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Perdido Key is the westernmost island of Florida’s Gulf Islands National Seashore. The beaches remain mostly undeveloped and are as stunning now as they were a thousand years ago.
Perdido Key, which is Spanish for “Lost” Key, stretches between the far western coastlines of Florida and the distant eastern shores of Alabama. This Florida panhandle island boasts breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, combining natural beauty, coastal living, and southern charm.
Providing the perfect getaway for beachgoers who adore the unspoiled beauty of smooth white sand, vast beachfront, warm waves, and an easygoing lifestyle, this barrier island offers magnificent beaches along the Gulf coast. With emerald waters, rolling sand dunes, and calmer shores on the sound side, a trip to the beautiful beaches of Perdido Key is worth it. Plus, with so many incredible vacation rental options to choose from, you’ll be spoiled inside and out on this beach vacation.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the best Perdido Key beaches for your next Florida vacation. Let’s dive in!
Alabama/Florida State Line Beach (Orange Beach)
Orange Beach is a popular Perdido Key destination starting on the Alabama side of the island. Since Perdido Key crosses state borders and is partially in Florida and partially in Alabama, it only makes sense for you to enjoy straddling two states at one time while visiting the area. The place to do this is at Flora-bama Lounge & Oyster Bar.
This local landmark serves food and drinks and hosts a variety of events as the go-to spot for entertainment and nightlife on the island. Although not pet-friendly, dogs on leashes are welcome across the street at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club and downstairs at the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill.
Other than visiting this landmark and snapping a few pictures, Orange Beach is a lively beach that’s a fun place to swim, relax, or play games in the sand.
Perdido Key State Park
Open from 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year, Perdido Key State Park is just east of Orange Beach and beyond the Florida state border. It’s notable for its marshes, estuaries, and wildlife. The 247-acre tranquil barrier island was once named one of the best beaches in the country by “Dr. Beach.”
Surf fishing is a popular sport for all experience levels, and there’s no shortage of bird watching in this area. Several endangered species call the area home, including the Perdido Key beach mouse, nesting shorebirds, and nesting sea turtles. This park is popular with swimmers and sunbathers due to its white-sand beaches and rolling dunes covered in sea oats.
Parking ($3 per vehicle) and beach access are available at West Access and East Access. Visitors can access the beach area by boardwalks from the parking lot, preventing harm to the dunes and vegetation. Gazebo-style picnic tables overlook the beach, ideal for family picnics. Restrooms, shower stations, drinking fountains, accessible amenities, and hiking routes are also available at Perdido Key State Park.
While visiting the park, check out Fort Pickens, one of four military forts built in the 1800s to safeguard Pensacola.
River Road Dog Park
Pensacola’s Perdido Key River Road Park is the only pet-friendly public beach in the Perdido Key area. Large and small dogs have separate, entirely enclosed spaces where they can frolic off-leash. Dogs are not allowed on any other beaches in the area, and they must be on a leash when taken for a walk. Open sunrise to sunset, this area is unlighted and free to enter and park.
The beach at River Road Dog Park is narrow but well-fenced on all sides, with lovely sand and excellent swimming opportunities for dogs. There is a kayak launch with easy access to the Intracoastal waterway, a shaded pavilion, picnic tables, and a playground.
Bring some fresh water for yourself and your furry best friend, as none is available in this area.
Johnson Beach
Johnson Beach is a designated approved swimming beach in Perdido Key on the Gulf Islands National Seashore. It is the only Perdido Key, Florida beach with lifeguards. Entrance fees are required and collected at the park’s entrance. There is ample parking available. Unless otherwise stated, parking is also permitted along Johnson Beach Road. About 3 miles across the island, Johnson Beach Road comes to an end. The rest of the island is only accessible by boat or foot.
Two picnic pavilions, two bathhouses with modern facilities and private changing rooms, and a Ranger station are just a few additional amenities available. There are a few dozen tables in each of the two enormous picnic pavilions. In addition, there are six grills located outside and outdoor showers on either end of the pavilions. One pavilion can be rented, while the other is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
One can also enjoy the Discovery Nature Trail in just under half a mile. This raised boardwalk takes tourists over dunes, through pine trees and salt marshes, giving way to a beautiful view of the Grand Lagoon.
Big Lagoon State Park
Big Lagoon State Park divides Perdido Key and parts of the Gulf Islands National Seashore from the mainland. This Escambia County park has a variety of ecosystems, including tidal salt marshes that nature lovers will undoubtedly enjoy.
In addition to swimming, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and paddling, it also allows travelers to start or end a 1,515-mile sea kayaking trek across the entire state on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.
Rest assured, you don’t have to spend your day on a boat or wandering through the woods if you prefer to unwind on the beach. Consider setting up your favorite lawn chair on the shores of East or West Beach and swimming in the lagoon’s warm, calm waters.
Furthermore, the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail pass through the park. More than 23 species of wood-warbler, as well as ducks and sandpipers, make their home here. For some of the best bird watching east of the Mississippi, bring binoculars or borrow a pair from the ranger station. After soaking up the sun, climb the three-story observation tower for a birds-eye perspective.
At $6 per vehicle, this Florida state park is well worth the visit
With this, you have it- the 5 best beaches on Perdido Key that you won’t want to miss out on. Now, the only question that’s left to answer is which one will you visit first?
