Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
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Cape Canaveral Lighthouse - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
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Explore the cape canaveral lighthouse.
Explore this little known Space Coast Gem
Florida’s Space Coast is chock full of space history. While the Kennedy Space Center is an excellent way to learn about the space program, there’s one tour that offers an even broader view into the past. The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Tour is a tucked-away beacon to both the past and future. For a comprehensive understanding of Space Coast history, you won’t want to miss it!
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CAPE CANAVERAL LIGHTHOUSE
Photo Gallery
Bumper rocket passes by the Lighthouse, July 1950
Lighthouse as a Cape work area, Circa 1960
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse – 2013
Lighthouse Aerial – 2010
The lighthouse enjoys popularity almost equal to rockets launched from the Cape, 12 July 2005
Spiral staircase leads to the lantern room, 12 July 2005
The lighthouse is the oldest standing structure on the Cape. Originally built in 1868 to replace a much shorter brick lighthouse, it was moved to its present location and put back into service in 1894.
If you ever wondered what the view was like from the top of the lighthouse, you can now see for yourself. A series of photos taken from the catwalk by lighthouse volunteer George Eustis was transformed into a 360 degree view. It was a difficult task to take the photos because the camera had to be moved for each shot. We think you will find the result breathtaking. See the panoramic view from the top of the lighthouse.
A sign designating the lighthouse a Florida Heritage Site (text below) stands along the road in front of the lighthouse.
Additional information about the lighthouse and can be found at the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation web site.
Related Pages:
- Original Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Site
- Lighthouse Exhibit
- Lighthouse Gazebo Exhibit
- Early Cape Residents Exhibit
- Old Pioneer Cemetery
- Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation
- The Lighthouse That Never Fails
- CCSFS Markers, Memorials, Sites, and Stories
Historical Markers
Florida Heritage Site sign in front of lighthouse
Historical marker monument at lighthouse
Plaque on top of historical marker monument at lighthouse
Plaque on front of historical marker monument at lighthouse
Plaque inside first level of lighthouse
On May 21, 1838, Florida Territorial delegate Charles Downing requested a lighthouse be built on Cape Canaveral. The first lighthouse completed in Jan. 1848 stood 65-feet tall, had a 55 foot tower and a 10-foot lantern room equipped with 15 lamps on 21-inch reflectors. The brick tower and keeper’s home cost under $13,300. Nathaniel Scobie oversaw construction and appointed the first keeper. With the advent of the Civil War, S. Mallory, Confederate Navy Secretary, ordered Florida east coast lighthouses “extinguished.” Keeper Mills Burnham removed the lamp and buried it in his orange grove. A state-of-the-art, 151-foot iron tower was erected in 1868 and topped with a 1st Order Fresnel lens. The tower’s living quarters were used for storage and a weather station. In 1871 a storm surge washed over the lighthouse area spoiling lamp oil and drinking water. This and shoreline erosion caused the lighthouse to be moved. From Oct. 1893 to Jul. 1894 the tower was dismantled, moved by tram one mile inland and re-erected, along with a 1st and 2nd assistant’s and keeper’s homes, to its present location. In 1939 the Coast Guard took ownership. In 2000 stewardship was transferred to the 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base.
A FLORIDA HERITAGE SITE SPONSORED BY THE BREVARD COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION THE BREVARD COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE
The light on Cape Canaveral, from its limited power and range, has never been of much, if indeed any, benefit to navigators, notwithstanding its prominent and highly important position. �No navigator who is aware of the existence of these dangerous shoals would be justified in running his vessel boldly for this light, especially in bad weather, unless his vessel is of very light draft. From the deck of a vessel�say fifteen feet above the water�this light (65 feet high) cannot be seen, under the most favorable circumstances of weather, over fourteen miles, or within two miles of the outlying dangers.
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
What makes the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse so special, is that it is the only fully-operational lighthouse owned by the U.S. Air Force. Access is very limited as it is on an active military base. There are bus tours going to the lighthouse, but you have to make a reservation in advance for security purposes.
The 151 ft. tall Cape Canaveral Lighthouse was constructed in 1868 and located on the Cape Canaveral beach. Due to shoreline erosion, the lighthouse got dismantled and relocated 1.5 miles inland in the early 1890s. In July 1894, the light was relit again. 1939 the U.S. Coast Guard took ownership and in 2000 stewardship was transferred to the 45th Space Wing.
The original top of the lighthouse can now be found at the Air Force Space and Missile Museum. After it was dismantled it got rejuvenated as a gazebo at the missile museum.
Lighthouse Tour
The lighthouse is open to the public but only on certain dates. You have to book the tour at least 48 hours (US citizens) in advance as the lighthouse is located on an active military installation and the tour operator has to provide a manifest to the Air Force for security clearance. Foreigners need to book at least 4 days in advance. Bear in mind that the tour can be canceled at any time due to the location of the lighthouse on an Air Force Base.
Book your tour at Canaveral Lighthouse Tours .
The air-conditioned tour buses depart from the Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral and will transport you to the lighthouse. Visitors will have one hour at the lighthouse to enjoy the grounds and talk to the volunteers on-site. You can climb the lighthouse only to the fifth level and must wear flat closed-toe shoes and be at least 48 inches tall. The inside of the lighthouse shows some memorabilia and the history of the lighthouse.
The fully narrated tour will pass many historic Launch Complexes on its way. During your tour, you will stop at Space Launch Complex 14 (SLC-14) including the Mercury program memorial , Space Launch Complex 34 (SLC-34), and the Sands History Museum . Overall the tour takes about 3.5 hours of which you spend one hour at the lighthouse. Photos can be taken even while riding the bus to the different stops of the tour, except for the security gates. These are the only locations you are not allowed to photograph.
Admission to the Exploration Tower is included with your tour ticket. Enjoy the stunning views of Port Canaveral and the surrounding areas from the observation decks while learning more about the history of the port. Don’t forget to stop at the Sands Space History Center. It is located outside the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station South Gate. You can drive your own car all the way to the museum. Just follow the signs along the road. Once you approach the south gate, you will first pass a fence that has no guard station. It’s ok to pass this fence until you get to a traffic light where you have to make a right followed by an immediate left and you will end up at the parking lot of the History Center. The Sands History Center is located behind the SpaceX building.
The price of the tour is now $49.95 per person. Save $5 if you enter promo code “light” during your checkout process. Visit the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation website for tour schedules and more information. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours and visitors will spend about one hour at the lighthouse.
Since the beginning of 2019 new tour dates were introduced and tours run now pretty much every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. There are some exclusions and some special dates for tours. Check the calendar on the website for availability. Please remember the booking deadline: 2 days for US citizens and 4 days for foreigners. Don’t forget to bring your ID.
Lighthouse Passport Stamp
This tour gives you the option to have your Lighthouse Passport stamped. The only other way to get a stamp for the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is to request a passport stamp via mail.
Alternate Tour
Alternatively, you can take the Cape Canaveral Early Space Tour , which departs from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This 3-hour tour main stop is at the Air Force Space & Missile Museum. Besides that, you will drive by the lighthouse and are able to snap some pictures but you won’t be able to get out or have your passport stamped.
Ongoing Project
The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation (CCLF) is currently constructing the Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage. It will house a gift shop and various displays pertaining to life at the lighthouse. Artifacts from different time periods will teach you about life as it was from when the Ais Indians first inhabited these shores. An additional building behind the Head Keeper’s Cottage will house modern restrooms for staff and visitors.
Two more cottages will be built over time which will further extend the experience.
- First Assistant’s Cottage: Walk-through tour showcasing the architecture of the period and how lighthouse keepers and their families lived
- Second Assistant’s Cottage: Will house an Education Center with various interactive displays.
These three Keeper’s cottages surrounded the lighthouse but got destroyed after 76 years of existence. The original plans from 1942 were used to rebuild these houses. The period furniture will help to further promote the history of this place and what it was like to live here as a lighthouse keeper family.
The Mysterious Hangar Next Door
During your visit to the lighthouse, I am sure you have noticed the big hangar next door. The official designation is Hangar C and it’s part of the Air Force Space and Missile Museum.
Inside you will find about a dozen different rockets. All in very good shape and restored to its original glory. When you look at them, you think they were just built recently. Showcasing anything man-made outside in Florida takes a huge toll on these objects. Just look at the rockets displayed at the Air Force Space and Missile Museum. Hurricanes, rain, and salt got to these objects and some of them are in a very bad condition. They require constant maintenance, where it is easier to protect them indoors. Unfortunately, Hangar C is only open for special events.
Peter has a passion for Traveling, Photography, and Geocaching. These are the best ingredients for amazing adventures all over the globe. “Traveling is fun, no matter if you stay in a luxury hotel or travel like a backpacker.” Peter shares his experiences on his Blog www.gatetoadventures.com Some of Peter’s photos are published on corporate websites, in-flight magazines, travel guides, and much more.
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[…] year I got lucky enough to visit the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse while it was “open” to visitors. As I was talking to the volunteers … Read more »
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You must be on a tour to visit the Lighthouse and the Missile Museum. Reservations are required a minimum of 2 days in advance …
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We went today. A group of 4. Our tour guide was FANTASTIC. We had the 2 hour tour. Great place. Can take the 4 hour or two hour tour. I would recommend this but probably not in July and August. FL can be brutal those months. Today was perfect!! We will definitely go again. This tour group is very professional and personable.
Talk about history and what made this part of Florida known as the Space Coast! This is really cool experience and can vary on what you are able to see at Cape Canaveral. They have weekly tours (typically Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) that are about three hours long that will take you to the lighthouse, launch complexes, and some of their programs that are on station. Their guides are super knowledgeable and will help paint the rich history of the space program here. If you decide to do this, you'll need to reserve 2 days in advanced for security clearance purposes (4 days for foreign visitors). The cost is about $50 for adults and $45 for kiddos. You can do a group of 4 for about $180 as well.
See all photos from Sky T. for Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Tours
This is a wonderful place to visit! Information about the lighthouse can be found at canaverallight.org. The lighthouse is located next to Hangar C on Lighthouse Road on Cape Canaveral so access is limited. The website can give you details on the various methods to obtain tours of the facility. It is limited to paying for tours unless you have made special arrangements and have access to the base. However you get there, the restoration of this lighthouse is truly impressive. If you are driving, there seems to be plenty of parking at the lot around the Hangar C building located south of the structures. There are at least 4 distinct areas to see for the lighthouse and each one has informational signs or a guide located nearby. There is the flora and fauna behind it. There is a visitors center and gift shop in the building next to it. There is a generator building. And, of course, there is the lighthouse. On the day that we visited, there were several guides to provide information at each of the locations listed. The lighthouse was open to the 3rd level. Each level had stories and information related to its use. The exit is down the stairway along the side of the building from the 3rd floor. The guides were all very friendly and knowledgeable. The buildings looked well-kept and the walkway and informational signs appeared brand new. I highly recommend this tour if you can get a chance to see it.
See all photos from Ward D. for Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Tours
Enjoyed our informative tour led by Shelly and Karen. Their knowledge of the area, along with their enthusiasm for the space program, provided a delightful morning. Loved getting on to the base and seeing the inside of the blockhouse, which was like taking a quick trip back in time. The lighthouse is an integral part of the area's history so we're happy we finally took a tour. Definitely recommend whether you're from the area or from out of town.
I enjoyed visiting this Lighthouse in 2012. My only disappointment was that the tour is limited to the 5th level due to safety reasons. I wanted to climb to the top. Other than that it's a nice Lighthouse. I liked hearing about the history of the lighthouse and seeing the old Lighthouse keeper's furniture inside the lighthouse. I took some great photos. I need to visit again soon since it was raining when we last visited.
I went on the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse tour in 2012. It was a free 3 hour air conditioned bus tour only on Wednesdays done by the military base. I checked recently and it's now $27, on Fridays and Saturdays and operated by a tour company. The old tour didn't include admission to the Exploration Tower since it wasn't built yet. The old tour included all the other stops. We enjoyed the Air Force Space and Missile History Center since we are space buffs. I liked the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse. I climbed the lighthouse and it was so wide inside that the lighthouse keeper lived inside with furniture on the different levels. The only part that disappointed me was that the lighthouse tour was limited to the 5th level due to safety reasons. I wanted to climb to the top! Other than that I enjoyed the tour.
This was a great tour Not only do you get to tour the lighthouse but it is a behind the scenes bus tour of historic sites on the cape launch area and current day launch pads. The tour guide was incredible. Very knowledgeable and entertaining. He shared historical magazines and National Geographic issues relate to to the 60's space program. TAKE THIS TOUR!!!! Well worth the price.
Tour was terrific! What an opportunity for people to be able to go onto the Cape Canaveral Air Force base in a small tour bus and hear the stories and history of the base and current flights planned. The Lighthouse tour with museum great, but also just driving through select launch sites from the past and seeing the Air Force Museum. We were talking about the tour the next day with enthusiasm. Well recommended if this is an area of interest for you.
It was so pretty and the tour was great. Everyone should stop by if your ever near there. Amazing!
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Join us on a journey through the evolution of exploration.
The Lighthouse guided the first explorers along the coast, stood tall with the dawn of spaceflight, and continues to shine as we embark toward the new frontier of interplanetary travel.
Our Premier Lighthouse & Spaceflight Tour is fully guided, interactive with multimedia presentations. Length of tour is approximately 4 hours and
$62.50 (group and children discounts). We stop at the lighthouse where you spend approximately 1 hour and a Lighthouse docent provides a semi-guided tour. The first 5 floors of the lighthouse inside are available for climbing as well as the outside 3rd floor staircase when weather permits. The lighthouse museum, gift store and grounds surrounding lighthouse await your visit.
We visit historic missile launch complexes, Space Program museums with artifacts and exhibits of Air Force launch vehicles and programs. The tour stops at the Space Force Missile Museum, you get to go into the block house where we launched our first satellite and walk where we launched our first U.S. Astronauts into space. The tour also has views of the vast surrounding of the cape including historic Cape Canaveral Community Cemetery. The wildlife on the cape at times give us a display as they have so much protected land to live and thrive on. BOOK NOW!
The Lighthouse and Missile Museum Excursion is a 3 hour excursion for $45 per person. You visit the lighthouse where you spend approximately 1 hour and a Lighthouse docent provides a guided tour. The first 5 floors of the lighthouse inside are available for climbing as well as the outside 3rd floor staircase when weather permits. The lighthouse museum and grounds surrounding lighthouse await your visit. Also on campus is Hanger C home to a variety of refurbished missiles and spaceflight artifacts. You have an additional 30 minutes to peruse the indoor rocket garden. You then visit the Space Force Missile Museum where you go into the blockhouse where our first satellite was launched. Many other exhibits and artifacts await you, along with the many you already enjoyed at Hanger C. Tour requires one week advance reservation. BOOK NOW!
Lighthouse and Hanger C Excursion includes time at the Lighthouse, museum and grounds. A special treat to see inside Hanger C is also available while you are visiting. It is located just next door and home to a tremendous collection of artifacts from the Air Force Space and Missile Museum. This is a 2 hour excursion for $35.
You will have 1 1/2 hours on your visit to spend wherever you choose on campus. In the lighthouse, the museum, hanger C or just enjoying the grounds. Bathrooms are available on site and Canaveral Tours has water available on the van. The tour includes transportation and obtaining security clearance for guests. Reservations, like always, must be made a week in advance for US citizens and permanent residents. BOOK NOW!
We offer Private Tours for up to 10 guests. The private tour follow the same itinerary as our Premier Lighthouse and Spaceflight tour. You can participate without having to share the ride. We also offer custom dates and times for your schedule. Please contact us to set up your custom and private tour. BOOK NOW !
All Tours pickup at the Sands Space History Center , in Cape Canaveral. When navigating it is best to use Museum name rather than address (100 Space Port Way, Cape Canaveral). Tour times are varied, however most tours begin around 9am.
All Tours have mandatory requirements
- Security information is mandatory and required in advance, for all guests. U.S. citizens and residents only, Foreign Visitors are not granted access.
- Security information must be provided in advance to get you privileges onto the station. You will receive details to after reservation. If information is not received in advance, as per reservation, we will be forced to cancel the reservation with no refund.
- Changes to the itinerary, schedule and transportation my occur, we will notify you with details should that happen. If payment has been made 100% refund will be provided if you are unable to go on tour.
- Adults, over 18, must bring photo ID when checking in.
- The Space Force Station is a secure military facility; no concealed weapons are allowed.
- Only service animals are allowed on the Space Force Station.
- Climbing inside lighthouse is restricted to first 5 floors.
- There is a minimum height of 48 inches to climb the lighthouse.
- Shoes with heel straps or closed toes are required to climb, flip-flops and high-heeled shoes are not permitted.
A Living Light
The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse has stood on the cape for over 150 years. In the beginning, the current lighthouse was located about a mile and a half east toward the tip of Cape Canaveral. It was not, however, the first lighthouse located on the cape. The first tower, built of brick, was just 65 feet tall.…
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Area History
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge began with the development of the US Space Program. In 1962, NASA acquired 140,000 acres of land adjacent to the existing USAF launch facility on Cape Canaveral and established the John F. Kennedy Space Center. NASA built a launch complex and support facilities, but most…
Launch Into History with a Cape Canaveral Lighthouse & Space Tour
Cape Canaveral’s history is rooted in exploration. From the indigenous people who migrated to the area thousands of years ago to those brave pioneers who launched into the cosmos in the 50s. While not much is known of the early people who lived here, some museums and tours tell the story of America’s space program. One such tour, and the only authorized tour company to access the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, is Canaveral Lighthouse Tours. The standard tour is approximately 4 hours and covers a lot.
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Table of Contents
Launch complex 9.
The first stop on your tour is at Launch Complex 9. It was used for testing the SM-64 Navaho missiles. The Navaho was a supersonic, nuclear-armed cruise missile. The Navaho program was canceled due to poor performance of the missile in testing. 8 of 11 test launches of the prototype failed. However, the complex now has a somber purpose. In the abandoned missile silos located on the site are much of the remains of the Space Shuttle Challenger. The debris was lowered into the silos in early 1987 and sealed with concrete caps. Your visit is a solemn reminder of the dangers of space exploration.
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
The next stop along the tour is at the lighthouse. The Cape Canaveral Light, as it is known, is the only fully operational lighthouse owned by the United States Space Force. It is also the oldest standing structure on the Cape. The light was first established in 1848 to warn mariners of the shoals 13 nautical miles off the coast of the Cape. The original light was a conical brick tower that stood 65 feet (20 M) and was lit by 15 Lewis Lamps powered with whale oil. However, the light was heavily criticized with complaints that the light was too weak and too low to adequately warn ships until it was too late.
In 1860, the US Government approved the construction of a new lighthouse to address these concerns. Construction was halted during the Civil War and resumed at its conclusion. Instead of brick, the replacement tower was to be made of cast iron plates. This was to reduce costs and allow the tower to be disassembled and reassembled at a new location to escape the encroaching sea. The interior of the tower was lined with bricks to add stability and insulation. This new lighthouse, completed in 1868, was outfitted with a first-order Fresnel Lens (pronounced Frey-nel). In a Fresnel Lens, hundreds of specially cut pieces of glass surround the lamp. The design intensifies the glow of the light into a single, intense beam that can be aimed in a specific direction. These lenses meant that the light could be seen from greater distances, increasing its safety for mariners navigating by it.
The lower three levels of the lighthouse served as the living quarters for the keepers. There is a complete kitchen, living room, and bedrooms. The entrance is on the third floor and is accessible by an exterior staircase. This was to withstand flooding from storm surges and hurricanes. But, as anyone who visits Florida in the summer can attest, living in a cast iron lighthouse soon became unbearable. So keepers and their families built makeshift dwellings on the grounds until 1876 when the Government allocated $12,000 to construct permanent housing. These floors are accessible with the tour and are a great glimpse into what living in these would be like in the 19th Century.
When President Truman signed Public Law 60, on May 11, 1949, Cape Canaveral became the Joint Long Range Proving Ground. A site used for missile testing by the military. When rockets began launching from the Cape in the early 50s, all its residents were relocated except for the lighthouse keepers. But even they were relocated in 1960, with the automation of the light. Ownership transferred from the Coast Guard to the Air Force on December 14, 2000. In 2002, the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation was formed to preserve the history of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse and provide tours to the public.
Next to the lighthouse is Hangar C, the oldest missile assembly building on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It was completed in July 1953. Only 3 years after the first rocket was launched from the Cape. For 3 years, from 1953 to 1956, it was the only permanent missile assembly building on the Cape. Because of this, nearly every type of Air Force long-range guided missile program between those years utilized the hangar. It also played a supporting role in the U.S. Navy’s Project Vanguard, the country’s first official satellite program and the second successful satellite program after the Army’s Explorer series. It remained an assembly building until 1994. Although similar to other Air Force hangars, missile assembly buildings such as Hangar C were configured differently. Along the sides of the large, open central space were labs, workshops, storage areas, and offices.
Wernher von Braun and his Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) teams were the first to use Hangar C. Mr. von Braun even had an office on the second floor. Some of the other programs that used the hangar were the Bomarc surface-to-air ramjet missile, Navaho, Matador, Mace, and the tethered lighter-than-air (or TELTA) program. Today, the Air Force Space & Missile Museum showcases around 30 rocket and missile restorations.
Launch Complex 5/6 (and Launch Complex 26)
Your last stop is at Launch Complex 5/6, adjacent to Launch Complex 26. The name derives from the early practice of naming the complex after the pad number. Early launch complexes had a single pad making the naming very straightforward. Launch Complex 1 hosted pad 1 and so forth. However, Launch Complex 5/6 hosted two pads on a single complex, giving it a unique designator. Later, the naming practice of using a numeric designator for the launch complex with an alphabetic designator for the pad resulted in Pads 26A and 26B on Launch Complex 26.
Complex 5/6 was the launch site of the early Mercury-Redstone flights. Including Mercury-Redstone 3 (MR-3) on May 5, 1961. It was the first manned launch by the United States with Alan Shepard onboard. Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) followed on July 21, 1961, with Gus Grissom. Both were launched from Pad 5 and flew sub-orbital missions. The interior of the blockhouse contains much of the original equipment that was used to launch the Mercury Redstone flights.
Pad 5 has a full-sized replica of a Mercury-Redstone vehicle and Pad 6 has a launch ring set atop the pad scale. These pads were extensively modified for these missions and, as a result, were never used again after Grissom’s flight.
Do I have to take a tour?
Because the Lighthouse and Launch Complexes are located on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), a pre-approved security clearance and escort are required. Canaveral Lighthouse Tours provided this with our reservation.
If I have a military ID, can I drive out myself?
No. Only personnel with working privileges for CCSFS can access the station without an approved tour.
Can I go up into the lighthouse?
Yes. The first five floors are accessible and docents will escort you through and explain what you are seeing. However, you must be at least 48” tall and wear closed-toed shoes: no flip-flops, slip-on shoes, or high-heels.
Can I take pictures on the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse & Space Tour?
Yes. You may take pictures throughout most of the tour. There are a few buildings you cannot photograph and the tour guides will tell you which buildings these are.
How much is the tour?
Canaveral Lighthouse Tours has 4 options. Visit their website https://www.canaverallighthouse.tours/book-now/ for the most up-to-date pricing.
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Incredible historic place. Wish my grandkids lived closer, this place would be so exciting for them. We only spent 4+ hours but even a full day won’t be enough. Seeing the rockets and space shuttle were breathtaking. Go 😃...
Trip Advisor user Linda D, February 2020
Love Exploring
35 Beautiful Lighthouses You Can Visit In America
Posted: March 3, 2024 | Last updated: March 3, 2024
Shoreline landmarks
35. Bodie Island Light Station, North Carolina
Opened in 1872, this black-and-white striped wonder on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore stands at 156 feet tall and is one of the few remaining brick-built lighthouse towers in the US in operation today. A restoration project between 2009 and 2013 ensured that the spiraling 214-step stairway to the top can be climbed by visitors and you can find out about opening times and tours here .
34. West Quoddy Head Light, Maine
West Quoddy Head Light sits on the most eastern point of the US mainland, meaning visitors to this spot can be the first to see the sunrise. The original lighthouse was built in 1808 but the current 49-foot tall tower dates back to 1858. It’s the only lighthouse in the country to have this particular red-and-white, candy cane-stripe design.
33. Point Bonita Lighthouse, California
With its precarious position on the rugged rocks of San Francisco Bay’s north side, Point Bonita Lighthouse is certainly exposed to the elements. Built in 1855, it was the fourth lighthouse on the West Coast at the time. Yet it hasn’t stayed in the same spot. Initially constructed on a cliff 300 feet above the ocean, people quickly pointed out that San Fran's notoriously high fog obscured the light. So in 1877 the lighthouse was moved to its current, lower and fog-free location on the southeastern tip of the headland, where it remains active, guiding mariners into the Golden Gate straits.
32. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Oregon
While it might look more like a charming house on the cliff, this is in fact a fully working lighthouse. Built in 1871, soon after the founding of the city of Newport, the quaint Yaquina Bay Lighthouse sits atop a steep bluff at the mouth of the Yaquina River and is alleged to be the oldest structure in the city. Decommissioned in 1874, it was restored as a privately maintained beacon in 1996.
31. Gay Head Lighthouse, Massachusetts
A lighthouse has graced the shores of Aquinnah, Massachusetts since 1796 – although neither the structure nor the location has remained quite the same. After the original wooden tower decayed, a new brick version was built in 1854, whose long history has been preserved and celebrated by the Martha's Vineyard community ever since. In 2015, Gay Head Lighthouse had to be moved 135 feet southeast of its previous spot, to prevent it from toppling off the fast-eroding cliffs.
30. Cape Henry Lighthouse, Virginia
You get two for one at Virginia Beach. The ‘Old’ Cape Henry Lighthouse, pictured right, opened in 1792, and was the first federally funded public construction project by the newly formed US Government. It's near the ‘First Landing’ site where English settlers arrived. The black-and-white ‘New’ Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1881 and stands just 350 feet away from the original.
29. Biloxi Lighthouse, Mississippi
Built in 1848, Biloxi was one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South. It’s also the only lighthouse in the country to be located in the middle of a major highway. Standing at 64 feet tall, the lighthouse was in service until 1939. The tower has been battered by, and survived, many storms including Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and has become a symbol of resilience for the residents of Biloxi.
28. Block Island Southeast Light, Rhode Island
First lit in 1874, the Block Island Southeast Light replaced a previous building that fell victim to Mother Nature and it’s one of the most sophisticated lighthouses built during the 19th century. Located at the southeastern corner of the six-mile long Block Island, the red-brick building has a 52-foot tall and 25-feet wide tower, topped by a 16-sided lantern room.
27. Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station, Florida
This striking 175-foot tall red tower, located 10 miles (16km) south of Daytona Beach, is the tallest lighthouse in Florida. Built in the 1880s, it’s also one of the best-preserved light stations in the US and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998. Today, many visitors choose to climb the 203 steps to the top for incredible panoramic views across the Atlantic coast.
26. Currituck Beach Lighthouse, North Carolina
First illuminated in 1875, this Gothic-inspired brick tower looks out over the northern Outer Banks in Corolla village. Inside, there’s a 214-step spiral staircase to the top, which offers dazzling views of Currituck Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Outer Banks.
25. Cape Neddick Lighthouse, Maine
Opened in 1879 on a tiny off-shore island, or 'nubble', in York, this Victorian charmer – lovingly known as Nubble Light and Cape Neck to locals – is still in use today. It includes an adjoining lighthouse keeper’s house, inhabited by a string of caretakers, several of whom were known to charge tourists 10 cents to ferry them over to the island outside official visiting times. Although visitors can’t go onto the island today, it’s close to the shore and the nearby Sohier Park has become a prime spot for gazing out at the postcard-perfect scene.
24. Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California
Sitting atop a steep bluff along California's beautiful Highway 1, around 50 miles south of San Francisco, the 115-foot Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one of America’s tallest. It was first lit in 1872 and remains in operation today, although the original lens has been replaced by an automated LED and it’s only used for training purposes by the US Coast Guard.
23. New London Ledge Light, Connecticut
This quirky three-story, 11-room brick light station sits in the Thames River at the mouth of New London's harbor on its own man-made island. It owes its unique appearance to the fact that two wealthy local homeowners created the structure in the image of their own grand houses. Completed in 1909, it was one of the last lighthouses to be built in New England and it's still in use today.
22. White Shoal Lighthouse, Michigan
The only lighthouse in the US with this distinctive barber-pole design, White Shoal Light was first lit in 1910 and stands at 121 feet tall. Located 20 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge in Lake Michigan, the beacon is currently poised for restoration. The plans include creating six private rooms to host up to 12 guests for overnight stays, as well as a museum, bar and a lounge in the former lantern.
21. Cape Meares Lighthouse, Oregon
This cute little tower at Cape Meares, just south of Tillamook Bay, is inactive but still popular with visitors who can typically see inside on an organized tour during the summer months. Opened in 1890, it’s the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon coast at a dinky 38 feet tall. Poking out among the trees of a National Wildlife Refuge, the setting only adds to its quaint good looks.
20. Battery Point Lighthouse, California
Sitting on a small rocky outcrop just off the coast of Crescent City, Battery Point Lighthouse is only accessible at low tide. First lit in 1856, the light is still in operation today, while many of the original furnishings inside remain, giving a glimpse into the lives of former keepers and their families.
19. Split Rock Lighthouse, Minnesota
One of America’s prettiest lighthouses, the red-brick Split Rock is located southwest of Silver Bay on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The 54-foot tower was first lit in 1910 and was built after many maritime tragedies on the lake, culminating in the perilous gale of November 1905, when 18 ships were sunk or badly damaged in two days. Situated on towering cliffs and surrounded by its own state park with trails, waterways and campgrounds, the lighthouse is nothing short of majestic.
18. Lorain Lighthouse, Ohio
Built in 1917 to guide shipping on Lake Erie, one of the US’ five Great Lakes, the picture-perfect Lorain lighthouse is no longer in operation – but it’s still much loved. The light's trustees and volunteers have ensured its legacy has not been forgotten by transforming it into a wonderful attraction, earning it the nickname 'Jewel of the Port.'
17. Point Reyes Lighthouse, California
16. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, North Carolina
It may be charming to look at but the 198-foot tall Cape Hatteras Lighthouse protects one of the most dangerous parts of the coastline known as “the Graveyard of the Atlantic”. The first tower that stood here was built in 1803, but it was too short and did not provide an effective signal, so it was replaced by the structure that stands today. First lit in 1870, the beacon gained its striking black-and-white striped pattern three years later.
15. Boston Light, Massachusetts
Boston Light on Little Brewster island has probably the most eventful history of any in the country. The first structure, made of rubblestone and wood, was built in 1716 and was lit by candles. It was burned down twice during the Revolutionary War, before being blown up by the retreating British in 1776. The Boston Light that stands today was rebuilt in 1783 and measures 75 feet tall.
14. Eldred Rock Lighthouse, Alaska
Sitting in the middle of the stormy waters of Lynn Canal, Eldred Rock Lighthouse was created after a series of shipwrecks in the late 1800s. The oldest Alaskan lighthouse that still stands, the octagonal-framed, pyramid-roofed building was designed to withstand stormy weather. Backdropped by snow-capped mountains, it’s a remarkable sight.
13. Tybee Lighthouse, Georgia
Georgia’s historic Tybee Lighthouse, located at the entrance of the Savannah River, is both the oldest and tallest in the state. The first wooden lighthouse was built in 1736, but the current tower's lower portion dates from 1773, while an upper section was added in 1867. The charming site also encompasses other historic buildings including a museum and several cottages.
12. Cape Florida Light, Florida
Constructed in 1825, Cape Florida Light is located at Key Biscayne near Miami. It was decommissioned in 1878 and put back into use in 1978 by the US Coast Guard, but damaged in 1992 by Hurricane Andrew. Now restored, today it forms part of the lovely Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
11. Harbour Town Lighthouse, Hilton Head, South Carolina
Finished in 1970, this 90-foot candy-striped, hexagonal lighthouse with a red observation deck is a mere baby compared to others on the list but no less charming for it. Privately built to watch over Hilton Head Island and Sea Pines Resort, it has become a much-loved landmark that features a museum, and gift shops at the bottom and top of the light.
10. Marshall Point Lighthouse, Maine
Perched at the end of a rocky peninsula near the fishing village of Port Clyde, the 31-foot tall Marshall Point Lighthouse is connected to its keeper’s house by a long wooden walkway. Built in 1858 to replace a previous lighthouse, the white tower has been lovingly restored since. It’s also known for making a brief cameo in the movie Forrest Gump in 1994.
9. Wind Point Lighthouse, Wisconsin
Looking ultra-atmospheric in this wintry shot, the 108-foot tall Wind Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan is one of the tallest and oldest in the Great Lakes region. It was first lit in 1880 and originally contained huge fog horns, whose signals could be heard up to 10 miles away, as well as a huge Fresnel lens which is now kept in the Coast Guard Keepers Quarters. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the light is still in operation today.
8. Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon
The quaint Heceta Head Light is situated about halfway along Oregan's coastline and stands on an impressive 1,000-foot tall bluff above the crashing Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse was first lit in 1894 and it’s still guiding mariners to this day, using an automated light which is the most powerful rated on Oregon's coast. The keeper's cottage has been transformed into a B&B which offers unbeatable views of the cliffs and beach below too.
7. Portland Head Light, Maine
The oldest lighthouse in the state, Portland Head Light sits on the headland in Cape Elizabeth, keeping a watchful eye over the shipping lanes to Portland harbor. It was first illuminated in 1791, while the keeper’s house was constructed a century later and was home to the lighthouse's caretakers and their families until 1989. Today, the light station is managed by the town of Cape Elizabeth and there’s an award-winning museum in the keepers' quarters.
6. Sandy Hook Lighthouse, New Jersey
At more than 250 years old, Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in the country. Located on a low-lying spit at the entrance of New York Harbor, it was completed in 1764. The light is part of the National Recreation Area and it's possible to enjoy the six miles of golden sands as well as bird-watching and fishing.
5. Diamond Head Lighthouse, Hawaii
Recognize this quaint little lighthouse? Diamond Head Lighthouse in Oahu, Hawaii was memorialized on a US postage stamp in 2007. Sitting on the southwestern edge of Diamond Head, a 3,520-foot wide crater formed by a volcanic eruption 300,000 years ago, the lighthouse has stood guard over the coast since 1899, when it was built following two shipwrecks.
4. Loggerhead Lighthouse, Florida
Loggerhead Lighthouse is about as remote as they come. Which makes it all the more surprising that the 150-foot tall tower, located on Loggerhead Key in the Dry Tortugas islands – even further west than Key West – was the second lighthouse to be built in this archipelago. The first, Tortugas Harbor Light was erected in 1826 but by the mid-19th century, an increase in shipwrecks in the area led to the construction of Loggerhead Lighthouse in 1858.
3. Round Island Light, Michigan
2. Cockspur Island Lighthouse, Georgia
1. Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Michigan
This 112-foot tower was built in 1867 on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. It was the first lighthouse in the area but the site was largely abandoned after the last full-time keeper left in the late 1940s. The light features a distinctive black-and-white exterior, with 130 steps inside to reach the top, where visitors can gaze at the impressive views across both Ludington State Park and the lake.
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SpaceX rocket launches at Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral: Best places to watch them
Best place to watch a night rocket launch on the east coast of florida, from volusia county to the treasure coast, is at the beach..
Day or night, watching a rocket launch on the beach is so Florida. We’re especially lucky to see this on the Space Coast — it’s why we earned our moniker.
But it turns out our neighbors to the North and South of us can get a spectacular view of a rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral . Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, of course.
Below are suggestions on where and how to watch a rocket launch from Ormond Beach to Fort Pierce and what to know about this weekend’s SpaceX doubleheader.
Is there a rocket launch in Florida today? Rocket launch calendar for Florida
Here's what we know about the rocket launch missions, mentioned in FLORIDA TODAY's rocket launch calendar for the month, which is updated frequently. (Check that link often for rocket launch times and dates because they are routinely subject to change for a variety of reasons.)
FLORIDA TODAY, a USA TODAY Network-Florida newspaper, provides interactive launch coverage at floridatoday.com/space with frequent updates on launches at least 90 minutes in advance, sometimes longer, depending on the mission.
For questions or comments, email Space Reporter Rick Neale at [email protected] or tweet him @rickneale1 on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter. You also can contact Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at [email protected] or tweet her @brookeofstars on X or Instagram .
'What is that?!' A SpaceX rocket that launched from Florida was spotted -- in Texas
When is the next rocket launch at Kennedy Space Center, Florida? Saturday, April 27: SpaceX Galileo satellites
Though SpaceX has not publicly announced this mission, a National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency navigational warning shows this launch window will open Saturday, April 27, 2024.
- Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch Galileo satellites for the European Space Agency's global navigation system from NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
- Launch window: 8:29 p.m. to 9:11 p.m. EDT Saturday, April 27, 2024
- Location: Launch pad 39A
- Live coverage: Starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space .
Is there a rocket launch in Cape Canaveral, Florida? Sunday, April 28: SpaceX Starlink
Though SpaceX has not publicly announced this mission, a National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency navigational warning shows this launch window will open Sunday, April 28, 2024.
- Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a batch of Starlink internet satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- Launch window: 5:50 p.m. to 10:21 p.m. EDT Sunday, April 28, 2024
- Location: Launch Complex 40
- Trajectory: Southeast
- Local sonic boom: No
- Booster landing: Drone ship out on the Atlantic Ocean
Where to watch a SpaceX rocket launch from Space Coast of Florida
Pretty much anywhere in Brevard, you'll get a view of the rocket launch. The best view to watch a rocket launch from the Space Coast is along the beach. However, visibility will depend on weather conditions and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches.
If you are viewing the launch along the Indian River in Titusville from Space View Park or Parrish Park, look east directly across the river.
If you are farther south along the Indian River, look northeast.
Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore is the closest spot to view liftoff because it is almost parallel to Launch Pad 39A. On the beach, look south along the coastline, (you can even see the pad from some spots).
Some hotspots to check out:
- Jetty Park Beach and Pier , 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral . Note, there's a charge to park.
- Playalinda Beach , 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Note, there's a charge to park, and access to Canaveral National Seashore isn't always granted depending on capacity and time of day.
- Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park , 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Note, parking is available on both sides of Max Brewer Bridge.
- Space View Park , 8 Broad St., Titusville
- Sand Point Park , 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville
- Rotary Riverfront Park , 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville
- Alan Shepard Park , 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs.
- Cocoa Beach Pier , 401 Meade Ave. Parking fee varies.
- Lori Wilson Park , 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Lori Wilson Park has a dog park, by the way.
- Sidney Fischer Park , 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs.
- Sebastian Inlet Park , 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter)
- Ambersands Beach Park , 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (free parking)
- South Beach Park , 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (free parking)
- Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach
- Alma Lee Loy Bridge in Vero Beach
Can I see a rocket from Florida’s Treasure Coast? Where can I see a launch in Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County?
The best views to watch a rocket launch around here is along the beach.
Visibility in Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County, all part of the Treasure Coast, will depend on weather conditions, and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches. Look due north.
- Sebastian Inlet Park , 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter)
- Wabasso Beach Park , 1808 Wabasso Beach Road, Wabasso
- Ambersands Beach Park , 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (free parking)
- South Beach Park , 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (free parking)
- Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach
- Alma Lee Loy Bridge in Vero Beach
- Fort Pierce Inlet , 905 Shorewinds Drive
- Blind Creek Beachside North and South, South Ocean Drive or SR A1A on Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce
- Blue Heron Beach , 2101 Blue Heron Blvd., Fort Pierce
- Frederick Douglass Memorial Park , 3600 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce
- Dollman Park Beachside , 9200 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach
- Herman's Bay Beach , 7880 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach
- John Brooks Park Beachside , 3300 S Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce
- Middle Cove Beach , 4600 South Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce
- Normandy Beach in Jensen Beach
- Pepper Park Beachside , 3302 N. SR A1A, Fort Pierce
- Walton Rocks Beach , which has a dog park, 6700 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach
- Waveland Beach , 10350 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach
- House of Refuge and beach , 301 S.E. MacArthur Blvd., Stuart
- State Road A1A causeway in Stuart
How about watching a rocket launch in Volusia County ?
Watching a rocket launch or waiting for that launch window while at the beach is a pretty Florida thing to do.
In Volusia County, immediately north of Brevard County, you can get a great view of a SpaceX, NASA or United Launch Alliance rocket launch.
The best views to watch a rocket launch from here is along the beach. Look due south.
- South New Smyrna Beach (Canaveral National Seashore), there may be parking costs. New Smyrna Beach features 17 miles of white sandy beaches. An eclectic and quaint beach town, despite its reputation as the "Shark Bite Capital of the World," New Smyrna Beach has always been a haven for surfers who come for the waves.
Dinner and a launch: Perfect for a SpaceX or NASA rocket launch, best waterfront restaurants in Volusia County
- Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park , 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach. Bethune Beach, which is 3.5 miles south of New Smyrna Beach and one mile north of the Apollo Beach entrance to Canaveral National Seashore Park, has restrooms, picnic pavilions, showers and nearly 800 feet of beachfront sidewalk, according to Volusia County's site . The nearby riverside park area is across South Atlantic Avenue with tennis courts, pickle ball courts, basketball and volleyball courts, playground, fishing pier and restrooms. The river by the park can be a great viewing spot for manatees, dolphins and pelicans.
- Apollo Beach at Canaveral National Seashore (south of New Smyrna Beach). Canaveral National Seashore runs along Florida's East Coast in Volusia County and Brevard County. To access Apollo Beach, take Interstate 95 to exit 249, then travel east until it turns into State Road A1A. Follow SR A1A south to the park entrance.
- Oak Hill riverfront is the southernmost city in South Volusia County .
- Sunrise Park , 275 River Road, Oak Hill
- Goodrich's Seafood and Oyster House back deck, 253 River Road, Oak Hill
- Seminole Rest national historic site , 211 River Road, Oak Hill
- Riverbreeze Park , 250 H.H. Burch Road, Oak Hill
- Mary Dewees Park , 178 N. Gaines St., Oak Hill. Facilities include a rental building, playground, baseball field, basketball courts, tennis courts, outdoor restrooms, pavilions, picnic areas and grills.
- Nancy Cummings Park , 232 Cummings St., Oak Hill. Facilities include a playground, baseball field, basketball courts, outdoor pavilion and restrooms.
- Jimmie Vann Sunrise Park , 275 River Road, Oak Hill. This location has about 350 feet of beautifully restored shoreline, according to the city of Oak Hill online. Facilities include a pavilion, picnic tables and kayak launching facilities.
- A.C. Delbert Dewees Municipal Pier , 243 River Road, Oak Hill. Facilities include a 520-foot observation pier with two covered decks and seating, the city of Oak Hill site states.
- Bird Observation Pier on River Road across from A.C. Delbert Municipal Pier (see above). Facilities include a 100-foot observation pier.
Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang . Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper .
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Join us through our annual or lifetime membership program and gain access to special activities and members-only events, including a quarterly trip to the lighthouse for non-badged members, at no cost. You will also receive a discount at the Keeper’s Closet Gift Shop. For more information visit the webpage Get Involved – Become a Member or sign up directly by completing the form below.
Make a Donation
There are many ways you can help. You can make a donation, buy a brick or bench, or become an annual sponsor.
Your donations support interpretive projects, educational tours, preservation activities, and our future building projects.
Buy a Brick
Create a permanent memory at the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse by purchasing a brick along the Keeper’s Walkway. Your brick may be engraved with your name or be donated in honor or in memory of a loved one.
Brick Pavers are $150 per brick. You can add an approved engraved graphic at no extra cost. Each brick has three (3) lines with between seven and twelve (7-12) characters per line.
Complete the online brick order form below or PRINT THE FORM and mail with a check to: CCLF, PO Box 1978, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920.
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]
Buy a Bench
Commemorate your support for the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse or memorialize a loved one by purchasing a bench on the lighthouse grounds.
We only have four benches left! We now have a Holiday 2023 Special sale on these remaining benches. They have been marked down from the original donation price of $2,500. Your bench may now be engraved with your name or be donated in honor or memory of a loved one for the low price of $1,500.
For further information, please contact us at [email protected]
Be a Sponsor
In the past, the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation sponsors helped in:
- Expanding our educational project for Brevard Public Schools fourth-grade students
- Celebrating the grand opening of our Keepers’ Cottage Museum and Gift Shop
- Enhancing our tour experiences to accommodate both large and small groups
- Hosting the 2nd Annual Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Half-Marathon and 10K Race
- Increasing our community outreach efforts by participating in local area events; and so much more!
Read the 2024 Sponsorship Letter from Foundation President Ron Ecker.
Then view and download the 2024 CCLF Sponsor Form for details on participating in the program.
Check out our 2024 CCLF Sponsors so far this year.
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Cape Canaveral Lighthouse School Tours are designed for public, private, charter or home schooled students and bring Florida's lighthouse history to life with a tour inside the Lighthouse and the Keeper's Cottage Museum. Available dates are Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays starting at 9:30 AM. School Tours last approximately 60-90 minutes ...
The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse has stood on the Cape for over 150 years. Situated amidst America's Premier Gateway to Space, the lighthouse is owned by the United States Space Force and maintained as an active aid to navigation by the United States Coast Guard. Visits to the lighthouse, museum, and gift shop are available via prescheduled ...
About. The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is located on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Visitors with privileges on CCAFS can visit the lighthouse on Wednesdays 11am to 1pm during open house. Visitors can obtain clearance to visit the lighthouse via a tour provided by Canaveral Tours or KSC Visitor Center. Advance reservations are required.
Tours are 3 1/2 hours and offered weekly. Check Calendar for available dates and times. Custom and private group tours are also available. Details and booking can be found at www.CanaveralLighthouse.Tours, by phone at 321-307-2900 and email at [email protected]. Tours depart the Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral.
The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse on the east coast of Florida, located on the property of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The lighthouse has limited public access. Personnel with existing clearance for Cape Canaveral Space Force Station can visit the lighthouse on Wednesdays between 10am and 1pm during their open ...
Tour Details. More Info "The Lighthouse & Spaceflight Tours". A Living Light…. Lighthouse History. More Info "A Living Light…. Contact us. Email:[email protected]. Phone:(321)307-2900. Address:PO Box 540583 Merritt Island, FL 32953.
This is a 2 hour excursion. You will have 1 1/2 hours on your visit to spend wherever you choose on campus. In the lighthouse, the museum, hanger C or just enjoying the grounds. Bathrooms are available on site and Canaveral Tours has water available on the van. The tour includes transportation and obtaining security clearance for guests.
Explore this little known Space Coast Gem. Florida's Space Coast is chock full of space history. While the Kennedy Space Center is an excellent way to learn about the space program, there's one tour that offers an even broader view into the past. The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Tour is a tucked-away beacon to both the past and future.
P.O. Box 1978, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920. [email protected] 321-351-5052. A video tour of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse conducted by Dr. Sonny Witt can be viewed on YouTube. View the Lighthouse tour. Dr. Witt's video tour takes you all the way to the top of the lighthouse. For safety reasons, public tours of the lighthouse are limited to ...
If you ever wondered what the view was like from the top of the lighthouse, you can now see for yourself. A series of photos taken from the catwalk by lighthouse volunteer George Eustis was transformed into a 360 degree view. ... CAPE CANAVERAL LIGHTHOUSE. F-628 2008. On May 21, 1838, Florida Territorial delegate Charles Downing requested a ...
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation has been authorized to resume public tours of the lighthouse in 2016. Tours start at the Exploration Tower in Port Canaveral, from where guests are transported to the lighthouse in an air-conditioned bus with a guide. For more information, call (321) 453-3994 .
The price of the tour is now $49.95 per person. Save $5 if you enter promo code "light" during your checkout process. Visit the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation website for tour schedules and more information. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours and visitors will spend about one hour at the lighthouse.
Specialties: You must be on a tour to visit the Lighthouse and the Missile Museum. Reservations are required a minimum of 2 days in advance Established in 2017. Opened Canaveral Wildlife Tours in 2017, taking tours to the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore. In 2018 we partnered with Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation and 45th Space Wing on Cape Canaveral Air Force ...
The Cape Canaveral Light is a historic lighthouse on the east coast of the U.S. state of Florida. The light was established in 1848 to warn ships of the dangerous shoals that lie off its coast. It is located inside the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and managed by the Space Launch Delta 45 of the U.S. Space Force with the assistance of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation.
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse & Spaceflight Tours transports you on a journey through the evolution of exploration as we visit the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse that guided the first explorers around the Florida coast, to the location that propelled our ships into orbit, and look toward the new frontier of planetary travel. ... Visit Launch Complex 26 ...
You visit the lighthouse where you spend approximately 1 hour and a Lighthouse docent provides a guided tour. The first 5 floors of the lighthouse inside are available for climbing as well as the outside 3rd floor staircase when weather permits. ... The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse has stood on the cape for over 150 years. In the beginning, the ...
The debris was lowered into the silos in early 1987 and sealed with concrete caps. Your visit is a solemn reminder of the dangers of space exploration. Cape Canaveral Lighthouse . The next stop along the tour is at the lighthouse. The Cape Canaveral Light, as it is known, is the only fully operational lighthouse owned by the United States Space ...
The original brick lighthouse was blown up to provide material for a foundation at the new location. The lamp was lit at the new site in July 1894. During its 150-year history, Cape Canaveral had only nine head keepers. The longest serving was Mills Olcott Burnham who served as head keeper from 1853 to 1886.
Trip Advisor user Linda D, February 2020. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is operated for NASA by Delaware North and is entirely visitor-funded. Images shown may not represent current operational and safety guidelines. OPEN: 9 AM to 5 PM.
The Lighthouse is located on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and requires pre-approved security clearance and an escort. If you work on the station and have privileges the Lighthouse offers an open house every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. For those who do not have clearance Canaveral Tours provides this service as part of the tour.
27. Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station, Florida. This striking 175-foot tall red tower, located 10 miles (16km) south of Daytona Beach, is the tallest lighthouse in Florida. Built in the 1880s, it ...
Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch Galileo satellites for the European Space Agency's global navigation system from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Launch window: 8:29 p.m. to 9:11 p.m ...
Canaveral Lighthouse Tours. Offered by Canaveral Tours. Facebook Twitter Instagram ... Book your date. Check out tour availability by clicking on type of tour and viewing calendar or drop down list. If you are looking for link for Security Clearance click here. Contact us. Email: [email protected]. Phone: (321)307-2900. Address: PO Box ...
All donations to the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, are tax-deductible and used to preserve and interpret the lighthouse for current and future generations. Thanks to grants and donors like you, we have completed construction of the first of three replica Lighthouse Keeper's Cottages and have installed ...