Sheena & Alexander
Things To Do
Lightner Museum
The Lightner Museum was a hotel built in 1888 by Henry Flagler. The building, then known as the Alcazar Hotel, was often called "The Castle of Happy Returns." Walk through the museum to look at 19th century artifacts or stroll in its beautiful center courtyard with palm trees and a stone arch bridge over a koi fish pond. Fun fact: We took one of our first pictures together over the bridge during our first date!
St. George Street
St. George Street is a pedestrian-only thoroughfare dotted with souvenir shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more. Our favorite stop is Kilwin's for ice cream -- or just to catch the smell the waffle cones being made -- or Pizza Time! And it's St. George, not St. George's Street, as locals would say!
Castillo de San Marcos
The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry and only existing 17th century fort in North America. It has flown three flags it its history — Spain, Great Britain, and United States. Cannons are fired from the gundeck on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays by reenactors -- it's great fun :)
St. Augustine Lighthouse
For the absolute best view of St. Augustine, head to the Lighthouse and walk the 219 steps to the top. It's the city's oldest surviving brick structure, built in 1874 -- and the site of one of our early dates in 2008.
Anastasia State Park
White sand beaches, picnic areas, and beautiful marshes. This has been a site of many a Pegarido family picnic over the years!
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
If you're wondering where we took our engagement pictures, drive half an hour south of St. Augustine. On one side, take a stroll through a formal garden with its amazing oak trees, and on the other, walk along coquina rock formations by the Atlantic Ocean.
Talbot Islands State Parks
If you're looking to hike or bike a nature trail or paddle a canoe on Jacksonville waterways, Little Talbot Island State Park is a beautiful place to do all that and more. In Big Talbot Island, you can take a short walk towards Boneyard Beach, and take pictures with its natural bleached live oaks. More information here: https://www.visitjacksonville.com/things-to-do/outdoors/parks/talbot-islands/
The Tini Martini Bar
Drink martinis al fresco on the verandah overlooking the Matanzas Bay! They offer live jazz and blues on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Ice Plant Bar
Great farm-to-table food and cocktails at an awesome location -- which used to be a real ice plant. They don't take call-aheads or reservations.
Jollibee - Jacksonville
One word: Chickenjoy. You gotta eat that over steamed rice with gravy. And it's not just Sheena's childhood nostalgia talking. Anthony Bourdain also said so. Too bad we don't have one in the DC area, so we savor it every time we're in Jacksonville.
Angie's Subs At Jax Beach
No trip to Jax Beach is complete without a stop at Angie's. Alex's order: The Peruvian. Sheena's order: The Dirty Gringo. Make sure you get the sweet tea! And lots of Peruvian sauce. Then get Rita's Italian Ice down the street for dessert.
Maple Street Biscuit Company
Biscuit sandwiches smothered in gravy. Trust us, it's worth the calories. Sheena's favorite: The Five and Dime. Alex's order: The Squawking Goat.
Cellar 6 Urban Cuisine
Come for the cocktails, stay for the cocktails. This bar and restaurant is owned by the brother of one of the bridesmaids -- and he makes pretty fantastic food and cocktails!
Prohibition Kitchen
Meet us for drinks there on our wedding eve, from 8 p.m. to whenever! They have live music and the place just looks cool! Their regular menu is available until 10 pm, then they serve late night snacks after.
... And More
Seriously, St. Augustine is one of our favorites -- there are lots more to do (from sunset sails to ghost tours, distilleries to museums). Click here to plan your weekend!