We appreciate you making the trip out to Jacksonville to celebrate us! We hope you can turn your visit into a mini vacation and explore some of the fun parts of Liz's hometown. We've included a list of a few of our favorite things to do whenever we're in town and hope you have some time to check them out!
Produced by Riverside Avondale Preservation, the Riverside Arts Market is a weekly arts and local farmers market hosted on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., rain or shine. Located under the Fuller Warren Bridge, RAM features a variety of small businesses from farmers to artists to makers, bakers and food trucks!
8 miles from the venue
Jacksonville has more than 25 miles of beaches along its coastline, each one with their own unique vibe.
Jacksonville Beach - Your quintessential beach town with surf shops, locals bars, fishing & sand volleyball. The area is also dotted with shops, restaurants, and colorful nightlife.
Atlantic Beach - A serene oceanfront beach town north of Jacksonville Beach. It boasts a more laid-back atmosphere with quieter beaches and a family-friendly environment. Here, you can take leisurely walks along the sandy shores, swim in the clear waters, or explore the charming local shops and cafes. Atlantic Beach is known for its residential feel, providing a peaceful retreat while still offering easy access to Jacksonville's amenities and attractions.
Neptune Beach - A quaint seaside neighborhood adjacent to Atlantic Beach, characterized by its residential charm and relaxed vibe. The beach itself is less commercialized, offering a quieter alternative for people seeking a tranquil beach experience. Neptune Beach is ideal for activities like sunbathing, beachcombing, and enjoying picturesque sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean. Its proximity to Atlantic Beach means visitors can easily explore both areas while enjoying a more intimate coastal setting.
All beaches are ~20 miles from the venue
St. Augustine is a charming coastal city on Florida's NE coast. Known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the U.S.
Take the day to explore its cobblestone streets lined with historic landmarks, such as the impressive Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fortress overlooking the Matanzas Bay. Beyond its historical allure, St. Augustine offers pristine beaches, scenic waterfront views, eclectic shops, and a vibrant culinary scene.
37 miles from the venue
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. They are one of the few institutions with a dedicated Animal Wellness team who are dedicated to ensuring their animals are given the opportunity to thrive. Their Manatee Critical Care Center is one of seven who rescue and rehabilitate Florida's manatees. With their award-winning exhibits, Land of the Tiger and African Forest, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a world-class institution.
The zoo's well-designed habitats prioritize animal welfare while providing visitors with educational opportunities through informative exhibits and interactive experiences. Additionally, the gardens showcase a variety of flora native to the region and beyond, making it a serene and educational outing for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
16 miles from the venue
Avondale and Riverside are Liz and Joel's favorite parts of town! These neighborhoods have Hallmark-movie main streets lined with boutiques, bars, and restaurants. Avondale and Riverside are right next to one another and can easily be explored in an afternoon. It's also worth driving down the side streets and checking out the beautiful historic homes in these neighborhoods.
Check our 'Where to Eat' page for some of our favorite spots in these areas!
11 miles from the venue
Golfing in February? A golfers dream! Jacksonville has dozens of golf courses, including TPC Sawgrass, home of THE PLAYERS Championship! If you're not quite ready to tackle the 17th hole, famously known as the "Island Green", then we've included a few more options for you below!
TPC Sawgrass - tpc.com/sawgrass
The Yards - playtheyards.com
Jacksonville Beach Golf - jaxbchgolf.com
Windsor Parke Golf Club - windsorparke.com
Topgolf - topgolf.com/us/jacksonville
The Cummer Museum was established in 1958 when Ninah Cummer, an avid art collector, garden enthusiast, and civic leader, bequeathed her beloved art collection and riverfront home to create a museum. Today, the core collection of 60 pieces from Mrs. Cummer’s estate has grown to include more than 5,000 works of art. The historic gardens, set against the backdrop of the St. Johns River, serve as a centerpiece of serenity for all to enjoy! Fun fact: this is where Liz's sister, Amy, got married!
16 miles from the venue
The St. Johns Town Center is a premier shopping and dining destination. This upscale outdoor mall spans over 1.1 million square feet and features a mix of well-known national retailers (like Nordstrom and Anthropologie), luxury brands (like Louis Vuitton and Gucci), and specialty boutiques (like Francesca's and Southern Tide). You can also check out the many dining options, including the luxe rooftop restaurant at Restoration Hardware. The Town Center's modern design includes beautifully landscaped walkways, outdoor seating areas, and convenient amenities, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to shop, dine, and unwind in a vibrant, upscale setting.
9 miles from the venue
Guana River State Park, located just south of Jacksonville, offers a natural escape along Florida's northeast coast. Spanning over 12,000 acres, the park features a diverse ecosystem of coastal dunes, marshes, and estuaries, making it a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike. You can explore miles of hiking trails that wind through maritime forests and along scenic waterfronts, providing opportunities for birdwatching & photography. The park also offers access to Guana Lake, where kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding are popular activities. With its unspoiled landscapes, Guana River State Park provides a serene retreat for those seeking to immerse themselves in Florida's natural beauty.
Additional Details: The Department of Environmental Protection charges $3.00 to enter at the dam. Six mile boat ramp and Roscoe entrances are free. To hunt or fish you must possess the appropriate license and permit.
25 miles from the venue
For our guests who are arriving early and have a day to spare, we recommend taking a drive to Amelia Island and exploring downtown Fernandina!
Amelia Island, located just off the northeast coast of Florida, is a charming destination known for its pristine beaches, rich history, and natural beauty. You can explore historic sites like Fort Clinch State Park, where you can tour a well-preserved 19th-century fort and enjoy hiking and biking trails. The island's downtown area of Fernandina Beach offers quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants housed in Victorian-era buildings. With its blend of history, natural attractions, and serene atmosphere, Amelia Island provides a perfect escape for anyone seeking a tranquil coastal getaway in Florida.
41 miles from the venue
Did you know that Jacksonville is the birthplace of Southern rock and home to a strong tradition of jazz, blues, and classical music? It may surprise you to know how many bands got their start in Jacksonville: Yellowcard, Evergreen Terrace, Limp Bizkit, Lynard Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Bands, and more!
You can find amazing live music every night in Jacksonville. Below are a few of the popular venues around town that might be hosting an artist you love in the days leading up to the wedding. Check their websites once it gets closer to the wedding & see if there's a show for you!
Jack Rabbits - jaxlive.com
Jacksonville Symphony - jaxsymphony.org
Daily's Place (right next to the Jag's stadium!) - dailysplace.com
St. Augustine Amphitheatre - theamp.com
For a full list of venues, visit: https://www.visitjacksonville.com/things-to-do/arts-culture/music-travel-guide
Need we say more?! It's not a scenic route, but head south on I-95 for 2 1/2 hours and you'll make it to the happiest place on earth!
159 miles from the venue