Go wildlife spotting and admire great views across marshes and the Atlantic Ocean in this nature reserve on the east coast of Florida.
Big Talbot Island State Park is a nature refuge with trails, marshes and a picturesque shoreline. Bring your camera to capture the impressive scenery. The tranquil state park is an ideal place to study birds and other wildlife. Go fishing and take tours of the region by kayak. Sunbathe on a beach, enjoy a picnic in nature or cycle against a backdrop of breathtaking landscape.
Bring a pair of binoculars to spot some of the birds that live in the park. You might find ospreys, pelicans, cormorants, bald eagles and owls. Discover many kinds of non-flying wildlife around the park, including white-tailed deer, raccoons and gopher tortoises.
Walk along one of the designated scenic trails. The landscape differs greatly in each section of the park, ranging from coastal cliffs above the ocean to marshes with tall grass stretching for miles. Catch redfish and speckled sea trout in the saltwater marshes. Rent a canoe or kayak from the park’s service provider to paddle out on the water.
Relax on white-sand beaches. Enjoy the peace and quiet on the isolated shorelines away from crowds. Stroll along the beach to photograph fallen trees and driftwood.
Drive or cycle through the picturesque surroundings. Bring food and drink to enjoy a picnic with family or friends.
The park is open daily from morning until sundown year-round. The boat ramp is accessible 24 hours a day. There are small admission fees for some sections of the park, including general admission, fishing, picnic areas and kayak and canoe rental.
Big Talbot Island State Park lies 27 miles (44 kilometres) northeast of downtown Jacksonville. The journey along the way offers scenic views of St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is located along the eastern coast of northern Florida. Visit other natural attractions that surround the state park, such as Fort George Island Cultural State Park and Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park.
