Big Talbot Island State Park
Just north of Jacksonville and a stone’s throw across the bridge from Amelia Island, exists one of Florida’s unique coastal areas on Big Talbot Island. Originally inhabited by Timucuan Indians, Big Talbot Island became a state park nature preserve in 1984 and remains as one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Florida. You can scramble up rocks, explore tidal pools, and dodge the giant driftwood on this unusual natural playground.
This is definitely the beach for adventurers, and explorers and remains a family favorite of ours. The first time we visited here, we had to park on the roadside and take an unmarked path through the woods, but the Florida State Park folks have upped their game, making access to these particular island beaches more user friendly. 
Big Talbot Island Beaches- Florida’s Natural Playground
You can park at one of their three official spots and take a trail to reach the various sections of the beach, or just stroll along the coastline. The area near George Grady Pier (George Grady Pier State Park) offers white sandy beaches, like that of Amelia Island State Park on the other side of the bridge.
Boneyard Beach
Further south, the beach is littered with enormous, twisted, sun-bleached trees. Once a living forest, these trees are testament to the harsh storms and hurricanes that batter the Atlantic coast. This area, known as Boneyard Beach, can also be accessed from The Bluffs Picnic Area, off of A1A.
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Black Rock Beach
After the driftwood debris dissipates, the coast takes a sharp turn and the beach vanishes. All you will see is rocks- if you continue on you have to climb the rock and through a little trail in the palmettos. This area is difficult to access and impossible during high tide, but once around the bend, you will come upon the beginnings of Black Rock Beach. Tidal pools filled with tiny crabs fill the pock-marked black rocks along the seaside. My husband fished from the rocks here and caught whiting. That seemed to be the catch-of-the-day among the fishermen on the beach too, but you can also find redfish, speckled trout & flounder. We also spotted two enormous sea turtles in the water there as well- beautiful creatures!
We found a lean-to shelter erected nearby, that looked pretty stable and was used to escape the harsh afternoon sun by fellow beach explorers. Past the shelter is a stand of dead trees and more of the famous craggy rocks of Black Rock Beach. You can access Black Rock Beach from Black Rock Trailhead on A1A.
Kayaking
Tidal salt marshes line the opposite side of the island, and offer a good place to explore via kayak. Kayak Amelia is the local Talbot Island outfitters. You can rent kayaks & paddle boards with guided tours or DIY exploring.
Beware the Tides
Portions of the beach on Big Talbot Island disappear completely during high tides. There are warnings posted. Don’t get stuck- particularly in the Black Rock area, as the brush behind the thick brush behind the beach and up the slopes is impassible. Know the tide times for the day & don’t get stranded.
Near Talbot Island
There are no concessions on Big Talbot Island, but you can find a plethora of restaurants & eateries (and yes, even a Walmart to pick up those last minute flip flops & forgotten suntan lotion) on nearby Amelia Island. Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach also have lodgings in all budget ranges.
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Camping is available on both Amelia Island and south on A1A on Little Talbot Island.
Things to Know Before You Go:
- Big Talbot Island State Park is located at: State Road A1A North, Jacksonville, Florida 32226
- Fees: $3 per vehicle; $4 to launch boat at boat ramp. Honor box system- so bring your own change.
- Toilets (compost out-house kind) are located at boat ramp & The Bluffs Picnic Area
- There are no concessions, so bring your own food & drinks.
- George Grady Fishing Pier is $2 per person.
- This is a State Park, and all Florida State Park rules apply, so while you can enjoy climbing over the driftwood, you can not take it home.
Other Posts That May Interest You:
- 10 Things You Should Know about Fort Clinch State Park
- Exploring the Gulf Coast with Kids
- Snorkeling on the Gulf Coast
- Adventures at Anastasia State Park
- 5 Things You Should Do on Amelia Island
- 10 Tips To Help You Plan the Perfect Beach Day
What great information!! And good info abut the tide which can come in really quickly. Also love that there is a walmart. LoL. I feel like there is always a walmart.
My son didn’t have swim trunks or flip flops- so the Walmart came in handy 🙂 The water covers parts of the beach completely, so knowing when that high tide is can be vital.
How beautiful this is! I never imagined there were still unspoilt parts of the Florida coastline like this. It definitely looks like a great place for a relaxing day out.
It’s one of our favorite places, Jill, and definitely worth the trip! Lucky for us the Florida State Park system saved it from development!
I’m incredibly jealous of this! I have yet to travel to Florida, but it is most definitely on my list… my very long list! 😉
I love the idea of the driftwood forest on the beach – you’d never get something like that over here in the UK… really unusual!
It’s an incredible place, Justine! Hope you can make it to this side of the pond 😉
Now I need to visit this place! It sounds like fun! Hopefully, I will get to the USA soon. Never got outside Europe. Visited 23 countries and all in Europe :)))
You can play castaway here- you have to try it, Aurelia, though Europe has many cool places as well 🙂