Soak Up the End of Summer in Ponce Inlet

Celebrate the end of summer at the Ponce DeLeon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum this Labor Day Weekend.  Discover the fascinating story of this historic landmark as you climb 203 steps to the top of Florida’s tallest lighthouse.  

Explore exhibits and well-preserved artifacts. Learn more about those who maintained and operated the lighthouse over the years. Experience what it was like to live and work as a lightkeeper in Ponce Inlet.

The town of Ponce Inlet is a great day-destination spot with so much to offer its visitors.  Nature and Beach lovers will enjoy experiencing wildlife, native vegetation, and the peace that this one-of-a-kind coastal town has to offer. Before or after your lighthouse visit, discover parks and restaurants where you can relax, rejuvenate, and celebrate the official end of summer!

Lighthouse Point Park

As you walk to the main beach over the boardwalk from the Lighthouse Point Park parking lot, you will observe native vegetation and wildlife. You may catch a glimpse of the state-protected Gopher Tortoise.  Raccoon, Opossum, and Armadillo are some of the many other native park residents.  You might enjoy watching surfers catch a wave.  Walk the jetty to observe the “fresh catches” of those fishing there. The Park is equipped with bathrooms, outdoor showers, and a Volusia County Lifeguard Station. 

Bring a picnic to enjoy while spending time with your family under one of the many shelters throughout the park.  Walk the wooden boardwalk to view natural vegetation like Silver Saw Palmetto, Cabbage Palms and Sea Oats. Climb the Observation tower near the center of the park to get an elevated view over the Live Oak trees. You may catch a glimpse of one of the local birds like Osprey, Ibis, Egret or Pelican flying overhead. 

Admission to the park is $10 per car. Fishing license requirements and salt-water fishing regulation information is available at myfwc.com

Ponce Inlet Beach Ramp Access

If you prefer to drive onto the beach, you will enter at the main Ponce Inlet beach drive-on ramp entrance located at Atlantic Avenue and Beach Street. Spend your day relaxing on the soft, sugary-white sand. Walk the beach.  Enjoy varieties of shorebirds like Plover racing back and forth or pelicans gliding gracefully over the water in search of a fish lunch.

You could spot a dolphin surfacing over a wave.  Build a sandcastle with your family to commemorate and pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of the American worker in honor of Labor Day!

Admission to the Ponce Inlet Beach Ramp is $20 per car.

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum

The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is just outside the park at 4931 South Peninsula Drive.  Climb 175 feet to the top of the tallest lighthouse in Florida.  When you reach the peak of our tower you will find a fantastic 360-degree balcony.  Capture gorgeous views of the Inlet, Beaches, and Halifax River in all directions.  Explore unique nautical-themed gifts and souvenirs available in our colorful gift shop.  Labor Day weekend hours are 10 A.M.-9 P.M. with the last admission at 8 P.M.

Discover the fascinating story of this important landmark and explore the largest, best-preserved, and most authentic light station in the country.

Special family-oriented activities are scheduled on the light station's grounds between the hours of 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM on Monday, September 6th.

There are several activities available within walking distance of the Lighthouse:

The Kay and Ayres Davies Lighthouse Park-The Park boasts a picnic gazebo, benches, a children’s Pirate ship playground, and a beautiful Veteran’s Memorial.

Hidden Treasure Rum Bar and Grill Restaurant- Enjoy lunch or dinner while overlooking mangrove islands within the mouth of the Halifax River. Watch local boaters docking, loading, and unloading at the public boat ramp just next door.

Lighthouse Ice Cream- Following your meal, treat the kids and yourself to Lighthouse Ice Cream (across from the playground) for that special frozen treat to savor the end of summer.

Labor Day historically marks the beginning of a new school year.  Did you know the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum offers a STEMS-inspired program for public and private schools in Volusia County?  “STEAMING through Lighthouse Illumination” covers topics related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Human Interaction and Innovation, Navigation, and Geography.

The Lighthouse offers a variety of hands-on, interactive activities and guided tours for students of all ages.

For more information on program offerings for students explore: /A-Commitment-to-Lighthouse-Education-6-99.html