Fountain Of Youth Park - St Augustine Vacations

Fountain of Youth Park

Ponce de Leon was a 16th century explorer who sailed with Christopher Columbus on his first voyage; later he became the governor of the island of Puerto Rico. It was in Puerto Rico that Ponce de Leon heard the Legend of the Fountain of Youth. The indigenous tribes of Puerto Rico told Ponce de Leon of a magical fountain that cured diseases and ensured longevity in life that was located on a prosperous island called Bimini. Legend has it that one of the Arawak Indian chiefs from Cuba, Sequene, had been so inspired by the early stories of the fountain that he had gathered a group together and sailed north, never to return. The natives believed Sequene had located the Legendary Fountain of Youth and he and his explorers were living a life of luxury in Bimini. After hearing these and other stories of the Legendary Fountain of Youth, Ponce de Leon became inspired to go about his own travels, and the King of Spain granted his request.

In search of the Legendary Fountain of Youth, Ponce de Leon discovered the American mainland continent in 1513 as he landed in the area known today as Florida. Today, this site of the first landing is known a the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, and it is one of the popular St Augustine FL Attractions near our Saint Augustine Bayfront Hotels and Inns. Visitors can explore the Fountain of Youth Park and see the magical fountain, as well as other landmarks including Ponce de Leon Landmark Cross; a beautiful artifact made of 27 coquina stones, it is believed to be the cross the Ponce de Leon placed at the site to commemorate his landing in 1513. The cross was found at the site during the 1800s and is preserved and kept safe inside the Spring House, which also houses the Legendary Fountain of Youth and the Salt Cellar. The Salt Cellar is a replica of an original salt cellar that was unearthed in 1904 at the site just near the landmark cross. When the cellar was opened, an ancient document written on parchment paper was found describing Ponce de Leon’s original landing on Florida and the placement of the landmark cross at the site. Believed to be a gift received from Columbus to commemorate their 1493 voyage, the Salt Cellar is a fascinating historical artifact.

In addition to visiting the Spring House, visitors exploring the Fountain of Youth Park can also visit the park’s Timucuan Indian museum and enjoy the park’s planetarium show which spotlights Ponce de Leon’s famous trip. The Timucuan Indians were the first people that Ponce de Leon encountered, and the “magical” spring which they centered their village on played a very important role in providing clean water to the village. One of the most unique St Augustine FL Attractions, the Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth Park is open everyday except Christmas from 9am to 5pm. Admission for adults is $8.00, for seniors (60 and over) is $7.00, for children ages 6-12, $5.00 and children under 6 are admitted free.

Looking for Ocean Front Lodging in the St Augustine Area? Our Saint Augustine Bayfront Hotels and Inns are gorgeous and well maintained St Augustine Top Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts. Convenient to all of the great St Augustine FL Attractions and the Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth Park, our St Augustine Bed and Breakfasts are located right in the middle of all of the great things to see and do in the Old City. Browse and learn more about specials and deals on St Augustine Vacations and book your next trip to the Old City in one of our St Augustine Bed and Breakfasts.

Fountain of Youth Park
11 Magnolia Ave.
Off San Marco Ave., N.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-829-3168