The majestic Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is the tallest lighthouse in Florida, one of the tallest in the country and a top New Smyrna Beach-area historical site to visit.
An official National Historic Landmark, visitors will find it difficult to miss because itâs so tall and its 19th century brick exterior is a bright and colorful sight in the usually green and blue inlet landscape.
Take A Walk Back in Time
The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a walk back in time. It is one of the best preserved and most authentic historic lighthouse sites in the United States.
The site includes the main lighthouse structure and other equally-preserved buildings, all restored in the early 1980s when it was opened to the public daily year-round. You can climb its 203-step spiral staircase for great exercise and undoubtedly the best view of the Atlantic Ocean from 174 feet up.
The price of admission includes a self-guided tour map, but most visitors opt for the more information-packed guided tour. It takes you back in time to how things range in this lighthouse which was important for keeping Floridaâs coasts safe over a century ago.
A Treasure Trove of Sights, Sounds, and Experiences
The grounds and buildings are literally a museum that you can interact with, so you wonât be limited to just looking at the displays. Youâll get a first-hand look at family life in the lighthouse with well-cataloged artifacts providing a glimpse of a time gone by.
Apart from the lighthouse tower are the Principal Keeperâs dwelling, the two Assistant Keeperâs dwellings, the oil storage building, pump house, and much more.
Location and Hours
The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is located at 4931 S Peninsula Dr., Ponce Inlet, Florida.
It is open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day are 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. It is not open on Christmas Day or Thanksgiving.
Admission for children is $1.95 and $6.95 for adults, with active military discounts and infants admitted free of charge. Get more information by calling (386) 761-1821.
