Big Talbot Island State Park

Located in the city of Jacksonville, Big Talbot Island State Park has a very, wide, and popular beach south of Black Hammock Island on the northeast coast of Florida. The beach is a family-friendly beach as it is situated in front of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens featuring a zoo, playground, a small lake, walking trails, and sports courts. Big Talbot Island State Park is backed by the St. Johns River and Clapboard Creek making it an incredible destination for water sport activities including swimming, diving, and boating. Big Talbot Island State Park is a well-known spot for cycling and surfing because of mid-sized waves. 

Although Big Talbot Island State Park does not have lifeguards, the beach welcomes dogs on leash and offers many amenities including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and barbecues. 

There are many fun activities at Big Talbot Island State Park including swimming, surfing, diving, boating, hiking, and cycling. If you are looking for additional activities, you can drive 25 minutes south to North Florida Fishing Charters featuring fishing trips along the Intracoastal Waterway and the St Johns River. 

Getting to Big Talbot Island State Park is very easy – the park’s paid parking lot is situated along A1A North Highway. After parking, you will need to walk three minutes east to the beach. 

If you are looking for attractions near Big Talbot Island State Park, you can drive 30 minutes to Jacksonville Beach Pier, a quarter-of-a-mile-long fishing pier that is a well-known spot for clicking Instagram-worthy pictures and has many shops and restaurants. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is an awesome tropical-style amusement park featuring a lazy river, wave pool, zip line, tree top drop, white knuckle river, and many waterslides. If you like golfing, Jacksonville Beach Golf Club has a private 18-hole golf course – it was designed by the famous golf course architecture Harrison Minchew and a restaurant. Another great golf course near Big Talbot Island State Park is Pablo Creek Club, a waterfront golf course that is situated on the shores of the very beautiful Pablo Creek and is considered among the best golf courses in Florida. 

If you get hungry, you can drive 12 minutes to many restaurants near Big Talbot Island State Park. The sushi restaurant Fancy Sushi serves sushi, tempura, grilled entrees, and Japanese and Asian cuisines. If you like Italian food, Mezza Luna Ristorante serves classic Italian dishes like Chicken Parmigiana and Fettuccine Alfredo, pasta, gelato, polenta, risotto, chicken, and beef dishes. Another good restaurant near Big Talbot Island State Park is Sliders Oyster Bar, a seafood restaurant with a nice menu that includes surf ‘n’ turf, oysters, fish tacos, and margaritas. 

If you are looking for a hotel near Big Talbot Island State Park, you can drive 25 minutes to the 4-Star pet-friendly hotel One Ocean Resort and Spa featuring a pool, lounge, spa, gym, and restaurant. The 3-Star Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach/Oceanfront has a lagoon-style pool, tiki-style bar, fitness center, snack bar, and four waterfalls. If you are looking for an affordable hotel near Big Talbot Island State Park, the 2-Star Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville - Mayport / Beach has a pool, gym, and whirlpool tubs.