Overview
Ponce Inlet is a town in Volusia County, East Central Florida.
10 sights · 13 things to do · 5 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Ponce Inlet
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
Florida's tallest lighthouse at 175 ft (the second tallest in the US) sits at the end of the road south of Daytona Beach. It is one of only 10 lighthouses in the nation designated a National Historic Landmark. Climb the …
Lighthouse Loop
The Lighthouse Loop is a scenic drive, also used by walkers, bicyclists, and runners, which passes through the cities of Port Orange, Daytona Beach Shores, and Ponce Inlet. Check the web site for the exact route.
Marine Science Center
The Marine Science Center offers an experience where visitors can see some of the rich marine life of the area. One of the main goals of the Marine Science Center is sea turtle rehabilitation. Guests can overlook seven t…
Kay & Ayres Davies Lighthouse Park (City)
Situated under the shadow of the historic Ponce DeLeon Light Station, this three-acre park has swings, a slide and a climber and is ideal for picnics and relaxing after climbing the steps of the Lighthouse.
Lighthouse Point Park (County)
The park consists of 52 acres of pristine land at the south end of the Town of Ponce Inlet. The 52-acre park features fishing, nature trails, an observation deck and tower, swimming and picnicking. A variety of wildlife …
Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary
Since its opening in June 2004, the Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary has treated more than 4,500 birds from more than 140 different species. This bird rehabilitation facility is equipped to care and treat inj…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–May. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 52°F. Wettest: Jun and Sep. (climate data from nearby New Smyrna Beach)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DAB Daytona Beach International Airport, Daytona Beach — 9 mi away. Directions
- SFB Orlando Sanford International Airport, Orlando — 28 mi away (major hub). Directions
Ponce Inlet has no local airport. If you need to fly here, you will need to find a commercial flight arriving to either Daytona Beach International Airport (the closest), Orlando International Airport, or Jacksonville International Airport.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Inlet Harbor Marina, Lighthouse Loop, Kay & Ayres Davies Lighthouse Park (City)
- Lunch Down the Hatch
- Afternoon Ponce Inlet Jetty, Town Hall Park Complex (City)
- Dinner Boondock's
- Evening Racing's North Turn
Day 2
- Morning Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, Lighthouse Point Park (County), Ponce Preserve (City)
- Lunch Inlet Harbor Restaurant
- Afternoon Critter Fleet, First Class Charters
- Dinner Lighthouse Landing Restaurant
Day 3
- Morning Marine Science Center, Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary, Timucuan Oaks Botanical Garden
- Lunch Jerry's Pizza & Italian Restaurant
- Afternoon Fin-Addict Charters, Fish with Capt. Barry
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
History
It is said that in 1513, Juan Ponce De Leon was exploring the land and waters around the inlet that today bears his name. In 1886-87, a 175 foot high lighthouse was built and named after Ponce de Leon.
Ponce Inlet was named after Antonio Ponce, who was granted land here during the Spanish occupation of Florida.
In 1963, the Town of Ponce Inlet was incorporated; the first town council was sworn in at the lighthouse office. The lighthouse still dominates this small, sleepy town of fishing boats, natural parks, and growing condominiums.
Climate
Ponce Inlet offers a humid, subtropical climate that is typical throughout Florida. Winters are dry and mild, marked by a constant series of cold fronts and warm-ups. Temperatures dip into the low 40s and upper 30s (°F) on occasion, although freezes are rare. Snowfall is very rare.
Temperatures in spring are famously pleasant with warm afternoons, cool evenings, and far less humidity. The summers are long, hot and humid, with temperatures frequently in the upper 90s F in July. Thunderstorms are frequent in summer afternoons. Dangers include hurricanes from June until November.
Get in
By plane
Ponce Inlet has no local airport. If you need to fly here, you will need to find a commercial flight arriving to either Daytona Beach International Airport (the closest), Orlando International Airport, or Jacksonville International Airport.
By train
Amtrak offers the Amtrak Auto Train service with its southern Terminus located in Sanford (Florida), about 35 miles (57 km) west of Ponce Inlet. The Amtrak Auto Train carries passengers and automobiles between Sanford and Lorton, Virginia, effectively serving as a car-rail link from Florida to the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. You can easily drive your car into Ponce Inlet after departing from the Auto Train.
Amtrak offers regular passenger service with the closest stop being near the city of DeLand. This stop is rather remote and is not recommended as an option.
By car
From Interstate 95, take Exit 256 to SR-421, east toward Port Orange. Use the Taylor Road ramp toward Port Orange/Daytona Beach Shores. Merge onto FL-421 East. FL-421 east becomes FL-A1A or North Dunlawton Avenue. Turn right on South Atlantic Avenue (Volusia County Route 4075) and drive straight to the Town of Ponce Inlet.
By bus
Greyhound bus has a stop in Daytona Beach at 138 South Ridgewood Avenue (U.S.-1). You'll need to catch the 17A bus to Ponce Inlet. The nearest bus stop for the 17A is on North Beach Street between Bay and West International Speedway Boulevard. Walk north along Ridgewood avenue, then turn right onto West International Speedway Boulevard. Walk east for two blocks until you reach beach street that runs next to the riverfront park. Turn left and walk towards bay street.
If you are staying at a hotel at the beach south of Granada Boulevard, you can catch the 17A bus south on South Atlantic Ave. Otherwise, you will need to take another bus or walk to the VOLTRAN bus transfer plaza at Doctor Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and North Palmetto Ave near North Ridgewood Avenue (U.S. Route 1) to catch the 17A bus there.
Get around
VOTRAN route 17A has limited bus service that goes North and South on Atlantic Avenue, but you really need a car to get around in Ponce Inlet. Buses run M-Sa 6AM-7:15PM. There is no bus service on Sunday. The bus does stop at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum and the Marine Science Center.
See
See Lighthouse Loop
The Lighthouse Loop is a scenic drive, also used by walkers, bicyclists, and runners, which passes through the cities of Port Orange, Daytona Beach Shores, and Ponce Inlet. Check the web site for the exact route.
See Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
Florida's tallest lighthouse at 175 ft (the second tallest in the US) sits at the end of the road south of Daytona Beach. It is one of only 10 lighthouses in the nation designated a National Historic Landmark. Climb the winding staircase for beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Halifax River. The lighthouse keepers' dwellings and other historic light station buildings are now home to a lighthouse museum, which features exhibits on lighthouse life, local history, lighthouse and Fresnel lens restoration, shipwrecks, and the lighthouse keepers and their families.
See Marine Science Center
The Marine Science Center offers an experience where visitors can see some of the rich marine life of the area. One of the main goals of the Marine Science Center is sea turtle rehabilitation. Guests can overlook seven turtle hospital pools from the Turtle Terrace, located in front of the main facility. The MSC turtle rehabilitation area also includes care and treatment of freshwater turtles and land tortoises. There is also a gift shop where you can buy books and posters.
See Lighthouse Point Park (County)
The park consists of 52 acres of pristine land at the south end of the Town of Ponce Inlet. The 52-acre park features fishing, nature trails, an observation deck and tower, swimming and picnicking. A variety of wildlife call the Lighthouse Point Park home, including raccoons, possums, skunks, armadillos, shore birds and birds of prey.
See Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary
Since its opening in June 2004, the Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary has treated more than 4,500 birds from more than 140 different species. This bird rehabilitation facility is equipped to care and treat injured and sick birds. Upon full recovery, a healthy bird will be released into its natural habitat. Some birds become ambassadors for their species and are a part of education programs and the guest viewing area of the Marine Science Center.
See Ponce Inlet Jetty
The Jetty is an outcropping of rock built up at the south end of the Daytona Beach Peninsula, which stretches about half a mile into the Atlantic Ocean. A paved walkway lets visitors walk out about half the distance of the Jetty to sightsee or go fishing. Dolphins can frequently be seen from the Jetty. The surfing is smaller than nearby New Smyrna Beach but has a nice swell.
See Town Hall Park Complex (City)
This park is next to the Fire Department and is the hub of much activity with its playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts.
Do
Fishing
Do Critter Fleet
Critter Fleet offers bottom fishing 15 to 35 miles out in the ocean. Full and half-day party boat excursions include equipment and bait. Private charters available.
Do Fin-Addict Charters
Capt. Chris offers half-day, full-day and big game gulfstream charters aboard a 32-ft custom contender, complete with an onboard restroom. Bait, tackle, ice and fishing license are included, and fish cleaning and mounts are available.
Do Finest Kind II Sportfishing
Offshore fishing has been a Nelson family tradition since 1955. Choose from half-day, full-day or night charters. Docked at Inlet Harbor Marina.
Do Fishin' Magician Guide Service
Try inlet fishing for trout, snook, reds or bass from the Daytona Beach area to Mosquito Lagoon. This family-oriented guide can accommodate up to three people.
Do Island Spirit Deep Sea Fishing
The Island Spirit is a 46-ft Hatteras offering offshore fishing trips from 4 to 10 hr. This tournament machine can comfortably accommodate up to 6 anglers in air-conditioned comfort. Powered by twin 525-hp John Deere diesels she's fast & ready to fish.
Do Knot on Duty Sportsfishing Charters
Fish aboard a spacious 29-ft boat with Penn and Shimano reels, star rods and the latest electronics. All bait, tackle and licenses are included. Half-day and full-day gulf stream trips are available. Special river, inlet and bay trips are also available.
Do Sea - Ya Charters & Guide Service, Inc.
Sea - Ya Charters offers 4- to 12-hour deep sea fishing trips, specializing in bottom fishing and trolling.
Do Sea Spirit Deep Sea Fishing
Sea Spirit offers full and half day party boat fishing trips and private charters for up to six for 4-10 hours. All bait & tackle is provided for a great day on the ocean whether bottom fishing for Snapper or Grouper, or trolling for trophy Dolphin or Sailfish. Reservations recommended.
Marinas
Do Adventure Yacht Harbor Inc.
Daily 10AM-10PM. Fishing and sailing charters are available for adventure. Pontoon boat rentals and bait are available. 150-slips. Overnight docking. Fuel and pump out service also available.
Do Inlet Harbor Marina
Sport fishing charters, marine store with bait and tackle. Restaurant, bar and gift shop. Designated a Clean Marina.
Do Sea Love Marina
Eat
Eat Down the Hatch
Upscale restaurant roughly where the inlet meets the Intracoastal Waterway.
Eat Jerry's Pizza & Italian Restaurant
With Tiki Bar.
Drink
Drink Racing's North Turn
On the Atlantic Ocean. The historic location is where Nascar ran its first sanctioned races. The restaurant walls are lined with vintage racing photo describing the history of racing. The cuisine is wonderful along with the service. Music nightly starting at 6PM. Outdoor 5000-sq-ft oceanfront deck.
Sleep
There are no hotels or motels in Ponce Inlet. However, there are a lot of condominiums and private homes that you may be able to rent. Other lodgings can be found in the nearby City of Daytona Beach Shores.
Stay safe
Florida has a high occurrence of hurricanes. You might want to check the Hurricane safety page if you are visiting Florida. Beware of lightning in the central part of the state. The area is known for a high number of shark attacks, so be careful when surfing. Also, there is a high occurrence of tornadoes in Florida, so check the Tornado safety page.
Tourist areas rarely have violent crimes, but theft is an occasional occurrence. The 911 number for fire and police emergencies is in effect in Ponce Inlet.
Go next
- Daytona Beach - Ponce Inlet's famous neighbor about 10 miles to the North offers NASCAR racing and other special events.
- Daytona Beach Shores - A quiet, small city just north of Ponce Inlet along the beach peninsula.
- New Smyrna Beach - South of Ponce Inlet on the next barrier island. New Smyrna Beach lays claim to the best Florida offers - excellent backwater and offshore fishing, golf, historical sites, cultural events and eclectic shopping and dining experiences along historical Flagler Avenue and Canal Street.
- Port Orange - A quiet, but rapidly growing city northwest of Ponce Inlet on the mainland, where you can enjoy golf and tennis.
Nearby
Port Orange
City / town · 35 listings · 4 mi away
New Smyrna Beach
City / town · 59 listings · 5 mi away
Daytona Beach Shores
City / town · 56 listings · 6 mi away
Samsula-Tomoka Farms
Rural area · 9 listings · 8 mi away
Edgewater
City / town · 6 listings · 9 mi away
Daytona Beach
City / town · 117 listings · 10 mi away
Lake Ashby
Rural area · 6 listings · 14 mi away
Ormond Beach
City / town · 55 listings · 15 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.