Bobby G at Ponce Inlet

If you’re looking for the perfect day trip in Volusia County, let me introduce you to the best little spot just down the road—Ponce Inlet. This place has it all: history, killer views, mouthwatering food, and just the right amount of adventure. Oh, and a lighthouse with a staircase designed by someone who clearly hates knees.

Things to Do in Ponce Inlet

So, Tiffany and I, along with my best friend Eric and his girlfriend Brianna, decided to spend the day exploring. And let me tell you, Ponce Inlet did not disappoint. From the moment we rolled in, the whole vibe was different— slower, quieter, like the kind of place where time moves just a little more gently. It’s got this old Florida charm that makes you want to ditch your phone and just soak it all in.

First stop: the old Pacetti Hotel. Back in the day, this was the place for travelers making their way through the inlet. Now, it’s a piece of history sitting there like a reminder of a time when Florida was wilder and, probably, way more interesting.

But let’s get to the main event: the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. It’s the tallest lighthouse in Florida at 175 feet, which sounds super cool until you’re at the bottom, staring up at 203 steps, wondering if you really need the view that badly. Tiffany and I exchanged a look that said, “Welp, here we go,” and started climbing. Let me tell you, that staircase is no joke. But when we finally made it to the top? Absolutely worth it. You get this insane panoramic view of the Atlantic, the Halifax River, and all of Ponce Inlet in its laid-back, beachy glory.

Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grill

After our impromptu leg day, we were starving. Luckily, Ponce Inlet has no shortage of incredible restaurants. We ended up at Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grill, and let me just say—great choice. This place is right on the water, which means you get an amazing view while stuffing your face with some of the best seafood around.

And oh, did we eat. I went a little overboard with the appetizers—chargrilled oysters with lobster cream sauce, and middleneck clams sautéed in garlic butter. Eric got Chilean sea bass nuggets that were so good, we all just silently nodded in approval between bites. We passed everything around, and by the time we were done, moving was no longer an option.

Ending the Day in New Smyrna Beach

Feeling stuffed but content, we packed it in and headed out. But the day wasn’t over—there was still plenty of time left, so we made our way to New Smyrna Beach for a cold drink before calling it a day. It was the perfect way to unwind, catch up, and enjoy the last moments of our adventure.

By the time we headed home, we were sun-kissed, overfed and stoked about the day with our friends in Ponce Inlet.

So if you haven’t been yet, go. Climb the lighthouse (your legs will eventually forgive you), take time to see the area and learn about its history. I guarantee you won’t regret it.