Lighthouse Open House
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
The second weekend of each month
February 8-9, 2025
March 8 only, closed March 9, 2025
March 29, 2025 (new date, just added!)
April 12-13, 2025
May 10-11, 2025*
*Happy Mother's Day! Moms climb for free!
Closed June-September
A $7/person donation is requested and appreciated. All donations support the island and lighthouse. We do not provide transportation to the island and lighthouse; getting to the island is up to you. Please note - the dock is for use by state park personnel only. Boaters must anchor or beach their boats.
Cancellations - please note!
Check our homepage www.anclotecso.org for possible cancellations due to inclement weather. Our decisions are based on the safety of our volunteers. We will try to post cancellations the night before a scheduled open house, but always the day of a scheduled open house for sure.
Suggestions for a Fun Lighthouse Visit
- Please wear shoes. The boardwalk leading to the lighthouse is rough and splintered and can be hot. Plus, shoes make the 123 steps up the lighthouse easier and safer.
- Bring your wallet. A $7 donation is requested to climb the lighthouse. Cash, credit card, debit card, and Apple Pay are all accepted. Also, the Friends have a variety of fun gifts available for purchase including our souvenir water bottle filled with pure, clean, delicious island water made ON THE ISLAND from sea water through reverse osmosis using solar energy - completely off the grid!
- Please be patient. Only eight people are allowed in the lighthouse at a time. There may be a line waiting to climb the lighthouse.
- Please be courteous to our volunteers who are there for your enjoyment of the lighthouse. Without these volunteers, the lighthouse would not be open to the public.
- Consider becoming a member of the Friends! We are a group of people, like you, who love the island and lighthouse.
- Dogs are NOT allowed at the lighthouse or anywhere on the island.
From ABC Action News:
From the Orlando Sentinel:
Anclote Key lighthouse has more than a century of history (orlandosentinel.com)
