Things to Know Before Your Visit

Pre-Visit Activities: Please take a few minutes of class time to prepare your students for their visit. Pre-visit activities are available for download on this website. All may be viewed by clicking on the tab in the left hand column of this page under Pre-Visit Activities.

Time Requirements: Guided tours take approximately 1.5 – 2 hours to complete. All groups are requested to arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow Lighthouse staff sufficient time to organize your group, hand out wristbands, and to complete any other additional tasks prior to the start of your tour. Punctuality is highly encouraged to ensure the best possible tour.

Lunch: Although food and beverages are not allowed on the Light Station’s grounds, picnic tables are available for use in the Kay and Ayres Davies Lighthouse Park located next to the Light Station. No cooking is allowed in the park.

Student Supervision: Large groups will be divided into smaller groups during the tour. Each tour group will be led by their tour guide. We recommend a student to chaperon ratio of 10:1. Note: children with special needs must have individual chaperones.

Tour Etiquette: Group tours are led by knowledgeable volunteers when available. Our dedicated docents endeavor to make your lighthouse tour as informative and entertaining as possible. We encourage all group coordinators to discuss the importance of using active listening skills and following directions with their students prior to arrival. All of the Lighthouse tour guides are volunteers, please treat them with the respect and courtesy they deserve.

Recommended Clothing: Due to the physical nature of climbing the tower, the Association recommends that everyone wear appropriate clothing during their visit. Skirts are discouraged for those planning to climb the tower. Proper closed-toe and closed-heal shoes are recommended. For everyone’s safety, flip-flops, sneaker-skates, open-back sandals, or similar footwear are not recommended.

Gift Shop Access: Students may visit the Gift Shop after their visit in groups of 10 or less with adult supervision. The gift shop accepts cash, Visa, or MasterCard.

Discounted Souvenir Packages: The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse offers student souvenir packages at discounted rates for groups that do not have the time to visit the gift shop following their tour. Please click on the following link to download the Student Souvenir Package Form.

Museum Rules: Please examine and discuss all Lighthouse rules with your group prior to your arrival. Lighthouse rules may be viewed by clicking on the tab in the left hand column of this page under Bringing A Group to the Light Station. Please click here for a downloadable Lighthouse Rules Form.

Directions: Need directions to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse? Please click here for Directions to the Lighthouse or print a map