Journey Through Time at Colonial Quarter
Step into St. Augustine’s Colonial Quarter, and you’re stepping into centuries of story—live, hands‑on, and humming with life.
This two‑acre immersive experience revives four eras of settlement history: from the birth of the city as a 16th‑century Spanish shipping port, through the 17th‑century fortified Spanish town, into the British occupation of the 18th century, and back again to Spanish rule in the garrison‑town era.
Stroll beneath the “Flags Over St. Augustine,” walking in the footsteps of explorers and governors, then step aboard a replica 16th‑century caravel, towering above you, offering a glimpse into early maritime life.
Ascend the 35‑ft watchtower, gaze over Castillo de San Marcos, and feel the tension of colonial defenses radiate across the waterfront. On the ground, breathe in the sparks and heat of an active blacksmith’s forge, then lock and fire a musket guided by a gunsmith, stepping right into the military past.
Venture inside history: the De Mesa‑Sanchez House (1740s) unlocks domestic life, from cooking wooden sloops to counting pennies. A leatherworker and printer invite you to touch tools and imagine colonial craft. Hungry? Pull up a chair at Taberna del Caballo or Bull & Crown, savoring fare in candlelit, centuries‑steeped rooms.
Surrounding the Quarter are authentic architectural restorations: the Gómez House, Gallegos House, and William Watson House, each offering contrasting styles from Spanish board‑and‑batten to British frame, each piece a testament to evolving cultures. And the reconstructed homes of Gonzáles and De Hita now house the glowing ambiance of Taberna del Caballo—flavor, history, and hospitality fused.
Here’s how to go:
Schedule a guided tour at 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., or 3 p.m., or explore at your own pace during 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tickets: Adults ~$15.99, Seniors/Military ~$12.99, Kids ~$9.99, under 5 free. (Always double‑check current rates.)
Address: 14 S. Castillo Drive, in St. Augustine’s Old Town. Easily paired with stops at Castillo de San Marcos and local eateries. Parking is off‑site, or accessible via trolley
Colonial Quarter isn’t just a museum—it’s a time machine. Forge nails with a blacksmith, feel the excitement of a musket drill, gaze out like a colonial sentry—and then melt into the glow of a tavern where centuries of life linger in every beam. Whether you’re a history buff, a family with wide eyes, or a curious heart, this is the pulse of St. Augustine’s living past.
