Things To Do
The Reef
The Reef Restaurant will always be one of the most meaningful places in our story. Aaron’s secret proposal plan started with a sweet walk on the beach, where we looked for shells the color of each other’s eyes, just like we did on our very first date. That walk led us to the spot in front of The Reef where Aaron proposed, with our family and friends secretly watching from the patio and ready to celebrate with us right after. It was the perfect mix of a private moment between the two of us and a special surprise shared with the people we love. The Reef is a beautiful oceanfront restaurant with coastal views, seafood, steaks, and a relaxed but special atmosphere. It is about a 15 to 20 minute drive from The White Room and is such a meaningful stop if you want to enjoy a meal by the water and see where our engagement story began.
Bull & Crown Publick House
Bull & Crown Publick House became part of our proposal-day celebration after we finished taking photos and wanted somewhere to sit, eat, and soak in the moment with Aaron and my parents. Located in the Colonial Quarter, Bull & Crown has a cozy British pub feel with burgers, fish and chips, drinks, and a front deck right on St. George Street. It is just a short walk from The White Room and is a great downtown stop for a casual bite or drink.
Jimmy Hula's Saint Augustine
Jimmy Hula’s is a staple for us. Aaron grew up going to the Ormond Beach location, then introduced me to it, and I quickly fell in love with the food, laid-back vibes, and fun atmosphere. We visited the St. Augustine location on the same day we went to Escape U, and it was the perfect casual stop to add to the day. This location sits along the San Sebastián River with a great view of the water, plus tacos, burgers, bowls, and drinks. It is about a 5 to 10 minute drive from The White Room.
Meehan's Irish Pub & Seafood House
Meehan’s Irish Pub is a great casual spot right in the heart of downtown. We visited here with friends and really enjoyed the cozy Irish pub feel, good food, drinks, and lively atmosphere. It is only a 2 to 3 minute walk from The White Room, so it is an easy place to stop before or during a weekend downtown.
Pizza Time
Pizza Time is perfect if you are craving a quick, casual bite while walking around downtown. It is known for New York-style pizza, huge slices, and the line out the door that usually proves it is worth the stop. It is about a 5 to 7 minute walk from The White Room and is a classic St. Augustine option for something simple and delicious.
The Tini Martini Bar
Tini Martini Bar is a St. Augustine favorite and a spot we have loved visiting over the years. It became even more special to us after Aaron proposed nearby and we went there to celebrate with a toast alongside our parents and friends. Located on the bayfront at the Casablanca Inn, Tini Martini has cozy indoor seating, a beautiful front verandah, and views of Matanzas Bay. It is about a 2 to 3 minute walk from The White Room, making it a sweet stop for a classic St. Augustine drink and a waterfront view.
The Tipsy Duck Parlor
Tipsy Duck Parlor is one of our favorite hidden gems in St. Augustine. This cozy, duck-themed wine bar is tucked inside Bath Junkie and is full of playful details, from duck-legged bar stools to drinks served with tiny rubber ducks on top. Aaron first found this spot while planning a surprise date for Corbyn, and with Corbyn’s duck pond-themed classroom, it quickly became a must-stop for us. It is just a short walk from The White Room and is a fun, quirky place to enjoy a creative drink downtown.
San Sebastian Winery
San Sebastian Winery is one of our favorite St. Augustine spots and the place where we discovered our all-time favorite wine, Vintners Red. Like many of our best date adventures, this one started as a surprise from Aaron, who has a way of finding fun and meaningful places for us to explore together. This local winery offers a relaxed tasting experience and is a fun stop for anyone looking to enjoy a little more of the city. Located about 0.7 miles from The White Room, it is easy to work into your wedding weekend.
Frisky Cat Cafe
Frisky Cat Café was another one of Aaron’s fun surprise date finds, and it could not have been more perfect for us. As a cat lover with three cats of my own, I was instantly hooked. This cozy cat café has a separate café and cat lounge where guests can sip coffee, relax, and spend time with adoptable cats. It is about a 5 to 10 minute drive from The White Room and is such a sweet little stop for fellow cat lovers.
Escape U
How did we discover this spot? You guessed it, another creative surprise date planned by Aaron. Escape U is an interactive escape room experience where you work together to solve clues, puzzles, and challenges before time runs out. Some rooms even include St. Augustine-themed stories, which makes it a fun choice for anyone who enjoys a little mystery, teamwork, and friendly pressure. It is about a 10 to 15 minute drive from The White Room and is a great option if you want to add something interactive and memorable to your St. Augustine weekend.
Disease Vector Education Center
The Disease Vector Education Center is a fun and unique stop just outside of downtown St. Augustine. It is extra special to us because we both worked for the Anastasia Mosquito Control District, where we also became friends with two of our groomsmen. Aaron worked out in the field conducting research, while Corbyn worked inside the DVEC focusing on science education and community outreach. Guests can explore live mosquito displays, learn about Florida wildlife, and see the science behind mosquito control in a way that is surprisingly fun and hands-on. It is about a 20 minute drive from The White Room and is completely free to visit, making it a great stop for families, nature lovers, or anyone wanting to check out something a little different.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is where we had our first photoshoot with our wedding photographer. We started inside the gardens for more casual, fun photos surrounded by oak trees, pathways, flowers, and peaceful garden views. Afterward, we headed across the road to the beach, where we took photos along the beautiful coquina rocks. Those beach photos became the pictures we used for our save the dates, making this spot an extra special part of our wedding season. It is about a 30 to 35 minute drive from The White Room, but it is worth the trip if you love nature, pretty scenery, or want to see another beautiful part of the St. Augustine and Palm Coast area.