Sanibel Beach Guide: Sanibel Island Lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach Park

Sanibel Island Lighthouse stands within Lighthouse Beach Park at the island’s eastern end. The setting places the historic tower and the beach in the same public park, so you can visit the grounds and spend time by the shore in one stop.

The iron lighthouse was constructed in 1884 and first lighted on August 20 of that year. Its tower rises 112 feet and has a central stair cylinder. The tower itself is closed to visitors, so plan on viewing the lighthouse from its grounds rather than climbing inside.

Lighthouse Beach Park offers a shoreline setting with the lighthouse as its defining landmark. You can combine time at the beach with a look at the grounds around the tower; access to the lighthouse is limited to those grounds.

The Florida Lighthouse Association identifies the lighthouse as active and says the U.S. Coast Guard operates it. The City of Sanibel manages the lighthouse property.

If you’re weighing this shoreline against other stretches of sand, the guide to Sanibel’s beaches can help you compare them.

Lighthouse Beach Park has public beach access and a range of facilities for a visit by the shore. Amenities include ADA accessibility, Mobi-Mats, bike racks, outside showers, drinking fountains, restrooms, picnic areas, barbecue grills and information kiosks.

According to the City of Sanibel, Sanibel’s beach parks, including Lighthouse Beach Park, are open to the public. Hurricane-related buried debris may remain on land or in the water. Stay alert, swim and wade carefully, and consider protective footwear.

Use only marked, designated parking spaces at Lighthouse Beach Park. There are 162 spaces, including two RV spaces available first come, first served; park only in spaces marked with yellow or blue parking bumpers.

Parking costs $5.00 per hour, with enforcement around the clock. “A” Resident and “B” Non-Resident Parking Permits, as well as state-issued handicapped parking permits, are accepted. Designated accessible parking is free for vehicles displaying a valid handicapped parking permit.

If you’re planning how to move between island stops, this guide to getting around Sanibel covers local transportation. The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Parking rules, facilities and access conditions can change, so check the official site before you go.

Plan your lighthouse visit as an outdoor stop: the grounds are accessible, but the tower is closed to visitors. The park’s amenities include restrooms, showers and drinking fountains, while the City’s safety guidance calls for care around possible buried debris on the beach or in the water.

The Lighthouse Beach Park fishing pier is closed until further notice. If you’re putting together a broader island day, a one-day Sanibel itinerary can help you consider how the lighthouse stop fits with beaches and other local sights.