Colonial Quarter
14 S Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, Florida
Learn about Florida’s Spanish influence in the Colonial Quarter, a living history museum in St. Augustine. Colonial buildings, a watchtower, plus shopping and dining make up this recreated 1740s town. Engage with “local townspeople” (all costumed actors) to hear stories about how blacksmiths, carpenters, and soldiers lived and worked. There’s also an outdoor venue that hosts frequent concerts.
Explore the Colonial Quarter on foot to see how citizens of St. Augustine lived during the colonial period. Visitors spend anywhere from an hour to half a day wandering through the town. Choose between several activities including climbing the watchtower, joining a guided tour, watching a live musket demonstration, seeing the pirate museum, or dining in an 18th-century, Spanish-inspired tavern. For those who are more interested in entertainment than history, an outdoor venue hosts regular concerts and other events, like sports screenings, comedy improv nights, and holiday-themed performances.
The Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum is ideal for history buffs and families seeking educational experiences.
If you plan on climbing to the top of the watchtower, be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
There are a number of dining options in the Colonial Quarter.
Most attractions at the site, including shops and restaurants, are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers; the watchtower is not accessible.
The Colonial Quarter is located in downtown historic St. Augustine, with the entrance at 14 S. Castillo Drive. Many visitors arrive on foot, though there is public parking nearby at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility. The area is also served by public transportation, including a nearby bus stop at the San Marco Visitor Center.
You’ll find the most pleasant weather in St. Augustine between February and May. Summer months can see heat and humidity soar, which makes exploring outdoor landmarks like the Colonial Quarter a challenge. Temperatures can cool in the fall, but that brings storms and hurricanes. The winter season is slower and a good choice for people avoiding the crowds.
The Colonial Quarter is just an introduction to the varied historic sights on offer in St. Augustine. Additional landmarks that are worth a visit include the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine to check out its architecture, the antique-filled Villa Zorayda Museum, and the Father Miguel O’Reilly House Museum, the second-oldest structure in St. Augustine.
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