City: Jacksonville, FL

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (904) 251-2320

Description: These two state parks epitomize natural beauty. Both the landscape and the drive out to reach them make an impression on naturalists and outdoor neophytes alike. The Talbots are located about 20 miles east of Jacksonville and bear the names of the barrier islands on which they’re located. NOTE: Little Talbot, which sits about 5 miles south of Big Talbot, is actually the bigger facility. The big attraction at both of these parks is the beach, where you can swim and fish. Both islands offer picnic facilities and hiking trails. Just bring along plenty of bug repellant if you hike, or you won’t last long on the trails. The scenic Sarabay Center on the south end of Big Talbot Island is perfect for your next family reunion or company meeting. It can accommodate up to 55 people indoors and 200 outdoors. Some huge beached tree stumps on Big Talbot offer great photo possibilities. Whole trees fell victim to erosion and ended up on the beach; others were put there to stop erosion. The trees have been worn smooth by time and tides and are much photographed.There is no camping at Big Talbot Island State Park, but Little Talbot offers 40 campsites (no cabins) on Myrtle Creek on the west side of the island. Both parks have boat ramps, and you can rent bicycles and canoes at the ranger station on Little Talbot. The closest convenience store is 5 miles south of Little Talbot.