The northern and the southern ends of the beaches afford a little more privacy. Drive your vehicle right along the beach and park next to the waters' edge. There is a vehicle access fee between February 1 and November 30. There is no racing on the beach as the speed limit is 10 m.p.h. Surfers are drawn to the area of Ponce Inlet.
Spring break brings hundreds of college students to the beaches.
The first lighthouse was erected at Mosquito Inlet known as the most treacherous area in the Southeast. William Williams became the keeper of the light and waited for the precious oil to arrive to light the lamps. The lamps remained unlit. In 1835 a hurricane washed away the keeper's quarters and swept away parts of the lighthouse foundation. The lighthouse leaned precariously and Williams abandoned the structure.