Discover Ponce Inlet
Experience all the things to do in the quaint Florida town of Ponce Inlet. From attractions, dolphins and manatees boat tour, museums and nature, the adventures are endless. Climb to the top of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Florida, and enjoy spectacular, 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Touch a stingray and witness the impressive sea turtle and marine bird rehabilitation efforts of the Marine Science Center. Enjoy dining in Ponce Inlet at a number of waterfront locations. Check out all that Ponce Inlet has to offer visitors on their next Daytona Beach area vacation!
Take an environmental journey at the Marine Science Center as you expand your knowledge of the area's diverse wildlife. Explore conservation themes and witness current rehabilitation efforts for live sea turtles and seabirds, explore fascinating mangrove and whale exhibits and meet the residents of a huge, artificial reef aquarium.
Enjoy spectacular, 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway and more! Completed in 1887, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is a fascinating piece of Florida history. It towers above others as the tallest lighthouse in Florida. This majestic facility, tucked away in the charming town of Ponce Inlet, stretches 175 feet into the sky. Feeling adventurous? Climb the 203 steps to the top for some truly breathtaking scenery and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. The lush, surrounding grounds feature a wealth of historical and nautical treasures. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse’s on-site museum features a rare Fresnel Lens exhibit, artifacts on lighthouse life, shipwrecks, a gift shop and more. Open daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., with extended summertime hours.
Pedestrian-only beach access. Pet-friendly park. Observation deck and tower. A variety of wildlife call the Lighthouse Point Park home, including raccoons, possums, skunks, armadillos, shore birds and birds of prey. Consisting of 52 acres of pristine land on the north side of Ponce DeLeon Inlet, the park features fishing, nature trails, an observation deck and tower, swimming and picnicking, and provides a pet-friendly place for dogs to swim.
Ponce Inlet Watersports has everything you need for great family fun. Guided fishing excursions, dolphin and manatee boat tours, sailing trips, kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals and more. Plus you can book your Daytona Beach Parasailing experience onsite, too.
The Constance D. Hunter Historic Pacetti Hotel Museum is located across the street from the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. Built in the 1880s, this storied hotel stands as one of Volusia County’s oldest surviving structures, offering a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved rooms and grounds. Originally a lively boarding house and fishing resort, the hotel has been meticulously restored to showcase its rich history and significance to the local community. Visitors can explore the restored rooms, period furnishings, and authentic decor that transport them back to the late 19th century. The property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ponce Preserve features approximately 41 acres stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Halifax River. At its heart is the Green Mound State Archaeological Site, an ancient Indian midden. At the base of the Green Mound is a live oak estimated to be more than 350 years old. The preserve's terrain is varied, from the ocean dunes, through terraced palmetto patches and maritime hammocks to the wetlands adjacent to the Halifax River. Explore many native plants in the Preserve including Florida lantana, southern red cedar, cabbage palms, Simpson's stoppers and oak trees. The Preserve has been added to the East Section of the Great Florida Birding Trail and is an excellent site for bird-watching.
The Ponce Inlet Historical Museum contains two historic Florida Cracker-style cottages that have been restored to their original layout. The Museum is dedicated to education through the preservation and dissemination of the history and cultural heritage of the Town of Ponce Inlet. The Hasty Cottage/Post Office was built in the 1880’s by Nathaniel and Elizabeth Hasty. It was originally used as a fishing camp, and then later converted to a Post Office. Ellen Mary Meyer, the wife of lighthouse keeper Edward Meyer, worked as its last Postmistress in what was then known as Ponce Park. Both homes feature cracker-style architecture. The Meyer-Davis House has a metal roof, raised floor, large porch, and straight central hallway characterize the former residence of Edward Meyer, Ponce Inlet’s last civilian lighthouse keeper. The structure was built in 1922 as a vacation rental by Redwood Wharton Sr. But his son, Redwood Jr., founder of the Inlet Harbor Restaurant, decided against renting and instead sold it to Meyer.
Down the Hatch offers Florida dining overlooking the scenic waters of Ponce de Leon Inlet. The menu includes soups, salads, and sandwiches, along with seafood, steak, chicken, pork, and pasta dinners. Dine inside or outside on the deck overlooking that Intracoastal Waterway. Live entertainment.
Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor Raw Bar and Grill creates perfect group functions. You may reserve for all your corporate needs and special occasions. Featuring a wide selection of banquet platters and dishes for all your parties, a variety of menu items including great seafood dishes and fine steaks. Off the Hook has a festive Caribbean flare and great entertainment, including live music.
Racing's North Turn Beach Bar and Grille sits on the exact location where racing history began in Daytona Beach. Enjoy sandwiches, wraps, steaks, seafood, and pasta with a nice cold beverage on the expansive deck overlooking the beach. You can also view fantastic racing memorabilia and historic pictures in the onsite museum and check out the nearby North Turn historical marker.
