Pictures from
Ponce Inlet
Ponce
Inlet is just about 10 miles south of Daytona Beach at the mouth of the Halifax
River, which is better known as the Intracoastal Waterway. This Atlantic Ocean
inlet is one of the few in Florida not crossed by a bridge and visitors wishing
to access Cape Canaveral and all points south from this area must drive
back out to the mainland. Ponce Inlet's population is less than 3000 full
time residents and due to the lack of hotels and motels, the residency figures
stay much the same during the tourist season.
Ponce
Inlet is best known for the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse (officially known as The
Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station).. Once in danger of ruin, the lighthouse,
buildings and grounds have been magnificently restored to their previous beauty.
The tallest lighthouse in Florida, and the second tallest in the nation, it is
open for the intrepid to climb its 175 feet. Those taking the 203 steps required
to reach the top will be rewarded with some spectacular views of the Atlantic
Ocean, the inlet, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach and anything else for miles
around. Don't wear yourself out climbing the lighthouse, though, because there's
plenty to see at the ground level. The restored buildings are accessible and
there is a small museum on the premises.
Those
taking the time will learn substantially more than they ever wanted to about
this and other lighthouses.
Ponce
Inlet isn't very big and a quick tour of the area shows some very pretty
residential settings. Some parts of Ponce Inlet are heavily wooded and driving
the quiet streets with the lush canopies overhead is a serene treat. Ponce de
Leon and his men probably felt much the same as they cruised around the
peninsula 500 years ago.
Visitors
to Ponce Inlet, FL can tour many local cities by car. The closest,
larger beach town with shopping and attractions is Daytona Beach, 10 miles
north. This area can be accessed best by aircraft from the Daytona Beach
International Airport (20 minutes).
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