This is one of Florida's finest nautical museums. The lighthouse was constructed over a century ago when the Ponce Inlet was known as Mosquito Inlet, and stands 175 feet tall, making it the second tallest such structure in the United States (and the tallest open to the public). More than 70,000 people visit every year. It is the only lighthouse in Florida that is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The lighthouse is complete with its original lighthouse keeper buildings, and the museum houses maritime museum artifacts, educational exhibits and a rare 19th century Fresnel Lens exhibit. Climb to the top of the lighthouse's 203 steps for a panoramic view of the Ponce de Leon Inlet's north and south arteries and surrounding area. The lighthouse still works, guiding mariners off the Atlantic coast. This is one of the few lighthouses in the U.S. to have all of its original buildings still standing. What is even more remarkable is that the lighthouse has been through 80 years of use without ever missing a night. The light shines over 16 nautical miles and flashes every 10 seconds. The compound includes three original keepers' homes that are now museums, a historic 46-foot tugboat and a new entrance building based on original plans in 1884 for a dwelling that was never built. View historical displays and visit the gift shop. Picnic facilities and nature trails are available nearby at Lighthouse Point Park. The Ponce Inlet is the Daytona Beach area's southernmost point. Hours: Open daily except on Christmas, May 1 through Labor Day, lighthouse 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., grounds and gift shop 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. After Labor Day through April 30, lighthouse 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., grounds and gift shop 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.