I am going to be going to the panhandle of Florida for a couple days in March. We are flying into Pensacola and driving over to Panama City Beach. I know Pensacola has a gorgeous light, but what others are possible to hit within an hour or so between Pensacola and Panama City Beach, and perhaps within an hour or two of Panama City Beach?

Jen,

If I'm still around come March I would be happy to give you a guided tour of the lights you could see within a hr or so from your planed trip.

From Pensacola you could travel WEST within an hour to see Mobile Point Light at Fort Morgan, AL and from that location you can see in the distance Sand Island Lighthouse on a clear day.

The Pensacola Lighthouse is on the Navel Air Base (NAS Pensacola), and is open to the public.

Heading EAST the next lighthouse is St. Joseph Point Light east of Port St. Joe east of Panama City about 45 min. (maybe less). From there the next light is Cape San Blas (10 min. from St. Joseph). After that is Cape St. George which is no longer standing thanks to Katrina (so I am told, I haven't been there to see for myself). So from Cape San Blas the next light is Crooked River, Carrabelle, about 1 hr more. Then St. Marks which is probely too far (about another hour).

If you want further directions or a guided tour (by me) then just send me an email.

Stephanie, I am going to try and sweet-talk my mom into making a trip all the way to St. Marks. It looks like a gorgeous light that I don't want to miss. Do you have any idea if it's open for tours yet?? I'd love to climb it!

I believe Mobile Point Light is still in storage waiting to be restored or is being restored.

I going to the Florida Lighthouse Association meeting this weekend, I see if I can get any updates from the panhandle.

Thanks, Eric! Sure would appreciate any information.

Jen, you have to try to make it to St. Mark's. When I visited there, I arrived late in the day so I wasn't able to go in, but the setting is just wonderful - beautiful picture opportunities.

Sadly, it's true.



As far as the Pensacola Lighthouse goes, it's only open to the public May - October. You can arrange a private tour by contacting them.

Pensacola Lighthouse

If all goes well, Eric (ericlighthouse) and the St. George Lighthouse Association will be out there on Feb. 25. Let's hope weather conditions are good so that the volunteers can take on the task of retrieving the pieces.

Lou, thanks for the link and phone number. My main concern is access to the grounds for photography, but if we can get inside...!?! I'll keep you posted!

Jen, sorry for not posting earlier. San Blas is not open for climbing (most likely next year), however, the old keepers house that was falling down has been completely restored. Crooked River is still trying to raise funds for restoration. Last Hurricane season took off a lot of what was left of the paint (but hey, it needed to be removed any way). Have not heard from the owner of St. Joe in a while (and he was not at the meeting, but his replica lantern room was suppose to be ready near the end of 2005). In case you don't know, St. Joe is privately owned and is used as a house. They don't mind if you stop by the road to take a picture as long as it is not for commercial purposes. The owner's name is Danny (in case he is outside, you can say hi). I have met him and he is a nice southern gentleman.

Jen, you can get access to the grounds at Pensacola. The light is on NAS Pensacola, which is a fairly open base. (You may have to stop and get a visitors permit - drivers license and car registration or rental contract.) There is also an old fort (Baranacas if I remember correctly) and a fantastic air museum. Home of the Blue Angels, don't know if they are there right now or not.

The Naval Air Museum is excellent and not far from the lighthouse. It was also free last time I was there. They have the old Blue Angels A4s hanging in diamond formation from the ceiling and another room that is a carrier deck replica. They also have an IMAX theater (there is a cost for that). It's worth a few hours if you have the time.

Eric, did you hear anything about St. Marks being open?

Dave & Lou, thanks for the info on Pensacola. Our flight gets in around 2:30 p.m., and by the time we get out of the airport and over to the lighthouse I imagine it will be 4pm or so - sunset's around 6pm, since they are on central time, and we still have to drive to Panama City Beach after that - so this will most likely be a quick lighthouse stop and a drive around the base.

Jen you will love all of the wildlife while driving back to the lighthouse at St Marks.. They do have a beware of Alligators sign in the parking lot and they mean it..

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

My visit there was at the end of the day; although I couldn't go into the lighthouse, the sunset was beautiful - great photo opportunities!

Jen,
The road goes right up to ST.Marks park in front ,there is a path to the East also a platform or viewing stand looking out toward the swamp there are gators in the area so look before you step.

Hi Jen,
the St. Marks Lighthouse site is open, however, they still have not gotten title to the lighthouse yet. The bill is in Congress. They are making plans as to when to open the lighthouse and if you will be allowed to climb. I put in my 2 cents worth Sunday on the way back from St. George that you should be able to climb to the top. By the way, it will most likely be a year or 2 before all is said and done.