Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

Construction of this 175-foot-tall lighthouse tower began in 1884 and was completed in 1887. It is made of more than one million bricks shipped from Maryland and New York and is an important working lighthouse today. Although it was taken out of service in 1970, it was restored by the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association and returned to service in 2004, maintained by the museum staff.

I was thrilled to climb the 203 steps to the top of the lighthouse, where I got a close-up look at the Fresnel lens, and walked out onto the observation deck surrounding the lens. The breeze was delightful and the view fabulous. I could see the Ponce Inlet jetties, the entire community of Ponce, the beach hotels all the way to Daytona, the northern tip of New Smyrna Beach, including Smyrna Dunes Park, the Indian River, and the Halifax river. I probably stayed up there for half-an-hour.

The metal stairs are fairly steep, but there is a landing every twenty steps or so. No need to rush to the top.

In addition to the lighthouse, the park has lots of interesting historical exhibits, most of which are restored to their former glory by the museum. If you have any interest in history and artifacts, plan on spending at least 2 or 3 hours in the park. The park also has a gift shop, which you will pass through as you enter the fenced grounds. For more information on the lighthouse, its exhibits, and entrance fees, visit the Ponce de Leon Light Station website.