Coastal Cruising: Day Trip from St. Augustine to Amelia Island
If you live in North St. Augustine or Vilano Beach, you already know that the A1A is more than just a road—it’s a mood. But while it’s easy to get comfortable in our local surf shops and coffee nooks, some of Florida’s most dramatic coastal scenery lies just an hour north.
Pack your sunscreen, grab your camera, and make sure your gas tank is full. We’re heading up the coast for a day of salt marshes, skeleton trees, and the best seafood tacos in the Sunshine State.
The Morning Kickoff: North St. Augustine to Mayport
8:30 AM: Departure
Start your journey heading north on A1A. This stretch through the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) Research Reserve is one of the most beautiful drives in Florida. With the Atlantic on your right and the Intracoastal on your left, it’s pure, undeveloped bliss.
9:15 AM: The St. Johns River Ferry
As you hit Mayport Village, follow the signs for the St. Johns River Ferry. This is a quintessential Florida experience. For a small fee, you’ll drive your car right onto the Jean Ribault. The five-minute crossing to Fort George Island saves you a massive inland detour through Jacksonville traffic and offers a refreshing breeze and a chance to spot dolphins playing in the wake.
Mid-Morning: The Islands of the Timucuan Trail
Once you off-ramp the ferry, you are officially in the "7 Creeks" area, a wilder version of Florida.
9:45 AM: Little Talbot Island State Park
Stop here first if you want a pristine, quiet beach experience. Little Talbot is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands. It’s perfect for a quick hike through the maritime forest or just a moment to watch the shorebirds.
10:30 AM: Big Talbot Island & Boneyard Beach
This is the crown jewel of the trip. Park at the Black Rock Trailhead and take the short walk through the woods to Boneyard Beach.
This isn't your typical white-sand beach. The shoreline is covered in the salt-bleached, skeletal remains of live oaks and cedar trees that have fallen due to shoreline erosion. It looks like a giant’s graveyard and provides an otherworldly backdrop for photos. It is, hands down, one of the most Instagrammable spots in the state.
Lunch: A Fernandina Favorite
12:30 PM: Timoti’s Seafood Shak
Continue north across the Nassau Sound bridge onto Amelia Island. Drive through the moss-draped canopy roads until you hit the historic district of Fernandina Beach.
Your destination: Timoti’s Seafood Shak.
Located on 3rd Street, this spot is a local legend for a reason. It’s casual, outdoor-heavy, and serves incredibly fresh seafood.
The Order: You can't go wrong with the Baja Tacos (shrimp or seasonal fish) or the Lobster Roll. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the "Bam Bam" shrimp. Grab a picnic table, enjoy the salt air, and soak in the Victorian charm of the town. The Catch of the Day Blackened Fish Sandwich and Hushpuppies are TOP NOTCH!
For the Kids: Let the kids burn off some energy while you wait or after lunch while sipping on your beverage at Timoti’s playground.
The Afternoon: Exploring Fernandina
2:00 PM: Centre Street Stroll
After lunch, walk off the tacos by exploring Centre Street. Fernandina Beach was once a stomping ground for pirates and socialites alike. Check out the independent bookstore The Book Loft for a cozy spot filled with books for everyone in the family. There are antique shops and the adult only Palace Saloon—Florida’s oldest perennially operating saloon (the ice cream at the shop across the street is also a solid win).
Optional Add-on: Fort Clinch State Park
If you have extra energy, head to the northern tip of the island to Fort Clinch. Even if you don’t go inside the 19th-century fort, the drive through the oak canopy is breathtaking, and the beaches there are famous for finding prehistoric shark teeth.
The Journey Home
4:30 PM: The Scenic Route Back
You can take the highway (I-95) back if you’re in a rush, but we recommend retracing your steps. The golden hour light hitting the salt marshes of Big Talbot Island is something you don’t want to miss. Catch the ferry one more time as the sun begins to dip, and you’ll be back in North St. Augustine just in time for a sunset drink at Vilano Beach.
Pro-Tips for the Trip:
Check the Ferry: The Mayport Ferry generally departs every half hour (on the hour and half-hour from Mayport). Check the official website for service alerts and pre-payment saves you a buck or two.
Bathroom Break: While you wait for the ferry, be sure to use the bathrooms. They are super clean and many of the parks only had portable bathrooms.
Park Fees: Keep some small bills or your credit card handy for the State Park entry fees (usually $3–$5). Many of the beaches operate on a cash-free QR code honor system for parking.
Timing: Try to hit Boneyard Beach during low or mid-tide; at high tide, much of the "boneyard" is partially submerged.
Comfortable & Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and wear moisture wicking, cool comfortable clothes and shoes. You may need to walk some distance on a trail and it can be very hot.
Water & Food: There are no vendors or anywhere to get water or food. Bring your favorite reusable bottles for a refreshing drink while enjoying wild Florida.
Have you made this trek lately? Tag us in your Boneyard Beach photos!