Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a 15-acre waterfront historical attraction where visitors learn about the first Spanish settlers and the native Timucuans who greeted them. The park is bursting with history with a working archaeological dig and several re-created Spanish and Timucuan buildings.

Enjoy the views over the water from the 600-foot Founders Riverwalk or from the Observation Tower. Sample the waters from the natural spring and let the kids feed the roaming peacocks.

The Fountain of Youth offers a variety of shows and reenactments to entertain and educate visitors: the Planetarium, the two-story Discovery Globe mapping the routes of the early explorers, the Timucuan Village, and the reconstructed First Mission of Nombre de Dios.

The Fountain of Youth Archeological Park is the site of the first Spanish settlement in the new world. Founded by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565, this is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America. Long before the Spanish came to La Florida, the Timucuan Indian village was established at this site for nearly 3,000 years. In 1513, Juan Ponce De Leon claimed Florida for the Spanish crown, though no colonies were successful here until Menéndez arrived in 1565.

The large grounds of the Fountain of Youth attraction make a great space for family gatherings, weddings, or other special occasions. The beautiful waterfront location offers views of the bayfront and St. Augustine Inlet. With its deep sense of history and the natural beauty of the site, the Fountain of Youth is a magical place.

There park is pet-friendly and has ample free parking. Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is located just north of the Mission Nombre de Dios and just south of the Vilano Bridge