Perdido Key State Park

Perdido Key State Park offers great access to gorgeous white sand beaches, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and birdwatching.

Things to do Perdido Key State Park

This Florida State Park is located on a 247-acre barrier island close to Pensacola, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores.

Perdido Key State Park protects undisturbed dunes and marshes. The park provides vital habitat for the Perdido Key Beach Mouse (Endangered Species), Loggerhead sea turtles, coastal animals, and nesting shorebirds.

While walking along the boardwalk over the sand dunes look in the sea oats along the sand to see if you can find any Perdido Key Beach Mouse tracks. Make sure to stay on the boardwalks to protect the fragile dunes and beach vegetation.

Perdido Key State Park is the westernmost Florida State Park. With 175 state parks in Florida this park is the closest to us in Gulf Shores, Alabama. We find ourselves visiting the park often to enjoy a beach walk.

The majority of park visitors visit the two beach access areas along the Gulf of Mexico. The park also protects a large area on the north side of Perdido Key.

You will see park signs designating the protected areas.

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White Sand Beach

The pristine white sand beaches of Perdido Key State Park are truly unbelievable. We live just down the road and I am still in awe of how gorgeous the beach is.

Sunbathers will love the wide open white sand beach space. Swimmers will love the easy access to the Gulf of Mexico.

If you plan on swimming please make sure you check the current Beach Safety Flags and warnings.

During early summer, you may see areas roped off to protect sea turtle nests. Park Rangers and volunteers patrol the beach every morning during turtle nesting season to check for new nests.

Shelling

Shelling is super popular in this area. We have found fantastic shells on our beach walks through the park.

Live shelling is prohibited in all Florida State Parks.

Bird Watching

Bird watchers will love all of the shorebirds that can be seen along the Gulf of Mexico. Keep an eye out in the dunes for nesting birds.

Keep an eye out during winter and spring migration for unique birds that may stop in the park. During the summer, we get Common Loons that will summer on the Gulf Of Mexico.

There may be areas of the park restricted for nesting birds. Please respect the roped off areas and nesting birds.

Picnicking

There are covered picnic pavilions with picnic tables perfect for watching sunset, taking a break from sun, and enjoying a great snack or meal.

Surf Fishing

Surf fishing is really popular in the park. Common fish caught include Pompano, Whiting, Flounder, Redfish, and serveral other species.

If you plan to fish in the park you will need a Florida fishing license. Make sure to read current regulations concerning fish size, number, and how they can be caught.

Why you will love Perdido Key State Park

• Close to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama
• Close to Pensacola, Florida
• Great park for locals and visitors
• Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers will love the park's undisturbed dunes
• Diverse Ecosystems (Salt marshes, coastal forests, beach)
• Great for outdoor family outings

Things to know when planning a visit to Perdido Key State Park

Entrance Fee - $3 per vehicle up to 8 people, there are pay stations at the beach entrances. If they do not have an attendent there is a honor box on the building or you can pay the fees via the QR code.

$2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers

You can use your Florida Annual Entrance Passes.

Address - 15301 Perdido Key Dr Pensacola, FL 32507

Parking areas are along State Road 292.

Phone - 850-492-1595

Hours - 8 am until sunset, 365 days a year.

Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.

Accessibility - There are accessible parking spaces designated in the parking lot. Both beach access points have a boardwalk that leads from the parking lot to the white sand beach..

A beach wheelchair is available at no cost! It can be requested by calling the ranger station at Big Lagoon State Park.

Plus Size Seating - The picnic area has picnic tables with benches that do not move. If you are uncomfortable sitting at a picnic table we suggest bringing a beach chair.

Dress Code/Suggestions - beach casual. Please be prepared for the hot Florida panhandle heat with reef safe sunscreen, a hat, umbrella, and water.

Pets - Pets are not permitted in the park. Check out the Pensacola Beach Dog Beach for designated beach access.

Parking  - Each of the beach access areas has a parking lot. They are not huge parking areas, so we suggest going early if you want beach space especially during the busy season.

Restrooms - There are restrooms at each of the park beach locations.

It is worth noting the park is still recovering from Hurricane Sally in 2020. They have done an amazing job in the past few years repairing the boardwalk and clearing out damaged areas.

Perdido Key Restaurants and Attractions nearby

Big Lagoon State Park - Just down the road is another great Florida State Park.

Johnson Beach, Part of Gulf Islands National Seashore - Gorgeous white sand beach, picnic area, and walking trails.

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park - this preserve includes endangered pitcher plants which are really cool to see along the walking path.

Things to do in Perdido Key, FL - All of the best things to do in Perdido Key!

Perdido Key Restaurants - Check out all of the epic restaurants near the park.