Cedar Key Light

Built in 1854 on Seahorse Key, this historic lighthouse guided mariners through the Gulf Coast waters near Cedar Key, Florida. The light served as a crucial navigational aid for the region’s once-thriving timber and fishing industries. During the Civil War, Confederate forces darkened the beacon, and the island later served as a military detention camp. Now decommissioned, the lighthouse sits within the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge and is not open to the public, though it’s visible by boat. The best photography comes during golden hour from the water. Nearby, visitors can explore Cedar Key’s charming waterfront village, enjoy fresh Gulf seafood, kayak through pristine salt marshes, and visit the Cedar Key Museum State Park.

Explore Nearby

• Cedar Key Museum State Park — State Park in Florida
• Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve — State Park in Florida
• Ocala National Forest — National Forest in Florida
• Groveland, Florida Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Florida
• Osceola National Forest — National Forest in Florida