Gulf Coast
Lighthouses (more properly called "light stations") and lightships of the U.S. Gulf Coast states including Florida, Louisiana, and Alabama. Many are open to the public, including opportunities to explore lighthouse grounds, climb the tower, and view the Fresnel lens. Lighthouse photography is a popular activity. Some remote lighthouses are accessible by water only. A number of lighthouses and lightships are accompanied by locally managed maritime museums. If you operate a lighthouse that's open to the public, send your news about activities to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Browse a list of lighthouses where you can volunteer as a lighthouse keeper or just stay overnight.
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Alligator Reef Lighthouse
Established and built in 1873, the cast-iron Alligator Reef Lighthouse was automated in 1963 and is still an active aid to navigation.
American Shoal Lighthouse
Established and built in 1880, the American Shoal Lighthouse was automated in 1963 and is still an active aid to navigation.
Anclote Key Lighthouse
Established and built in 1887, the Anclote Key Lighthouse was deactivated in 1985 and is now within a wildlife refuge.
Biloxi Lighthouse
Built in 1848, the Biloxi Lighthouse was one of the original cast-iron lighthouses constructed in the U.S. It is believed to be the only remaining lighthouse marking the Mississippi shore.
Cape San Blas Lighthouse
Established in 1848, the current Cape San Blas Lighthouse was constructed in 1885 and deactivated in 1996.
Cape St. George Lighthouse
Established in 1833, the current Cape St. George Lighthouse was constructed in 1852. Deactivated in 1994, the lighthouse is now a museum.
Cedar Keys Lighthouse
Established and built in 1854, the Cedar Keys Lighthouse was deactivated in 1915. Also known as Seahorse Key Lighthouse, the site is now used by the University of Florida as a marine lab.
Chandeleur Island Lighthouse
Established and built in 1896, the Chandeleur Island Lighthouse was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Crooked River Lighthouse
Established and built in 1895, the Crooked River Lighthouse, also known as Carrabelle Lighthouse, was deactivated in 1995 and is now in a public park.
Egmont Key Lighthouse
Established in 1848, the current Egmont Key Lighthouse was constructed in 1858. Automated in 1989, the lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation within a wildlife refuge.
Galveston Jetty Lighthouse
Established and built in 1918, the Galveston Jetty Lighthouse was deactivated in 1972 and collapsed in 2000. The lantern room, rescued before the collapse, is now on display at Galveston College.
Gasparilla Island Range Lighthouse
Established in 1890, the front range Gasparilla Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1890, and the rear range tower was built in 1932. Both lights, as known as the Boca Grande Range Lighthouses, are still active aids to navigation.
Half Moon Reef Lighthouse
Established in 1858, the Half Moon Reef Lighthouse originally guided mariners through Matagorda Bay. The lighthouse survived several hurricanes, only to be threatened by bombing practice in 1942. The now deactivated lighthouse was moved ashore in 1978.
Key West Lighthouse
Established in 1825, the current Key West Lighthouse was constructed in 1847. Deactivated in 1969, the lighthouse is within the Key West National Historic District.
Linoma Lighthouse
The Linoma Lighthouse is located at Linoma Beach, a resort opened in 1926 on the east bank of the Platte River. The lighthouse itself was lit in 1939.
Lydia Ann Lighthouse
Established in 1855 and built in 1857, the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, originally called the Aransas Pass Lighthouse, was destroyed by Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. The second, current structure was built in 1867, and was deactivated in 1952.
Matagorda Island Lighthouse
Established and built in 1852, the cast-iron Matagorda Island Lighthouse was damaged during the Civil War. After the war, it was moved to avoid encroachment by the Gulf of Mexico. The lighthouse is now within a state park.
Mobile Bay Light
Established and built in 1885, the Mobile Bay Lighthouse, also called Middle Bay Light, is an example of a screw-pile lighthouse, in which pilings with screw-like head are driven into the sand. Deactivated in 1967, the lighthouse is now under the care of a not-for-profit organization.
Mobile Point Lighthouse
Established and built in 1822, the remains of the Mobile Point Lighthouse are at Fort Morgan, a memorial to the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay.