Every vacation destination has an attraction you can’t miss. On SGI, you won’t want to miss the St. George Island Lighthouse! An incredible history and great views combine for this must-see activity. Now located in the center of our island, it once illuminated the Gulf of Mexico. Come stand in the light of this honored island treasure and learn an important bit of St. George history on your next trip to the Forgotten Coast!
Are you thinking about coming to St. George Island for a vacation? Take a look at our Things to Do page for all of our most trusted businesses and activities! Collins Vacation Rentals has been on the island for more than 40 years, so we know the ins and outs of the Forgotten Coast. Here, you will find more spots like the St. George Island Lighthouse, outdoor activities, local restaurants, and more!
St. George Island Lighthouse History
The St. George Island Lighthouse has become a huge part of our island history . It has seen several reincarnations, making it clear that it has become a beloved symbol of the community over the ages. The first lighthouse was erected in 1833 on the western tip of the island. However, ships found it difficult to see when coming in from the eastern gulf. When storms damaged it in 1846, a new lighthouse was rebuilt on the southern cape. Unfortunately, that lighthouse lasted only three years after its completion.
The third St. George Island lighthouse, completed in 1852, was much more sturdy. Aside from a stint during the Civil War when the light was turned off to avoid guiding Northern ships, the light remained lit until 1994. Brutal storms attacked the lighthouse repeatedly, so a “Save the Light” campaign began to raise money for renovations. Unfortunately, it ended up collapsing into the Gulf of Mexico in 2005.
The Current Lighthouse
Because the St. George Island Lighthouse was so important to the community, the newly-established St. George Lighthouse Association worked with the State of Florida DEP to painstakingly salvage the fallen light piece by piece. Volunteers cleaned the old mortar off more than 20,000 of the original bricks so that they could be reused in the reconstruction of the lighthouse!
Visiting the St. George Island Lighthouse
Every time someone asks us what to do when visiting our island, we tell them they have to climb the St. George Island Lighthouse. Such a simple activity has so much to offer! Begin your visit in the replica of the original Keeper’s House, located right next to the lighthouse. Here, you can purchase your ticket to climb the light, plus explore the small museum inside. There are artifacts from the original lighthouse and the lightkeepers that once lived there.
Once you have gotten your ticket, it’s time for the St. George Island Lighthouse climb. 92 steps will take you to the top where you will have to scale a small ladder. Once you are up, you will have a 360-degree view of the island around you! You’ll see everything from your favorite island restaurants to the blue ocean.
St. George Island Lighthouse Full Moon Climb
If you’re looking for something extra special, consider a Full Moon Climb. Full Moon Climbs are held monthly, and admission includes hors d’oeuvres and sparkling cider. The climb costs just $10 for the general public, but reservations are recommended as space is limited. You’ll get to see the entire island in the moonlight!
Start Planning Today
It’s time to start planning the vacation of a lifetime on our secluded island. Start by booking your stay at one of our gorgeous homes at Collins Vacation Rentals! Stocked with top-of-the-line amenities and located within convenient drives to many of the area’s top attractions like the St. George Island Lighthouse, our homes are the perfect place for a tranquil island getaway. When you stay with us on beautiful St. George, you can leave your worries at the door knowing that we have thoroughly considered and planned for all of your needs. Have fun and relax without a care in the world! Book your stay today!
