Think you can climb 203 steps in a 175 foot tall historic landmark? We promise… the rubbery legs are worth it! The view is spectacular!

August 7 is National Lighthouse Day and kids of all ages will be exploring the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Florida.  On this day in 1789, the U.S. Congress first approved an Act to establish and support lighthouses and all aids to navigation within the United States. The 115-year-old Ponce Inlet Lighthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998 and today is visited by more than 140,000 people each year.

The coastal icon’s rich history will come to life as the light station’s staff conducts family-oriented workshops, turn-of-the-century kids’ activities, and demonstrations inside the museum in air conditioned comfort, including the Science of Light workshop. Additionally, visitors will be able to tour the new lighthouse exhibits and visit with the lighthouse keeper who will describe his duties.

In recent years, in an effort to preserve lighthouses as important historical symbols in America, special events such as these are held throughout the year. National Lighthouse Day is recognized as the birthday of the United States Light House Establishment.

Before coming to visit, parents can find historical information, games, and printable color pages on the museum’s website www.ponceinlet.org. While visiting the website, children can even master the lighthouse lingo complete with definitions and take a virtual tour of the grounds. All activities are included with regular admission and no advance reservations are required.

Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

4931 South Peninsula Drive
Ponce Inlet, FL 32127

Phone: (386) 761-1821

Cost:

• $5 for adults
• $1.50 for children

Just over an hour from downtown Orlando, the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse and Museum is located 10 miles south of Daytona Beach.

Visit the website at www.ponceinlet.org.

Lighthouse Facts

• The tower beacon flashes six times in 15 seconds followed by a 15 second eclipse
• The light from the beacon can be seen up to 18 miles out to sea
• Approximately 2.5 million bricks were used to build the Light Station
• The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is one of only 12 lighthouses in the country to have been designated a National Historic Landmark
• The Lighthouse will celebrate its 125^th Anniversary as an active lighthouse on November 1, 2012