The Florida Panhandle is a region that covers the northwest corner of the US state of Florida. A unique feature of this area is its plethora of lighthouses. These lighthouses are steeped in maritime history and make for excellent tourist attractions.
St. Marks’s Lighthouse
The St. Marks’s Lighthouse is one of the most iconic lighthouses in the Panhandle. It is located near the town of St. Marks, which lies at the mouth of the Wakulla River. This lighthouse was built in 1829, and is still in use today. It is notable for its distinctive black and white spiral stripes and its tall white octagonal tower, which stands at a height of 59 feet. The St. Marks’s Lighthouse is open to the public and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Pensacola Lighthouse
The Pensacola Lighthouse stands at a whopping 170 feet tall and is one of the most recognizable lighthouses in the Panhandle. It is located on the grounds of Naval Air Station Pensacola and has been in operation since 1824. The lighthouse features a black and white spiral pattern, similar to the St. Marks’s Lighthouse, but with a more classic look. The lighthouse is open to the public and offers spectacular views of the Gulf Coast and Pensacola Bay.
Destin Harbor Light
The Destin Harbor Light is located near the mouth of East Pass and is one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the Panhandle. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1935 and has been in operation ever since. It is a small, red-and-white tower with a beacon light that can be seen from far away. The Destin Harbor Light is open to the public and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Cape San Blas Lighthouse
The Cape San Blas Lighthouse is located on the Gulf Coast, near the town of Port St. Joe. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Panhandle and was built in 1848. This lighthouse features a black and white spiral pattern, but with a more modern look. The lighthouse is open to the public and offers stunning views of the Gulf Coast.
St. Joseph Peninsula Lighthouse
The St. Joseph Peninsula Lighthouse is located on the Gulf Coast near Port St. Joe. It was originally built in 1838, and has since been restored. The lighthouse is a red-and-white tower, with a distinctive black spiral pattern. The St. Joseph Peninsula Lighthouse is open to the public and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Cape St. George Lighthouse
The Cape St. George Lighthouse is located on the Gulf Coast near Port St. George. It was originally built in 1852 and has since been restored. This lighthouse features a black and white spiral pattern, similar to the St. Marks’s Lighthouse, but with a more modern look. The Cape St. George Lighthouse is open to the public and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Fort Pickens Lighthouse
The Fort Pickens Lighthouse is located near Pensacola Beach and is one of the most popular lighthouses in the Panhandle. It was originally built in 1834, and has since been restored. This lighthouse features a black and white spiral pattern, similar to the St. Marks’s Lighthouse, but with a more modern look. The Fort Pickens Lighthouse is open to the public and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Dog Island Lighthouse
The Dog Island Lighthouse is located near the town of Carrabelle and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Panhandle. It was originally built in 1839, and has since been restored. This lighthouse features a black and white spiral pattern, similar to the St. Marks’s Lighthouse, but with a more modern look. The Dog Island Lighthouse is open to the public and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Conclusion
The Florida Panhandle is home to many lighthouses that are steeped in history and make for excellent tourist attractions. From the iconic St. Marks’s Lighthouse to the majestic Pensacola Lighthouse, these lighthouses offer visitors a unique glimpse into the maritime history of the area. Whether you are visiting for a day or a week, the lighthouses of the Florida Panhandle are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.