The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse and museum situated at 4931 South Peninsula Drive in the town of Ponce Inlet, Florida. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in April 2026 and includes the current $6.95 adult admission price alongside the introduction of the new combo ticket covering the Constance D. Hunter Historic Pacetti Hotel Museum.
Quick facts
| Fact | Details |
| Opening hours | Daily 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (extended to 9:00 pm in summer) |
| Ticket prices | Adult (12+): $6.95, Child (3-11): $1.95 (combo tickets available) |
| Address | 4931 S Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Free on-site car park |
| Typical time needed | 1 to 2 hours |
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse opening hours
The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is open to the public every day of the year. Standard operating hours run from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm, with the final admission sold at 5:00 pm.
Opening hours shift during the summer season to accommodate late-afternoon visitors. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the site extends its hours, operating from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm, with the final entry permitted at 8:00 pm.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse ticket prices
General admission tickets cost $6.95 for adults aged 12 and older, and $1.95 for children aged three to 11. Infants aged two and under enter for free. A combo ticket, which provides access to both the lighthouse and the adjacent Pacetti Hotel Museum, is available for $11.95 for adults and $2.95 for children.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
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How to get to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
The lighthouse is located at the southern tip of the peninsula, approximately a 20-minute drive south of Daytona Beach. Driving is the most reliable transport method, as visitors can follow South Atlantic Avenue (Highway A1A) directly into Ponce Inlet and turn onto South Peninsula Drive.
Public transport options are limited in this residential area. The local Votran bus service operates routes in the wider Daytona region, but reaching the lighthouse gates typically requires a private vehicle, taxi, or rideshare service.
Parking at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
Visitors can use the dedicated, on-site car park located immediately outside the main gift shop entrance. Parking is free for all ticketed guests exploring the museum and grounds.
The car park provides ample spaces for standard vehicles, though spaces can fill up quickly on weekend afternoons and during the extended summer hours. Motorhomes and vehicles with trailers are advised to arrive early to secure suitable parking.
How long to spend at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
A standard visit to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse requires one to two hours. This timeframe provides sufficient opportunity to climb the tower, read the historical markers, and explore the keeper’s dwellings.
Visitors who purchase the combo ticket to include the Pacetti Hotel Museum or who plan to spend time in the extensive gift shop should allocate an additional 45 minutes to their itinerary.
Accessibility at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
The grounds, the museum buildings, and the ground-level exhibits are fully wheelchair accessible via paved brick pathways and ramps. Accessible restrooms are also available on-site for visitor use.
However, the lighthouse tower itself is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Climbing the structure requires navigating 203 steep, narrow steps without lift access.
Inside / what to see at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
The primary feature is the 175-foot-tall brick lighthouse tower, which was built in 1887. Visitors can climb the 203 metal stairs to the gallery deck to view the Atlantic Ocean, the Halifax River, and the surrounding coastal environment.
The site includes the original keeper’s dwellings, which have been fully restored and converted into museum spaces. These buildings house exhibits detailing maritime history, local shipwrecks, and the daily life of 19th-century lighthouse keepers.
The Ayres Davies Lens Exhibit Building features an extensive collection of restored historical Fresnel lenses. This includes the original rotating first-order Fresnel lens relocated from the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse.
Visitors can also view the historic Woodshed, the Pump House, and the Cuban Raft exhibit on the grounds. With a combo ticket, guests can walk to the newly opened Constance D. Hunter Historic Pacetti Hotel Museum to view displays regarding the area’s early fishing resort history.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive right at 10:00 am to climb the tower before the intense midday heat and humidity. |
| Crowds | Weekday mornings are typically the quietest, allowing for a steady, uninterrupted climb up the spiral staircase. |
| Layout | The campus consists of multiple separate historical buildings; review the site map to ensure you visit all the keeper’s dwellings. |
| Entry process | Tickets are purchased directly in the gift shop upon arrival; no advance reservations are required for general admission. |
| On-site logistics | Wear flat, closed-toe shoes to safely navigate the metal stairs leading to the top of the tower. |
Frequently asked questions about the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
| Question | Answer |
| Is the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse suitable for children? | Yes, the grounds are family-friendly, though infants must be carried in front-facing carriers to climb the tower. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse? | No advance booking is required for general daytime admission. |
| Is the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse open on Sundays? | Yes, the site is open every Sunday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. |
| Are bags allowed at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse? | Small day bags are permitted, but large rucksacks are discouraged as the tower staircase is narrow. |
Things to do near the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
- Lighthouse Point Park: A 52-acre coastal park featuring nature trails, a swimming beach, and a jetty overlooking the ocean.
- Marine Science Center: A marine rehabilitation facility where visitors can view recovering sea turtles and interactive aquatic exhibits.
- Daytona Beach Boardwalk: A historic entertainment district featuring arcade games, amusement rides, and oceanfront dining.
- Ponce Inlet Watersports: A local marina offering eco-tours, paddleboard rentals, and dolphin-watching boat excursions.
- Museum of Arts & Sciences: A museum complex in Daytona Beach featuring regional art, a planetarium, and historical exhibits.
More Florida travel
Other Florida travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- First time visitor’s guides to the Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Matanzas and Mission Nombre de Dios in St Augustine.
- Visitor guides to the Lightner Museum, Old Jail, St Augustine History Museum, St Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and Oldest Store Museum Experience in St Augustine.
- What you need to know before visiting the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens in Ormond Beach.
- Step back in time at Daytona Beach’s Halifax Historical Museum.
- Plan your visit to the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens in Port Orange.
