Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Never mind that Juan Ponce de León never found the Fountain of Youth; this overrated archaeological park bills itself as North America’s first historic site, one which will definitely disappoint visitors who mistake this for a Botox and filler med spa. Smithsonian Institution archaeological digs have established that a Timucuan Indian village existed here some 1,000 years ago, but there’s no evidence that Ponce de León visited the spot during his 1513 voyage. You can wander the not-so-interesting grounds yourself, but you’ll learn more on a 45-minute guided tour or at a planetarium show about 16th-century celestial navigation. Be warned: This place could define the phrase “tourist trap” (not to mention that the fountain’s water smells and tastes awful). Nevertheless, the 15 waterfront acres and grounds are lovely and the non-fountain exhibits are okay, which is good because many people still feel the need to visit.
Never mind that Juan Ponce de León never found the Fountain of Youth; this overrated archaeological park bills itself as North America’s first historic site, one which will definitely disappoint visitors who mistake this for a Botox and filler med spa. Smithsonian Institution archaeological digs have established that a Timucuan Indian village existed here some 1,000 years ago, but there’s no evidence that Ponce de León visited the spot during his 1513 voyage. You can wander the not-so-interesting grounds yourself, but you’ll learn more on a 45-minute guided tour or at a planetarium show about 16th-century celestial navigation. Be warned: This place could define the phrase “tourist trap” (not to mention that the fountain’s water smells and tastes awful). Nevertheless, the 15 waterfront acres and grounds are lovely and the non-fountain exhibits are okay, which is good because many people still feel the need to visit.
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