Perdido Key Florida is the quieter area of the beach between the cities of Pensacola and the busy tourist towns on Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Yes, you will find some larger condo’s here but the majority of the beach is still smaller buildings where you can find a little more relaxing atmosphere. There’s one main road so traffic can back up especially near the Flora-Bama and the way to small awkward round about but it’s generally much better than surrounding cities. Perdido Key is close enough to the larger cities and makes a great choice for a more laid-back beach vacation.
Where to Stay in Perdido Key
Rent a Condo
Condo’s are the main lodging choice for the area. I generally like searching for local companies first but you can also try VRBO or AirBnB. There are larger beach condo complexes, smaller townhomes, houses, and other options. If the pool is more important than the beach – try Purple Parrot.
Stay on a Boat with VacayWithSeagull
If you want a different experience. VacaywithSeagull offers 2 boats for rent at dock at Southwind Marina. Renting a boat is not the same as condo. You’ll get amazing views, a friendly marina atmosphere and the best sunsets in the area. Summers can be hot with afternoon storms. Fall and Spring you’ll generally find amazing weather which makes these boats a fantastic option for that time. If you’re looking for a rental that gets you the closest to the water – try Vacay with Seagull boat rentals in Perdido Key.
Vacay with Seagull is working on charters and overnight stays at anchor – stay tuned!
Camping at a State Park
Big Lagoon State park is a great option for camping. I recommend avoiding summer – it’s really just hot, and crowded. Fall and Spring are the best times to camp in Perdido Key.
Things to Do in Perdido Key
Go to the Beach – The Best Beaches in Perdido Key Florida
Perdido Key has amazing beaches with white sand and generally green water. It’s usually clearer when the waves are low and the water if flowing from the East. In this area of the Gulf Coast, water gets clearer when you go east away from Mobile Bay. However, many days the water is just as clear and green as the Emerald Coast. On other days it can be darker (especially if waves are up). The sand is usually very white with some seashells mixed in.
Beach Safety: Always pay attention to the flags. This area can get riptides. Do not swim on red flag days. Purple flags mean Jellyfish or other wild-life. Rarely there can also be biting flies and seaweed.
Johnson’s Beach
Johnson’s Beach and the National Seashore is simply just a beautiful paradise. There is a small 2 lane road that goes to the end with parking for the main beach on the right. Parking passes are more expensive but you can use National Park Passes.
Public Beach Accesses
Perdido Key has several public beach access points. I like to use these early in the morning or late in the day, or off season. During the middle of summer, it will be hard to find a spot.
Fort McRea / Ft. McRee
This cove area can only be reached by boat. It use to be a very quiet spot and can still be during certain times of year. Weekends during the middle of summer – it’s packed with all kinds of boats.
Perdido Key State Park
This beach area is on the west side of Perdido Key and offers paid parking and restrooms.
Perdido Key Bridge
This beach area is in Alabama just west of the Flora Bama. There are a few areas where you can use the shade of the bridge to get out of the sun. Be careful along the pass. It looks calmer but can have a swift current.
Flora-Bama
The beach in front of the Flora-Bama can be a great way to spend the day soaking in the sun … and enjoying a bushwacker (or 2) plus fun live music. The yacht club side has calmer water where kids may be able to swim more safely.
Perdido Key has amazing beaches but if want to go a little farther? Check out this Article on the Best Beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Visit the National Aviation Museum, Lighthouse and Ft. Barrancas at NAS
National Aviation Museum
NAS is one of the best Aviation museums in the country. It’s huge. To get there you must first get on base – this means you need an ID and you have to go through the gate. Honestly, it’s not a pleasant process and it’s not really labelled well where to stop (you stop twice before the stop sign and at the gate, don’t follow everyone else that just stops at the gate, and no that stop sign doesn’t mean at the gate like it seems, stop twice) – and gate staff can get snippy.
Once you’re past the gate it can still be intimidating and seems like a lack of signs. Stay on the main road – you will see it on your left (the lighthouse will be on the right).
The museum itself is really good with super friendly staff. It’s one of my favorites (once we get there).
Pensacola Lighthouse
The lighthouse is across from the museum and is also worth a visit.
Ft. Barrancas
Also on NAS campus – Ft. Barrancas is one of my favorite forts to explore. Be careful and stay on the path, there is a large drop that you can not see until you are next to it. Once in the fort it’s basically a large circle so it’s a lot of fun for kids to explore.
Watch the Blue Angels Fly
The Blue Angels are well loved in Pensacola and function as the area mascots for good reason – they are amazing to watch.
Blue Angels – the big shows
The Blue Angels have 2 larger shows. One is at Pensacola Beach (with a practice the day before) and the other is near the base. If you plan to watch the Pensacola Beach show in July, book your condo early. Parking spots filled up at 1am last year. The November Homecoming show is from NAS. Blue Angel Show Schedule.
Blue Angels – Practice Shows
The Blue Angels have numerous practices throughout the year. Many are posted on their schedule but sometimes there are more. You can generally see the practices from Ft. McRee area or from the Aldi/Target parking lot near the base. Some practice shows have autograph sighing prior to the show. If you plan to watch from the base, you must leave early. Even practices draw a large crowd. If you’re in town for a practice, take some time to look up and watch a practice – you’ll hear them. Click here for Blue Angel Practice Schedules.
Visit a State or National Park
Big Lagoon State Park
Big Lagoon State Park is located on the north side of Big Lagoon and offers fishing, hiking, camping, paddling and swimming. It is also a wonderful place to go birding and look for wildlife.
Tarkiln State Park
Tarkiln Bayou State Park has 4 species of endangered pitcher plants as well as other rare plants. The landscape is described as wet prairie and coastal bayou. Pack a picnic and take a hike.
Perdido Key State Park
Beach access and facilities with paid parking no the west side of Perdido Key
Johnson’s Beach and National Seashore
We already went over this one – it’s beautiful, more expensive parking … see above
Go on a Boat Ride and Get out on the Water
Boat Charters
Pontoon Rentals
- Big Daddy Boat Rentals
Wave Runners / Jet Ski Rentals
Fishing Charters & Diving Charters
Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals
For more information on how to get out on the water in Perdido Key and Orange Beach Areas check out this guide as well as our Boaters Guide to Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Perdido Key.
Go Shopping
For larger shopping adventures consider going to downtown Pensacola for local shops and a fun atmosphere. Choose Tanger Outlets in Foley for a mall experience. If you’re looking for beach souvenirs there are plenty of options going west to Gulf Shores. You’ll find a souvenir shop every quarter mile along the beach road. The Wharf in Orange Beach is a nice shopping, dining and entertainment facility with many popular events.
Villagia Perdido Town Centre
The Villagia is the shopping, dining and hang out area located in Perdido Key. You’ll find a few local and boutique shops as well as restaurants.
There are also several local art shops. Perdido Artists Gallery and Gifts is near the Winn Dixie. There is also an Artworks Local Art and Gifts.
Golf
There are 2 golf options in Perdido Key – Lost Key Golf Club and Perdido Bay Golf Course.
Church at the Flora-Bama
For an unique experience – try a Sunday morning church service at the Flora-Bama then walk across the street for a bloody mary at the yacht club while the kids play in the sand.
Perdido Key Events
Perdido Key and the surrounding area are hosts to several big events and many low key ones. Bigger ones include the Mullet Toss, Santa Drop and Polar Bear Dip at the Flora Bama. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, the Wharf and Pensacola frequently host numerous fun events.
Things to do a Short Drive from Perdido Key
Want to go a little farther or make it a day trip? Downtown Pensacola is about a 20 minute drive from Perdido Key, Orange Beach is about 15 minutes away. Pensacola Beach is about a 45 minute drive. Destin can be close to 2 hours with traffic. Mobile is about an hour. For a large list of activities that are worth the drive check out these suggestions for day trips from Perdido Key, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Another fun stop is Bamahenge in Elberta.
Looking for more tips for your Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Vacations then check our these Articles below:
A Locals Guide to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach by Water
30 Fun things to do in Gulf Shores
30 Free things to do in Gulf Shores
Where to Eat in Perdido Key
Perdido Key has several great choices for eating out.
Restaurants in Perdido Key with Beach and Water Views
Crab Trap: Beachside with a laid back beach vibe
Sunset Grill: My favorite Grilled Grouper Sandwich, Margarita and Key Lime Pie – with the best sunset views
Oyster Bar: A Classic Perdido Key Restaurant with great seafood
Hub-Stacy’s: Located next to the boat launch and not directly on the water. Go to Hub-Stacy’s for music and a laid back beach bar atmosphere. It’s a perfect break from a long day in the sun.
Flora-Bama Yachts Club: Bayside with a fun, calm beach that is perfect for relaxing and the kids to play while you enjoy a drink.
The Gulf: Outdoor Burger Bar with a fun atmosphere (east side of Orange Beach). Get there early to beat the crowds.
Perdidolicious Taco Truck: Located on Big Lagoon, this taco truck is just … yummy
Perdido Key Florida has a lot to offer. Especially if you’re looking for a laid back beach vibe. Despite feeling like it’s away from it all – Perdido Key has everything you could want for a perfect beach vacation.
