Perdido Key State Park is located along a barrier island in Escambia County, Florida not far from the Alabama border. It’s a picturesque paradise of white sandy beaches and sea oat-covered dunes, and a protected home for many endangered species, including nesting birds, sea turtles and the Perdido Key beach mouse.
This Florida state park attracts many visitors hoping for a chance to swim, picnic, collect shells, surf fish and glimpse some of the beautiful nature and wildlife here. And Perdido Key is only 15 southwest of Pensacola which means opportunities abound for dining, shopping, resort accommodations and entertainment.
Activities
Visit this oasis not far from the bustling city life of Pensacola and experience a slower pace. Search for shells along the 1.4 mile beach, walk along the boardwalks over the fragile dunes, surf fish for flounder and redfish, enjoy a leisurely lunch while taking in the spectacular views all around.
Picnic pavilions, restrooms and outdoor showers are in place to make your visit more comfortable. Guests are encouraged to bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen with them.
Here are some activities that you can do during your visit to Perdido Key State Park:
Swimming at Perdido Key State Park
Swim, surf and float in the beautiful clear waters along the Gulf of Mexico. The park’s two miles of sandy beaches are a pleasure to walk along, search for shells or bring along a beach blanket and rest for a while.
Since there are no lifeguards, guests are encouraged to pay attention to the Warning Flag System posted at the beach and at the welcome stations. This colored flag system represents water and beach conditions for the safety of all visitors and is used along all Florida beaches.
Fishing at Perdido Key State Park
Pack your angling gear and plan a relaxing day surf fishing inside Perdido Key State Park. chances are pretty good that you may catch a flounder, whiting, redfish or pompano. Remember to pick up a Florida fishing license on your way into the park.
Birding at Perdido Key State Park
Both native and migratory sea birds, shorebirds and others may be seen throughout Perdido Key State Park. Sightings of Great Blue Herons, sandpipers, Black-bellied Plovers, warblers, ducks, gulls, loons, gannets, mergansers, cardinals, towhees, nuthatches and brown thrashes are common here.
During the summer, guests may be redirected from closed off areas of the beach and dunes for the protection of nesting birds and other species.
Nature and Wildlife at Perdido Key State Park
Perdido Key State Park is home to two endangered species, the Loggerhead sea turtle and the Perdido Key beach mouse.
Both of these creatures are protected within the park, their nesting areas vital to the species survival.
Several species of sea turtles nest and lay their eggs along these beaches during the spring and summer. These exquisite creatures, which may be anywhere from 100 pounds to 2,000 pounds, can lay 30 to 150 eggs each.
The Perdido Key beach mouse is a tiny creature that lives within the coastal dunes. They provide an important role in the park’s coastal dune ecosystem – they collect sea oat seeds and store them underground and by doing so the seeds are spread throughout the habitat. This habitat then provides nourishment and shelter for many other wildlife species.
While visiting the park be aware of closed or restricted areas and please be respectful of these endangered creatures young.
Pets at Perdido Key State Park
Pets are not allowed inside Perdido Key State Park. Please make other arrangements if you will be traveling with your pets.
Camping Near Perdido Key State Park
Relax and play for the day inside Perdido Key State Park and then head over to Big Lagoon State Park and spend the night in one of the park’s 75 campsites nestled in among the pine flats. Each site has water and electric hookups, a picnic table and a fire ring. There’s also a primitive group camping area for groups up to 40 people.
Big Lagoon State Park is located nearby at 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, along the Intracoastal Waterway. Swim, kayak along a portion of a 1,515 mile sea trail, fish, bird watch and hike the 5 miles of nature trails through the open woodlands and along the marsh, bay and beach area.
The park’s observation tower offers breathtaking views from above of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and Perdido Key.
Park Location
Perdido Key State Park
15301 Perdido Key Dr
Pensacola, FL 32507
Phone: 850.492.1595
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Perdido Key State Park:
Leave A Comment