Guide to Ponce Inlet: Sun, Fish, Surf, Stroll, Paddle or Eat
Arts and Sciences
Drive a little over 60 minutes to experience a live space launch, see space history or learn about space technology.
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NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Space Commerce WayDrive a little over 60 minutes to experience a live space launch, see space history or learn about space technology.
Located on a 90-acre Florida nature preserve, the 100,000 square foot facility is host to over 30,000 objects including the Dow Gallery of American Art, one of the finest collections of American art in the Southeast, the Schulte Gallery of Chinese Art, the Bouchelle Collection and Gallery of Decorative Arts, the largest and most comprehensive collection in the South, and the Root Family Museum featuring restored railroad cars, antique automobiles and the largest collection of Coca-Cola(R) memorabilia in Florida. The Helene B. Roberson Visible Storage Building exhibits thousands of objects from many donors which are owned by the Museum, while the Linda and Williams Children's Museum presents an interactive experience for children. A new state-of-the-art planetarium and the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art showcasing the largest collection of Florida-based art in the world, rounds out areas to explore inside the Museum of Arts & Sciences. The West Wing contains the Gillespy Gallery of Sub-Saharan African artifacts, the Cuban Foundation Museum showcasing one of the most significant collections of Cuban paintings in the United States, and a prehistory of Florida gallery, featuring Florida's Giant Ground Sloth skeleton.
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Museum Of Arts And Sciences
352 S Nova RdLocated on a 90-acre Florida nature preserve, the 100,000 square foot facility is host to over 30,000 objects including the Dow Gallery of American Art, one of the finest collections of American art in the Southeast, the Schulte Gallery of Chinese Art, the Bouchelle Collection and Gallery of Decorative Arts, the largest and most comprehensive collection in the South, and the Root Family Museum featuring restored railroad cars, antique automobiles and the largest collection of Coca-Cola(R) memorabilia in Florida. The Helene B. Roberson Visible Storage Building exhibits thousands of objects from many donors which are owned by the Museum, while the Linda and Williams Children's Museum presents an interactive experience for children. A new state-of-the-art planetarium and the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art showcasing the largest collection of Florida-based art in the world, rounds out areas to explore inside the Museum of Arts & Sciences. The West Wing contains the Gillespy Gallery of Sub-Saharan African artifacts, the Cuban Foundation Museum showcasing one of the most significant collections of Cuban paintings in the United States, and a prehistory of Florida gallery, featuring Florida's Giant Ground Sloth skeleton.
Sea turtle and bird rescue rehabilitation and release center. Learn about the local ecosystem and pet stingrays.
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Marine Science Center
Sea turtle and bird rescue rehabilitation and release center. Learn about the local ecosystem and pet stingrays.
Food scene
Casual food just a short walk away down the beach or sidewalk. Live music on the weekends.
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Racing's North Turn
4511 S Atlantic AveCasual food just a short walk away down the beach or sidewalk. Live music on the weekends.
Small chef-owned gem 5 minute drive away. Lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekends. Very fresh seafood and local farm to table fare. Free delivery!
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Millie's Restaurant & Catering
3218 S Atlantic AveSmall chef-owned gem 5 minute drive away. Lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekends. Very fresh seafood and local farm to table fare. Free delivery!
Very casual, good seafood. Stand in line or order or go to the bar in the back where you can eat as well.
Sit outside on a nice day overlooking the river and look for dolphins.
We order the peel and eat shrimp, blackened or friend fish sandwiches. The sandwiches are a large portion of fish and cheaper than the dinner.
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Our Deck Down Under
78 Dunlawton AveVery casual, good seafood. Stand in line or order or go to the bar in the back where you can eat as well.
Sit outside on a nice day overlooking the river and look for dolphins.
We order the peel and eat shrimp, blackened or friend fish sandwiches. The sandwiches are a large portion of fish and cheaper than the dinner.
Indoor or outdoor eating on the inlet. Live music on the weekends. Boat to the restaurant. Great sunsets.
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Off The Hook at Inlet Harbor
133 Inlet Harbor RdIndoor or outdoor eating on the inlet. Live music on the weekends. Boat to the restaurant. Great sunsets.
Order seafood and such at the counter and eat outside under a gigantic palm hut. You can also order food at the outside bar.
Nice sunset place and usually there are pelicans—sometimes dolphins and manatees.
Order the basket and get fries slaw and pups (hush puppies). We order the peel and eat shrimp, blackened or friend fish sandwiches. The sandwiches are a large portion of fish and cheaper than the dinner. Nice sunset and pelicans.
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DJ's Deck
79 E Dunlawton AveOrder seafood and such at the counter and eat outside under a gigantic palm hut. You can also order food at the outside bar.
Nice sunset place and usually there are pelicans—sometimes dolphins and manatees.
Order the basket and get fries slaw and pups (hush puppies). We order the peel and eat shrimp, blackened or friend fish sandwiches. The sandwiches are a large portion of fish and cheaper than the dinner. Nice sunset and pelicans.
This is definitely a popular tourist restaurant. Some folks love it. If you go, enjoy the mini cinnamon rolls they serve with dinners and the sides bar with lots of southern fixins. Popular brunch.
There is a long line but they do have a call ahead list.
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Aunt catfish
4009 Halifax DrThis is definitely a popular tourist restaurant. Some folks love it. If you go, enjoy the mini cinnamon rolls they serve with dinners and the sides bar with lots of southern fixins. Popular brunch.
There is a long line but they do have a call ahead list.
This Mexican restaurant is a family favorite. You can order anything from a burrito, carne asada, or fish tacos to a Mexican Cobb salad to a spicy tortilla chicken soup (my sister and I love the soup and I often order the nice salad).
Good salsa, chips, queso and guacamole. But, my brother-in-law loves the “white sauce” with the chips.
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La Fiesta
3785 South Nova RoadThis Mexican restaurant is a family favorite. You can order anything from a burrito, carne asada, or fish tacos to a Mexican Cobb salad to a spicy tortilla chicken soup (my sister and I love the soup and I often order the nice salad).
Good salsa, chips, queso and guacamole. But, my brother-in-law loves the “white sauce” with the chips.
Delicious fresh seafood, home-made pasta and chops. Great wine list. My husband and I look forward to a special dinner here, but make reservations.
No view, just great food.
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The Cellar Restaurant
220 Magnolia AveDelicious fresh seafood, home-made pasta and chops. Great wine list. My husband and I look forward to a special dinner here, but make reservations.
No view, just great food.
Pharmacy and old-fashioned counter service for hamburgers, hotdogs, milkshakes and malts. Authentic—my mother in law worked here as a teen ager.
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Little Drug Co.
412 Canal StPharmacy and old-fashioned counter service for hamburgers, hotdogs, milkshakes and malts. Authentic—my mother in law worked here as a teen ager.
Unique restaurant in nearby New Smyrna. Handmade pasta, great specials, meats over an open flame oven.
There can be a very long line and there is no call ahead or reservations. Ask to eat outside in the courtyard under the trees.
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The Garlic
556 E 3rd AveUnique restaurant in nearby New Smyrna. Handmade pasta, great specials, meats over an open flame oven.
There can be a very long line and there is no call ahead or reservations. Ask to eat outside in the courtyard under the trees.
Norwoods is an institution with seafood, steak and more. Enjoy the treehouse bar and extensive wine list.
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Norwood's Eatery & Treehouse Bar
400 E 2nd AveNorwoods is an institution with seafood, steak and more. Enjoy the treehouse bar and extensive wine list.
Great ice cream shop with surf and paddle board rental. Easy walking distance!
Ho Daddy O's Surf Cream
4600 S Atlantic AveGreat ice cream shop with surf and paddle board rental. Easy walking distance!
King’s is our go-to place to buy fresh, local seafood. Ask about the local seafood.
They will pack your purchase on ice if you’re not going straight home or will store it in their refrigerator if you’re going next door to DJ’s Seafood.
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King's Seafood
5999 S Ridgewood AveKing’s is our go-to place to buy fresh, local seafood. Ask about the local seafood.
They will pack your purchase on ice if you’re not going straight home or will store it in their refrigerator if you’re going next door to DJ’s Seafood.
First Watch
1765 Dunlawton AveCentral Florida chain with fresh food for breakfast and lunch.
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill is a unique restaurant located inside De Leon Springs State Park. Opened in 1961, the unique tables tables are equipped with a griddle. Servers bring you pitchers of homemade pancake batters (both a stone-ground mixture of five different flours and an unbleached white flour).” My tip: do a half and half mixture. You pour the batter and and flip them over right at your table. You may order blueberries, bananas, peanut butter, pecans, chocolate chips, apples or apple sauce. The Mill has sausage, terrific bacon, ham, eggs, homemade breads and an assortment of other treats to accompany your pancakes.
See the separate state park description.
About a 45 minute drive.
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The Old Spanish Sugar Mill
601 Ponce Deleon BlvdThe Old Spanish Sugar Mill is a unique restaurant located inside De Leon Springs State Park. Opened in 1961, the unique tables tables are equipped with a griddle. Servers bring you pitchers of homemade pancake batters (both a stone-ground mixture of five different flours and an unbleached white flour).” My tip: do a half and half mixture. You pour the batter and and flip them over right at your table. You may order blueberries, bananas, peanut butter, pecans, chocolate chips, apples or apple sauce. The Mill has sausage, terrific bacon, ham, eggs, homemade breads and an assortment of other treats to accompany your pancakes.
See the separate state park description.
About a 45 minute drive.
Martini’s has great organic food in a more upscale setting.
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Martini's Organic Restaurant
1815 S Ridgewood AveMartini’s has great organic food in a more upscale setting.
Located in St. Augustine. Rated #1 milkshake in the state of Florida by USA Today.
Cousteau owner Stephen DiMares' father and grandfather once worked overhauling famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau's boat the Calypso, and DiMares named his Belgian waffle milkshake shop after the Frenchman. His menu items, however, are named for places and characters in the Bill Murray movie "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou." Go figure. Among the specialty milkshakes are the Papa Steve (blackberry cheesecake and homemade blackberry sauce), the Be Still Cody (chocolate with espresso, mocha sauce and espresso whipped cream) and the Pele Dos Santos (vanilla with bananas and Nutella).
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Cousteau's Waffle and Milkshake Bar
15 Hypolita StLocated in St. Augustine. Rated #1 milkshake in the state of Florida by USA Today.
Cousteau owner Stephen DiMares' father and grandfather once worked overhauling famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau's boat the Calypso, and DiMares named his Belgian waffle milkshake shop after the Frenchman. His menu items, however, are named for places and characters in the Bill Murray movie "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou." Go figure. Among the specialty milkshakes are the Papa Steve (blackberry cheesecake and homemade blackberry sauce), the Be Still Cody (chocolate with espresso, mocha sauce and espresso whipped cream) and the Pele Dos Santos (vanilla with bananas and Nutella).
Better bagels than most in the area. Also diner-style breakfast and lunch menu.
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Beach Bagel Cafe
3344 S Atlantic AveBetter bagels than most in the area. Also diner-style breakfast and lunch menu.
Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory
154 S Beach StA little farther away in Ormond Beach, but fresh organic food in a nicer setting.
Frappes Italian Grille FIG
123 W Granada BlvdA little farther away in Ormond Beach, but fresh organic food in a nicer setting.
Neighborhoods
Quaint downtown with unique restaurants. Often have car and art shows. Monthly wine stroll (Usually held the last Saturday of each month. See 2 designated wine glasses in the cabinet.)
History museum and remains from a cocina fort. New Smyrna is about 20 minutes away and during warmer months it may be reached from Ponce Inlet by water taxi.
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New Smyrna Beach
North Atlantic AvenueQuaint downtown with unique restaurants. Often have car and art shows. Monthly wine stroll (Usually held the last Saturday of each month. See 2 designated wine glasses in the cabinet.)
History museum and remains from a cocina fort. New Smyrna is about 20 minutes away and during warmer months it may be reached from Ponce Inlet by water taxi.
Lots of diverse activities here from the Daytona International Speedway, quaint downtown, lots of restaurants, pier and shopping.
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Daytona Beach
Lots of diverse activities here from the Daytona International Speedway, quaint downtown, lots of restaurants, pier and shopping.
Ormond Beach
Founded in 1565, from the Castillo de San Marco (fort) to the Henry Flagler Hotel (now Flagler College), St. Augustine is a history lover’s dream.
The historic town is full of shops, art galleries, breweries, distilleries and award winning restaurants. Just go and stroll on a whim or plan a packed itinerary.
Note from my husband—skip the bourbon at the St Augustine Distillery.
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St. Augustine
Founded in 1565, from the Castillo de San Marco (fort) to the Henry Flagler Hotel (now Flagler College), St. Augustine is a history lover’s dream.
The historic town is full of shops, art galleries, breweries, distilleries and award winning restaurants. Just go and stroll on a whim or plan a packed itinerary.
Note from my husband—skip the bourbon at the St Augustine Distillery.
New Smyrna Beach Historic District
Ponce Inlet area historical sites.
http://maps1.vcgov.org/EcoTourism/HistoricWalkTour/PORTORANGE.pdf
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Ponce Inlet
Ponce Inlet area historical sites.
http://maps1.vcgov.org/EcoTourism/HistoricWalkTour/PORTORANGE.pdf
Ponce Inlet Park
5000 S Atlantic AveSightseeing
Daytona International Speedway
1801 W International Speedway BlvdAn icon, recently rebuilt with a Joe’s Crab Shack, ice cream and more.
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Daytona Beach Main Street Pier
1200 Main StAn icon, recently rebuilt with a Joe’s Crab Shack, ice cream and more.
Interesting state park with ruins and history, but the drive to the site showcases gorgeous, authentic central Florida.
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Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
Interesting state park with ruins and history, but the drive to the site showcases gorgeous, authentic central Florida.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
4931 S Peninsula DrWalt Disney World Resort
Universal Studios Florida
6000 Universal BlvdUniversal CityWalk
6000 Universal BlvdShopping
Nice outlet center less than 20 minutes away on the interstate.
Go online for a store listing and coupons. https://www.tangeroutlet.com/daytona
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Tanger Outlets Daytona
1100 Cornerstone BlvdNice outlet center less than 20 minutes away on the interstate.
Go online for a store listing and coupons. https://www.tangeroutlet.com/daytona
Turn left out of the community for the closest small convenience store within easy walking distance. Follow the signs and don’t take a left out of the store—tickets freely given.
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7-Eleven
623 N Oleander AveTurn left out of the community for the closest small convenience store within easy walking distance. Follow the signs and don’t take a left out of the store—tickets freely given.
Full service grocery store with deli and bakery and adjacent liquor store. Go online to order deli meats, subs, etc. to avoid lines.
This is over the bridge in Port Orange.
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Publix Super Market at Dunlawton Square
3821 S Nova RdFull service grocery store with deli and bakery and adjacent liquor store. Go online to order deli meats, subs, etc. to avoid lines.
This is over the bridge in Port Orange.
Full service grocery store with deli and bakery. Go online to order deli meats and subs to avoid lines.
This is North on Atlantic Ave.
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Publix Super Market at Daytona Beach Shores
3044 S Atlantic AveFull service grocery store with deli and bakery. Go online to order deli meats and subs to avoid lines.
This is North on Atlantic Ave.
Disney Springs
1486 Buena Vista DrDaytona Flea and Farmers Market was has the named one of the top five markets of its kind in the country, and one of the top ten in the world. Who knew? 🤷🏼♀️
Featuring hundreds of vendors selling everything from tools and housewares to t-shirts, historical memorabilia, and locally made health and body products.
Located on Bellevue Avenue in Daytona Beach, it’s important to note that it’s not an air-conditioned facility, so it can get hot.
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Daytona Flea & Farmers Market
1425 Tomoka Farms RdDaytona Flea and Farmers Market was has the named one of the top five markets of its kind in the country, and one of the top ten in the world. Who knew? 🤷🏼♀️
Featuring hundreds of vendors selling everything from tools and housewares to t-shirts, historical memorabilia, and locally made health and body products.
Located on Bellevue Avenue in Daytona Beach, it’s important to note that it’s not an air-conditioned facility, so it can get hot.
Nature
We enjoy kayaking. Parts of this creek are authentic old Florida with birds, turtles and even a gator or two.
Kayak and canoe rental.
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Cracker Creek
1795 Taylor RdWe enjoy kayaking. Parts of this creek are authentic old Florida with birds, turtles and even a gator or two.
Kayak and canoe rental.
Much to see and do, including an ancient Native American turtle mound nearly 50 feet high.
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Canaveral National Seashore
South Washington AvenueMuch to see and do, including an ancient Native American turtle mound nearly 50 feet high.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
1987 Scrub Jay WayLight House Point Park
5000 S Atlantic AveThe state park requires an admission fee.
The park has a fresh water spring and boasts over 6000 years of cultural and natural history. Wildlife is plentiful and can be easily observed from the walkway across the spring. Otters, alligators, manatees, osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and even a swimming black bear have been spotted! Look for turtles sticking their heads above water in the Spring Run and watch the entertaining jumping mullet. Surprises on the Nature Trail and Wild description Persimmon Hiking Trail have included bear, wild hogs, turkeys, deer and bobcats!
There is birding, hiking, boating, kayak and canoe rental, scuba diving, snorkeling, picnicking and many accesible amenities.
See the separate description of the Old Sugar Mill Restaurant. We like to exercise, eat pancakes and then enjoy the other activities.
The park is about 45 minutes from Ponce
Inlet.
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De León Springs State Park
601 Ponce Deleon BlvdThe park has a fresh water spring and boasts over 6000 years of cultural and natural history. Wildlife is plentiful and can be easily observed from the walkway across the spring. Otters, alligators, manatees, osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and even a swimming black bear have been spotted! Look for turtles sticking their heads above water in the Spring Run and watch the entertaining jumping mullet. Surprises on the Nature Trail and Wild description Persimmon Hiking Trail have included bear, wild hogs, turkeys, deer and bobcats!
There is birding, hiking, boating, kayak and canoe rental, scuba diving, snorkeling, picnicking and many accesible amenities.
See the separate description of the Old Sugar Mill Restaurant. We like to exercise, eat pancakes and then enjoy the other activities.
The park is about 45 minutes from Ponce
Inlet.
Enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, parasailing or boating. Book an eco tour to see mantee or dolphins.
On the paddle boarding tour, ask for Brian. He highlights flora and fauna and he brings beer, wine, water and snacks!
Check out the water taxi express from Ponce Inlet to New Smyrna (seasonal).
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Ponce Inlet Light House station
Enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, parasailing or boating. Book an eco tour to see mantee or dolphins.
On the paddle boarding tour, ask for Brian. He highlights flora and fauna and he brings beer, wine, water and snacks!
Check out the water taxi express from Ponce Inlet to New Smyrna (seasonal).
Adventure Yacht Harbor Inc
3948 S Peninsula DrComprised of tens of thousands of acres, Tiger Bay State Forest includes a variety of natural environments, like swamps, forests, and pine islands that support an amazing array of plants and animals, many of which are unique to the area.
The acquisition for the land that would eventually become the state forest began in the late-’70s; since then, it’s been home to many rare and endangered animals, like bald eagles and Florida black bears.
Camping, kayaking, fishing, and hiking are all popular Tip—remember, if you plan on fishing, you’ll need a valid Florida fishing license whether you’re a state resident or visitor.
Tiger Bay State Forest
4316 West International Speedway BoulevardComprised of tens of thousands of acres, Tiger Bay State Forest includes a variety of natural environments, like swamps, forests, and pine islands that support an amazing array of plants and animals, many of which are unique to the area.
The acquisition for the land that would eventually become the state forest began in the late-’70s; since then, it’s been home to many rare and endangered animals, like bald eagles and Florida black bears.
Camping, kayaking, fishing, and hiking are all popular Tip—remember, if you plan on fishing, you’ll need a valid Florida fishing license whether you’re a state resident or visitor.
Located near the junction of the Ponce Inlet, Indian River, and the Atlantic Ocean in New Smyrna Beach, Smyrna Dunes Park includes nearly 80 acres of pristine landscape that’s almost surrounded by water.
A good place for swimmers, nature-lovers, and amateur photographers looking to capture a few unforgettable views.
Explore the dunes by the elevated boardwalk that runs for nearly two miles, and there are pavilions and covered picnic areas along the way that are perfect for a picnic.
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Smyrna Dunes Park
Smyrna Dunes ParkLocated near the junction of the Ponce Inlet, Indian River, and the Atlantic Ocean in New Smyrna Beach, Smyrna Dunes Park includes nearly 80 acres of pristine landscape that’s almost surrounded by water.
A good place for swimmers, nature-lovers, and amateur photographers looking to capture a few unforgettable views.
Explore the dunes by the elevated boardwalk that runs for nearly two miles, and there are pavilions and covered picnic areas along the way that are perfect for a picnic.
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens
950 Old Sugar Mill Rd