The Fountain of Youth, St. Augustine, FL

## Overview The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida, is one of the most storied spring sites in the United States. Located at 11 Magnolia Avenue in the heart of the nation's oldest city, this spring has been steeped in legend since the earliest days of European exploration. The site is most famously associated with the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, who arrived on the coast of Florida in 1513 — and while the direct connection between Ponce de León and this particular spring is a matter of historical debate, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park has embraced and celebrated the legend for well over a century. The spring was originally a natural one, fed by the Floridan Aquifer — one of the most productive aquifer systems in the world. Over time, as St. Augustine's population grew and water demand increased, the natural water level began to drop. To maintain the flow, a well was drilled to a depth of over 200 feet. While the water no longer rises to the surface on its own, the original aquifer is still responsible for the characteristic mineral bubbles visitors notice when the water is drawn. The water has a distinctly sulfurous, mineral-rich taste that many visitors find surprising — historically, it has been offered to guests as a drinking water source, though individual experiences with the flavor vary widely. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park operates as a museum and historic attraction, and the spring is one of its centerpiece features. The park also contains significant archaeological sites, including evidence of the Timucua people — the indigenous inhabitants of the region long before European contact — as well as artifacts from the early Spanish colonial period. ## Directions 1. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is located at **11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084**. 2. From Interstate 95, take Exit 318 (State Road 16) east toward St. Augustine. 3. Follow SR-16 east until it becomes West King Street as you enter the historic district. 4. Continue east on King Street, then turn left (north) onto San Marco Avenue (US-1 North). 5. After approximately 1 mile, turn right onto Williams Street. 6. Follow Williams Street to Magnolia Avenue and look for the entrance to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park on your left. 7. The park has a dedicated parking lot on-site. ## What to Expect The Fountain of Youth is located within the **Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park**, a paid-admission attraction. The park is open daily from **9:00 AM to 5:00 PM**. Visitors can expect a well-maintained, family-friendly environment with paved walkways, interpretive exhibits, and guided presentations. Upon entering, guests are typically offered a small cup of the spring water to taste. The water is mineral-rich and has a noticeable sulfur quality — a hallmark of deep Floridan Aquifer water. Visitors have reported the taste as distinctly mineral-heavy, which is part of the experience. Beyond the spring itself, the park features a planetarium, a cannon-firing demonstration, peacocks roaming the grounds, and exhibits on Timucua culture and early Spanish missions. The grounds are lush and shaded by large live oaks draped in Spanish moss, making it a pleasant visit even on warm Florida days. Because this is a managed attraction rather than a wild spring, accessibility is good — the paths are mostly flat and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Plan for at least one to two hours to explore the full park. Admission fees apply; check the park's official website for current pricing before your visit.