Beaches Treasures from the Sea: A Beachcomber's Guide By Chelle Koster Walton Search { Beaches } at VISITFLORIDA.com Walk along a Florida beach and you’ll fi nd natural treasures from fossils and seashells to colorful sea glass. Use this guide to inspire your next beachcombing adventure. Sea Fauna at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park At the far reaches of the isolated Cape San Blas peninsula, known as “the Cape” by locals, this state park feels like you have reached the end of the earth. Blazing white dune beaches create one of the state’s most dramatic beachscapes and, most important, sea turtle and shorebird nesting habitats. If you look closely along the nearly 10 miles of unspoiled beach, you will fi nd ghost crabs shoveling fi stfuls of sand from their holes, star fi sh near the water’s edge, washed-up sea fans and sponges, and other marine life. Treasure-hunting tips: Where the wilderness preserve begins, facilities are unavailable, so make sure you have plenty of water and supplies. Driftwood at Big Talbot Island State Park Rugged and windswept, about two miles of beaches along Big Talbot Island are referred to as “Boneyard Beach.” Particularly at the barrier island’s north end, the skeletal remains of salt-and sun-bleached cedar and eroded oak trees make a dramatic driftwood backdrop for photographers. The easiest way to access Boneyard Beach is via The Blu s and Blackrock trails. Treasure-hunting tips: At times, it is di cult to access the shoreline. Call ahead or visit the website for current trail conditions. Collecting driftwood is prohibited within the state park. PHOTOS: GULF COUNTY TDC; COLIN HACKLEY; WILL DICKEY Opposite Page: Indian Shores; Top to Bottom: St. Joseph Peninsula State Park; Sea glass treasures; Big Talbot Island State Park OFFICIAL FLORIDA VACATION GUIDE 4 39
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