The tallest lighthouse in Florida and one of the finest preserved light stations in the United States, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse has stood at the junction of the Atlantic, Halifax, and Indian Rivers since 1887. At 175 feet, climbing the 203 steps to the lantern room rewards you with sweeping views of the coastline and converging waterways.
The grounds retain all their original structures — keeper's quarters, oil storage, workshop — each restored and open to visitors. The Aryes Davies Lens Exhibit houses a remarkable collection of Fresnel lenses, including the first-order revolving lens from Cape Canaveral Lighthouse. A self-guided or docent-led tour of the complex takes about 90 minutes. Seafood restaurants line the adjacent marina, making it easy to combine a lighthouse visit with lunch.