ponce de leon inlet lighthouse & museum

158adelem

This, like many American museums, is a well planned, informative, and interesting attraction- good for all ages. It provides through film, first hand experiences- ie walking up the lighthouse spiral staircase and seeing for yourselves how the lighthouse keepers and their families lived- and lots of written information a really good insight into the history and science of lighthouses for all ages. It is very well kept and a great way to,spend an hour or two.

Johnb0y

Only 5$ to get in and although it is now preserved to a very high standard and the grounds are pristine, it's easy to forget how difficult it must have been back in the late 1800's. You do feel like you're going back in time when going through the 3 house keeper dwellings and the associated exhibits. They even have a lens exhibit building which is worth seeing for 2 reasons; (1) to see the lenses and their evolution and (2) for educational purposes. If you're so inclined a well stocked shop will be able to provide you with a memento of your visit.

johnbH5543DC

As a retired member of the U.S.C.G. I visit every lighthouse I come across. Not because of that fact but because they play such an integral part of our maritime history. PI is an outstanding example of a ATON display that is informative and appeals to all ages. The climb to the top is very doable for most and offers a great 360 view of the peninsula. The accompanying buildings and displays are not to be missed.

hankmary

Went with a group and had an excellent guide. Use a guide or you will miss so many details. It is rare to find a site that was in actual use until it was turned over for preservation. Going through the same doors and walking on the same floors, amazing. Not to hard to climb to the top and worth the view. Kids will be excited if you use the guide otherwise it is just to much to keep reading the display cards. Leave food and drinks in the car.

Scottk645

We try to visit any light house if possible. I love the history leason and the view. All you have to do is to follow the signs. Be sure to visit either Down the Hatch or the Inlet Restaurant for a drink.

paulag919

Great place to view into the past, very interesting. The personnel were all friendly and informative. We were here in our thirties and had a great time climbing the lighthouse stairs to the top and saw the great view. We are seniors now and unable to climb the stairs but there is still plenty to see and everything except the lighthouse is wheelchair friendly. We had a great time and the gift was also very nice.

jutsie

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is a treat for visitors to the area. It is very picturesque and lovely grounds make for wonderful photo opportunities!

828cheryll

Each time I visit a lighthouse I have to talk myself into the climb as I'm not that fond of the steep openwork stairs. This climb was so worth the anxiety and after the stunning views we can always say it was so worth it and be proud that as we age we still challenge ourselves. The park and surroundings are meticulously restored and maintained. The lens house is fascinating as is a display of the role lighthouses played in the world wars. Only wish we had brought along a picnic lunch. It would be great to see a sunrise or sunset from the top with a glass of wine!

MLL_KLL

You can walk the grounds, go through a gift shop, and climb to the top of the lighthouse. The history of the mirrors and lenses is quite interesting and they have been pristinely preserved. You can walk a short distance from the lighthouse and enjoy a drink at several restaurants right along the waterfront. If you are staying in Ponce Inlet area, it is an easy bicycle ride to the lighthouse -- well worth spending a few hours.

travel lovin' family

We stumbled on this just driving to see what was at the end of the road! It is a beautiful park with Free Parking which was a pleasant surprise too. After the climb to the top we visited the house with lenses- they were huge and beautiful -Its nice that they are being preserved. The 203 step climb-- I had just had knee surgery 3 months prior so this was a good test. All was good with the knee, but since I was out of shape my thighs were painfully sore the next 3 days, so be prepared for some pain if you are out of shape, but it was still worth it!

MrPat4642

This lighthouse is more than the tower and light. The original buildings that housed the light keepers and their families are open and furnished with lots of information about what they did and how they lived. You can do a self guided tour of the grounds and walk up to the top of the lighthouse for a great view. The lighthouse is next door to the Marine Science Center and a great park at the Inlet. You can easily enjoy a full afternoon at this end of the island.

Gomuchfaster

This working lighthouse is one of our favorite places to visit, we go all the time and take friends every time we can. It's a bit of a hike up the 187 or so stairs, but there are places to rest along the way, so if you need to take your time you can, but you need to go up those stairs to enjoy the 360 degree views that are at the top. It's spectacular!It can also be quite windy at the top so hang onto loose items. Sunsets are spectacular from the top, but check hours to make sure they are open for sunset viewing.Take some time to visit the other areas on the grounds, the lens display is very informative. There's lots of things to see besides just the lighthouse.

wltgl

Very nice lighthouse fairly easy to climb plenty of places to stop and rest on the way up. Wished it had two railings instead of one but it was fine using one railing. The museum is informative lots to look at. Well worth the $8.00 per person.

Samiamiu

203 steps to the top. Either be in shape or train for it. Great view, windy our day and scary because of it. The grounds had three houses for the families of the men who manned the lighthouses from 1887 on through the early 1900's. Second tallest lighthouse in North America at 17 stories. 8 feet thick brick walls at base, 2 1/2 feet of brick at the top. Solid, important. Staff doesn't try to make you buy stuff at the gift shop, but will invite you to make a donation to the not for profit group that keeps this place in tip top shape. Only $5. They know their audience. I would have walked away at $10, but for $5, you take the chance. Glad we did. Go check it out.

LadyDi56

The lighthouse is only about 10 miles south of Daytona Beach. It costs $5 per person to gain access to the grounds and the lighthouse but it's well worth it. There are many out buildings which contain artifacts and you can sit through a brief film that describes the history of the area. It's worth watching. After climbing 203 steps to the top of the lighthouse, you're rewarded with a breathtaking view. Be sure to bring cameras.