Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

This 15-acre waterfront park features the legendary spring associated with Ponce de León's quest for eternal youth, along with reconstructed Timucuan village buildings, Spanish colonial exhibits, a planetarium, and a 600-foot riverwalk offering scenic views of the historic bayfront area.

The site served as the landing location for Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in 1513 and later became the first permanent Spanish settlement in North America when Pedro Menéndez de Avilés established St. Augustine here in 1565, marking the beginning of continuous European presence.

The park preserves the heritage of the Timucua people who inhabited this land for nearly 3,000 years before European contact, showcasing their village life, customs, and the historic first Thanksgiving feast held between Spanish colonists and native inhabitants in 1565.

The park operates daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM with tickets sold until 5:00 PM, offers free parking, welcomes pets, and provides half-price admission to St. Johns County residents upon presentation of valid identification.

Visitors can drink from the natural spring waters that flow continuously and have been linked to the fountain of youth legend for centuries, while peacocks roam the grounds and Spanish cannon demonstrations recreate the sounds of colonial times.

Location: St. Augustine

GPS coordinates: 29.90730,-81.31610

Latest update: July 23, 2025 15:14