Name and Location

The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is an iconic structure located in Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA (address: Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, Lighthouse Rd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920). Its official name is Cape Canaveral Lighthouse.

Construction and History

The original tower was constructed in 1848, with the current tower built in 1859. The lighthouse has served as a beacon for mariners and a symbol of the region's rich maritime history. It was originally designed by William Henry Freeman and features a Greek Revival style architecture.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is constructed using brick with a cast-iron skeleton, standing at a height of 175 feet (53 meters) with a focal height of 42 feet (13 meters).

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse was once an active aid to navigation, but it has been automated in the mid-20th century. The light range is approximately 24 nautical miles (44 kilometers), and its light characteristic is Fl(3)W.15s (three white flashes every 15 seconds).

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can explore the tower, exhibits, and surrounding grounds. The lighthouse is currently a museum and visitor center, no longer an active aid to navigation. Visitors can enter the tower and explore the exhibits.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can see the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding wetlands. The lighthouse is situated in a coastal area with sandy beaches and mangrove forests.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse has been involved in several notable maritime events and shipwrecks, including the sinking of the USS Maine in 1898. It also served as a key landmark during World War II.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in the mid-20th century, and it no longer functions for navigation. There is no AIS (Automatic Identification System) or Radar installation. Nautical chart references are available upon request.

Further Information

Visitor information: Opening Hours vary by season; Entrance Fee $10 (self-guided tour); $20 (guided tour). Guided Tours available daily, 15-minute tour duration. On-Site Facilities include parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and a gift shop. Nearby attractions include the Kennedy Space Center Complex, Cape Canaveral Beach, and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.