💡✨ Fresnel lens viewing! The St. Augustine Lighthouse Fresnel lens is a massive assembly of glass and brass and is understandably in an enclosed, protected space at the top of the tower. Access is limited to required maintenance and special circumstances. The only chance for a visitor to go inside the Lens Room is on a private tour. Despite its protected location, there is a great viewing area that many visitors don’t notice — but all who climb can see! At the top of the iron staircase, visitors have a choice. Most people opt to take a left turn and step out onto the observation deck of the Lighthouse. Of course, this is an excellent choice as the view is amazing. But if you instead decide to keep walking straight at the top of the stairs, just a few more steps will take you to a wonderful floor-to-ceiling viewing area for the Fresnel lens. Guests can peer through a panel and see inside the lens … and get an appreciation for the work that went into making and operating this op...