April 25, 2009, is Florida Lighthouse Day and a fabulous opportunity to check out some of the Sunshine State’s historic seaside structures. Need some guidance? Here are three suggestions on which ones to visit.

Stay in Daytona Beach and venture 10 miles south for the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station. The only Florida lighthouse listed as a National Historic Landmark this active lighthouse and was built in 1887 and is the state’s tallest. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Florida Lighthouse Day, engage in family-friendly activities revolving around Florida’s historic lighthouses and learn about Coast Guard programs.

Head to the Keys for the Key West Lighthouse and climb the 98 steps for a birds-eye-view of Old Town. Built in 1847 this lighthouse was deactivated in 1969. Nearby is the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, take a guided tour to meet descendants of Papa Hemingway’s famous polydactyl cats (6-toed felines).

And if you’ll be in Key West, catch a boat out to Dry Tortugas National Park for a tour of Fort Jefferson and see the Tortugas Harbor Lighthouse. This 82-foot structure constructed from iron and wood was built in 1886 and is still active. A trip out to Dry Tortugas is a full-day trip and parts of Fort Jefferson are closed due to renovations, check with the National Park Service before visiting.

Check out the site of the Florida Lighthouse Association for additional information about Florida Lighthouse Day and locate a lighthouse.