Fountain of Youth
Encompassing 15 acres of lush Old Florida landscape, The Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park in St. Augustine is the perfect way to spend a day in the Nation’s Oldest City. It’s also considered the state’s oldest attraction and it commemorates the Florida landing of Ponce de Leon in 1513 and his quest for the legendary Fountain of Youth. Overlooking the Matanzas River and St. Augustine Inlet, the park offers visitors the chance to relive the days of the conquistadors and discover many colorful facts about Ponce de Leon’s arrival to Florida. It also hosts a blend of stately oaks, blue cedars, sweet-smelling magnolias and dozens of beautiful peacocks along with other wildlife.
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The Fountain of Youth – Where Legend Meets History!
Sip from the Eternal Spring
Begin your visit at the centerpiece of the Fountain of Youth. The Spring House is a 60-year-old coquina building that encompasses Ponce de Leon’s Spring of Eternal Hope. Spend a few moments looking at the signed guest books stretching back to 1868. And arrive thirsty because the spring is believed to hold magical powers to restore the youth of anyone who drinks from its waters.
Trace the Routes of History
Trace the Routes of HistoryNext, head to the park’s Navigators’ Planetarium and learn how early Europeans used the stars as navigational tools to cross the Atlantic Ocean to the New World. Then there’s Discover Globe, a 30-foot-tall illuminated globe that traces the routes used by early Spanish explorers to and from the New World, including Christopher Columbus’ 1492 journey.
Visit the Burial Grounds
Visit the Burial GroundsBefore the Spanish set foot in St. Augustine, it was home to aboriginal Native Americans called Timucua; it is archaeologically significant as the original site of the Timucuan Indian village of Seloy for over 3,000 years and as the original site of Pedro Menendez de Aviles’ St. Augustine settlement in 1565. This site was established 55 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock and 42 years before the founding of Jamestown. . Learn more about their story at the Timucua Burials, the first Christianized Native American burials in the United States. Discovered in 1934, it is believed that there are more than 4,000 burials at The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
Explore the Historical Landmarks
There’s also the First Encounters exhibit which showcases artifacts recovered at the park including Pinellas points, Spanish doublet buttons in a variety of styles, a silver Calusa plaquette and Spanish blue glass trade beads. Finally, head to the Park’s Mission of Nombre de Dios, a church constructed in 1587 by Franciscan friars and the first of its kind in the continental United States. This historically accurate reproduction was built using local cypress beams and planking, a palm thatch roof and crushed coquina flooring.
The Fountain of Youth is also the 1565 location of the first documented Thanksgiving feast between Europeans and Native Americans, as well as the 1565 site of the First Muster of militiamen in the United States.
Sample the Local Cuisine
After exploring the park’s lush beauty and historical landmarks, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Before wrapping up your visit to the Fountain of Youth, grab a bite to eat at the park’s Five Flags Café and enjoy lunch under one of the many shady oak trees. Try the 1565 Burrito or a bowl of the hearty Cuban black bean soup.
ADMISSION FEE
- Adults: $18.00
- Seniors (60+): $17.00
- Children 6-12: $9.00
- Military: $17.00 – ID required
- AAA: $1.00 off – ID required
ST. JOHNS COUNTY RESIDENTS ADMISSION FEE
- Adults: $9.00
- Seniors (60+): $8.50
- Children 6-12: $4.50
- Military: $8.50 – ID required
PHONE & ADDRESS
- Address: 11 Magnolia Ave.
- Phone: (904) 829-3168
- Website: www.fountainofyouthflorida.com
FAQs
What is the Fountain of Youth known for?
The Fountain of Youth is renowned for its legendary status, known as the place where Ponce De Leon discovered waters believed to possess magical youth-preserving properties. This mystical fountain is important because it symbolizes the human quest for eternal youth and rejuvenation. People visit this site in St. Augustine, drawn by the allure of the healing waters and the possibility of maintaining a youthful appearance, making it a unique and significant historical destination.
Where is the real Fountain of Youth located?
The Fountain of Youth is located in St. Augustine, Florida, USA.
Is The Fountain of Youth a must-visit in St. Augustine?
Absolutely, the Fountain of Youth is worth visiting for its rich historical significance and enchanting legend. It captivates visitors with the story of Ponce de Leon’s quest, embodying the timeless desire for renewal and youth. Tourists flock to this St. Augustine landmark to experience its mystical waters and explore the beautiful grounds that surround this iconic site, making it not just a trip into history, but an adventure into the stories that have shaped the quest for eternal youth.
How long does it take to visit the Fountain of Youth?
Exploring the Fountain of Youth usually requires approximately 2 hours.
What can you do at the Fountain of Youth?
Explore the Fountain of Youth to uncover the mystery of eternal youth with interactive exhibits, historical reenactments, and serene walking paths. Witness live cannon firings, visit the planetarium, and explore archaeological findings. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the natural surroundings and sip from the legendary waters, making your visit unforgettable.
