Explore the Beauty of Boneyard Beach, Florida

Boneyard Beach, Florida (sometimes also called Black Rock Beach, Florida) provides visitors with a unique beach experience. Located in Big Talbot Island, Boneyard Beach is strewn with the corpses of trees that have succumbed to the soil erosion at the park. Though Boneyard Beach, Florida offers a great place to see something a little different, it also is a great place to go hiking near Jacksonville, Florida or a great activity while Talbot Island camping.

On our trip to Amelia Island, excitement bubbled at the thought of the many places to visit. We love discovering new places to explore, whether in our own town or on the other side of the state. I had, of course, planned out an intensely busy itinerary. I wanted to learn more about Amelia Island history, including Fort Clinch and Kingsley Plantation, play on the beach(es), and eat lots of fresh seafood. We accomplished all of it!

Florida has the second longest coastline in the United States with over 8,000 miles, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The state has hundreds of beaches. From romantic beaches to family-friendly beaches, Florida’s white sand and gentle surf draws millions to the shore. Boneyard Beach, however, is distinctly different than many other Florida beaches.

Where is Boneyard Beach, Florida?

Boneyard Beach is located on Big Talbot Island within Big Talbot Island State Park. The park and island lie sandwiched between Little Talbot Island and Amelia Island. These barrier islands lie on Florida’s northeast Atlantic coast, just east of Jacksonville. On Boneyard Beach, the Atlantic Ocean sweeps into Nassau Sound, the currents and tides slowly eroding the land.

Why Visit ?

The uniqueness of this beach comes from the many dead trees strewn across the sand. The beach itself is hard-packed, beige sand. The trees, rather than driftwood swept to shore from other places, have fallen from the edge of an eroding cliff.

As the land erodes away from wind and wave action, trees tumble to the sand twenty feet below. The result? A beach full of beautifully-twisted and sun-bleached trunks, roots, and branches.

The roots form giant disks perpendicular to the ground, the individual pieces curled in on themselves.  The branches reach to the sky and across the sand. Photographers from around the state visit Boneyard Beach to capture its raw and eerie beauty.

Activities to Enjoy

• Hiking. There’s a small trail from the parking lot. It leads to the beach and beyond and also connects with other trails throughout the park. Big Talbot Island and Little Talbot Island offer good hiking near Jacksonville.
• Photo opportunities. The unique driftwood on the beach provide beautiful focal points in photos.
• Sunbathing. It’s a beach, after all.
• Picnicking. Spread a blanket on the beach or use one of the picnic tables at the parking area under the oak trees. Either way, it’s a beautiful spot for a picnic.
• Take in the views. Wide open ocean views – I could stare at it all day.

Please note that signs on the beach indicate Boneyard Beach is a no-swimming beach.

Black Rock Beach, Florida

Sometimes spelled Blackrock Beach, Florida, adjoins Boneyard Beach. It’s basically one beach. One end has an abundance of skeletal trees and the other an abundance of unique black rocks. At Boneyard Beach, the rocks briefly line the water’s edge. As you walk south, they become more and more abundant. We didn’t walk all the way to the major rock formations.

The rocks appear to be volcanic in nature. However, Florida doesn’t have volcanoes. Nick discovered their true nature when he tried to walk on them. We were stunned to find that the black rocks are actually mud or a mud-like substance. The “rocks” are really just sand and organic material (leaves, twigs, and such) which have been compressed. The sea wears at these formations until they take on the look of water-smoothed rocks.

How Do I Get to Boneyard Beach?

Boneyard Beach is open from 8am until sunset. Park in the northernmost parking lot on the east side of A1A. Pay using the self-serve pay station. A dirt trail at the northeast corner of the parking lot leads half a mile to a steep cutout in the cliff. Take this down to the beach. Be aware that parts of the beach may become inaccessible as the tide comes in. 

Final Thoughts on Visiting Boneyard Beach in Florida

Boneyard Beach remains a testament to the forces of nature and the passage of time. Its unique beauty offers an unforgettable experience for those who venture to this shoreline.

If visiting Florida beaches is tops of your bucket list, you might also love the dog-friendly beaches of the panhandle or the best beaches for camping.