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Trip Planner:   USA  /  Georgia  /  Georgia Coast  /  Golden Isles of Georgia  /  Saint Simons Island  /  St. Simons Lighthouse Museum

St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, Saint Simons Island

4.7
#1 of 8 in Museums in Golden Isles of Georgia
Specialty Museum · Museum
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Glimpse into the life of a lighthouse keeper at St. Simons Lighthouse Museum. The original lighthouse, an octagonal structure built in 1810, was destroyed in 1862 by retreating Confederate soldiers. The current lighthouse was completed in 1872. Climb the 129 steps up 32 m (104 ft) of this still-functioning lighthouse to take in the views of the sea and township below. As you come down the stairs, listen for the ghost of an assistant keeper, slain by the head keeper in 1880. The lighthouse keeper's dwelling at the base of the lighthouse holds exhibits about the history of the lighthouse and life for the keepers. Admission also allows you a tour of the maritime center at the Coast Guard station nearby. The lighthouse tower closes during bad weather. Plan your visit to St. Simons Lighthouse Museum and a wealth of other attractions, well-known and undiscovered, using our Saint Simons Island holiday planning website.
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St. Simons Lighthouse Museum reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,073 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • Great visit, and although I became breathless 3/4 of the way up the stairs, the view was so worth it!! My teens didn't have a problem going up and they loved the experience. Interesting history and... 
    Great visit, and although I became breathless 3/4 of the way up the stairs, the view was so worth it!! My teens didn't have a problem going up and they loved the experience. Interesting history and...  more »
  • Stopped by the gift shop after visiting the lighthouse. The staff in there were so awesome. Lady helped us pick out a heron and Eric did a fine job wrapping it for transport. There was almost any.....  more
    Stopped by the gift shop after visiting the lighthouse. The staff in there were so awesome. Lady helped us pick out a heron and Eric did a fine job wrapping it for transport. There was almost any.....  more »
Google
  • Loved our time at the St. Simon's Lighthouse...we bought a duo package ticket which included admission for the WWII Museum (at another location nearby). Plan to spend about an hr. at the lighthouse alone. There is a nice gift shop with a small theatre in that building which runs about a 10 minute historical video about the lighthouse. Then you exit to enter the lighthouse museum. Two floors with the first floor containing displays and information boards on the history of this lighthouse, the daily life of a keeper, & a walk through if the history of the area. Upstairs consist of period rooms that reflected the keeper's home. Next, you climb the 129 steps of the lighthouse tower. Fairly easy climb, with platforms to stop every 1/4 of the way or so AND signs to let you know how many more steps to go. 😉 It was quite cold and windy the day we visited, but well worth the climb. The view is beautiful, as you reach the too and can walk 360° around the exterior top of the tower. There is a small gazebo and atrium on the grounds, a cannon, fuel house, and a boardwalk down to the shore.
  • Fantastic lighthouse. The museum was interesting too. Climbed the 129 steps to the top for great views. Easy walk from the downtown shops. Highly recommend the self guided tour. Well stocked gift shop.

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