Colonial Quarter
Colonial Quarter
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Take an immersive journey through centuries of St. Augustine's rich history, brought to life at this revitalized two-acre attraction in the heart of the downtown historic district. Tour, dine, shop and enjoy an interactive Historic Adventure Tour or discover on your own from climbing a 35-foot watchtower to exploring the 270 year old Demesa House. Your history begins here!
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- Dream7087111 contributionsCooper is amazing!My 12-year-old son, who loves history, wanted to do this activity on our recent trip to St. Augustine. We were "lucky" enough to be the only ones on our tour, and we enjoyed every moment. Our tour guide, Cooper, was amazing! My son isn't very sociable but he was quite comfortable with Cooper, which says a lot about the guide. He was both knowledgeable and entertaining. We were hurrying to meet up with someone, but I wish we had more time for that activity. It was perhaps the best one of our trip.Possibly the best activity of your St. Augustine trip?! We love to hear that! Thank you very much for spending time with us at the Colonial Quarter and for the high praise! St. Augustine's colonial history is fascinating on it's own - but our amazing guides truly bring that history to life! Cooper's tour is extremely engaging and we're so glad you got to meet him! Thank you again!Written 15 January 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 January 2024
- Zane Wylie The Skull Carving GuySt. Augustine, Florida192 contributionsA Journey Back in Time at Colonial Quarter!In St. Augustine's heart, where history gleams, The Colonial Quarter awaits in your dreams! A whimsical walk through the past's embrace, Where stories and laughter fill every space. With cobblestone paths that lead you along, Past traders and craftsmen, where you feel you belong. From blacksmith’s sparks to the baker’s sweet smell, Each corner you turn, there’s a new tale to tell. Explore the gardens where flowers bloom wide, Listen to guides who take you on a ride, Through the sights and the sounds of this vibrant old time, Where history dances in rhythm and rhyme. You can try your hand at the crafts of the day, From weaving to cooking, it's all on display. Children run wild, their faces aglow, As they learn of the past and the seeds they sow. So if you seek magic, adventure, and cheer, The Colonial Quarter is the place to appear. A whimsical journey, a day full of flair, In St. Augustine’s past, memories to share! Come one, come all, let your imagination soar, In this charming spot, you’ll always want more. With history and fun wrapped up in one tour, The Colonial Quarter is treasure—that's for sure!WOW! What a thoughtful and creative review! You brought such a smile to our faces with your kind words! We're so glad that our attraction was able to inspire such amazing feedback! We hope to have you back for another colonial adventure in the future!Written 24 August 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 August 2024
- Kelli Martin B2 contributionsInformative, engaging tour for all ages!We had such a great time one our tour! (We forgot her name, but got her photo), really made the experience informative and engaging. Everyone in our party, from 5 to 66 thoroughly enjoyed it this fun romp through history. We bought our tickets at a discount along with the Pirate Museum tickets and the combo was just perfect for our family. Thanks for a great time!Thank you for your feedback, Kelli! We're so glad you had a fantastic time on your journey to Colonial St. Augustine!Written 24 August 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,239 reviews
Excellent
840
Very good
255
Average
95
Poor
30
Terrible
19
Lorna B.
Bechtelsville, PA884 contributions
Dec 2019
We (four history-loving adults) visited here on Dec. 31 as part of our three days exploring St. Augustine; we had purchased discounted combo tickets online with the pirate museum (reviewed separately). We timed our visit to catch a Colonial Experience tour, for which Andy James was our guide. He was an engaging speaker and caught us right up into the St. Augustine experience with a great introductory narrative. He demonstrated the cumbersome steps involved in firing both a small cannon and a musket—both impressive to experience up close. He took us through a historic house and over to see the numerous flags that have flown over St. Augustine through the ages (an interesting summary); he also demonstrated basic blacksmithing skills. After our time with Andy for those few “living history” activities (about 45 minutes), we were free to walk around the site on our own; there were a few more buildings to peak into but not much more than Andy showed us.
After our visit (one hour in total), I was disappointed that there wasn’t more to see here. Since tours are given only four times a day, it seems they could be a bit longer and include a few more areas of the complex (i.e. shipyard, print shop, etc.) to give visitors the fullest experience possible (a few living history activities in the house would make sense as well). The area devoted to this attraction is actually quite small, when it merits a real museum presence like one finds at Jamestown, VA, or Plimoth Plantation in MA. (Too bad this complex wasn’t reconstructed on all that unused space by the fort across the street.) As a colonial history buff, I was left wanting more here. Fortunately, we visited a few other history-oriented sites in town, and together these gave me a good education about Florida’s history and settlement.
After our visit (one hour in total), I was disappointed that there wasn’t more to see here. Since tours are given only four times a day, it seems they could be a bit longer and include a few more areas of the complex (i.e. shipyard, print shop, etc.) to give visitors the fullest experience possible (a few living history activities in the house would make sense as well). The area devoted to this attraction is actually quite small, when it merits a real museum presence like one finds at Jamestown, VA, or Plimoth Plantation in MA. (Too bad this complex wasn’t reconstructed on all that unused space by the fort across the street.) As a colonial history buff, I was left wanting more here. Fortunately, we visited a few other history-oriented sites in town, and together these gave me a good education about Florida’s history and settlement.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm so sorry you felt as you didn't receive as much history as you would have liked on your tour. As history lovers, I understand your disappointment. Typically our guides will stay after the tour to answer questions or engage in deeper discussions for folks who crave more than what they get from the tour, and you are also welcome to explore as much on your own, reading the 50 text panels that go into further detail of the history. We will take your recommendations under consideration as we build the program in the future.
Written 6 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim F
Bellevue, WA10 contributions
Sept 2021
This living history tour of a Colonial village was well worth the admission price (especially with the 55+ discount!). Our tour guide for the experience was a marvelous actor with a great sense of humor. He interacted well with the group and expertly and patiently answered every question.
From the leatherworker's shop to the blacksmith shop to a colonist's home to a merchant ship and a (sort of) live cannon demonstration, the tour offered a lot! So fun to imagine yourself living and working in that location and time period!
From the leatherworker's shop to the blacksmith shop to a colonist's home to a merchant ship and a (sort of) live cannon demonstration, the tour offered a lot! So fun to imagine yourself living and working in that location and time period!
Written 20 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a great review! Thank you for sharing your experience on our tour!
Written 10 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
shellie
St. Augustine, FL2 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
I’ve done this tour four times. I like to do it on most of my St Augustine visits. After the fort, I think it’s one of the essential things to do. This past tour was the best ever. Our tour guide, Ellie, was one of those magical people who knows how to get kids to pay attention and even giggle every now and then while not boring the adults. We learned so many little pieces of trivia and didn’t want the tour to end. That speaks a lot from a person who has ADHD and has done the tour several times before.
Written 1 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for such a detailed review! It's wonderful to read that you've taken our tour multiple times! We appreciate this feedback very much!
Written 10 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JessicaToy1011
Lakeland, FL166 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
I’m honestly surprised at how good this tour was. It was very comprehensive and while it seems to cover things similar to what the cover at the Fountain of Youth, I think the information was presented in a better way here. My whole family learned something, including my history-buff husband. The ticket booth said that the tour was about 25 minutes long but I think it was closer to 35 minutes. Lots of good history information.
Written 22 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
momlubo
Orlando, Florida72 contributions
Jan 2021
Excellent tour. Besides learning about life in the early years of St Augustine there were a number of demonstrations. The firing of the cannon and musket were the great - a loud boom from each. Also demonstrated blacksmith skills. This information helped with the tour of the fort the next day.
Written 28 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oklahomafire2017
Mustang, OK35 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
This a cool reenactment of colonial living in the new settlement of St. Augustine. Live fire of a cannon and flint lock riffle, black smith shop and demonstrations of how they made things. A life size replica of a ship that some of the settlers came across the ocean on. And a tour of one of the first houses built
Written 6 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia S
16 contributions
Jun 2023
We expected to see colonial artisans showing off their crafts. Instead it was just a one man, one hour show. He was very talented and entertaining, telling us the history of the area and playing music on the accordion, bending iron like a blacksmith and shooting off the cannon. There was also a colonial house to tour. We enjoyed it but just expected a little more.
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Patricia. Our guides are skilled performers, historians, musicians, and more! Therefore, we're very sorry to hear of your disappointment! Thank you for your feedback and for visiting us at the Colonial Quarter.
Written 26 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ZuZu P
Niceville, FL118 contributions
May 2022 • Family
It wasn’t what we expected but we enjoyed it. Instead of a living history museum with different people scattered throughout (like Williamsburg), this was a one man show. Our guide was funny and kept everyone engaged. Tours are set times. The tour lasted less than an hour.
Written 24 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Rebekah! Thank you for taking the Colonial Experience tour and for leaving this review. We're so happy you enjoyed it and we appreciate the feedback.
Written 27 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Valerie G
North Port, FL288 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
I thought this would be a good place to walk around with my three young children, but I was wrong. Everything is crazy expensive. We went into an ice cream shop and it was $15 for a simple cone. Walked a little farther to see if we could enjoy our time here but there were homeless people in the walkway laying down on the sidewalk. I know they need a place to be, but in the middle of a tourist area really isn't the best place.
We ended up walking around of about 15 minutes before deciding this wasn't a very fun area to be.
The old oak tree was pretty cool to see but unless you're just coming for an event or food under the oak, no need to stop here. There are way better things to spend your time in St.Augustine doing.
We ended up walking around of about 15 minutes before deciding this wasn't a very fun area to be.
The old oak tree was pretty cool to see but unless you're just coming for an event or food under the oak, no need to stop here. There are way better things to spend your time in St.Augustine doing.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Valerie! We're very sorry to see your two star review of St. George Street where the Colonial Quarter is located. Here at the Colonial Quarter we offer the Colonial Experience Living History Tour which transports visitors to colonial St. Augustine. Our tour includes a blacksmith demonstration, live cannon firing, stories from the best guides in the city, and more!
Written 30 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
#southernyankeemama
Windermere, FL145 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
I love coming here with our 4 th graders . While their annual school field trip has been canceled we went on our own as a family. Tour guide John was Fantastic!!! Seriously kids were hesitant at first but they were front row the entire time.
Written 25 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I saw a few places that allowed pets in the outdoor seating areas There is also one really cute pet boutique. Many locals were walking pets through the area- being a pet person I had to greet all the puppies.
Written 27 March 2019
Is it wheel chair friendly? Is there parking for those two person scooters I see advertised?
Written 2 June 2018
Is there any tour in Spanish? We miss many explanations as we don’t speak English as perfect as we’d like.
How long last the visit aprox, please?
Written 13 April 2018
Yes, we are closed Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day, otherwise we are open!
Written 13 October 2017
What is the adult price of admission? I cannot seem to find it on their website.
Written 20 August 2017
Naomi,
Adult admission is $12.99. Go to their home page and look for a link that says, "Get Ticket Info" in the middle left-hand side of the page. Sorry TripAdvisor won't let me include the direct link.
Written 20 August 2017
Is this attraction mostly for children or would 2 adults enjoy it as well? How long does it take to see everything? Is it a guided tour? Thanks!!
Written 8 May 2017
Most of our guests are adults, and most do not have children with them. So I believe you will enjoy the experience.
Written 8 May 2017
Are pets allowed on tours? I have a small ESA (Yorkie), 12 lbs, neutered, and very well behaved?
Written 30 September 2016
Yes! The entire Colonial Quarter property is pet friendly, including the Colonial Experience, the Explorer's Outpost gift shop, the Bull & Crown English Pub, the Taberna Del Caballo, the Colonial Oak Music Park and coming soon the St. Augustine Seafood Company!
Written 14 June 2017
How long does it take to go through the Colonial Quarter?
Written 3 September 2016
Always an issue in St. Augustine. Like many downtown attractions, the Colonial Quarter does not have it's own parking facility. However, the best bet is the Fort Parking Lot (Castillo de San Marcos), metered parking just across the street. Next would be the city parking garage on West Castillo Drive ($12 daily).
Written 11 August 2016
when does the season officially start?
Written 25 February 2015
Carol, although we don't consider St. Augustine to just have one peak season anymore, as we seem to be fairly busy all year round, one of our busiest seasons is about to begin in March and April. Summer is also quite busy as we have become a very popular family vacation destination. We hope to see you soon!
Written 25 February 2015
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