Section 2.8: South Florida’s Iconic Lighthouses

In the southern part of the state, visitors can head to the gorgeous Key West Lighthouse, originally activated in 1826, but moved further inland in 1848 to become the first lighthouse built within the limits of a city. The white tower, featuring a black lantern, has 88 steps and rewards its visitors with stunning views of the island and harbor. There’s also an onsite museum, housed in the restored keeper’s dwelling.

Farther north, the Cape Florida Lighthouse, dating from 1847—although it was raised and improved in 1855—is Miami-Dade County’s oldest structure. It’s located at the southern end of Key Biscayne within the  Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

Once visitors reach the top of the 112 steps, they’ll have a gorgeous view of Miami Beach, as well as the mainland’s famous skyline. Today’s lighthouse and keeper’s quarters stay true to the lighthouse’s 1855 appearance. Several other lighthouses are sprinkled throughout the Florida Keys, many only able to be viewed from afar or via private boat. 

Those heading to the Palm Beaches will feast their eyes on the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, whose 108-ft. red tower—that’s 105 steps—was first illuminated in 1860. It is said that the Fresnel lens topping the tower is the oldest in the state, plus the tower itself sits on an ancient Indian shell mound. Visitors can opt for sunset tours of the lighthouse, which will grant them breathtaking views of the surroundings. 

Midway between the Cape Florida and Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse stands the 144-ft. Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, originally constructed in 1907 and featuring 175 steps.