Being the oldest city in the U.S., founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers, you can expect to find a lot of historic St. Augustine to explore when you vacation in this coastal Florida city. There’s an old Spanish fort, an old museum, and a lighthouse among the many attractions not to be missed.
If it’s the history of the area you’re after, among things to do in St. Augustine, FL, is to visit the Colonial Quarter.
From colonial dining to architecture, the two acres of the Colonial Quarter in St. Augustine offer a step back in time, covering 16th, 17th, and 18th-century history. There’s a Spanish watchtower to climb, a blacksmithing learning experience, and a full musket demonstration.
Rain or shine, the fun is always available in Colonial Quarter in St. Augustine. You’ll find out what it was like to live hundreds of years ago with demonstrations, replicated colonial structures, and knowledgeable tour guides.
Here’s how you can take in the full colonial experience and find St. Augustine vacation rentals which are among the best accommodations when visiting historic St. Augustine.
Things to Do in the Colonial Quarter
Visiting the Colonial Quarter in historic St. Augustine gives you an unparalleled opportunity to learn about what life was like hundreds of years ago in the early days of this European settlement.
What exactly did a colonial blacksmith do? Which tools did he use? How did he rework old metal into such usable items as nails and utensils? Visit the reconstruction of a 1700s blacksmith shop and see for yourself the forge, hooks, and other implements utilized by that era’s blacksmith.
You might want to cover your ears: Up next is a live musket demonstration. Gun maintenance and inspections are discussed, and then you’ll see how the muskets worked through a live demo. An added bonus: you get to lock and load your own musket under the guidance of the tour guide.
Early Spanish settlers erected a watchtower in St. Augustine that you can step into and climb 35 feet to the top. There, take in the sights of the bay and the Castillo de San Marco Monument that preserves the oldest masonry fort in the U.S.
Your St. Augustine Vacation Rental
Contact the team at Summerhouse today to learn more about renting a St. Augustine vacation property! We can also tell you more about the fun things to do in town for your visit!
Don’t miss the chance to walk the Flags Over St. Augustine boardwalk! Some flags here have flown over the area for 450 years; the flag that very well might have flown on the mast of Juan Ponce de Leon’s ship when he came to Florida’s northeast coast is among the collection. Other flags that have flown over the city and are represented here include Confederate, British, French, and Spanish flags right up to the current American flag.
Take a tour of an 18th-century soldier’s home. This replica is built on an original foundation. You’ll get to see the furniture colonial people used: the dining table, the stove, beds, chairs, and more. Further in this 18th-century replication, you’ll find an old leather shop, where there are displays of leather hides and tools of the trade.
Another colonial home replica is the DeMesa-Sanchez House on St. George Street. The home is that of a Spanish Royal Treasury guard who arrived in St. Augustine in 1740. He lived in the home when it was a one-story structure. About forty years later, a Royal Works master caulker bought the house and added a second floor. The main structure exists in the northwest corner of the property, which was restored to its 1800s appearance in 1977.
Concerts, comedy shows, and other events take place at the Colonial Oak Music Park.
Where to Eat
There are several choices when it comes time to eat; you’ll find casual restaurants and era-style pubs, taverns, and other establishments with a wide range of cuisines, from burgers and sandwiches to seafood and Spanish-influenced dishes.
The British-style Bull & Crown Publick House is a pub that offers wings, fish n’ chips, bull burgers, short ribs, patty melt, and shepherd’s pie. Finish off with the yummy seasonal bread pudding!
Bull & Crown is open every day from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
The casual atmosphere of the St. Augustine Seafood Company underscores the menu of fish sandwiches, burgers, seafood baskets, fish n’ chip burritos, and po’ boy. The kids’ menu contains fried fish, fried shrimp baskets, chicken strips, and cheese quesadillas. All fish is direct from local waters and U.S. continental waters.
The Seafood Company opens every day at 11 a.m., closing at 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The Spanish-style tavern Taberna Del Caballo serves a full menu from the St. Augustine Seafood Company and its own small bites to go along with Spanish wines and a full bar of beers, wine, and cocktails. Its historic setting goes well with the entire feel of the Colonial Quarter.
All three eateries are located on St. George Street.
Other places to consider:
Florida Cracker Café at 81 St. George Street: a variety of sandwiches, salads, seafood entrees such as fried shrimp, fried clam strips, crab cakes, and homemade desserts including key lime pie, root beer float, and peanut butter pie. A 3-minute walk from the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.
The Gourmet Hut on Cuna Street: just two minutes from the Pirate Museum, this restaurant offers outdoor-only elegant dining, with a brunch menu, chef’s charcuterie board, bruschetta, mussels, shrimp, soups, and entrees such as lobster ravioli, creamy chicken penne, spiced lamb, and Chilean sea bass, to name a few. Pets are allowed in the open courtyard!
Michael’s: near The Gourmet Hut on Cuna Street, Michaels is fine dining with steaks (New York Strip, filet mignon, ribeye), seafood (lobster tail, salmon, sea bass), cheese and charcuterie, appetizers like caviar and Spanish mushrooms, and an extensive wine list.
Auggie’s Draft Room at 3 St. George Street: the area’s only self-serve tap house. Auggie’s offers gourmet burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, and hot dogs with fries. There are also wings, sides (such as chicken tenders, cheese fries, and jumbo pretzels), and desserts.
Hours, Location, and Cost
Daily Living History Tours of the Colonial Quarter start at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. daily, closed on Christmas Day. Group tours are also available. Tickets can be purchased at 14 S. Castillo Drive. For group tickets, call 904-599-2113. Tickets for adults and children 13 and over are $14.99, children between 5-12 $8.99 (under five FREE), and tickets for seniors 60 and over and military are $11.99.
Summerhouse Beach and Racquet Club has many St. Augustine condo rentals not far from the Colonial Quarter, so if you’re putting this historic visit on your must-do list, be sure to look into these accommodations for coziness, convenience, and first-rate customer service. Many of these are two- and three-bedroom rentals that can comfortably sleep up to eight guests.
Book Your St. Augustine Condo Rental with Summerhouse Beach & Racquet Club
After a day of stepping back in time at the Colonial Quarter and exploring St. Augustine’s rich and fascinating history, there’s no better place to unwind than Summerhouse Beach & Racquet Club. Our oceanfront community offers a peaceful retreat just a short drive from downtown, with spacious rental condos in St. Augustine, FL, and resort-style amenities that make every stay memorable. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the beaches, or a bit of both, Summerhouse provides the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Book your stay today and experience the best of Florida’s Historic Coast with us!
