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As a national historic landmark, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is a must-see destination that you shouldn’t miss out on. If you’re planning a last-minute trip with family or friends, Ponce Inlet is worth considering.
A glimpse of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
If you’re looking for a unique adventure, a journey into the past is a worthwhile endeavor. You’ll step back in time as you climb the 175 feet of adventure at the Ponce Inlet Light Station and Museum.
The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse was constructed back in 1887 and served as a guide for mariners along the Florida coast for more than 130 years.
In 1998, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. The world-famous lighthouse museum is situated ten miles south of Daytona on the World’s Most Famous Beach and offers a treasure trove of experiences for both young and old. A visit to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is one of the best ways to level up your vacation with family or friends.
Hours of Operation
- Now – September 5, 2022
Open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
(Last Admission Sold at 8:00 PM)
- September 6, 2022 – May 26, 2023
Open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
(Last Admission Sold at 6:00 PM)
Admission Rates
- Adults (age 12+): $6.95
- Children (age 3-11): $1.95
- Infants (age 0-2): Free
Experience the history and sights of Florida’s tallest lighthouse
During your visit, you have various ways to experience the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum. There are different ways to tour the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum such as the following:
Self-guided tours
Each visitor is provided with a self-guided tour map with their paid admission. The informative brochure includes a map of the historic grounds along with details about the history, design, and purpose of the station’s many features and structures as well as current museum exhibits housed in each. You can complete a self-guided tour at your own pace at any time during the normal hours of operation.
Group tours
A family or group of friends of up to 10 members can schedule a guided tour during the museum’s normal hours of operation for no additional fee. A guided tour is led by the museum’s staff and volunteers as you explore the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum in a unique, interactive, and entertaining way.
If you want to know more about other tour options, click here.
Other things to see and do in Ponce Inlet
The Town of Ponce Inlet is one of Florida’s best-kept gems. It’s situated ten miles south of Daytona along the World’s Most Famous Beach.
As one of the world’s top ten beaches, Ponce Inlet offers an array of activities for both young and old. Aside from the Lighthouse and Museum, you’ll be amazed by the town’s other fun-filled offerings.
Situated just around the corner from the Lighthouse and Museum, the Marine Science Center offers a vast array of aquariums and exhibits filled with fascinating marine life along the Florida coast.
It’s a coastal sanctuary and unique recreational area boasting up to 52 acres of unspoiled coastline. You’ll enjoy the natural beauty of the area, and you might be able to spot various wildlife.
The museum is dedicated to education via the preservation and dissemination of the history and cultural heritage of the Town of Ponce Inlet.
Kay & Ayres Davies Lighthouse Park
The park is named in honor of Ayres Davies, the town’s first Mayor, and his wife Kay. The park features a playground and picnic area along with a gazebo and public restrooms.
The 1/4-acre park under towering oak trees offers separate fenced areas for both small and large dogs so they can run around safely along with benches for sitting.
The park was dedicated in memory of Ponce Inlet Officer Timothy Pollard, who died in the line of duty. It’s an active park where you have many things to do. The 2-acre park boasts playgrounds, shared tennis/pickle ball and basketball courts, and a skate park.
The park is situated two miles north of the lighthouse and museum in Ponce Inlet. It boasts eight acres of “Old Florida” at its finest. There are four natural communities found within the park’s boundaries including a shell mound, maritime hammock, salt marsh, and mangrove swamp. The park is named in honor of the Timucuan Indians, the Native American people who inhabited most of Northeast and North Central Florida.
The park stretches from the banks of the Halifax River to the Atlantic Ocean. The 41-acre preserve features two nature-themed playgrounds, a covered pavilion with picnic tables, a restroom facility, elevated boardwalks, hiking trails, observation towers, and the Green Mound State Archaeological Site. A mound or “midden” is a prehistoric dump site comprising shells, bones, pottery shards, and other artifacts that were cast aside by the Timucuan Indians for generations.
Ponce Inlet is well-known for its ideal surf conditions, laid-back atmosphere, and less crowded conditions. Stretching for up to four miles up to the mouth of the inlet, you’ll love the relaxing waters, white sands, and spectacular beauty of the sunrise and sunset along Ponce Inlet’s stunning beach.
Local Restaurants
If you’re looking for an unforgettable gastronomic experience after visiting the lighthouse and museum, you’ll enjoy some of the area’s most popular restaurants ranging from casual ice cream stands to waterfront dining. Ponce Inlet is where the locals go to enjoy authentic seafood and laid-back entertainment.
For those who love to spend time outdoors, fishing may be the ideal choice in Ponce Inlet. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of Ponce Inlet and catch something for dinner at the same time.
Enjoy the best accommodations during your visit
If you’re heading over to Ponce Inlet to visit the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum soon, make sure you’ll get the best accommodations at a great value. Some of our highly recommended hotels include:
Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach Oceanfront
2560 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Daytona Beach On The Ocean, an IHG Hotel
930 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oceanfront Daytona Beach Shores, an IHG Hotel
3301 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Best Western Plus Daytona Inn Seabreeze
730 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118-3805
Final thoughts
The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is a must-visit destination with family or friends if you want a trip back in time to learn about its rich history along with an array of things to see and do for all ages under the Florida sun. So, what are you waiting for? Get your travel plans ready and head over to Ponce Inlet soon!
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
4931 S. Peninsula Drive
Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
(386) 761-1821
