Situated at the north end of A1A, where the expansive ocean inlet interrupts the seaside road, the Town of Ponce Inlet has much to offer visitors. Numerous fishing boats await customers at the marinas, available for day trips. Less adventurous fishermen may wet their lines from the inlet jetty walkway or fish the surf right from the beach. Surfers bob in the ocean waves, occasionally catching a ride. Young and old scour the beach for treasures or spread out their towels on the soft sand to soak up the sun's rays. Just to the west a lighthouse rises into the sky above restaurants and parks. Something for everyone at this small seaside town.
Historical Significance of the Ponce Inlet Area
Historians disagree on the exact location where Ponce de Leon's ships first landed in America in 1513, some believing they arrived in St. Augustine while others believe they first arrived in the Ponce Inlet area. Regardless of where they landed, most likely Ponce de Leon explored this area on the voyage south.
In 1821, after Florida ceded to the United States from Spain, a Live Oak lumbering business opened at the inlet. Live oak lumber was used in shipbuilding because of its extraordinary strength and ability to be used in curved pieces needed in construction of the hull.
The increased shipping traffic brought the need for a protective seaside light to the attention of congress who appropriated $60,000 for its construction. The lighthouse was completed at what was then called Mosquito Inlet and went into service in 1887. At that time it was the only navigational aid between St. Augustine to the north and Cape Canaveral to the south. The Ponce de Leon Lighthouse still stands today along with three of it's original buildings. Visitors can climb the 203 steps spiraling to the gallery deck atop the 175' tower, tallest of all Florida lighthouses, and explore the exhibits housed in buildings on the grounds.
Enjoy What Nature has to Offer
Almost 4 miles of sandy Atlantic beach stretches from the Ponce Inlet town limits to the jetty at the inlet. There are sections closed to vehicular traffic and an area where vehicles are allowed to travel in lanes along the hard packed sand. The closed areas preserve the natural environment and provide beach-goers a quieter, safer place to sunbathe and relax. Driving on the beach is a long held tradition in the Daytona Beach area where races took place on the sand beginning in the early 1900's.
Surf fishermen line the beaches from early morning until sunset, casting their lines in the rolling waves in hopes of hooking a Whiting, Red or Black drum, Pompano, Bluefish, Croakers, or Sheepshead. Florida requires fishermen acquire a license prior to dropping a line in the water.
Bicycle riding along the hard packed sand at low tide or on the 3.5 mile long paved trail running along tree-lined S. Peninsula Drive from Major Street south to Lighthouse Point Park is a fun way to see the sights. Stop at Timucuan Oaks Botanical Gardens, an 8-acre site with an Indian midden, maritime hammock, salt marsh and mangrove swamp. Another Indian midden is located at Ponce Preserve located on S. Peninsula Drive. Boardwalk, trails and a canoe/kayak launch are offered.
Discover wildlife from nature trails and an observation deck within the county-owned 52 acre Lighthouse Point Park complete with beach, swimming and picnicking. The stone jetty marks the inlet waterway and acts as a barrier to reduce shoaling within the inlet. The jetty walkway offers another fishing option for landlocked anglers. The inlet side of the jetty is the only area in Volusia County where dogs are allowed to romp on the sand and in the surf, leashed of course. Nestled between the lighthouse and the park is the Marine Science Center where turtles and seabirds are brought for rehabilitation.
Marinas, Dining, and Boat Rides
A unique water taxi operates daily between New Smyrna Beach on the south side of the inlet and Ponce Inlet with three stops in New Smyrna Beach and two stops in Ponce Inlet. Several marinas are located off of S. Peninsula Drive where numerous charter and deep sea fishing boats are docked. The deep sea fishing boats take groups out on half day and whole day trips. Seafood is on the menu at restaurants for the hungry visitor, as well as a variety of other dishes.
Spend the day on the beach, on or in the water, explore the environment or just become immersed in history. 10 miles south of Daytona Beach on A1A, 6 miles south of the last bridge from the mainland, Ponce Inlet, Florida is a place where there's something for everyone.
Bridget Cohen - I've been freelance writing since 1981 and my work has appeared in numerous print publications including Cat Fancy, Family Pet Magazine, ...
