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

Where to Get a Birds-Eye View of St. Augustine

Saint Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, draws millions of visitors each year. Tourists can explore one of the nation’s oldest forts, walk down famed St. George Street, bask in the Florida sunshine on beautiful St. Augustine Beach, tour some of the historic sites, or sip from the Fountain of Youth. It’s a beautiful city. The towering spires of Flagler College highlight the city’s skyline, while Spanish architecture dots the riverfront.

There are plenty of attractions that will teach you about the history of this great city. But, there is only one that can give you a birds-eye view of this gorgeous city and a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean – The Saint Augustine Lighthouse and Museum!

The swirling, treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean proved to be quite dangerous for ships traveling in this area. Many a shipwreck took place right off the coast of Saint Augustine. So, a lighthouse was needed to help mariners safely reach the shore. In 1874, construction on the Saint Augustine Lighthouse was complete. It’s been operating every since.



Visitors are able to climb 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse for one of the best views in Saint Augustine! You will climb a spiral staircase up to the observation deck. Now, don’t worry. There are eight landing, where you can rest up before you start climbing again. (Some even have benches). The reward for your climb is spectacular. Look to your east and you will see the sugary white sandy beaches of Saint Augustine. Look to your west and you will see the beautiful historical city, the fort, and harbor. You can walk completely around the tower too!

After your climb, head over to the Café for an icy, cold drink. You deserve it! Then, begin your tour of the Keepers’ House Museum. From 1874 – 1955, the lighthouse was operated by a lighthouse keeper. In good weather and treacherous weather, the keeper had to climb all the way to the top of the lighthouse to keep the fires burning. The museum tells the keeper’s story in an interesting way through exhibits, with a little maritime history thrown in. In 1955, the age of the lighthouse keeper disappeared. Lighthouses, including this one, became automated.

You can explore the grounds at your own pace. There are no guided tours, but the audio tour they offer is terrific. You can learn even more about the historical significance of the area, the archeological digs taking place on the grounds, and stories about the lighthouse keeper’s families.

Plan on spending a few hours at the lighthouse. We recommend climbing during the morning hours – it’s a lot cooler. Then, you can drive just a few miles and hit Saint Augustine Beach! For information on tickets, height restrictions, and special events, visit www.staugustinelighthouse.com