On Saturday 08/30/24, we took a road trip to the Pompano Beach area to sight see the area. We found recommendations to see the Hillsboro Lighthouse, Roy L. Rogers Park, and the museum. We love to visit lighthouses when we can and decided to see one this also. At Hillsboro Park, also called Roy L. Rogers Family Park, we came across this small but pretty park and museum and decided to explore. It is a one room museum filled with information about the lighthouse that was built in 1907. You can sign up for boat tours to visit the Lighthouse once a month thru the museum. It is free. Only 8 people can comfortably fit inside, so there is a waitline. But it goes fast. Some people choose to climb up the outside of the Lighthouse at their own risk. Others climb the 175 stairs inside to get to the top. The tours are short and they are once a month. Sign up at the museum. It is an active Lighthouse that still send signals. This is worth seeing close up. read more

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Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse is an easy Five Stars. Growing up in South Florida and being Aquarius I love lighthouses. This one was one of the first lighthouses I remember as a child. I really miss seeing it now. It's been beatified a lot over the years. The lighthouse was constructed in 1907. It's automated now and flashes every 20 seconds. If you're in the area check it out. read more

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse - Posted with review 01/25/24 - Local Flavor Near Me - Hillsboro Beach, Florida

Today we took a leisure boat ride around the Intracoastal, Pompano Beach area and the Hillsboro beach area. We passed by the Lighthouse and it was just as beautiful as I remember. Many boats have used this lighthouse as a safety beacon in the area, but for many of us is just a nice precious landmark that tells locals and visitors that you are in Hillsboro, were the Ocean meets the Intracoastal. Many people take the tour of the lighthouse which happen mostly on the weekends, with a choice of about 7 times. Great experience. read more

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse - Local Flavor Near Me - Hillsboro Beach, Florida

The Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, lighthouses, or simply stunning views. The lighthouse was built in 1874 and is the tallest lighthouse in Florida. It stands 175 feet tall and projects a beam that can be seen for 28 nautical miles. It offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Hillsboro Inlet, and the surrounding area. It The lighthouse is open to the public for tours and offers a variety of educational exhibits. Visitors can learn about the history of the lighthouse, the role it played in navigation, and the marine life that can be found in the area. There is also a small museum on-site that houses artifacts related to the lighthouse and its history. In addition to the lighthouse itself, the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse Park is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. The park has a beach, a playground, and a picnic area. There are also hiking trails that lead to the lighthouse and the surrounding area. Here are some of the things that make the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse a 5-star attraction: The stunning views from the top of the lighthouse The educational exhibits on the history of the lighthouse and marine life in the area The beautiful park setting The friendly and knowledgeable staff I highly recommend visiting the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse. It is a truly unique and special place that offers something for everyone read more

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I've been wanting to see the Lighthouse for years. My friend Erica and I finally decided to do it. You get the boat to the lighthouse in Pompano on the intracoastal. It's a nice 20 minute Boat Ride along the Intracoastal. The inlet itself was beautiful the water was blue green yesterday. There were lots of people out on their boats. Once you arrive you're able to climb to the top of the lighthouse and see the spectacular views north and south of you. They also have a small Beach so bring your bathing suit and a picnic and enjoy. read more

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My husband and I wanted to tour the lighthouse on our wedding anniversary weekend, and I called earlier this week to find out more information and never received a return call. We, instead, headed over to the HLPS museum and had a wonderful time with your representative, Marijo. She was a wealth of information and was such a delight to talk to. The museum was small but full of a LOT of information and history! So many things to see and read through! And we even purchased three things before we left. Thank you so much for having Marijo on your staff at the museum! My husband and I look forward to coming back to the museum in the future! read more

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse - Local Flavor Near Me - Hillsboro Beach, Florida

Well worth the climb! Fantastic view! Check out the sharks trolling the reef for a buffet lunch. :-)

The tour of Hillsboro Light House was a excellent adventure on Jan 2025. First parking in the city lot needed a app on the phone added for payment. (See photos) Proceed across parking lot to hotel lobby access or hotel side parkinglot white gate access to pier. There are very nice people to pay $$ and catch a pontoon boat to Lighthouse. Once at Lighthouse is was an adventure of a small area. It was breathtaking view after the 167 steps to the top. Please note no open toes shoes, 8 years and older, fear of enclosed spaces or heights -do not do it. There 33 steps to first landings and 13 there after to top. Take your time and do only what YOUR body can do. I am 62 an I did it after resting at each window to breathe. Going down. Take your time and hang on to rail. It was a wonderful adventure! read more

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We walked from Pompano Beach to the Light House. You might end up behind someone's yard, so be sure to not enter any private properties. We walked in late August. The seaweed in some parts is unreal. Beware: the smell! It's seaweed smell but super pungent. Once you get past though, it's all good. The view was great! read more

I have so many good things to say about this place. My hubby surprised me for my birthday and took me on an adventure to the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse. I had been a fan of the lighthouse for a while now, but we had never gotten the opportunity to go, we would always see it from far away and imagined ourselves out there. The experience starts with a lovely ferry ride to the inlet. I learned everyone working on the ferry are volunteers. They are so cheerful and fun! You won't only enjoy the nice and peaceful ride on the ferry but will enjoy their company. Once you arrive to the inlet, you are free to hang out for a while. The ferry comes and goes almost every hour. Make sure to call before hand to know the ferry schedule for the day. We were so excited to climb the lighthouse, regardless of its 175 steps! Ah what a challenge! but so worthy. Once you reach the top you forget the hard work, until you need to go down haha. The views are incredible! You can see the entire city, the vast ocean, and you can feel the wind blowing on your face and making you feel as if you're flying. I loved the experience so much! I was so happy to find out that my hubby had bought annual passes. If you are a local it's probably the best way to go. After our lighthouse adventure, we enjoyed the beautiful beach that surrounds the lighthouse. You won't want to leave this place. Make sure to bring enough drinks and food, so you can enjoy a full day of it. read more

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Great small park for small walks and nice view Good breeze , small parking area Great picture area read more

This is a bit of Florida history right in our back yard! Thanks to Ariel W for inviting us to join her. We were originally going to go on the June tour but we had to postpone until July. (They happen once per month). Knowing it would be hot, we planned to make the first boat which departed the Sands Harbor Marina at 9 am. You have to be there a half hour in advance to sign in. There's a pay parking lot across the street. The boat some times leaves from another location so check their FB page to make sure which location it's leaving from. The boat is called the Black Pearl. It's also a dive tour boat and you'll see the apparatus for that. Life vests are plentiful and they explain how to put them on, should it be necessary. The trip up the intracoastal is seamless. A nice breeze and a view of other boats, fancy houses, and scenery awaits. Arriving at the dock at the "island" takes a very short while. It's not really an "island" but it feels like one. It's government property and a coast guard base. The Hillsboro inlet is on one side and Atlantic Ocean on the other. It's feels like you're away from it all. As you walk up to the lighthouse, you'll see Ben, a volunteer, dressed like the barefoot mailman. There is a plaque and statue and he can tell you about James Hamilton, a mail carrier, who supposedly lost his life here. There's a bit of mystery whether he just took up with one of his clients and quit his job or what. It's makes an interesting story for those that like history. Around the outside of the lighthouse, there are small beaches on the inlet side and a long white beach (even chairs and umbrellas) on the Atlantic Ocean side. Some people come in bathing suits with chairs and coolers, etc. for the day. There are also 3 cottages -- one was the original lighthouse keeper's cottage. If you were in the armed services, retired or are active, etc. you can rent them. Think there is a 2 day minimum and it costs approximately $90-$120 a day. The lighthouse itself requires that you have closed toe shoes to enter and a minimum height restriction. It's a rather lengthy steep climb up to the top. And it can get very hot inside. I opted not to do the climb, but wandered around the area. I happily waved up at everyone from the safety of a shady beach spot as they walked around the outside catwalk. I heard the view is spectacular. You can stay as long as you like, but the last boat returns to the marina about 3:30 pm. And tips to the boat people were most appreciated. We were happy to spend a couple hours -- we were back by 11 am. Just in time for a refreshing drink. read more

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So peaceful and beautiful, to relax and take some great photos. Easy to find and park, definitely a must when in the area. read more

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse - Local Flavor Near Me - Hillsboro Beach, Florida

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It is located on some private country club with no public access and the guard at the gate was a total jerk about the inquiry into walking up to it then freaked out when we tried to turn around to leave saying we were trying to sneak in when he was looking right at us. What an idiot. read more

It is listed as a public attraction. When we drove up, we tried to get out and ask the guard if we can see the lighthouse and he was immediately defensive and rude. The smallest spot on the website says that you have to join some membership to see the lighthouse that is on PRIVATE PROPERTY! The guard proceeded to stand outside of his shack and watch us drive away like we were causing trouble when we just asked a simple question. This is a complete waste of time and borderline misleading!! read more

Thus a small Beautiful park the lighthouse is beautiful! The sunset are stunning! There are bathrooms as well. I'd definitely recommend stopping by! read more

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse - Local Flavor Near Me - Hillsboro Beach, Florida

Spectacular view and experience! It's a must see for anyone in the north east Broward area... climb the stairs and see even a better view read more

This is a beautiful location and the lighthouse itself is not only historic, but gorgeous with one of the most pleasant settings bordering the ocean and Hillsboro Inlet. So, how could I possible rate as a one star "Eeek!" The reason is that, as the guard at the gate may tell you as he told me in very unfriendly terms that "It's a military installation under the control of the United States Coast Guard. You shouldn't even be here, so turn around, leave or be arrested." Phew! I guess I really got told! However, unknown to most there are three cottages offered as rentals on the site by the United States Coast Guard under their designated "Moral, Well-being and Recreation" (what weird name) system that one may check out on their web site at: http://www.uscg.mil/mwr/lodging/hillsboro.asp There are also some rather infrequent tours conducted of the area by the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society which one may check on at their web site: http://www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.html All in all, it would be a nice place, really a five star, but since there isn't any freedom of access to it, I have to relegate it to being a rather worthless one star though it is nice to look at the lighthouse from a distance, especially at night as it is always in full operation with one of the most powerful light beams in the world having a 28 mile navigational visibility. read more

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse - Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse - Local Flavor Near Me - Hillsboro Beach, Florida

In this age of GPS devices, there just aren't that many lighthouses left in the world. Florida, with one of the longest coastlines in the United States, has only three dozen or so still operating and the one here at Hillsboro Inlet is one. Built in Detroit in 1906 and moved here in 1907, the actual light is - according to Wikipedia - 5.5 megacandelas. That's bright. It's 136 feet above sea level. Best views of the lighthouse can be gotten from the small park on the other side of the drawbridge (parking meters, if you can find a space) or walk down Bay Road to Canada House where there is a beach access walkway (but no public parking). Or if you have a boat/canoe/paddle, head out into the speedy current of the inlet and try and get a good shot. There's some construction going on at the moment, so it was not possible to get a picture without the dredging barges and whatnot at the foot of the lighthouse. Nice to look at from a distance. read more

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse - The lighthouse, from the park - Local Flavor Near Me - Hillsboro Beach, Florida

Check this out at sunset. While out on the Intercoastal, we made our way to Hillsboro Inlet to wait for sunset. I wasn't disappoint. As it grew dark, the light comes on and begins its nightly show lighting the inlet. Watch for a few minutes as it gets darker. The many facets in the lighthouse, almost looks like cut crystal, will have you mesmerized. I have seen the offer for tours (I believe one weekend a month) but have not made this yet. It is on my list. Enjoy the light show! It could be very romantic, if that's what you are looking for. read more

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Came here on a Groupon with my husband. Was hoping to come with a couple of additional friends, I didn't realize they only do this once a month. So if you have a Groupon go on the website and see when the next sailings are. Fortunately I was able to get those two extra tickets refunded. We parked across the street for two dollars an hour, showed up a half an hour early as directed. Was surprised to see people getting off the boat wearing flip-flops. Found out later they had to use loaner crocs to climb up the top of the lighthouse. Don't forget your closed-toed shoes! I really enjoyed learning about the barefoot mailman. The stairs up to the top of the tower were easier than I expected. It is a little tricky when some are coming down and some are going up. You have to sidle around each other kind of like an airplane aisle. Very tight. I was so touched to see seniors and others with disabilities making their way up and down. Very humbling! We met some very interesting people and wonderful volunteers. My retired Navy husband enjoyed chatting up the coasties! I thought we would want to spend several hours hanging out at the lighthouse and the beach there. But once you do the tour and walk around a bit, you're ready to get back on the boat! We were privileged to be with a group that had a successful proposal go down at the top of the tower. Felt like we were at an engagement party! They played "going to the chapel" on the boat ride home. We got a coupon for a free drink with an entrée at the restaurant there and we will be back for that in a couple days. Since I had put five hours on the meter we went ahead and walked around the beach area and the pier. The smells from the restaurants were so appetizing! Recommend recommend this highly! read more

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This is definitely one of the most romantic spots in Hillsboro, if I'm asked. Once a month this lighthouse opens for tour and they usually start from Pompano Beach by boat, but during COVID access is allowed by car thru Hillsboro Beach Club (changes are very well updated on the Hillsboro lighthouse preservation society website). The inlet is gorgeous- 50 shades of blue! It's pretty windy so keep in mind if you are wearing contacts the lighthouse is surrounded by beach so need to come prepare. I don't know how many people are usually allowed to enter but under COVID protocol it is strictly monitored. Mask is a must just like the closed toe shoes. Tickets wise, they can be purchased thru the Hillsboro lighthouse preservation society, or if you would like to come back few more times in a year buying membership (we paid $50 for family of 4) you are officially a member and can visit once a month for a full year. I think that's a pretty sweet deal, and even if you never go back you have donated to a wonderful and noble cause. read more

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We love getting to come and stay right at the lighthouse point once a year. Every visit, I ended up with half a dozen pictures of the lighthouse because the sky changes so much and it is always so beautiful. We have even gotten to take a tour up to the top of the lighthouse, which was really quite spectacular. read more

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What a nice lighthouse trip and tour. The dive boat, the black pearl south Florida dive company, takes you safely to and from the lighthouse. Great captain and mate. The lighthouse property is well maintained and of course right at the inlet. You can climb up the many stairs to the top of lighthouse for spectacular views. Well worth the trip. The tours are first come first serve. And leavr every hour. read more

Built-in 1906, the lighthouse is located in Hillsboro Beach. This place is beautiful, peaceful, and historical. The only way to visit this lighthouse is by a tour by boat ($35 per person.) and only happen one Saturday per month. So, you really need to plan ahead if you want to visit this lighthouse. Also, you can visit around the lighthouse anytime by yourself if you have a boat, but you cannot climb it. This lighthouse is 147 feet high and tiny inside; for this reason, they allow only one group after another to go up and down. There is a small beach and long white sand, so you be prepared with your bathing suits, chairs, and coolers to enjoin the rest of the day on the beach. You can stay as long as you like, but the last boat returns to the marina at about 3:30 pm. Try to have cash with you, so you can tip the boat people. They don't accept reservations, if you want to get a tour boat you should arrive early and sign in. The location for catching the boat tour varies depending on the season, so make sure you check on their website read more

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The Hillsboro Inlet Light is a unique lighthouse, unlike any other in South Florida. It started operation in 1907 and became fully automated in 1974. Most lighthouses are built out of concrete or brick, but this lighthouse is built out of iron. As such, it is surrounded by iron beams. The bottom half of the octagonal lighthouse is white, while the top half is black. It is located between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, in Hillsboro Beach. Another unique factor is the fact that this is one of the most powerful lights in the world. The beam can be seen all the way from Bimini, as the beam can be seen for 28 nautical miles, or 32 miles. Because of the linear nature of the beams, it is quite interesting to photograph from several angles. The viewing platform offers beautiful views of Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, as well as Hillsboro Beach, down below - all great photo opportunities as well. Hillsboro Beach is not easily accessible, so most of the people arrive via watercraft. In order to reach the lighthouse, you need to travel on the ferry. This is a Coast Guard operated light, so in order to ascend, you must follow their rules, which state no open shoes. I thought I should mention that and save you the trouble, unless you prefer to use the government-issued shoes (crocs) that have been on god knows how many pairs of sweaty feet. I have ascended 3 lighthouses before this one, and never had my choice of footwear been an impediment. Some of the people decide to stay on Hillsboro Beach for a bit before catching the last ferry. It gives them a way of enjoying a relatively private beach experience after experiencing the light. Because the admission for one visit is the same price as the annual membership, my friend and I decided to just get the annual membership. One thing to keep in mind is that the location for catching the ferry varies depending on the season, so make sure you check on their website, at http://www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours. They have special events as well, so keep checking their site, if you're interested. I suggested a sunset cruise tour. We'll see if they decide to add that. read more

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What a beautiful place. Just a fine spot to fish, picnic, watch the boats go by and just relax. People drop by to enjoy their lunch and take in the scenery. read more

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No you can not walk right up to it, but regardless of that, its beautiful to look at from a distance - day or night. read more

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I had the pleasure of taking a tour of this beautiful lighthouse last Saturday. I was the guest of a friend who purchased a yearly membership for a very reasonable $50. Other people on our tour purchased tickets from Groupon. A short boat ride whisks you away to the lighthouse where 175 steps lead you to the best view in town. I loved watching a shark swim along the coast. The folks running the tour were extremely nice and available to answer any questions. I highly recommend this tour. read more

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As of 7/10/16 , I read they are picking up at the Aldors Park 14th street North Side . The Hillsboro Inlet is the best . You can come four toms a year . They take you by boat. You can p/u the boat when they have a showing . It's advertised in the paper when there are tours . You go to The Sands Habour restaurant Pompano Beach aFl. and hats were you can get on the boat . Don't know how much the tour is. But worth it. TIP Don't forget to wear a hat. read more

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I have never actually been to the lighthouse but have seen it from the beach, from the water, from the inlet bridge and from the park across from it. The 5 stars is just because it is so darn beautiful. Who doesn't love a towering lighthouse or for that matter cute puppies? It sets a very romantic tone and for me casts an "old man and the sea" kinda of vibe that I simply love. So hats off to another gorgeous lighthouse that has withstood many fierce storms and kept many oceangoing vessels from crashing into the rocks. read more

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse - Local Flavor Near Me - Hillsboro Beach, Florida

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There is effectively no access to this lighthouse from either side, so don't waste your time. The locals even have security guards threatening people with police action if you come near it. It surprises me that a city would have a landmark like this and completely prohibit the public from gaining access to it. The only access is from one very small parking lot that is perpetually filled on the south side of the bay. Definitely do not waste your time visiting. read more

Now this is a beautiful place to go, we walked along the ocean at Pompano beach holding hands and laughing going in and out of the ocean as the waves chased us back and forth, you would have thought we had just fell in love, but here it was our 30yr anniversary and we were like kids, heading toward the light house, that was one of the most romantic areas to be, out on the tip of the Inlet with the beacon shining it's light out into the ocean, it was so peaceful, and beautiful we could stayed there forever. read more

Since my dad is now a retired Coast Guard officer and we live in Coral Springs, we have been fortunate enough to have access to the Lighthouse and cottages since we were kids (upon reservation). Although it may be frustrating for the public to have such limited access, please understand that this helps make it more special for those who do have access. Sounds snobby but I don't mean it to be! This spot is very special to our family. My husband proposed to me at the top of the lighthouse. My bachelorette party AND wedding were held in the backyard of the cottages, right next to the lighthouse (and my Sweet 16). My sister had her bachelorette party AND wedding here too. It's an amazing venue and our guests felt fortunate to have access and it meant the world to us. There are MANY people trying to trespass onto the property all year-round. It's frustrating for the families that are there because they are there for privacy and family time. Just understand that the guards have to deal with this stuff every single day and I'm sure it's tiring. The cottages are rustic and not even close to luxurious but that's what makes them unique and special. The CG works tirelessly to keep the LH in good shape and military families travel from all over the world to spend time here. If the public wants a closer view, you can always make reservations at the Hillsboro Club (open to the public during the off season I believe) read more

Just spent three days in Cottage number 2 at the lighthouse. We went with some friends and just had a wonderful time! While the weather was far from perfect, it didn't matter to us. We enjoyed sitting on the porch and watching the parade of boats go by. read more

Attended a wedding here last weekend. I was a little apprehensive about the location, as it is a military run facility and I'm a little snobby, so I figured the place would be just "ok" and not beautified as much as a resort or other tourist attraction. Obviously the location is amazing and beautiful. To my surprise, the facility was also amazing and beautiful. Perfect place to hold an outdoor event. If you are in the Coast Guard, you can rent one of the three cottages next to the lighthouse. The cottages were decent, but not "resort" quality, however, I would personally stay here because the location is simply breathtaking! read more

My brother is a retired Coast Guard officer so we often rent the cottages for our large family gatherings. They are nicely furnished and you have direct access to the beach. Always a relaxing getaway here. read more

This area is under construction right now so it is hard to get close and the road is a nightmare. You can park at the park for a fee and I understand there is a ferry type boat that goes out there. read more