Four historic lighthouses along Florida's Forgotten Coast, each with panoramic views, layered history, and striking coastal scenery along Highway 98.
Best Lighthouses on Florida's Forgotten Coast
The lighthouses of the Forgotten Coast are beacons of maritime heritage that define this unique 90-mile stretch of Florida's Panhandle. Visiting any of these unique structures is like stepping back in time and experiencing Florida as it was before the 1970s, with a sense of mystique, romanticism, and solitude.
Each lighthouse here tells a story of survival against nature, which is fascinating to discover in detail when you visit. Climbing these towers rewards you with unparalelled views of St. Joseph Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Even if you don't climb up, the sites still offer amazing observation decks and peaceful picnic areas.
The best way to explore them? A scenic road trip along Florida's Forgotten Coast reveals four historic lighthouses, panoramic views, and distinctive coastal landscapes along Highway 98.
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In this blog post, I'll share why it's worth taking the time to explore the lighthouses of Florida's Forgotten Coast on your next visit, along with a few practical tips to help you plan a scenic road trip along Highway 98.
In this guide:
In this blog post, I'll share why it's worth taking the time to explore the lighthouses of Florida's Forgotten Coast on your next visit, along with a few practical tips to help you plan a scenic road trip along Highway 98.
In this guide:
- Climb a bold black-and-white beacon with a dramatic past in Port St. Joe
- Catch wide island views from a beautifully rebuilt tower on St. George Island
- Step inside a rare skeletal lighthouse with striking lines in Carrabelle
- Take in the marshland stillness around a historic white tower in St. Marks
1. Cape San Blas Lighthouse, Port St. Joe
The Cape San Blas Lighthouse is a 101-foot-tall black and white beacon with a past that feels almost mythic. Originally built over 130 years ago, it has survived multiple rebuilds, a Civil War attack in 1862, and even a shipwreck during transport. In 2014, it was moved inland due to shoreline erosion and now stands in George Core Park, overlooking St. Joseph Bay.
What Makes It Unique
Unlike many coastal lighthouses, its setting is surprisingly soft. Surrounded by pines and greenery, the bold black and white tower rises in sharp contrast to the landscape, making it visually striking from nearly any angle.
Is It Worth the Climb?
Yes. The 131-step climb leads to wide, calm views over St. Joseph Bay, where the scenery feels open and unhurried.
Beyond the Tower
At the base, the Maddox House Welcome Center, Keeper's Quarters, and the St. Joseph Telephone Company add depth to the visit, with antiques and exhibits that bring the lighthouse's history into focus. Even from a distance, it stands out clearly along the horizon, simple but hard to ignore.
2. Cape St. George Lighthouse, St. George Island
The Cape St. George Lighthouse is a reconstruction of a beacon first built in 1833 on Little St. George Island. The previous tower stood for 153 years before collapsing into the Gulf in 2005 due to erosion. What stands today was rebuilt in 2008 using 22,000 salvaged original bricks, the result of a remarkable community effort.
What Makes It Unique
Its position is immediate and striking. Located at the center of St. George Island, right at the end of the causeway bridge, it comes into view as you cross the Bryant Patton Bridge, rising cleanly against open sky and wide coastal surroundings.
Is It Worth the Climb?
Yes. The 92-step climb offers uninterrupted views of the island, where land, water, and sky meet in a simple, expansive composition. Full moon climbs add an even more atmospheric version of the experience (more on that below).
Beyond the Tower
The adjacent Keeper's House replica serves as a museum, with artifacts and a third-order Fresnel lens replica that bring the lighthouse's story into clearer focus. It's a straightforward setting, but one that feels complete.
3. Crooked River Lighthouse, Carrabelle
The Crooked River Lighthouse, built in 1895, stands at 103 feet and is the tallest along the Forgotten Coast. Unlike traditional brick towers, it is an iron skeletal structure designed to guide mariners through the challenging pass between St. George and Dog Islands. Decommissioned in 1995, it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What Makes It Unique
Its half-red, half-white iron frame gives it a distinctly graphic quality. The open structure shifts visually depending on your angle, sometimes appearing light and almost transparent, other times acting as a strong vertical anchor against the sky.
Is It Worth the Climb?
Yes, especially for a different perspective. The climb reveals the structure's geometry in a more intimate way, making the experience feel less about height and more about form and design.
Beyond the Tower
The surrounding park adds a relaxed, lived-in feel, with a restored 1895 wash house, a small museum, and open spaces for picnics. Inside, the rare fourth-order bivalve Fresnel lens, often described as "spaceship-like," adds an unexpected highlight. Seasonal events like the Fall Lantern Fest and farmers markets bring a subtle sense of rhythm to the space.
4. St. Marks Lighthouse, St. Marks
The St. Marks Lighthouse, built in 1842, is the second oldest lighthouse in Florida. Designed for durability, its walls are four feet thick at the base, built to withstand the region's hurricanes. It remains active today and is managed within the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
What Makes It Unique
Set within marshland at the end of County Road 59, the lighthouse stands in a wide, open landscape. Its 80-foot tower of "brilliant whiteness" contrasts sharply with the muted tones of water, grass, and sky.
Is It Worth the Climb?
Not quite, as the tower is rarely open for climbing. However, the nearby observation deck offers wide, uninterrupted views across the refuge, making it worthwhile in a different way.
Beyond the Tower
The setting itself becomes part of the experience. The Keeper's House, open on select Saturdays, adds an extra historical layer, while the surrounding refuge creates a slower, more contemplative atmosphere where the landscape takes the lead.
Full Moon Tower Climbs
If you're around at the right time, this is one of the more memorable ways to experience the lighthouses. Two of the towers open after dark for full moon climbs, when the views shift from bright coastal panoramas to something even more atmospheric.
- Crooked River Lighthouse: Full Moon Tower Tours take place on the night of the full moon, weather permitting. At $10 per person, it's a simple, low-key way to see the coastline under moonlight, with a very different feel from the daytime climb.
- Cape St. George Lighthouse (St. George Island): Monthly full moon climbs are also offered here, with two options: $10 for the standard climb or $15 if you'd like light snacks included. Reservations are recommended, as these evenings tend to fill up quickly.
Heads Up! Schedules can vary, so it's worth checking ahead before planning your visit.
Do It All in One Go?
Seeing all four lighthouses in one trip is entirely doable and surprisingly relaxed. The full route takes about six hours, assuming roughly an hour at each stop. The drive along Highway 98 ties everything together with long stretches of coastal scenery in between. What more could you ask for on a scenic and relaxing day along Florida's Forgotten Coast?
Extra Tips for Planning Your Lighthouse Route
A few practical details can make the experience feel much more relaxed.
- If you're planning to see all four in one day, it's worth starting early. That way, you'll have enough time to explore the small museums and gift shops before they close, rather than rushing through the stops.
- There are height requirements for climbing, typically between 40 and 44 inches, and most sites require sturdy, closed-toed shoes.
- Bug spray is also essential, as these are coastal environments.
- Keep in mind that all locations operate on Eastern Standard Time, which matters if you're coming from west of Port St. Joe.
- Because many of these lighthouses are operated by volunteers or have hours that shift with the season and weather, it's a good idea to call ahead to confirm they're open for climbing.
- Once you're there, take things at a steady pace. Stairwells are typically narrow, so it's customary to give right-of-way to those descending.
- And along the drive, especially between St. Marks and Amelia Island, keep an eye out for roadside stands. They're a good excuse to pause and try local favorites like boiled peanuts or smoked mullet, which fit the setting perfectly.
Live Florida's Forgotten Coast like a Local
Stay like a local by booking a vacation rental with Pristine Properties. We're proud to offer a curated selection of top pet-friendly vacation homes, all conveniently located near the best Florida Gulf Coast beaches.
Our properties are well-located, just steps away from beautiful beaches, great dining options, and an array of outdoor pursuits. That's how you ensure a perfect holiday on the Florida Gulf Coast!
Our properties are well-located, just steps away from beautiful beaches, great dining options, and an array of outdoor pursuits. That's how you ensure a perfect holiday on the Florida Gulf Coast!
