Standing on the grounds of Naval Air Station Pensacola, the Pensacola Light has guided mariners along Florida’s Gulf Coast since 1824, making it one of the oldest lighthouses in the state. The current tower, rebuilt in 1859, replaced the original structure deemed too short. Its first-order Fresnel lens once cast light visible for miles across Pensacola Bay.

The lighthouse remains an active navigational aid but is not open to the public for climbing due to its location on a military installation. Early morning and sunset offer the best photography light against the Gulf backdrop.

Nearby, visitors can explore the National Naval Aviation Museum, Fort Barrancas, and the sugar-white beaches of Pensacola Beach.

Explore Nearby

• Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park — State Park in Florida
• Big Lagoon State Park — State Park in Florida
• the Coastal Connection scenic byway — Scenic Byway in Alabama
• Conecuh National Forest — National Forest in Alabama