This Secret Florida Beach Is Hauntingly Beautiful With Driftwood That Looks Like ‘Skeletons of Trees’

Florida’s seashores are legendary. You could have these with pristine sugar-white sand and vibrant blue waters, and others are recognized for rugged, wild nature. The preferred seashores for swimming and lounging are dotted with brightly coloured umbrellas and chairs, however there are additionally these which can be a bit extra distant and undeveloped. Boneyard Seaside in Big Talbot Island State Park,  positioned simply exterior Jacksonville, falls into the latter class.

One of many most beautiful places in Florida and one of many state’s “secret beaches,” Boneyard Seaside is the kind of vacation spot that draws photographers and nature lovers alike. Huge driftwood timber are scattered alongside the shore, producing a scene that’s typically in comparison with an elephant boneyard. It’s fairly much like what you’ll discover at Driftwood Seaside on Georgia’s Jekyll Island or Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island in South Carolina; all of those barely eerie, beautiful stretches of shore had been created by a mix of water, solar, sand, and the passing of time.

Because the water channels and sand shifted round Florida’s Boneyard Seaside over the previous few hundred years, the shoreline retreated and the timber fell. Primarily reside oak and cedar timber, the fallen giants endured the solar, sand, and wind, ultimately remodeling into the bleached, smoothed items of artwork they’re as we speak. However they’re not simply artifacts to be admired and photographed.

As they lie up and down this 3-mile stretch of shoreline alongside the Nassau Sound, they play an vital function in defending the Jacksonville space. The driftwood timber assist to blunt the consequences of hurricanes—and, thus, decelerate erosion—on the remaining woods and uplands. If the basis programs didn’t stay in place, the world can be extra uncovered to sea stage rise and the affect of storms.

To see this lovely sight in individual, you’ll must arrive to Large Talbot Island State Park between 8 a.m. and nightfall, ready to pay the $3 parking price. From the Bluffs Scenic Shoreline Picnic Space, there’s a roughly half-mile hike all the way down to Boneyard Seaside—however you’ll be able to decide to extend your step depend as you stroll alongside the shore. If doable, attempt to time your go to for low tide, as extra of the driftwood will probably be uncovered; you’ll have extra room to stroll and can doubtless get higher photographs.

Whereas it’s a good suggestion to deliver water, a digicam, and sunscreen with you, depart your pets at residence. In keeping with park manager Michelle Waterman, Boneyard Seaside is a “crucial nesting habitat for sea turtles and shorebirds,” and your canine might scare them away. Swimming can also be not beneficial; the Nassau Sound has robust currents, and there are not any lifeguards current.