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Florida
Northwest Region
Perdido Key State Park
Perdido Key State Park © Ebyabe / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perdido Key State Park Sign
Perdido Key State Park © Ebyabe / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perdido Key State Park Beach access area
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PERDIDO KEY STATE PARK
PERDIDO KEY STATE PARK
15301 Perdido Key Drive
Pensacola, Florida   32507
(lat:30.2938 lon:-87.466) map location

Phone: 850-492-1595
Barrier islands protect the Florida mainland from the harsh effects of storms and provide habitats for shorebirds and other coastal animals. Perdido Key is a 247-acre barrier island near Pensacola on the Gulf of Mexico. White sand beaches and rolling dunes covered with sea oats make this park a favorite destination for swimmers and sunbathers. Surf fishing is another popular activity. Boardwalks from the parking lot allow visitors to access the beach without causing damage to the fragile dunes and beach vegetation. Covered picnic tables overlooking the beach provide a great place for family outings. Located 15 miles southwest of Pensacola, off State Road 292.
History of the Area
Located in Pensacola, Florida, the park is a barrier island stretching along the Gulf of Mexico. It was officially designated as a state park by Florida's government in 1978. The area offers pristine white sand beaches and dunes over 40 feet high - home to several endangered species.

The name "Perdido" translates from Spanish into English as "lost", reflecting its secluded nature. Over time it has become popular for swimming, sunbathing and surf fishing due to its natural beauty.

In addition to recreational activities, visitors can also explore various wildlife habitats within this protected landmass including wet prairies, salt marshes and sea oat-covered dunes.

Despite being hit hard by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 which caused significant damage; restoration efforts have helped maintain its biodiversity making it an important ecological reserve today.

Passes
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
Swimming
1. Perdido Key State Park offers a sandy beach for ocean swimming.
2. Lifeguards are not always on duty, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is permitted during park hours from 8 AM to sunset.
4. The Gulf of Mexico's warm waters provide excellent conditions for swimmers and snorkelers alike.
5. Be aware that jellyfish can be present in the water depending upon seasonality and currents.
6. The clear blue-green waters offer visibility making it ideal for spotting marine life while swimming or snorkeling.
7. Swimming near sand dunes or vegetation areas is prohibited to protect local wildlife habitats.


Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the Gulf of Mexico for species like Redfish, Flounder and Spanish Mackerel. The park's lagoons offer Speckled Trout, Black Drum and Sheepshead. Surf casting is also popular here with catches including Pompano or Whiting.



Picnicking
Perdido Key State Park offers picnic tables and grills for visitors. It's a great spot to enjoy meals with nature views.
Trails
- Perdido Key Discovery Trail: A short, half-mile boardwalk trail that offers views of the dunes and wildlife. It's wheelchair accessible.

- Johnson Beach Road Bike Path: This 2 mile paved path is perfect for biking or walking with beautiful beach scenery on one side and marshland on the other.

- Big Lagoon State Park Trails: Located just a few miles from Perdido Key State Park, these trails offer over five miles of hiking through pine flatwoods, saltwater marshes and along sandy beaches.

- Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park Trails: About ten minutes drive away from Perdido Key are four different trails ranging in length up to six-and-a-half-miles long which wind their way around bogs filled with rare plants like white-top pitcher plant.

- Gulf Islands National Seashore Florida District Hiking Trails : Just across state line into Pensacola you can find more than thirty-five miles worth of paths offering everything from easy strolls to challenging hike.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various species like the Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret and Ospreys. The park's diverse habitats attract a wide range of birdlife throughout the year. Visitors may also see migratory birds during spring and fall seasons.


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Area Campgrounds
Heritage Oaks Community
1523 Gulf Beach Highway
Pensacola, FL
850-261-1341
Playa del Rio RV Resort
16990 Perdido Key Drive
Pensacola, FL
850-492-0904
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Perdido Key State Park is located 15 miles southwest of Pensacola, off S.R. 292.

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Florida
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Florida State Parks

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