighthouse has 177 9.5" stairs (normal is 7"), so it's not the easiest climb, but it's not the hardest I've ever done. I will have to go again next time I'm in the are when the weather cooperates more.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 6 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,564 reviews
Excellent
982
Very good
459
Average
92
Poor
14
Terrible
17
allifromWI
West Bend, WI292 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
Sadly, it was really foggy the day we visited, but I'm still glad we went. The grounds were beautiful and the museum had a lot of great history and a little fun science. The lighthouse has 177 9.5" stairs (normal is 7"), so it's not the easiest climb, but it's not the hardest I've ever done. I will have to go again next time I'm in the are when the weather cooperates more.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimberly Martin
Pensacola, FL3 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We climbed the whole lighthouse, my husband and myself. I saw many others turning back. I don't know if it's the height or the physical extertion of climbing 177 stairs to the top, but we made it and the view was amazing. The wind was extreme, but we had already pre-booked one of the haunted tours for this same lighthouse in October. We're ready to get scared for Halloween after our lovely day today. Truthfully, though we had already booked the haunted tour and just wanted to see where we were going during the day. Best day, after winter, with lovely temperatures. The views were so beautiful. Everyone should visit the tallest lighthouse in Florida located on the Naval Air Station, Pensacola FL. It was a beautiful day and our expectations didn't disappoint. My first time every seeing a lighthouse in person. I'm moved with every new experience we get to encounter here in Pensacola, FL.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia Y
Lee's Summit, MO19 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Very well taken care of. Great place for a family. Have Cornhole game, exhibits and knot tying. The lighthouse climb is challenging.
Written 12 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelly W
3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
This is an amazing experience! Beautifully maintained and helpful, knowledgeable staff. Take the time to visit this special place!
Written 10 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MNDoodles
Stillwater, MN689 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
It’s fantastic the public is still permitted to climb to the top of this historic lighthouse and be rewarded with a breathtaking view. Admission is under $10 and well worth it. The handrail is sticky but for safety use it going both up and down. Wash hands afterwards in the gift shop restrooms. The gift shop is great with many fun items for kids and adults. Lighthouse is across the street from the Naval Aviation Museum. We stopped at the lighthouse after a day at the museum and had plenty of time to walk to the top. Even if you can’t walk up, the lighthouse grounds and museum are excellent.
Written 1 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny M
15 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
The Pensacola Lighthouse is a national landmark and is a must-see when in Pensacola. We combined it with a visit to the National Naval Aviation Museum the same day.
I do think the admission was a little pricey at $9.50 a person, but the museum is free, so it evens out. The climb to the top is a workout, but it's worth it. The view is incredible!
I do think the admission was a little pricey at $9.50 a person, but the museum is free, so it evens out. The climb to the top is a workout, but it's worth it. The view is incredible!
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jet126
Okeechobee, FL227 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We were fortunate enough to get tickets for a Blue Angels practice. It was an incredible experience to be able to watch them fly by at eye level, so close we could feel the rumble of the engines down to our toes and catch whiffs of the jet fuel smell. The 15 slots sell out quickly, but they do take a waitlist. Highly recommended!!
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas N
Greenville, SC14 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We drove from Ft Walton Beach so we could check off another lighthouse visited. It was the day after Labor Day, so it wasn’t crowded. We made the hike up the 177 steps to get to the top for a view of the Gulf Coast, Ft. Pickens, and Ft. McRee.
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrucenStephanie S
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
There was a storm coming in but they were very attentive and let everyone know before they wanted to go up that is lightning was close the tower was closed. We very much enjoyed the museum
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kerrih442018
Selkirk, NY461 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
All the signage and the website say all you need is a valid ID. This is not entirely true. I had my passport. I had lost my license while traveling from New York State. They refused to admit me onto the base because I did not have a valid drivers license in hand. This is something they could have easily done a record check on. Annoyed.
Written 19 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JenaCass
Dallas, TX171 contributions
Website makes reference to “Trusted Traveler”. Do the current security restrictions allow entry for those with Global Entry status since we been vetted thru security check?
Denise M
Clarksville, TN180 contributions
Due to the incident they only allow those with department of defense issued identification access to the base where the lighthouse is located. I am an active duty spouse so I had no issues. Global entry is great for traveling but will not be accepted at the gate unfortunately.
David V
Boca Raton, FL5 contributions
Buenos Días; cuánto cuesta el ingreso al "Lighthouse"?.
BCW
1 contribution
I am from Missouri will I need more than a driver license for my ID
Travel242424
Bristol, VA418 contributions
Just a drivers license go to west gate to get a pass for all three sites on the base naval museum/light house/fort
epayne0003
Central City, KY5 contributions
we will have a toddler with us when we visit. I noticed that the site says no holding children while climbing the stairs. I imagine the older kids would get tired and say please carry me but what about the babies? can we carry them or will one person in the party have to be left behind to watch her while everyone else goes up the stairs?
Jo C
Pensacola, FL
Unfortunately children cannot be carried up; it's a Coast Guard regulation and a safety issue. Like you stated, what most guests do is take turns climbing; one or more in your party stays with the child/children while the others climb and then they switch.
We look forward to your visit!
Thank you for contacting Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum.
Do you have to book a tour or can you just show up and be able to guide yourself?
Jo C
Pensacola, FL
The Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum is all self-guided so you can visit at your own pace. We look forward to your visit!
HGAL2015
Hazel Green, AL156 contributions
Will they except credit cards for our admission or is it strictly cash???
sheilap234
Hidden Valley, PA42 contributions
Yes they take credit cards
HGAL2015
Hazel Green, AL156 contributions
When does this lighthouse expect to be done with all the repairs and reopen so we can climb into the top and look out again?
Jon H
Pensacola, FL
We are scheduled for June 1st completion date. This project could be completed before the June 1st date. If the completion is earlier we will announce this on our social media page. We are open for climbs while the restoration is ongoing from Friday- Sunday and the museum is open daily. We look forward to your visit.
How many steps?
EFox74
Hendersonville, TN164 contributions
I see that you have had numerous answers, but I would add, lighthouse steps are typically very steep, narrow and difficult for persons with difficulties walking, with knee problems or other health issues. I would not attempt these as I have had double knee replacements and do not find tight places fun anymore! The top floors of lighthouses are great for seeing the beauties below if you are eager and healthy to climb! ENJOY!
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Claim your listingPENSACOLA LIGHTHOUSE & MARITIME MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
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