Hidden Treasures of North Florida

Posted on July 14, 2019 by

21 Comments

Little Talbot Island State Park

Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations for people across the US and around the world. Vacationers come from all over to breathe in it’s captivating beaches, spring break parties and Disney World. Yet, Florida has hidden treasures that people don’t know about, so before planning a trip, check out locations such as Little Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville, Florida. Sure Disney is the place where magic happens, but you can create your own magic in other “not so publicized” areas that Florida has to offer.

Little Talbot Island is located off of A1A between Jacksonville and Amelia Island. It’s $5 to get into the park per car for a day full of sun & fun along a 5 1/2-mile natural stretch of beach. No hotels, motels, or restaurants to distract from the natural beauty of this barrier island. There are no vehicles allowed on the beach. You will see an occasional park ranger vehicle driving down the beach, but it is rare. During the winter months, you can explore the entire stretch of the beach pretty much to yourselves. During the summer, the crowds can be thick, however if you walk about 1/4 mile up the beach north of the main boardwalk, you will find a nice area to stake your claim for the day. There are 4 boardwalks along the paved road with restrooms & changing rooms at each location. Picnic pavillions & tables are spread out along the roadway as well.

For a more pleasant experience, it’s a good idea to bring a large umbrella, beach chairs, towels, blankets & cooler. A beach cart or wagon is recommended if you have one. Makes walking down the beach to your desired location a huge plus. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the beach so your furry family members will need to stay home or in your camper if you are here for an extended stay.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Little Talbot has it all; a full service campground (reservations are required), hiking trails, biking trails, beach biking, areas to kayak, surfing, bird watching, fishing and strolling along a beautiful sandy beach. Search for shells, sand dollars, star fish & shark teeth. Relax and listen to the crashing of the waves as they come in or the lull of the shore as the tide goes out without the crowds that dominate Florida’s other beaches. A true hidden treasure for the curious nature lover! Florida’s State Parks are rated America’s best and Little Talbot Island is a great example of why.

Take a picnic, don’t forget the sunscreen and get ready to enjoy your vacation Florida style!

Check the website for any boardwalk closures or for more information to one of Florida’s hidden treasures that is Little Talbot Island State Park. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/little-talbot-island-state-park

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21 Comments on “Hidden Treasures of North Florida”

  3. Great pictures and nlog…..this s What you are gifted with…….I am not saying that just cause we’re kin either…….🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉Congratulations

    Liked by 1 person

    • I haven’t ever been there. My husband has. I’m sure it changes with each new hurricane that comes through there. One of our trips is to head that way, but not in September. Weather is too active. I want to go to the panhandle next spring.

      Liked by 1 person

      • It’s my favorite beach—I live outside of Tallahassee and St. George Island is only about an hour’s drive for me. The little town of Apalachicola is just a 15 minute drive from there and it has nice shopping and dining choices.

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      • Well, you and I might need to connect face to face soon. If you ever get to Jacksonville, let me know & if we plan a trip that way, I’ll do the same. We have so much in common!

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      • We don’t go that direction very often, but it’d be nice to meet you. I also have a blogging friend in St. Augustine I’d like to connect with.

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      • Oooh! I need to make a trip to southeast Texas for my research. My damn characters just want to sit and talk. Lazy bastards.

        Liked by 1 person

      • I needed a good laugh this morning. Maybe one should suggest a game of dominos. Maybe that are so competitive, they get into a brawl. Death by dominoes.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Hahaha! I kind of like that. For almost a year I couldn’t get my characters out of the house. I went back, threw out about a thousand pages and got them on the road. We were moving along at a pretty good clip, but now they’re at a campsite by a lake and they just want to talk. People who know me are not surprised by this.

        Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you! It is our favorite place to hang out. Frank to me to that beach on our first date weekend 15 years ago. It is a truly special place.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Wow, I can imagine what a fun experience it would be to walk the trails and see the wildlife. I hope to visit. Jacksonville is the closest city I should into?

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I’ve been thinking about vacationing in Florida to photograph birds, but didn’t know where to go! I went to Amelia Island three years ago, but it was in January and I didn’t see many birds at all! It was right after a huge storm, so I wasn’t sure if it was the season or the storm. I mistakenly thought that birds stayed in Florida for the winter just like the New Yorkers! Thanks for the beach recommendation.

    Liked by 1 person

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