As a native Floridian, it is a thrill to continue discovering ‘new to me’ destinations throughout the Sunshine State. On a recent visit to the Daytona Beach area, I made my way to the small village of Ponce Inlet, Florida. Located about 20 minutes south of the bright lights and excitement of Daytona Beach, Ponce Inlet is a quiet, area filled with family fun and quiet beaches. And what I love most about Ponce Inlet – you can park your car and get to everything!
Here’s a look at what you and your family can discover in Ponce Inlet, Florida –
See the Sights from Atop Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
At 175 feet, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and one of the tallest in the United States! Whether you decide to hike the 203 steps to soak in the beautiful views or you choose to tour the museum area featuring the lens exhibit that is filled with incredibly, beautiful glass and the surrounding buildings that were once lightkeeper’s houses – you are sure to be amazed at this beautiful property.
I’ll be the first admit that I did not climb to the top of the lighthouse – I was a dancer for most of my life – 203 steps is not my knee’s idea of a good time. However, I was fascinated by the lens exhibit. You never realized how massive the lens are until you are standing next to them. Don’t miss checking out this part of the lighthouse property!
At the time of this writing, admission is $6.95 for adults and $1.95 for children – making this is a bargain when it comes to great attractions!
Go on a Dolphin Tour with Ponce Inlet Watersports
I consider the dolphin tour with Ponce Inlet Watersports a “must do activity for families”. As a native Floridian, I’ve been on my share of dolphin cruises and I have NEVER seen as many dolphins as I did the day I sailed around Ponce Inlet along the Halifax River and the Ponce de Leon Inlet.
It was an incredible day on the water and our boat guides were fantastic. They knew exactly where to go to find the dolphins and make the most of our time in the area. They were knowledgeable, friendly and had great Dad jokes – which is always a bonus with me.
In addition to seeing so many dolphins, the 90-minute tour also included a stop at a small island to collect shells and look for treasures. It was fun to have time to explore and enjoy the sunshine. Afterwards, on our way back to the docks, the guides talked a bit about the wildlife and sea creatures found in the area making it, not only fun, but educational too!
Now, if you’d rather be more adventurous than dolphin tours, Ponce Inlet Watersports also offers fishing adventures, paddleboard and kayak rentals and even jet ski tours!
Eat Fresh Seafood at Down the Hatch Restaurant
And when it’s time for a drink (or food!), pull up a seat at the Down the Hatch Restaurant. Open since 1975, enjoy fried seafood and a variety of seafood dishes with waterfront views along the Ponce de Leon Inlet.
I recommend grabbing a seat outside along the water to look for dolphins and enjoy the sunset. On the weekends, you can also enjoy live music. What’s not to love?
One note – Down the Hatch Restaurant does not take reservations, so plan ahead if you are interested in grabbing a bite to eat. It can fill up pretty quickly in the summer months!
Enjoy Beach Time at Lighthouse Point Park
If you’re in the mood for some beach time, make your way over to Lighthouse Point Park and the south end of Ponce Inlet. While there is a $10 fee for cars entering the park, there is plenty of parking and great picnic spots and beach access throughout the park.
Take one of the many wooden boardwalks to some of the more secluded overlooks to the beach and be on the lookout for wildlife below. We saw a few turtles during our visit!
If you’d rather be closer to the car – you are in luck! Many of the paved, parking lots offer direct access to the beach, making it a short walk to dip your feet in the ocean. With that said, no cars are allowed on the beach. You’ll find plenty of covered pavilions, restrooms and fresh water shower facilities.
The park’s nature trail also leads to a scenic observation tower offering great views of Ponce Inlet and the ocean too. Bring your camera!
Dogs are welcome on the beach, but must be leashed and respectful to others. The 52-acre, oceanfront park also welcomes fisherman (and women!) to fish at the park’s 1,000 foot paving fishing jetty. Even if you don’t fish – it is fun to see what the latest catch of the day might be.
Learn About Sea Life at the Marine Science Center
The Marine Science Center was closed for refurbishment during my visit to Ponce Inlet, I still think it is worth a mention. There’s nothing better than learning about sea life and animals.
In addition to hands-on exhibits depicting artificial reefs, what (and who!) live in the waters surrounding Volusia County, the center also serves as a rehabilitation center for injured birds, turtles and more. The center boasts that they’ve treated more than 18,000 birds from more than 200 different species.
Ready to Visit Ponce Inlet, Florida?
These are just some of the great reasons to visit Ponce Inlet, Florida. On this trip, I was on this trip with other journalists, so no kids (!!!), but I can’t wait to return with them and experience this great community filled with charm and relaxation.
Learn more about Ponce Inlet and its attractions and plan your own visit. The Daytona Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau is a wonderful resource for things to do, see and eat in Ponce Inlet.
Be sure to follow along the Discover Daytona Beach on Instagram and check out Ponce Inlet and the Daytona Beach area at www.daytonabeach.com.
Also, check out my other stories on the Daytona Beach area –
** My visit to Daytona Beach and Ponce Inlet was part of a journalist trip for travel writers. I received complimentary admission to attractions, dining and accommodations, however opinions here are my own. **
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