Discovering The Fountain of Youth!

Do we look any younger?

Seriously, while drinking from what is considered Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth was fun, we didn’t expect to see any dramatic results.

Mark drinking from the Fountain of Youth in St Augustine Florida — Mark taking a drink

Chuck drinking from the Fountain of Youth in St Augustine Florida — Chuck’s turn!

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

entraince into the Fountain of Youth Archaeological site — The main entrance

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

11 Magnolia Avenue

St. Augustine, FL 32084

The official name of this historical attraction is enough to leave you in need of something to quench your thirst.

This property is a part of a roadside attraction, part archaeological site, and part period reenactment village showcasing the settlement of Seloy.

General Admission Rates at Ticket Window

Adults$19.95

Seniors (60+ Years Young)$17.95

Children 6-12$9.95

Children 5 and Under FREE

This is the land where Ponce de Leon came aground in 1513, finding a Timucua village tucked into a harbor in the Atlantic ocean. He named this new land “La Florida” as it was discovered during an Easter Festival of Flowers.

The settlement he ‘discovered’ is now believed to have been settled by the Timucua. These indigenous people were a confederation of tribes with roots dating back to 2,500 B.C.

Timucua huts at the site of Pnce de Leon's landing — Timucua huts

signage at the Fountain of Youth talking about the village of the indigenous people who where there when Ponce de Leon landed — Historical information about the Timucua village

We found a lot of fascinating history of this property on the website’s historical timeline.

More Than A Cool Drink of Water

Yes, of course, you can drink from the Fountain of Youth surrounded by life-size statues of Ponce de Leon and a Timucua warrior. But, there is so much more here.

Entrance into the spring known as the Fountain of youth — Entrance into the spring

Diorama of early settlers adn local Timucua villagers at the Fountain of Youth — Diorama of early settlers and Timucua villagers

The expansive property hosts demonstrations by a blacksmith making period pieces used by local inhabitants of America’s first colony.

Blacksmith's shop at the Fountain of Youth archaeologial site — Blacksmith’s shop

You’ll also find exhibits showcasing the original Mission church, boatmaking, and how to fire a musket and Spanish cannon.

Inside of the original Mission Church at America's first colony in St. Augustine Florida — Inside of the Mission Chapel

Early settler's boats at America's first Colony in St. Augustine Florida — Early settler’s boats

reinactment of firings a rifle at America's Frist Colony part of the Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth Archaeological site — Firing a rifle

reinactment of firing a Spanish cannon at America's First Colony — Firing Spanish cannons

There is also an expansive area showcasing the daily life of a Timucua village and an ancient burial ground. The site of what is thought to be the oldest Christian burial ground of indigenous people in what is now the United States.

More Attractions

Timing is everything. Unfortunately for us, we were vising when many attractions were in somewhat limited schedules. We missed seeing the Navigators Planetarium and the Discovery Globe.

The Navigators Planetarium explores what the night sky likely looked like when Ponce de Leon navigated the Atlantic Ocean and discovered the new land.

Outisde of the navigator's planetarium at the Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth Archaeological site — Entrance to the planetarium

The Discovery Globe presents a show where you can see early explorers’ routes to and from the new world on a massive 30-foot tall globe.

The Fountain of Youth was well worth spending an afternoon. The grounds are beautiful, they do an excellent job with reenactments, and the signage offers lots of interesting historical facts.

Signage sharing historical im=nformation at the Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth Archaeological site — Awesome signage sharing historical facts

The site is walkable, with plenty of places to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. Be sure to take a walk on the pier. The wetlands are beautiful, and the pier has great views of the firing of the cannons.