Fountain of Youth

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is one of the most likely spots where the Spanish Explorer Ponce de Leon landed on April 3, 1513, and with guest books dating back to 1868 is Florida’s oldest attraction. The Park is a charming blend of 1930s and 40s roadside Florida attraction and fascinating archaeological history. Archaeologists have recently uncovered a thousand-year old domesticated Timucuan dog burial in the Park! Today the Park offers living history exhibits of early Timucua Indians, matchlock rifle and cannon firing exhibitions, and is the actual spot of the Pedro Menendez 1565 Settlement of St. Augustine, Florida. At the park you can stroll through 15 acres of gardens, explore excavations, view exhibits, presentations and a planetarium. In the Spring House, both people and pets can take a sip of the famous ”Fountain of Youth” water. A guide will hand out samples of the water in little cups. Be prepared, the water bubbles from a natural artesian spring and has a very strong mineral taste. Well-behaved leashed pets are most welcome both outside and inside the buildings.