Where to Find the Fountain of Youth

Captain Jack Sparrow may be searching for the Fountain of Youth in the latest installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies. But, we have already found it. OK – technically Ponce de Leon found it. And you can not only visit it, but drink from its eternal spring!

Saint Augustine, Florida is home to the famous Fountain of Youth. Now, drinking from this spring won’t make you 21 again, but it is trip through some of Florida’s most storied history. It is at this very spot that Ponce de Leon stepped foot onto North America. Today, it is one of Saint Augustine’s most visited attractions.

People do come to the Fountain of Youth to drink from the fabled spring, but that isn’t all this archeological park offers. Plan of spending a few hours exploring:

•The Spring House – This is where the famed Fountain of Youth lays. You have the opportunity to take a sip of the cool, slightly salty water. Dioramas and exhibits show just how this area must have looked to Ponce de Leon in the 1500’s.

•Planetarium / Discovery Globe – There were no apps or GPS when Ponce de Leon discovered Saint Augustine. He and his crew relied on the starry sky to help guide them towards North America. Here is your chance to see just how that starry sky led him to this very location.

•Timucua Indian Village – Before the Spanish discovered Saint Augustine, the Timucua Indians called these shores homes. Experience life in this authentic Indian village. Docents tell tales of how this tribe hunted, defended, and lived. You may even be invited to participate in a little demonstration about Indian life.

•Archeology Exhibits – Plenty of archeological artifacts have been found on these grounds. Exhibits throughout the park show the historical significance of what was found here. You may even get to see a few archeologists working on an excavation dig here!

The park is located in the heart of the historical district on Matanzas Bay. Live cannon demonstrations and living history events take place throughout the year. Special celebrations commemorating Ponce de Leon’s famous discovery occur each year too.

For more information, visit the park’s official website: www.fountainofyouthflorida.com