The best things to do in Perdido Key, Florida include enjoying the gorgeous white sand beaches, visiting the world-famous Flora Bama, and so much more.
Things to do in Perdido Key, Florida
Perdido Key is a barrier island on the Gulf Coast of Florida. One thing to know is the island is shared between Florida and Alabama.
The natural beauty of Perdido Key is unbelievable. One of our favorite things to do is explore the Florida State Parks that can be found on Perdido Key.
Outdoor enthusiast will love all of the activities and fun to be had.
During your visit, you can enjoy beach paradise, see wildlife, enjoy live music, participate in watersports, savor a beautiful sunset, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Perdido Key translates to "Lost Key," named by early Spaniards who discovered the area in 1693.
Today approximately 60% of the island is protected with federal and state parks.
If you have been wondering what to do in Perdido Key these are our favorite must-do activities and attractions to enjoy on a Perdido Key Vacation.
TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Dolphin Cruises
If you are looking to book a dolphin cruise in Perdido Key you have a couple of options nearby. You can easily book a cruise in either Orange Beach, AL or Pensacola, FL.
We have done multiple Orange Beach Dolphin Cruises and seen Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins on every tour.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Perdido Key Parasailing Adventure
Book a great adventure with Chute' Em Up Parasail and experience epic views from 800 feet in the air. The boat will cruise the Gulf of Mexico, providing you with the opportunity to see the area from a whole new perspective.
Two to three people can go at a time, making it fun for the entire family or a group of friends.
Book Discount Tickets Here.
Flora-Bama Lounge
The Flora Bama Lounge and Package is a world-renowned beach bar. Located on the border of Florida and Alabama this beach bar is a must visit.
They have live music every single day of the year!
Make sure to also check out the Flora Bama Yacht Club and Flora Bama Ole River Grill for great meal options.
Perdido Key Beaches
There are four free public beach access sites on the Florida side of Perdido Key.
Please make sure to follow the beach warning flags! These warning flags help alert visitors to riptides and dangerous marine life.
Perdido Key State Park
One of our favorite things about Perdido Key is how much of the barrier island is protected and preserved for tourists and locals.
Perdido Key State Park has amazing white sand beaches perfect for relaxing on the beach. You can also enjoy surf fishing, picnics in the covered picnic shelters, shelling, paddleboard, surfing, and more.
Address - 15301 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, FL
Lost Key Golf Club
Lost Key Golf Club is an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Championship public golf course located in the heart of Perdido Key.
Open 7 days a week this Florida Gulf Coast golf course offers five tees, a unique experience for players of all levels, and an onsite bar and restaurant.
The course was redesigned in 2006 and features Sea Dwarf Paspalum grass from the tee through the green. Providing optimum playing surfaces and green speeds.
One really cool thing about the course is it is certified as an Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary protecting natural resources while providing epic golfing.
Another golf course option is Perdido Bay Golf and Lodging.
Big Lagoon State Park
Big Lagoon State Park is part of the 1,515 mile sea kayaking Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.
It is also the start of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. The park offers fantastic bird watching with more than 23 species of wood warblers migrating through. You may also see ducks, sandpipers, and black-bellied plovers.
Big Lagoon State Park is great for biking, camping, picnics, bird watching, hiking, star gazing, boating and fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing.
The three story observation tower gives you a birds eye view of the park and surrounding areas.
Address - 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, FL
Gulf Islands National Seashore - Johnson Beach
Johnson Beach is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore managed by the National Park Service.
The park offers a great opportunity to see the impacts of white-sand dunes protecting vital areas for birds and wildlife.
Visitors can enjoy multiple beach access points. The main beach access point in the Rosamond Johnson Area has restrooms and outdoor showers along with a large picnic shelter with barbecues.
The Perdido Key Boat Ramp is available to launch small boats or watercraft.
Innerarity Point Park
Innerarity Point Park is one the nicest city parks we have visited in a long time. This gorgeous Escambia County Park is located right on the Intracoastal Waterway providing amazing views.
There is an incredible play area for kids of all ages, covered picnic shelters, clean bathrooms, a fishing and kayak launch pier, and a lovely walking trail through the park.
Address - 3835 Cruzat Way, Pensacola, FL
Tarkiln Bayou State Park
Tarkiln Bayou State Park is the first place I saw a pitcher plant outside of a nature book. To say I was fascinated and in awe is putting it mildly.
This 4,000 acre Florida State Park has an amazing boardwalk trail that offers the opportunity to see four species of endangered pitcher plants along with other endangered plant species.
This park is perfect for bird watching, hiking, picnics, fishing, geocaching, and wildlife viewing.
Address - 2401 Bauer Road, Pensacola, FL
Perdido Key Visitor Center
The Perdido Key Visitor Center is a great place to pick up brochures and ask questions about the area.
Make sure to check out the 15 foot pirate ship fish tank created by Acrylic Tank Manufacturers who you may know from the TV show Tanked.
Perdido Key Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is celebrated with all the gold, green, and purple glitter you can find! Plan for delicious King Cakes, epic parades, and even a Pirate Flotilla.
Perdido Key's Mardi Gras Flotilla is held each year by the Perdido Key Pirates of Lost Treasure Krewe. You can enjoy a fleet of boats that become Mardi Gras art pieces for this event.
Things to do near Perdido Key
These attractions and things to do are an easy day trip from Perdido Key. Some of them are a short drive down the street off the island.
There are beautiful beaches, sporting events, historic Pensacola village, wetlands, and more.
The National Museum of Naval Aviation is located on Naval Air Station Pensacola just down the road from Perdido Key.
The museum offers the opportunity to learn about naval aviation history and the Blue Angels. You can check the Blue Angels Practice Schedule to plan your visit around watching the Blue Angels right behind the museum.
Address - 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is located in Gulf Shores, Alabama and offers the perfect day trip from Perdido Key.
They have amazing animal encounters with sloths or lemurs, giraffe feeding, and an easy walk through fantastic animal enclosures.
Address - 20499 Oak Road East, Gulf Shores, Al
OWA Parks
OWA Amusement Park Tropic Falls includes and outdoor amusement park and an indoor water park. This is a great day trip for the entire family to have fun.
The complex also has great restaurants and shopping.
Address - 1501 S Owa Blvd, Foley, AL
Pensacola Lighthouse
The Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum offers the opportunity to learn more about the history of the lighthouse and climb to the top!
Address - 2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508
In order to reach the Pensacola Lighthouse, you will need to enter through the NAS Pensacola Public Gate with a proper ID.
Public access to Naval Air Station Pensacola is available from 9 AM-3 PM through the West Gate only!
NAS = Pensacola Naval Air Station
The Wharf
The Wharf in Orange Beach is an amazing entertainment and dining complex. You can enjoy a ride on The Wharf Ferris Wheel one of the largest Ferris Wheels in the Southeast.
Don't miss the nightly Spectra Laser Light Show! They also host a concert series with great singers and bands at the Wharf Amphitheater.
We love taking a sunset dolphin cruise from the Wharf Marina.
Perdido Key Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
Perdido Key has a combination of fantastic vacation rentals and beachfront hotels.
Camping is available at Big Lagoon State Park, Perdido Key RV Resort and Marina, and Playa del Rio RV Resort.
We have stayed at each of these lodging options:
The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan): This resort offers beachfront condos with amazing amenities and a great spa. Don't miss dinner at Coast Restaurant.
Use Code - GULFJOURNEY for a discount when booking with Spectrum Resort.
Turquoise Place Luxury Vacation Rentals (Orange Beach): This is our favorite resort in the area! It offers luxury amenities, epic beachfront views, and unbelievable condos.
Use Code - GULFJOURNEY for a discount when booking with Spectrum Resort.
Springhill Suites Orange Beach: Located next to The Wharf, it is an excellent location near shopping and dining. We enjoyed their gorgeous pool.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park: Located on the beach in Gulf State Park, this Hilton Hotel offers epic beach views, a sustainable hotel experience, and great restaurants.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Things to know when planning a trip
Time Zone - Central Time
Driving distance from Perdido Key:
Pensacola Airport - 23 miles, 45 minutes
Pensacola Beach - 27 miles, 45 minutes
Atlanta - 340 miles, 5.5 hours
Perdido Key Beach Mouse - Did you now that the Perdido Key Beach Mouse is only found on Perdido Key. This small mouse can not be found anywhere else in the world.
The Perdido Key Beach Mouse is a federally protected species.
Sea Turtles - Each of us can do our part to make sure that sea turtles have the best opportunity to safely nest and live..
In 2023 there were 16 sea turtle nests found on Perdido Key with 12 successful hatches. More than 1100 sea turtle eggs hatches.
As visitors and locals we can all make sure to turn lights out so the artificial light does not disorientate turtles. You can cover your flashlights and cell phone lights with red covers to diffuse the light. We like to use a red light flashlight to make sure we are using the correct light source.
Sea Turtles found along the Florida Gulf Coast include Loggerhead, Green, Kemp's Ridley, and Leatherback.
Perdido Key Restaurant Guide - All of the dining options available nearby.
Is Perdido Key in Florida or Alabama - Both! This barrier island includes the border between these two southern states.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Unique Things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores - There are so many amazing and unique things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!
Best Sunrise spots in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - All of the best places to view sunrise.
Best Things to do on Dauphin Island - All of the fun you can enjoy on the island.
Things to do in Foley, AL - The very best things to do while visiting Foley, Alabama
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