- Discovery of Florida: Ponce de León is widely recognized for his expedition in 1513, during which he became the first European to reach Florida. He named the peninsula "La Florida" due to its lush greenery and the fact that he landed there during Easter (Pascua Florida in Spanish).
- Exploration of the Bahamas and Caribbean: Ponce de León's exploration voyages included journeys to the Bahamas, where he encountered Lucayan natives, and expeditions along the Caribbean coastlines.
- Gold and Treasure: While not primarily focused on finding wealth, Ponce de León did encounter gold and treasure during his explorations. Notably, he visited an island inhabited by the Calusa people, where he obtained gold and other valuable items through trade and interaction.
- Legacy and Impact: Ponce de León's explorations paved the way for further Spanish colonization and exploration in the Americas. His discovery of Florida led to the establishment of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the United States. His explorations also contributed to the expansion of geographical knowledge and the understanding of the Americas' coastlines and territories.
- Legacy of the "Fountain of Youth": While the "Fountain of Youth" is often associated with Ponce de León, it's important to clarify that he did not embark on his expeditions specifically searching for it. The story of the "Fountain of Youth" is largely a legendary aspect of his journeys that developed over time.