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Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

Visit the site where St. Augustine began in 1565 with your pooch at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. With more than 15 dog-friendly waterfront acres to explore, you and your pup will find plenty of activities to enjoy. You can visit the planetarium, visit the Timucua Indian village, look out from the 600-foot observation deck, and make friends with the peacocks that roam the property. Just keep Fido on a leash and clean up after him in the park. Visit Website

Or call (904) 829-3168 or email foyexplorer@gmail.com for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park has received a rating of 4.9 out of 5 bones by 55 canine critics on BringFido and 4.0 out of 5 by 2,846 guests on TripAdvisor.

  • Stella
    Feb 16, 2024
    Dogs welcomed everywhere

    The staff was so friendly and the dogs could go anywhere people could go. We spent the morning here and had a wonderful time.

  • Chuck
    Jan 26, 2024
    Waste of time and money

    significant waste of time and money. This is a very run down tourist trap with "exhibits" that look like they have never been renovated and barely cared for. The informational placards were faded and while informative, ignored the full history of the area and the natives impacted by this explorer. Its was sad to see bus loads of kids, banned in Florida from learning actual historical facts lined up to drink from the "fountain of youth" then trotted around to learn more half truths.

    Seeing a cannon fire, a musket demonstration and a blacksmith hardly is novel nor substantively educational. The best part was the bar-b-que sold at the entrance (no admission fee required for that).

    Yes they are dog friendly in the sense that they are allowed everywhere and there were 2 water bowls located on the property, but if you want something worth your dogs time, take it to the beach.

  • Laura
    Dec 9, 2023
    Truly dog friendly!

    We were told our dogs (2 GSDs) were allowed anywhere we were! They drank from the fountain of youth, went up the tower, and were welcomed in the planetarium to watch the show. My younger dog even watched! Put this on your to do list for sure!

  • Brittany
    Jul 31, 2023
    Very Dog Friendly

    All open ground and very dog friendly! All of the inside areas are also dog friendly.

  • Richard
    Jun 9, 2023
    Thoroughly Enjoyed the Park

    We spent a lovely day at the Fountain of Youth park. It is a very dog friendly park and every employee was super friendly towards us and our German Shepherd & Golden Doodle. We were able to cool off from the hot Florida sun in a few of their AirConditioned shows. (yes the shows are pet friendly) There are water bowls for the dogs, stationed throughout the park. Found the park to be interesting and a nice way to spend a leisurely day without large crowds. We had lunch there, which was good.. While we were eating, they offered our pups some free soft serve ice cream. They truly enjoyed that treat. Everyone was was so friendly. A special kudos to Jennifer who we kept running into. She was awesome.
    You can plan on spending about 4 leisurely hours to see the park and eat lunch. The park is in a great location, within walking distance from historical downtown. I can’t say enough nice things about the park and it’s staff.

  • Chrissy
    May 27, 2023
    Nice outing

    Staff were super sweet, excitedly greeting our two pups. “Fountain of Pooch” watering stations were located around the park. We were able to have our girls drink some of the actual fountain’s “magical water” by pouring it into the travel container they usually drink out of. Oh, and the peacocks! They are everywhere! Very beautiful and not super intimidated, but they will get out of the way for you and your pups. Great way to spend a couple of hours in St. Augustine.

  • Fabiola
    May 24, 2023
    Bella approves

    Bella really enjoyed her walk around the park grounds. the peacocks were her favorite lol she wanted to chase after them but ofcourse are very careful with making sure she js safe and the people and things around us are safe as well. but she she really did enjoy. and this place tired her out bad hahaha! we recommend!

  • Amanda
    Mar 28, 2023
    Excellent Place to Visit with Dogs

    The park is very pet-friendly. Water fountains are available throughout the park, but it can get very hot, so we always take plenty of water with us as well. Dogs can go inside the buildings.

  • Kimberly
    Mar 22, 2023
    Great Doggie Spot

    We always go to the Fountain of Youth...and now we know you can take your pups it is a must do. Our dogs loved exploring the grounds and walking out on the dock. Everyone was welcoming and they did have water for the doggies

  • Megan
    Mar 15, 2023
    So fun!

    very dog friendly! dogs can go everywhere even drink from the fountain of youth!

  • Brandy
    Mar 3, 2023
    Great for pets!

    Pets allowed everywhere. Owners can learn about the history. Look at times for cannon shoot, as most pups would be scared.

  • Fabian
    Feb 22, 2023
    Super Dog Friendly! WE LOVED IT ALL

    This is a beautiful place for you to combine history of Saint Augustine and quality time with your furry babies. It is extremely clean and very well taken care. We love the civility of all visitors with their furry boo boos! The pier is fantastic and you can roam around with the dogs everywhere you like without restrictions. ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

  • Sue
    Feb 2, 2023
    Fun and accommodating for dogs

    Lovely trip despite the heat. Frequent water stops at the fountain of pooch. Our German Shepherd Britta was allowed in all buildings with us, so she attended all shows and
    had a drink we dipped from the fountain. Highly recommend for people and pooch.

  • Carolyn
    Dec 9, 2022
    Great for dogs

    They were great with us bringing our 3 dogs!

  • Phil
    Nov 10, 2022
    Easy to visit at your leisure park

    had a great time walking the grounds with our big dog. It had easy free parking, at your leisure walking tour with a nice gift shop and wonderful BBQ for purchase outside the park

  • Heather
    Nov 7, 2022
    amazing

    Pups are allowed most places in the park and it was very interesting

  • Pepper
    Jul 13, 2022
    Awesome experience!

    Our pup loved sniffing around and barking at the peacocks (don't worry, we stopped her).

  • Lindsay
    Jun 20, 2022
    Pup friendly fountain park

    Great time with our doggie here. We were able to take her to every exhibit even the indoor shows. The shows has thunder noise and turned out lights in a crowded room. So know your dog if they'd be okay. Also the living history demos included a cannon and gun demo so hang on to their leash for that. Overall my dog seemed quite to enjoy herself so did we.

  • Cindy
    Mar 11, 2022
    Rainy day

    The staff was amazing and didn’t mind wet dogs! my pup was alittle nervous at the planetarium just during the thunder part of the video) (we later got a dog rain coat from faux paws!)

  • Marion
    Feb 20, 2022
    The fountain of Pooch!

    the fountain of youth is a great place to take your doggo, it’s super dog friendly and everybody was super nice and friendly.

  • Linda
    Dec 28, 2021
    A treasure

    On of the bed experiences we’ve had traveling with our little Puggle Miss Blair

  • Nicole
    Nov 30, 2021
    Great space for dogs!

    The park is very nice and spacious! The paths are made of a mix of sand, dirt and mulch so you don't have to worry about your pup's paws in the Florida heat! The staff is friendly and there are lots of bowls through-out the park for water.

  • Nov 14, 2021
    Very dog friendly!!!

    Great time and the BBQ on-site was amazing!!!

  • Laura
    Jun 16, 2021
    Amazing

    I took my Lilly to the Fountain of youth. The staff was amazing. she went up to everyone and wanted to be petted. she loved to walk around and smell everything.

  • Breanna
    Apr 28, 2021
    Very dog friendly

    The entire park, inside and out, is dog friendly. I loved how kind the staff was. There was doggy water bowls throughout the park. Everyone was kind and Bruno got many pats. The cannon firing did freak him out a little but overall he did great

  • Hurricane Hatti
    Apr 6, 2021
    Good spot

    This was a good activity for our family & German Shepherd. He enjoyed walking while we enjoyed the tour. We ended with early dinner at the BBQ shack on site with our fur baby. We brought our own water and bowl for him. It was a great experience!

  • Carlie
    Apr 5, 2021
    Most dog friendly place I’ve ever been

    dogs can do everything at the fountain of youthPhoto! they are allowed in all the building and presentations. they walked with us around the park and took a snooze in the planetarium. it was a blast to be able to plan a whole day trip and have the dogs with us. I would highly recommend if you are interested in history and want a fun field trip with your pup!

  • Melissa
    Feb 26, 2021
    Dogs are allowed everywhere!

    This was the most dog-friendly place @leothegreatdog has ever been! Dogs are allowed in all of the indoor shows and also the gift shop. Be sure to have your dog drink from The Fountain of Pooch!

  • Donna
    Jul 24, 2020
    Very dog friendly

    Taffy loved the sites and sounds. She was fascinated by the peacocks everywhere. We were happy to see so many water stations all over te park for the dogs but Taffy's favorite was a little pond with a fountain that fogs are welcome to wade in while getting a cool drink from the spring. As for her human companions, we learned a lot about the settlement of te area and lore of the fountain.

  • Stacy
    Jul 11, 2020
    Dogs love peacocks!

    They liked walking around and seeing all the birds. Drinking areas for them. Lots of room to walk around!

  • Alexandra
    Jul 11, 2020
    Very Interesting

    Our whole family enjoyed walking through the park with our golden/lab mix. Very interesting and beautiful grounds. The firearms show scared the dog a bit and we had to restrain him around the wandering peacocks, but otherwise highly recommended!!!

  • Holly
    Jan 13, 2020
    Very Dog Friendly

    The employees got to know Bailey’s name and they were friendly to her. She was allowed in every building and was even able to drink from the fountain of youth.
    Just be careful of the gunfire and cannon fire for dogs that do not like loud bangs. But, those activities are easily avoidable.

  • Tina
    Nov 21, 2019
    Our Dogs Loved It.

    The whole park is dog friendly. The staff welcomed them like they were royalty. They went inside the Planetarium, the "Globe" and drank from the Fountain of Youth!

  • Jennifer
    Nov 20, 2019
    Fido friendly field trip

    Had a blast! The bbq take out place was also tasty and they immediately offered our German Shepard water. She was welcome everywhere I. The park and had a blast chasing squirrels and peacocks (dragging mom on leash the whole way, of course!) They even have a special water fountain for dogs. The cannon and weapon demonstrations are a bit loud, so avoid those if pup is squeamish about loud noise (ours likes to watch fireworks and is indifferent to our neighbors who constantly hunt, so wasn’t a problem.) All in all, a fun outing with lots of nice people who wanted to get pets.

  • Jeanette
    Oct 6, 2019
    Very Pet Friendly!

    My pooch loved the fountain of youth! The staff is very nice and welcoming. The fountain of pooch was adorable!

  • Renee
    May 24, 2019
    Super dog friendly!

    The staff goes out of their way to accommodate our puppies. We had a great time. We were able to take our fur babies in all the buildings including the gift shop. Everyone, staff and visitors enjoyed loving on our puppies. We ate at the BBQ restaurant. They made our puppies some pulled pork without sauce that they loved! Our food was amazing!

  • Aida j.
    May 18, 2019
    The whole park is dog friendly.

    Really enjoyed our visit, the staff was super friendly. We highly recommend this attraction. Our dog could walk through the entire park as well as attend the shows.

  • Ariadna
    Apr 3, 2019
    Amazing Location!

    My boyfriend and I have a 5 month old German Shepherd. We took her in our vacation with us and we choose to bring her here. This place is amazing, open field, great people and very good way to learn. She drank from the fountain of youth and we had the best time.

  • Alexandria
    Jan 31, 2019
    Good Time

    Park was fairly empty when we went. We walked around on our own. Lots of peacocks and birds walk freely around which drive our dog nuts as he wanted to chase them. They will follow you! We watched the canon go off and our pup didn’t have an issue with it. We got our puppy to drink water from the fountain of youth which was cute! Everyone was extremely friendly.

  • Bonnie
    Nov 29, 2018
    Fountain Of Youth Archaeology Park

    Very informative learned a few new facts about American history. Our dog went in all the buildings and exhibits.

  • Jason
    Sep 10, 2018
    Wonderful experience

    Great for the family especially if you have kids. We got our dog to drink from the fountain of youth and that alone was worth it. The gardens they have are wonderful and there's peacock's all over walking around. I'll warn about the cannon they fire off. If your dog is skittish it might scare them when they fire it! staff was great with taking pictures

  • Brianna
    More than a year ago
    So fun!

    It was so nice to be able to bring our dogs to every part of this park. Our dogs had a blast!

  • Noemi
    More than a year ago
    Great for dogs!

    We loved it here! No charge for the dog, lots of peacocks to look at, drinking from the fountain of youth, demonstrations are fun and a little loud so step back with dogs when firing arms and canon! Very friendly staff, we were very happy all in all with this destination!

  • Laurel
    More than a year ago
    Absolutely Brilliant

    I have long dreamed of a place (other than the pet store) where my dog is allowed everywhere. This is the place of my dreams! Dogs are allowed in the theaters and on every inch of the grounds. Our dog absolutely loved it. We climbed to the top of the observatory tower, sat in for a planetarium show, watched a weapons demonstration (we covered our dog's ears but she is okay with fireworks, so not a lot phases her!), and drank from the Fountain of Youth. Plus the cafe outside has dog bowls!

  • Aimee
    More than a year ago
    My dog LOVED the birds!

    Very dog friendly, my dog could go everywhere we went and had a great time with us.

  • Diana
    More than a year ago
    Great time!

    Our dog and her people had a great time here. We learned a lot and everyone who worked there was friendly to our dog.

  • Alex
    More than a year ago
    Loved It!!

    We weren't really sure what to expect outside of the fact that our dog could also drink from the fountain. As soon as we got there everyone was so helpful and so friendly and loved the dogs while still being respectful of distance (ours is often shy). The park is a great size with so much to see and great photo spots with the dogs! The cannon and gun demonstration did startle my dog but he quickly recovered and I loved being able to go into all of be buildings and shows with him in tow. My favorite spot to bring my dog and I would 100% go again. I will say there are a lot of roaming peacocks so just be aware of your dog has a large prey drive.

  • Lisa
    More than a year ago
    Best tourist stop for dogs

    Our dog was allowed to do everything even the planetarium.

  • Ann
    More than a year ago
    History Tour & Fun for dog

    Took our dog everywhere. Lots to see. Pretty grounds. Friendly staff. Only draw back was gun demonstration but they told us when & where ahead of time. Nice to be able to site see with our dog!

  • Nadya
    More than a year ago
    Amazing time

    If was an amazing place to spend time with our furry kids, you can literally go anywhere with them (even the shows and planetarium). Highly recommend this place, everyone was so nice to them. We always worry because of the anti breed restrictions for having pits and they had absolutely no problem. Have fun!!!

  • Theresa
    More than a year ago
    Great Visit

    This is a good trip and very dog friendly! Our puppy was able to walk around and take in the sights without restrictions.

  • Denise
    More than a year ago
    Fountain for Fido

    We highly recommend this attraction. Our dog could walk through the entire park as well as attend the shows. They even let our dog taste the water! He will be young forever! Caution: Peacocks roam the area so be sure To have a strong lead. They also shoot a cannon every hour so if your dog gets spooked by very loud noises you would not want to participate in this Spanish re-enactment. Overall a great day with our dog who fears nothing!

  • Alice
    More than a year ago
    nice say out

    Very nice!!!The problem I had was that the cannon was shot off a few times a day.My dog is afraid of gunshots.Everything else was great.He was given a drink from the Fountain.

  • Melissa
    More than a year ago
    Awesome

    Really enjoyed our visit, the staff was super friendly, the gentleman offered Wolfie her own cup of water from the fountain, which she refused to drink since she only drinks bottled water.she loved the peacocks but didn't like the statue of Ponce de Leon, she barked and growled at him. I think she and my boyfriend saw almost every inch of it and she slept like a baby when we got back to the hotel.

  • Toni
    More than a year ago
    Our puppy loved it.

    The whole park is dog friendly. Our 4 month old puppy was welcome in all the buildings and she even got a drink from the fountain of youth. The canon firing was a bit loud for her, but all in all a worthwhile stop.

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