177 Steps Up the Spiral Staircase

Pensacola Lighthouse

Climbing to the top of the Pensacola Lighthouse is one of the area’s greatest thrills. After being closed for more than a year, the tower has recently reopened for visitors on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. After climbing 177 steps up a spiral staircase, you’ll be rewarded with the best views in town. You can look back over the Naval Air Station, then toward Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and straight out to Fort Pickens and the Gulf of Mexico beyond. Pensacola’s Lighthouse, built in 1859, has survived hurricanes, lightening strikes, fire and the Civil War. At 160 feet tall, it’s the fourth tallest brick lighthouse in the nation. Visitors should beware though: it is said the first lighthouse keeper, Jeremiah Ingram, still wanders through the quarters. You might be lucky enough to hear some spooky stories from your guide. Admission to the Pensacola Lighthouse is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 7 and older. Please share your lighthouse stories with us. back to VisitPensacola.com