The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a 15-acre historical site and park in St. Augustine, Florida. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport, parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was last updated in April 2026 to reflect current admission rates and the recently expanded daily schedule for the traditional blacksmithing demonstrations.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Daily, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm |
| Ticket prices | Adults $22.95, Children (6-12) $11.95 |
| Address | 11 Magnolia Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | On-site free car park; Old Town Trolley Stop #12 |
| Typical time needed to visit | 2 to 3 hours |
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park opening hours
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park opening hours are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. The ticket office closes at 5:00 pm to ensure visitors have sufficient time to explore the grounds before the site gates close.
The park operates every day of the year with the exception of Christmas Day. Weather-dependent demonstrations, such as the cannon firing, may be delayed or cancelled during periods of heavy rain or high winds.
5 great experiences in St Augustine to book now
- 🏛️ Learn the past of the oldest city in the US on a history walking tour.
- 🚤 Take an airboat adventure – spotting alligators and manatees on the way.
- ⛵ See St Augustine from the water on a sunset cruise.
- 🍷 On a food and wine tour, taste St Augustine’s top flavours
- 👻 Hear spooky historic tales on a St Augustine ghost tour.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park ticket prices
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park ticket prices are $22.95 for adults and $21.95 for seniors aged 60 and over. Tickets for children aged six to 12 are $11.95, while children aged five and under enter for free.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026. This attraction is not currently part of the Go City or CityPass schemes, which instead focus on regional attractions such as the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Marineland, and the Old Jail Museum.
Why book the St. Augustine Attractions Pass?
- 🚌 Old Town Trolley Tour: Navigate the nation’s oldest city with ease on an iconic orange-and-green trolley, featuring 22 convenient stops and entertaining live narration from expert conductors.
- 👮 The Old Jail: Step back to 1891 inside this Romanesque Revival-style prison, where costumed “inmates” lead immersive tours through the sheriff’s quarters and original maximum-security cells.
- 📜 Oldest Store Museum: Experience a living history recreation of a 1908 general store, filled with over 100,000 authentic vintage items—from antique elixirs to a goat-powered washing machine.
- 🏛️ St. Augustine History Museum: Explore 400 years of Florida’s past through exhibits on Spanish sunken treasure, indigenous Timucuan villages, and the opulent era of industrialist Henry Flagler.
- 💸 Incredible Value & Perks: Save significantly by combining three premier museums with a full day of transport, plus a bonus beach shuttle to the Alligator Farm and the scenic St. Augustine Beach.
How to get to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
To get to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, visitors can drive, take a taxi, or use the Old Town Trolley tour, which features a dedicated stop at the entrance (Stop #12). The park is located at the northern end of the historic district at the terminus of Magnolia Avenue.
Visitors staying in the downtown historic centre can reach the park via a 15-to-20-minute walk north along San Marco Avenue and Magnolia Avenue.
Why book the St. Augustine Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour?
- 🚋 22 Convenient Stops: Explore the “Ancient City” at your own pace with a route that covers over 100 points of interest, including the historic bayfront, city gates, and the plaza.
- 🎙️ Live Historical Narration: Enjoy a “transportation and entertainment” experience with professional conductors who share fascinating stories, legends, and humor throughout the journey.
- 🏰 Iconic Landmarks: Benefit from direct access to top-rated attractions like the Castillo de San Marcos, the Fountain of Youth, Flagler College, and the Lightner Museum.
- 🏖️ Exclusive Beach Shuttle: Take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service that brings you across the bridge to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, the Alligator Farm, and the beach.
- 🕒 Flexible & Frequent: With trolleys arriving at each stop every 15–20 minutes, you can spend as much time as you like at each destination without worrying about parking or navigation.
Parking at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Parking at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is available in a large, dedicated car park located on the park grounds. Parking is free for all ticket holders for the duration of their visit.
The car park is situated within the main gates, providing direct and convenient access to the welcome centre and ticket booths. During peak holiday periods, staff are present to assist with traffic flow.
How long to spend at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Visitors typically spend two to three hours at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. This timeframe allows for a full walk of the 15-acre waterfront site, attendance at several live demonstrations, and viewing of the planetary and navigation shows.
Those interested in photography or birdwatching may wish to allocate an additional hour to observe the free-roaming peacock population and river views.
Accessibility at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Accessibility at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is facilitated by wide, level pathways throughout the site. Most primary paths are made of packed coquina or concrete, though some secondary areas near the archaeological digs may feature uneven grass or dirt.
The Planetarium, Discovery Globe, and Spring House are all wheelchair accessible. The park provides accessible public toilets near the welcome centre and gift shop area.
Inside / what to see at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
The park is the site of the original 1565 Spanish settlement in Florida. The central feature is the Spring House, which contains the natural spring associated with Juan Ponce de León’s quest for the “Fountain of Youth.” Visitors are permitted to drink from the spring inside this building.
The Timucua Village of Seloy is a reconstructed indigenous settlement area. It features authentic structures and regular demonstrations that illustrate the daily life, hunting methods, and cooking traditions of the people who inhabited the area before Spanish arrival.
The Planetarium and Discovery Globe offer regular presentations throughout the day. The Planetarium show explains how 16th-century explorers used celestial navigation to cross the Atlantic, while the Discovery Globe provides a visual representation of early Spanish exploration routes.
Live historical demonstrations are a primary attraction, including the firing of a replica 16th-century Spanish cannon. A blacksmith is also on-site to demonstrate colonial-era metalworking techniques. All demonstrations are included in the standard admission price.
The grounds feature the 600-foot Founders Pier, which extends into the Matanzas River. This area provides views of the St. Augustine Inlet and is a frequent spot for observing the park’s famous population of white and blue peacocks.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive before 10:00 am to catch the first cannon firing and avoid the peak afternoon sun. |
| Crowds | The 15-acre site is large enough to absorb crowds, but Planetarium seating is limited. |
| Layout | Check the daily schedule board at the entrance for exact demonstration and show times. |
| Entry process | Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online; timed entry slots are not required. |
| On-site logistics | Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site is almost entirely outdoors with various surfaces. |
Frequently asked questions about Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
| Question | Answer |
| Isthe Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park suitable for children? | Yes, the open spaces, live cannon fire, and peacocks make it a popular family destination. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park? | No, tickets can be purchased on arrival, though online booking is available for convenience. |
| Is the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park open on Sundays? | Yes, the park is open on Sundays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. |
| Are bags allowed at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park? | Yes, standard day bags are permitted, but there are no lockers for large items. |
Things to do near the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Visitors can combine a trip to the park with these five nearby attractions:
- Magnolia Avenue: A scenic, oak-canopied street located directly outside the park entrance.
- Mission Nombre de Dios: A historic mission and shrine featuring a 208-foot cross, within walking distance.
- The Old Jail: A historic 19th-century prison museum located five minutes south.
- St. Augustine Alligator Farm: A zoological park featuring alligators and native birds, located a short drive away.
- Castillo de San Marcos: The landmark Spanish stone fortress, accessible via a short trolley ride.
More Florida travel
Other Florida travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- The highlights of Anastasia State Park in St Augustine.
- Visitor guides to the Lightner Museum, St Augustine History Museum and Oldest Store Museum Experience in St Augustine.
- Get a complex slavery story at Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville.
- Learn about the early French settlement at Fort Caroline in Jacksonville.
- The best stops on the Savannah to Jacksonville drive.
