Fountain of Youth Archaeology Park

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, a 15-acre waterfront historical attraction, allows visitors to learn about the first Spanish settlers who arrived in the 1600s and the native Timucuans who were here to greet them. There's a working archeological dig on the property and several re-created Spanish and Timucuan buildings and dwellings.

It's also just a beautiful spot to relax, enjoy the views over the water from the 600-foot Founders Riverwalk or from the Observation Tower, sample the waters from the natural spring (Ponce de Leon's legendary Fountain of Youth?), and let the kids feed the roaming peacocks.

The Fountain of Youth offers a variety of shows and living history reenactments designed 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. 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 extensive grounds of the Fountain of Youth attraction are available for family gatherings, weddings, or other special occasions. Here is a link to information about the weddings and events venue. The beautiful waterfront location offers views of the bayfront and St. Augustine Inlet.

The Fountain of Youth offers free parking for guests while they tour -- it's also a dog-friendly attraction. Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is north of the Mission Nombre de Dios and south of the Vilano Bridge.

The Fountain of Youth offers half-price admission to St. Johns County residents. Guests must show a valid ID with their St. Johns County address. Here is a link to their ticket page.