- Day Trips by Theme
- Lighthouses
- Ponce Inlet
PONCE INLET LIGHTHOUSE
4931 South Peninsula Drive
Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127
Tel: 386-761-1821
By Mike Miller Updated April 16, 2026
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is on the inlet that connects the Halifax River (Intracoastal Waterway) to the Atlantic Ocean. The inlet is located between the village of Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna Beach about 10 miles south of Daytona Beach.
It is not only Florida's tallest lighthouse, is has been designated a National Historic Landmark. The property is in the village of Ponce Inlet and includes a lighthouse tower and museum.
Only the Hatteras Lighthouse on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is taller than this one. The top is 170 feet high and takes 203 steps to climb. The view from the top is worth the climb.
You will see the high rise condos and beaches to the north in Daytona Beach and to the south in New Smyrna Beach. The museum has interesting displays of the various lights that have been in operation at the lighthouse, and glimpses into the living quarters of the keepers who served there.
WHAT TO DO:
Self guided and guided tours of the lighthouse and museum are provided; guided tours require reservations.
Your self guided tour can include climbing the 203 steps of the lighthouse tower for a fantastic view of the surrounding area.
ADMISSION HOURS AND FEES:
The lighthouse and museum are open to the public 7 days a week except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Winter Hours: From the day after Labor Day to the day before Memorial Day, it is open for admission from 1000 am to 500 pm.
Summer Hours: Memorial Day through Labor Day, it is open from 1000 am to 800 pm.
Daily admission rates are $6.95 for adults and $1.95 for children 11 and under. Infants are admitted free with a paid adult.
The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse organization website has further details about the lighhouse and museum.
There is also information on the village of Ponce Inlet and the local restaurants on our website at Ponce Inlet, Florida.
A Personal Memory of Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
I visited the lighthouse on my 80th birthday. In spite of having had several cardiac stents and other health problems, I decided to walk to the top of the lighthouse. It was not too difficult because you can stop and rest at several landings along the way. I was passed by many young people on the way up and back down, but was treated to a magnificent view from the top when I finally made it: worth the climb. I rewarded myself by having lunch next door at Hidden Treasure.
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By Mike Miller, Copyright 2009-2026
Florida-Back-Roads-Travel.com
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