Blog / Jacksonville Amenities

Top 6 Things to Do at Big Talbot Island State Park

Tree Branches
Big Talbot Island State Park is one of Northeast Florida's beautiful sea islands and a natural preserve with unique eco-systems. Hiking and biking trails wind their way through breathtaking maritime forests and marshes to pristine golden beaches. Fish and paddle on the salt marsh, creeks, or in the ocean, and if you visit from November to March, you will spot the spray of Northern Atlantic Right Whales from the coast.

Top 6 Things to Do at Big Talbot Island State Park

1. Hiking

Explore the beautiful island hiking and see white-tailed deer, raccoons, and gopher tortoises along the way. Hike on the Pine trail along the shoreline to the marsh. The Blackrock Trail winds through the maritime hammock and down to the beach, and the Old Kings Highway and Jones Cut through the coastal woodlands. The Shoreline Trail meanders to Nassau Sound and Boneyard Beach and winds through the skeletons of live oak and cedar trees near the shore. The park also offers ranger-led guided hikes on request.

2. Biking

The park has miles of paved and unpaved trails for biking. Cycle down the 3.9-mile paved multi-purpose Timucuan Trail through the maritime forest and enjoy panoramic views of Spoonbill Pond and Nassau Sound. Find information on the natural wonders on the interpretive panels along the way. The Shoreline Trail, Black Rock Trail, Kings Highway, and Jones Cut provide miles of mountain biking trails through live oak forests and to the park's beaches.

3. Birdwatching

The park is a haven for birdwatchers with covered birding pavillions along the elevated boardwalk at Spoonbill Pond. Here wading birds and foraging shorebirds are in abundance. You will see barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, painted buntings, and doves in the trees on the hiking trails that snake through the forest. On a stroll along the beach, birders spot brown pelicans, osprey, terns, piping plovers, and black skimmers. During the winter, bald eagles soar above the shoreline and sit in the pines at Spoonbill Pond.

4. Fishing

The park is a prime destination for angling, with plenty of excellent fishing spots along the ocean shoreline, in the creeks, and the large saltwater marsh that surrounds the island. Here you can fish from the shores, boats, the floating dock, or the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier. Anglers hook whiting, redfish, speckled sea trout, and flounder all year round. The island is a popular fly-fishing area during the fall and spring flood tides when tailing reds are abundant. Off Simpson's Creek bridge, black drum is plentiful, and half-mile down the Blackrock Trail, fishermen reel in pompano and flounder at the point.

5. Boating and Paddling

Boating enthusiasts have numerous options to enjoy the creeks, marshes, and the Atlantic Ocean on powerboats, canoes, or kayaks. From the southern end of the island, at Kayak Amelia, canoeists and kayakers can explore the salt marsh or float down Simpson's and Myrtle Creeks. Boaters can reach Nassau Sound and the Atlantic Ocean from the deep-water boat ramp at the north end of the island. Kayak Amelia offers guided paddle tours and kayak and paddleboard rentals. This pristine island park's diverse habitats and abundance of wildlife is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Contact Tom Bush BMW today. Our qualified technicians are here to ensure that your vehicle is in excellent running condition.
Posted in:

Related Posts

Just Down the Road: 3 Juice and Smoothie Places

Just Down the Road: 3 Juice and Smoothie Places Near Jacksonville, FL

When you need to cool off on a hot summer day here in Jacksonville, FL, there's nothing like a delicious, cold beverage. Look no further than the following smoothie places that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Just Down the Road: 3 Juice and Smoothie Places Near Jacksonville, FL 1. BlissFuel Fresh, healthy, and tasty are three qualities you'll find here at BlissFuel. As well as your expected smoothies, they have juices, juice shots, acai bowls, and even a juice cleanse program. We suggest the all-year pumpkin spice, the almond joy, the berry delight, the blueberry almond bliss, the chocolate strawberry, the strawberry bomb, or the COVID Tonic. You can order sizes in 16, 20, or 24 ounces. Other good choices are the apple lemon ginger or the green energy drink. Add a shot of wheatgrass, which helps rid the body of toxins. BlissFuel is located at 221 Riverside Ave. in the Riverside Winston YMCA, which makes it super convenient for an after-workout healthy treat. The venue is open every day with the exception of Sunday. more 2. Kairos Jax The good folks here pride themselves on delivering the best and most healthy beverages in the business. In addition to traditional smoothies, they have superfoods, fresh juices, and a cleansing program. Try the super almond, pina colada, Ricky's Acai, Tutti Frutti, or the morning energizer juice. You can also add a wellness shot, such as a "flu shot" or a detox shot. We also highly recommend the detox cleansing products, which can be purchased in a one-, three-, five-, or seven-day program. You'll feel rejuvenated, revitalized, and your body will thank you. Kairos Jax can be found at 13423 Beach Blvd. Ste. 204. They are open every day except for Sunday. 3. Boost Smoothie This venue officially opened in 2020 and delivers made-to-order nutritious and delicious beverages. Choose from classic, energizing, or performance smoothies. Popular items are the Thirst Quencher, the Berry Blast, the Green Power, the Fiber Boost, the Heaven, the Paradise, and the Power Pack, to name a few. Add a shot of celery, ginger, or an immune booster, or even try a fresh raw juice. They also serve healthy pita sandwiches and warm bowls. You can find this establishment at 501 Riverside Ave. #107. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. When you drive a brand new 2023 BMW M4 Competition xDrive to your next healthy treat destination, you'll be cruising the town in style. Visit Tom Bush BMW Jacksonville today and let our friendly team members help make your vehicle dreams come alive. We are conveniently located at 9875 Atlantic Blvd. We look forward to your visit!

Drive on Over: 5 Historical Attractions Near Jacksonville, FL

Drive on Over: 5 Historical Attractions Near Jacksonville, FL

The state of Florida is packed with history, from that of native groups to French and Spanish colonial influences.  If you live in Jacksonville, FL, there are plenty of great historic sites perfect for a quick drive. Keep reading to learn about some of the best historical attractions close to the city. Drive on Over: 5 Historical Attractions Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Kingsley Plantation Kingsley Plantation allows you to step back in time, experiencing how plantation owners, workers, and slaves lived during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, you can roam the grounds and tour the house. Admission is free for all visitors. This site is located on 11676 Palmetto Ave, on Fort George Island. The journey from Downtown Jacksonville ought to take around 40 minutes. more 2. Saint John's Cathedral Built in 1906, Saint John's Cathedral is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. Its stained glass windows and breathtaking architecture means it's well worth a visit. The cathedral is open to visitors throughout the week and there is no charge to come in and look around. There is also a restaurant onsite, open on Fridays from 12 PM-2 PM. Find the cathedral at 256 E. Church Street. 3. Fort Caroline National Memorial Fort Caroline National Memorial preserves the remains of a short-lived French settlement from the 16th century. At the visitor center, you can learn more about the settlement and enjoy activities to help you learn. The memorial's address is 12713 Fort Caroline Road. The best way to get there is with a great new car like the 2022 BMW X3 M40i. 4. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest remaining stone fort in the continental United States, and it's only an hour's drive from Jacksonville! Constructed to defend early Spanish settlements in the area, it features towering ramparts, elegant walls, and restored cannons. This magnificent fortress can be found in St. Augustine, around an hour from Jacksonville. You can visit any day throughout the year, apart from December 25. Tours begin at 8:45 AM and finish at 4:45 PM. 5. Beaches Museum The Beaches Museum explores the lives of early Florida settlers. From river pilots to pioneers, these fascinating stories are told through colorful and ever-changing exhibits. The museum is housed in a historic seaside resort building. The museum can be found at 381 Beach Boulevard. It is open from 10 AM to 4 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, and from 12 PM to 4 PM on Sundays. Admission is free. With a new car, you'll be able to experience the best of Florida. Pay a visit to Tom Bush BMW today and get your hands on a great new vehicle.

The Top 5 Thai

Just Down the Road: The Top 5 Thai Restaurants Near Jacksonville, FL

Thai food has been increasing in popularity in recent years as diners continue to fall in love with its signature blend of spicy, sweet, and sour flavors. Fortunately for everybody in the River City, there are plenty of incredible Thai restaurants nearby. Jacksonville, FL, is a big city, but you can count on your 2023 BMW X5 to get you to every one of these restaurants in comfort and style. The Top 5 Thai Restaurants Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Noom Thai Bistro Located at 8642 Baymeadows Road, this restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Monday through Friday and for dinner on Saturdays. Be aware that they do close between 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm on weekdays. The menu features a classic assortment of Thai curries, fried rice, and noodle dishes. If you like spicy food, Noom is a must-stop as they offer a spice level hotter than Thai Hot called The Real Deal. more 2. Taste of Thai This restaurant is located at 4317 University Blvd. South. They are open for lunch and dinner from Monday through Saturday, and they do close between 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm, as well. Their specialties are coconut milk and hot and sour soups, but you can also enjoy a delicious Thai salad that combines fresh greens with jasmine rice and seafood. 3. Tuptim Thai and Sushi Restaurant Tuptim Thai and Sushi is located by the Jacksonville Naval Air Station at 5907 Roosevelt Blvd. This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week, and their menu includes fresh sushi as well as Thai dishes. If you are in the mood for something sweet, try the mango with sticky rice, a popular dessert on the streets of Bangkok. 4. Thai Green House Restaurant You can find Thai Green House at 3980 Southside Blvd. They are open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm every day of the week, so this is a great place to stop for lunch or even a late dinner. If you want the freshest Thai food possible, look no further than this restaurant, because they source their produce from local farmers markets. Try the khao soi, a yellow curry dish from northern Thailand. 5. Thai Blossom Bistro Located at 10916 Atlantic Blvd., this bistro serves delicious Thai food from 11:00 am ​to 9:00 pm from Tuesday through Sunday. Take advantage of their online ordering and try ​the Thai fish cakes, made with chili paste and served with cucumber sauce. Next time you want a delicious meal that can transport you to the far east, check out one of these incredible Thai places. Crispy fried rice, noodles stir-fried in savory sauces, and curries packed with flavor await at Jacksonville's best ​places for Thai food. After lunch, come visit us at Tom Bush BMW Jacksonville to see what we have in stock.