Always fascinating and with so much history behind them, lighthouses have been the guiding light to thousands of sailors around the world.

Here in Florida we have several that I’ve visited in the past few years. The St. Augustine lighthouse, Ponce de Leon Inlet just south of Daytona Beach, and just came back from a visit to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.

If you have never visited a lighthouse before, let me encourage you to make it on your list of places to visit. The Jupiter Lighthouse is operated by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

We arrived at 10:30 am but it still was quite warm. A friendly tour guide takes you along and explains all the history behind this 1860 landmark. The outdoor exhibits include the Oil House, Tindall Pioneer Homestead, Pennock Plantation Bell, Seminole Chickee kiosk. You also have access to the museum with many artifacts and video room. Surprising to find the Station J Cafe snack shop closed since it seems that people would really enjoy some ice cream and cold beverages but they had some free samples of homemade fudge in the gift shop. Lots of comfortable chairs outside while you wait for your tour to begin. However it’s well worth the effort to climb all 105 steps to make it to the top for the spectacular views. Keep in mind that climbers must be 48 inches tall and it’s best to wear regular shoes.

They are open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays and major holidays. From January through April they are open 7 days a week.

Located at 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter. Indiantown Rd. east, turn left on US 1 and then turn right at Beach Road and turn right again into Lighthouse Park. Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for children 6-18. Active military admitted free with current ID.

Here is a short video from our recent visit.