Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum stands as a testament to Florida's maritime past, offering visitors a unique blend of history, education, and breathtaking views. Located on the southern tip of a peninsula just a few miles south of Daytona Beach, the lighthouse is not only the tallest in Florida but also one of the best-preserved and most authentic historic light stations in the nation. Originally known as the Mosquito Inlet Lighthouse, construction began in 1883, with the purchase of ten acres of land. The lighthouse tower design was based on Light-House Board standard plans with modifications made for the specific site. Tragedy struck early in the construction process when Chief Engineer Orville E. Babcock and three others drowned in the inlet in 1884. Despite this setback, the tower was completed three years later in 1887. The 175-foot-tall lighthouse, with its 203 steps to the top, provides stunning 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, Ponce Inlet, and the surrounding inland waterways. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1998, the lighthouse represents one of the best-preserved and most authentic historic light stations in the U.S. Maintained and operated by the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, this beautiful facility allows you to walk inside the white picket fence and step back in time. Visitors can explore the meticulously restored light station, which includes the lighthouse tower, three lighthouse keeper's homes, and various outbuildings. Each building has been transformed into functional spaces, such as the Woodshed Theater, which exhibits a video and the original tools used by the keepers. The Ayres Davies Lens Exhibit Building showcases a collection of restored Fresnel lenses, including the original first-order lens from the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and the first-order lens from the Cape Canaveral lighthouse. The museum offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families, with exhibits detailing their daily routines, challenges, and contributions to maritime safety. Visitors can also learn about the history of the United States Lighthouse Service and the evolution of navigational technology. The Cuban Rafts Exhibit provides a poignant reminder of the human stories connected to the sea. In 1927, the town of Mosquito Inlet officially changed its name to Ponce de Leon Inlet for real estate and tourism purposes. The Lighthouse Service agreed to change the name of the light station to match that of the inlet. In August 1933, the tower light was electrified with a 500-watt electric lamp, and the original first-order fixed lens was replaced by a third-order revolving, flashing lens. After being fully automated in 1953, the keepers and their families left for the last time. In 1970, the Coast Guard abandoned the old light station and established a new light at the Coast Guard station on the south side of the inlet. Vandals damaged the light station, but two years later, the abandoned property was deeded to the Town of Ponce Inlet. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association was founded in 1972 as a non-profit organization to restore and operate the property as a museum. Today, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse stands as an operational private aid to navigation. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower, explore the museum buildings, and participate in various educational programs and events. The lighthouse also hosts a variety of family-friendly events, guided tours, and interactive workshops. The monthly Climb to the Moon event allows attendees to enjoy stunning views of the sunset and moonrise from the top of Florida's tallest lighthouse. Education events for students and educators are also available. A visit to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is more than just a trip to a historic site; it's an immersive experience that combines breathtaking views, profound history, and educational discovery. Whether you're captivated by 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 visit to the New Smyrna Beach area.