Welcome to Ponce Inlet, Florida, where life is best described as peaceful and the surrounding atmosphere and miles of beach lines are simply beautiful. It's part of thriving Volusia County and set on the southern tip of a barrier island running along the eastern coast.
Things to do and places to see in Ponce Inlet have attracted residents and visitors from all over for years. However, this beachside paradise's most famous piece stands at an impressive 175 feet, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.
Explore the world-famous and historic Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, and how it helps make life in Ponce Inlet even more sought-after:
Picture by: Ponce inlet Lighthouse & Museum
For over 300 years, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse has been a beacon of guidance for countless mariners. Constructed in 1887, the Ponce Inlet lighthouse was originally called the Mosquito Inlet Light Station, derived from the original inlet name. The lighthouse lens was first lit on November 1 and could be seen 20 miles out to sea. Over the following years, the lighthouse continued to serve its purpose and became a part of several stories throughout history, including the famous short story of "The Open Boat."
In 1907, the beginning of improvements and additions could be seen and revved up even more in the 1920s. This time was also the turning point for what we would come to know Ponce Inlet as today. Mosquito Inlet was no more as the inlet name was officially changed in 1927 to Ponce de Leon Inlet, and the lighthouse name followed shortly after. More changes and enhancements continued, such as a 500-watt electric lamp, revolving lens, a radio beacon, and by 1953 the lighthouse was completely automated.
The Town of Ponce Inlet took ownership of the lighthouse in 1970, and a couple of years later, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association was formed. This non-profit organization leads restoration efforts and operations for the property as a museum and is still running today. The Ponce Inlet Light Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, designated as a National Historic Landmark, and a dearly beloved piece of Florida history. Learn about some of Central Florida's other historic and symbolic landmarks here!
Picture by: Ponce inlet Lighthouse & Museum
After much restoration, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is one of the best-preserved and only light stations to keep most of its original materials intact. It's located at 4931 S. Peninsula Drive and stands as a large attractor for the area as over 100,000 visitors walk its 203 steps a year. Visitors enjoy the world-class museum collection of lighthouse artifacts and learn the full history as it's impressively well-documented. Private and educational tours can also be scheduled, including special engagements or events.
The property encompasses the lighthouse, all the original structures, and an array of additional items and offerings to make your exploration even more exciting. There's a Gift Shop, Woodshed Theater, Lens Exhibit, Cuban Raft Exhibit, Keeper Dwellings, and more. And yes, to be clear, you can walk up the tower too!
The views from the top of the lighthouse tower may be the most beloved aspect. Land at the top and take in the gorgeous 360-degree sights of beautiful Ponce Inlet and the glistening Atlantic Ocean. Overall, the experience is an amazing one and helps keep this historic sight a top Florida attraction. However, being located in the town of Ponce Inlet adds much to its allure as well.
Just south of Daytona Beach, you'll find one of the most beautiful places to call home in Florida, Ponce Inlet. It's a beachside dream that offers a unique coastal lifestyle and various amenities to complement the laid-back atmosphere.
The area boasts delicious eateries from beach bars & grilles with live music to Italian, seafood, & more - some of the most popular establishments are close by to the lighthouse as well. If you enjoy fishing, then you're in luck as the area is a sport fishing destination. Book a charter boat or cast a line right from one of the many docks, the beach, or the 1,000 ft jetty at the inlet's start. Plus, the boating scene is a strong one, with numerous marinas throughout the area. The fun doesn't stop at fishing and eating, though. Simply getting outdoors and enjoying the wonderful Florida weather, landscape, and wildlife has been made easy for all.
Spending time at any of the amazing parks is also a popular activity in the area. Next to the Lighthouse, find the Kay & Ayres Davies Lighthouse Park. It's 3 acres and offers a public playground, picnic tables, gazebo, and Veteran's Memorial. The Lighthouse Point Park encompasses over 52 acres of natural coastal terrain and is described as a 'beachside sanctuary,' fueling many other outdoor activities. Timucuan Oaks Park gives a beautiful glimpse into the past with prehistoric sights, trails, gardens, and more. Ponce Preserve Park protects a cross-section of barrier island habitat and features a boardwalk, trails, an archaeological site, and enchanting natural Florida ecosystems to explore. See our guide for more top outdoor adventures in Volusia County here!
The Marine Science Center is also another great item to put on your list when exploring the lighthouse and all the area offers!
Ponce Inlet encompasses so many amazing aspects. From the great outdoors to the unique history and one-of-a-kind establishments, there's truly something exciting to see and do at every corner. It's a hotspot for beachside relaxation, being active, and exploring large parts of Florida's history, thanks to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum.
It's also in a great Central Florida location as it's only 10 miles from the world-famous Daytona Beach. Popular New Smyrna Beach is right next door to the north, and you can actually see the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse from the New Smyrna Dunes Park! And to the south, find Port Orange - another hidden gem of Central Florida.
Overall, there's so much to be excited about when it comes to Ponce Inlet and the amazing pieces like its lighthouse. If you're on the search for the ultimate Florida beachside town or looking for a weekend getaway, Ponce Inlet's amenities, atmosphere, and historic lighthouse are hard to ignore!