From Jacksonville’s eastern side, Big Talbot Island State Park offers a coastal escape with trails through natural habitats and access to Boneyard Beach, where salt-washed tree skeletons line the shore. Walk to the beach on designated trails, then explore other park areas or follow the paved Timucuan pathway alongside A1A.
- Location: Residence Court, Jacksonville, Florida 32226.
- Beach access: Shoreline Trail from the Bluffs picnic area or Black Rock Trail off A1A.
- Hours: Open daily
- Entry: $3 per vehicle, covering up to eight people and all four Big Talbot parking areas for the day.
What to expect at Big Talbot Island
Big Talbot Island State Park is a preserve for nature study, bird-watching and photography, with beach, maritime hammock, salt marsh and shoreline settings. Its varied routes and viewing spots let you combine a beach visit with a walk through other coastal habitats.
The park’s accessible amenities include an elevated viewing platform at the Bluffs, a Mobi-Mat for access to the platform, picnic facilities, restrooms and the paved Timucuan pathway. Restrooms are at the boat-ramp parking area and the Bluffs picnic area. At the Bluffs, three covered picnic pavilions have tables and grills; they are available first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved.
Finding Boneyard Beach
Boneyard Beach is known for the salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore. You can reach it by the Shoreline Trail from the Bluffs picnic area or by Black Rock Trail off A1A.
For a day by the ocean beyond the park, the guide to which Jacksonville beaches to choose covers Jacksonville, Neptune and Atlantic Beach.
Stay on designated beach-access trails to help reduce bluff erosion. Collecting driftwood is prohibited because it is a protected feature of the park. Swimming is not recommended: Nassau Sound has strong currents and marine wildlife, and there is no lifeguard.
Trails and other park areas
The park’s routes pass through distinct coastal settings, from shoreline and salt marsh to maritime hammock. Big Pine Trail leads toward the shoreline and salt marshes along Simpson Creek; Old Kings Highway Trail and Jones Cut Trail cross maritime hammock.
The paved Timucuan multi-use trail runs alongside A1A through the park and connects the Big Pine trailhead area with the Spoonbill Pond boardwalk and viewing platforms at Nassau Sound. The park describes the pathway as 3.9 miles on its main page and 4 miles on its amenities page.
Dogs are allowed on nature and hiking trails and in picnic areas on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not permitted on the beach, in buildings or on boardwalks.
How do you get to Big Talbot Island State Park from Jacksonville?
The park is at Residence Court in Jacksonville, Florida. From WoodSpring Suites, Jacksonville city centre is about 12 minutes away by car; use the park address to plan your drive to the entrance and parking areas.
A wayside picnic area at the southern end of Big Talbot is just north of Simpson’s Creek bridge, on the west side of A1A. It has limited parking and no entry fee.
The park’s north-end boat ramp provides access to Nassau Sound and the Atlantic Ocean; boaters are advised to file a float plan and carry appropriate communication and safety equipment.
For another outing in the area, the guide to what to do on an Amelia Island day trip focuses on Fernandina Beach.
Park hours, fees and visitor rules
Big Talbot Island State Park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown throughout the year, while its boat ramp is open around the clock. The entrance fee is $3 per vehicle, with a limit of eight people per vehicle; it covers all four Big Talbot parking areas for the day. Visitors can pay online by scanning a QR code.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 7 AM–8 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
For current hours, fees and access details, check the official site before you go; the operator is Florida State Parks. For questions, the park lists 904-251-2320 as its phone number.
FAQs
How do you reach Boneyard Beach?
Use the Shoreline Trail from the Bluffs picnic area or Black Rock Trail off A1A. Stay on designated beach-access trails.
Is swimming recommended at Boneyard Beach?
No. The park warns of strong currents and marine wildlife in Nassau Sound, and there is no lifeguard.
Can you bring a dog to the park?
Dogs are allowed on nature and hiking trails and in picnic areas on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed on the beach, in buildings or on boardwalks.
What does the vehicle entrance fee cover?
The $3 fee covers up to eight people in a vehicle and all four Big Talbot parking areas for the day.