The Shoreline At Boneyard Beach Is A Photographer’s Dream

On Florida’s northern Atlantic coast, about ten miles south of Amelia Island—just about as far northeast as you can go in Florida before hitting Georgia or the Atlantic Ocean—a shoreline exists that’s different from any other in the Sunshine State.

Here, instead of palm trees and powdered-sugar sands, the landscape is marked by tree skeletons, 30-foot bluffs, and silvery dunes. Aptly named Boneyard Beachthis mile-long stretch of driftwood-addled sand at Big Talbot Island State Park isn’t your average beach—it’s a wild, almost otherworldly display from Mother Nature that, to many, doesn’t even feel like Florida.

Towering live oaks, cedars, and palmettos once grew near the shore here, but as the Atlantic’s erosive forces carved the bluffs away, the trees tumbled down and were weathered by sun and salt into pale, bleached skeletons. These sculptural, sea-blasted bare “bones” now stand guard on the sand, serving as natural erosion barriers and lending themselves happily to photography.

It’s one of the Jacksonville area’s best-kept secrets, a unique place to visit for something different from the usual Florida fare. Read on to learn what you need to know before you go.

What to Do

If you’re seeking beachside bars or a wide stretch of sand for sunbathing, this protected coastal habitat is not the place. Swimming is discouraged due to submerged driftwood and strong currents, so leave the swimsuit and usual beach-day provisions behind; the draw here is simply exploring the surreal and unusual shoreline.

One of the most popular ways to do that is photography. Whether you’re an amateur behind the lens, a longtime pro, or just there to grab some cool Instagram shots, you’re going to want to have your camera ready to capture the scene as you explore this ecological wonder.

At low tide, more of the driftwood is exposed and the beach is wider, so that’s when most people prefer to visit. It’s also a good time to keep an eye out for wildlife, including wading shore birds, migratory birds, and small marine creatures in the shallow waters.

You may even spot an American bald eagle, a semi-common sighting here, or forest critters like white-tailed deer, bobcats, opossums, and raccoons. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are also common, so don’t forget to look out at the water.

You can walk up to three miles of the “boneyard” along the Nassau Sound, but always be mindful of the tides as you climb on and around the twisted trees.

How to Get There

Driving is the best way to reach Boneyard Beach. Enter via Big Talbot Island State Park, which is located off State Road A1A, approximately half an hour northeast of Jacksonville.

Park at the Bluffs Picnic Area, where there’s a trailhead for the half-mile Shoreline Trail to Boneyard Beach (at the north end of the parking area), or wander through maritime hammock and access the beach from Blackrock Trail off A1A. Note that there’s only a few amenities here (like covered picnic areas and portable toilets) and entry costs $3 per vehicle.

What to Know Before Visiting

To have the most enjoyable experience possible at Boneyard Beach, there are a few things you should know before you go.

• No swimming allowed: The driftwood and currents make swimming unsafe at Boneyard Beach and there’s no lifeguard.
• Minimal facilities: There’s restrooms and picnic tables at the Bluffs Picnic Area before you depart the parking area, but that’s about it as far as services at Boneyard Beach.
• Treat it like a hike: The access trail winds through scrub oak and saw palmetto, so you may want to equip yourself with sturdy shoes and bug spray.
• Check the tides: During high tide, parts of the beach can become inaccessible, so check tide charts before embarking if you’re envisioning a long beach walk.
• Respect the bluffs: The unstable bluffs are still actively eroding, so don’t clamber around them, which will expedite the process and disturb the natural habitat.
• Collecting driftwood is prohibited. Leave everything as you found it.

When to Visit

Big Talbot Island State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown 365 days a year, so you can go anytime, but know that weather, tide, and season do affect the experience at Boneyard Beach. Spring to fall brings warmer temps while the cooler months (and it does get chilly in northern Florida!) bring clearer skies and quieter paths.

No matter the time of year, visit at low tide for maximum driftwood exposure; early morning or late afternoon light makes for the most dramatic photos. Check a tide chart before you go.

What to Do Near Boneyard Beach

When you’ve had your fill of dead (but very cool) trees, exploring the rest of Big Talbot Island State Park beyond Boneyard Beach is worth your while.

Bike or skate along the 3.9-mile Timucuan Trail, a multi-use paved path that runs parallel to A1A with overlooks of Spoonbill Pond and interpretive panels about the park’s natural and cultural resources along the way. Hiking, fishing, shelling, wildlife-viewing, paddling canoes or kayaks, and geocaching are also popular at the park. If you want a tour, ranger-led guided hikes are available by request.

Afterward, head into Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, or Jacksonville for whatever suits your fancy—big-city restaurants and culture or beachy small-town charm.