10 Ways to Explore the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida

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One of the most well known attractions, and the oldest attraction in Florida (the guest book has signatures dating back to 1868) in St Augustine Florida is the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The 15 acre park  is the original site of the oldest European settlement in the United States. In April 1513 Juan Ponce de Leon and his three ship fleet arrived at the area just above St Augustine  (beating out the Plymouth Pilgrims and Jamestown settlers!). Within the next 50 years, the Menendez Settlement and the first Christian Church were both founded. Today, the park has preserved some of the structures and added engaging, hands on exhibits, programs, and opportunities to learn about the first settlement and our country’s origins.

Travel Tips:

  • The complex is open seven days a week, usually from 9am-6pm. Information on hours and admission fees here. Kids five years old and under are free, and pets are welcome!
  • Plenty of free parking in front of the admission area.
  • Restrooms are located by the admission area, and near the gift shop and exit.
  • The complex is handicap and stroller accessible; we recommend wearing closed toe shoes as some of the paths are paved with stones or shells. Bring the stroller for the toddler crew.
  • The Smoked Southern BBQ restaurant is located to the left of the admission area with plenty of outdoor picnic tables.
  • Plan on 90-120 minutes to fully explore the park, including time to watch a few shows and demonstrations. Check out the full park map here.

Ten Ways to Explore the Fountain of Youth:

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  1. Check the daily schedule for a dozen different demonstrations offered each day, including cannon firing and firearms presentation. Observe a blacksmith in action and learn the hottest color for a flame
  2. Cool off with a show in the Navigators Planetarium or Discovery Globe. The planetarium show showcases the exact way the night sky would have looked in April of 1513, when de Leon arrived, and explain the navigation techniques de Leon would have used.  The 30 foot Discovery Globe tracks the route explorers took.
  3. Drink the famous water from the spring in the Spring House, built around the spring in the 1950s. The water, which has over 30 minerals, comes from the Floridan aquifer, which lies below ground throughout the area.
  4. Pay respect at the Indian Burial Grounds, the 1st Christian Indian burial grounds in America, discovered in 1934, and at the original Mission Church, founded by the Franciscan Friars, who arrived in 1573.
  5. Look out for a dozen different species of birds who live on property, including owls, cardinals, and wrens. And watch out for the peacocks, who roam freely on the grounds. 
  1. Walk through the Village of Seloy, a Timucuan Village, which has six replica dwellings, a hollowed wooden canoe, and docents to provide background on daily life in the village.
  2. Test your knot tying skills and strength with lifting the water barrels.
  3. Learn about the numerous discoveries archaeologists have uncovered right on property, since they began in 1934, in the outdoor archaeology exhibit. 
  4. Climb the 38 steps to the top of the watch tower to get an aerial view of the entire park, Matanzas Bay and the St. Augustine inlet.
  5. Walk the 600 foot Founders Boardwalk over the estuary to take in the views of Matanzas Bay (and look out for birds!)

Looking for other nearby fun in St. Augustine? Check out our posts featuring Alligator Farm, Castillo de San Marco National Monument, Lightner Museum, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and our full City Guide to St. Augustine. And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Disclosure: Our family was given a media pass to explore the Fountain of Youth. All opinions expressed are my own. 

New England based, part high school English teacher, part non profit founder, part road tripper who LOVES hopping in the family SUV to explore America. Our bucket list includes National Parks, MLB stadiums, presidential libraries, and eating wherever the locals eat!

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9 Comments

  2. What a different and interesting site! The planning of the exhibits has both a practical and historical approach for all ages. Very unique!

    Reply

  4. I’ve only been to St. Augustine got an overnight stay so need to return. Appreciate this guide to the top 10 ways to explore the iconic Fountain of Youth.

    Reply

  5. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park looks like a great spot to explore in St Augustine in Florida. A view from the watch tower might help me to plan my visit. It is a great tip to make sure to check the schedule of events and plan your visit. Far too many times we visit sites like this and either miss things or end up walking back and forth rather than planning our visit. I would certainly want to drink the famous water …. and hope for some miracles of youth!

    Reply

  6. The Fountain of Youth seems a very fun place to visit and to learn history! I never heard about this before and this is a perfect guide to explore it in the best way! There seems to be a lot of activity for all kind of tastes! Well done!

    Reply

  7. St. Augustine is such a fun town with its history and charm. We have been going there for years, and its full of great kid things to do. You have captured the fountain of youth just perfectly!

    Reply

  8. I would love to visit St. Augustine! It seems like such a cool destination filled with so much history, Thanks for sharing this guide to the Fountain of Youth. Visiting sounds like such a fun experience!

    Reply

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