A Beach is a Beach, right?

Well, not exactly. If you visit Northeast Florida along the Atlantic Ocean, you'll find a stretch of sand that is unlike any other in the Sunshine State. I'd describe it as a natural outdoor art exhibit. It is only one mile long, but it is unforgettable.

One of my favorite parts of producing is scouting locations. I always remind myself to be open to the unexpected turns and side roads that present themselves to me. I was scouting beach locations for a series about islands around the world, searching for beautiful sand dunes and a long stretch of beach to be a backdrop for our host. A park ranger I met asked me if I had ever been to Boneyard Beach, I hadn't. Even though it wasn’t on my radar for the day, it became a side trip that revealed and uncovered an extraordinary hidden gem.

Boneyard Beach is located within the 1,600 acres of Big Talbot Island State Park, which is one of a hundred state parks that dot the landscape of Florida. Big Talbot Island is a barrier island 20 miles east of downtown Jacksonville along A1A North – Florida’s scenic highway. What’s incredible is that for years I passed the signs for the park on my way to and from Amelia Island never stopping to explore it. I had no idea this chunk of coastline was established as a state park back in 1949.

Big Talbot and its sister island, Little Talbot, are two of only a few remaining undeveloped barrier islands within Florida. The park is a nature preserve, a location for nature study, birdwatching, and is often sought out by photographers from around the country for its unique beauty.

Why is Boneyard Beach unlike any other in Florida? For starters, its name piques your curiosity, doesn’t it? It begins with the journey from the parking area to the beach, just a short 15-minute trail hike sets the stage for what’s to come. You can’t see it but you immediately smell the ocean salt spray as you follow a zig zag sand path through a coastal maritime forest of palm trees, live oak trees, pine trees and coastal scrub that at times towers both sides of the pathway. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and other wildlife as you make your way to the shore. Further down the trail you start to hear the distant sound of the waves, getting closer with each step. One small incline, and as you reach its peak before you is the Nassau Sound and beyond the Atlantic Ocean. But it isn’t until your feet are planted into the sand and you look south that you suddenly see why it’s called Boneyard Beach.

Scattered all over are massive salt-washed and bleached skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore, which now create spectacular beach art. It’s almost as if you’ve stepped into a surreal yet natural painting. This giant driftwood collection tells the story of the powerful natural forces that shape barrier islands. Low tide is the best time to visit, you’ll see photographer’s angle for the ultimate shot while beachgoers take selfies on and around these driftwood giants as if they were towering jungle-gyms.

The state of Florida is second in the U.S. with the most miles of coastline, but none is more visually surprising than Boneyard Beach in Big Talbot Island State Park. One photograph never seems to be enough. And to think this special place wasn’t on my agenda to scout. Lesson learned, always be open to take the unplanned side road every now and then, you may discover something extraordinary.

Travel Tips -

• For more information visit www.floridastateparks.org/bigtalbotisland

• $3.00 per vehicle entrance fee

• Park activities include hiking, bicycling, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking. Pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, beach gear, towels, and your phone or camera. What you bring in, please bring out.

• It’s a great beach for walking or sunbathing, but I would not recommend this beach for swimming. There are no lifeguards on duty, so you swim at your own risk.

• Remember, this is a protected driftwood park so please resist the temptation to bring home any souvenirs.