Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

Imagine visiting an attraction on your Florida getaway where history illuminates the present, and the views stretch as far as the eye can see. Welcome to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. 

This majestic beacon towers above the ocean and has stood as a sentinel since 1887. This lighthouse is the tallest in Florida and one of the most immaculately preserved in the nation, meriting a designation as a National Historic Landmark.

Visiting this lighthouse offers more than just a panoramic view of the Atlantic; it's a journey through the storied past of maritime navigation and coastal communities.

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum marks the careful navigation of ships making their passage along the treacherous Florida coast. With a reach that extends over 17 miles out to sea, the lighthouse was, and still is, a pivotal point for mariners seeking guidance to safe harbor. 

Exploring the museum gives visitors an exceptional insight into the life of lightkeepers. Guests can peruse curated exhibits showcasing the authentic lenses and tools of the "keepers of the light." 

Additionally, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is close to Lighthouse Point Park and the Marine Science Center, making for a delightful day of exploration in NSB.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

Delving further into the wonders of Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, New Smyrna Beach visitors will find the lens exhibit particularly mesmerizing. With its colorful rings, the Fresnel lens is a work of art in its own right and a marvel of 19th-century innovation. Experiencing these lenses is like gazing through windows of history marked by the darkest nights and fiercest storms.

The lighthouse is a beacon for educational engagement with various programs to enlighten visitors of all ages. Whether a deep dive into the science of light and optics or a hands-on history lesson on maritime signal flags, the lighthouse connects the past to the present in interactive and captivating ways. 

Its red brick facade reaches 175 feet skyward and features a 203-step spiral staircase to a rewarding, bird's eye vantage point. While the climb may be challenging, the rewards are breathtaking and worth the effort! 

A visit to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is more than a tick on your travel itinerary; it's an immersive experience that combines breathtaking views, profound history, and educational discovery. 

Whether for the brilliance of the Fresnel lens or the staggering beauty viewed from the summit, a trip to this historic lighthouse is bound to enlighten, mesmerize, and inspire your New Smyrna Beach visit.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum:

• Begin on FL-44 E towards New Smyrna Beach.
• Continue onto E 3rd Ave/A1A N and drive about 4 miles.
• Turn left onto S Peninsula Ave and stay on for 2 miles.
• Slight right onto S Atlantic Ave and proceed for approximately 3.5 miles.
• Turn left onto Inlet Harbor Rd and follow the signs to the designated parking area.
• Address: 4931 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127

Cost

Here are the current costs to visit the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum:

• Adults (12 years and older): $6.95
• Children (3-11 years): $1.95
• Infants (2 and under): Free
• Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more.

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.