Exciting Things To Do in Perdido Key – Top 10 for 2024
January 10, 2024
Perdido Key, a hidden gem nestled between Pensacola, Florida and Orange Beach, Alabama, beckons travelers with its sugar-white beaches, turquoise waters, and a myriad of adventures awaiting exploration. As 2024 unfolds, this coastal paradise offers an enticing blend of relaxation and exhilaration for all types of visitors. Whether you’re lounging in one of our luxurious Perdido Key vacation rentals or embarking on a sun-kissed escapade, here’s our top 10 rundown of can’t-miss experiences this year. Dive in and let Perdido Key’s charm sweep you off your feet!
Top 10 Things To Do in Perdido Key
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Perdido Key promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. With so many exciting activities and things to see, your trip to Perdido Key will be anything but boring.
1. Perdido Key State Park
A true emblem of Florida’s stunning natural coastlines, Perdido Key State Park is a slice of paradise for visitors looking for an untouched beach experience. Spanning over 290 acres, the park showcases glistening white sand dunes kissed by the turquoise waves of the Gulf of Mexico. This protected sanctuary is an ideal destination for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing.
The dunes also serve as nesting grounds for various seabirds and the endangered sea turtles, offering wildlife enthusiasts a chance to observe nature in its purest form. With its boardwalks ensuring easy access and picnic areas dotting the landscape, the park ensures both relaxation and recreation for every beach lover. Open 365 days a year and only $3 per vehicle entrance fee, Perdido Key State Park is the perfect day out.
2. Johnson Beach
Indulge in a glorious beach day within the Gulf Islands National Seashore; Johnson Beach is a pristine testament to Florida’s coastal allure. Boasting powdery white sands and crystalline waters, this stretch of shoreline is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Here you’ll find clean restrooms, picnic tables and a scene boardwalk called Perdido Key Discovery Trail to explore.
Visitors can indulge in sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing, while the more adventurous can explore the walking trails weaving through the dunes, offering glimpses of diverse flora and fauna. Birdwatchers are in for a treat, as the area teems with various bird species, and, during the right seasons, one might even spot dolphins frolicking in the distance.
3. Big Lagoon State Park
Big Lagoon State Park encompasses a sprawling 655 acres of diverse natural habitats, from saltwater marshes to pine flatwoods. This unique convergence of ecosystems offers visitors a myriad of recreational opportunities. Kayakers and canoeists can paddle through the park’s brackish ponds and observe the rich birdlife, from ospreys to herons.
Hikers and nature enthusiasts will find several hiking trails, offering panoramic views of the lagoon and insights into the area’s wildlife. The observation towers dotting the park present unparalleled vistas of both the park and the Intracoastal Waterway. With picnic areas, playgrounds, ample spots for fishing and only $6 per vehicle entrance fee, Big Lagoon State Park promises a budget-friendly and fulfilling experience for visitors of all ages.
4. Lost Key Golf Club
Planning on getting a few practice swings in while on vacation? Look no further than the Lost Key Golf Club; a testament to both leisure and luxury here in Perdido Key. Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the course artfully intertwines the challenge of a championship golf layout with the pristine beauty of the region’s natural vegetation. Visitors can expect meticulously manicured greens and fairways surrounded by a symphony of native plants and wildlife, adding a unique dimension to their golfing experience.
The club also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a pro shop, clubhouse, and dining options, ensuring golfers have all they need for an unparalleled day on the links. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a novice eager to improve, Lost Key promises a memorable game amidst breathtaking surroundings.
5. Perdido Key Kids Park
If you’re traveling with little ones, be sure to check out the Perdido Key Kids Park, offering families a haven of imaginative play and outdoor fun. With fun castle-like structures, children can embark on mini-adventures, steering through mock pirate ships or splashing around in play water areas. Entrance is based on a first come, first served basis.
Beyond the playground, open spaces provide room for picnics and casual games. Shaded areas offer respite from the Florida sun, making it comfortable for parents to oversee their little explorers.
6. Dolphin Cruises
The mesmerizing blue waters surrounding Perdido Key teem with playful marine life, and one of the most enchanting ways to experience this is through a Dolphin Cruise. Companies like Blue Dolphin Cruises and Surf’s Up Dolphin Cruises offer intimate encounters with these charismatic creatures, allowing visitors to witness dolphins in their natural habitat.
As the boat glides over the shimmering Gulf waters, guests are often treated to the delightful sight of dolphins frolicking, jumping, and racing alongside the vessel. Beyond just dolphin sightings, these cruises also provide panoramic views of Perdido Key’s coastline and insights into the area’s marine ecosystem. It’s an unforgettable experience that is most definitely worth a spot on your to-do list.
7. Shop Til’ You Drop
While Perdido Key is primarily known for its natural beauty and tranquil beaches, it also offers a great shopping experience for visitors. The area boasts a variety of boutique shops and local markets that reflect the key’s laid-back coastal vibe. Shoppers can find unique souvenirs, handcrafted jewelry, beachwear, and art pieces by local artisans. Additionally, specialty stores offer a range of items from gourmet foods to coastal home décor.
If you’re looking for a more substantial shopping experience, head over to Cordova Mall. Just a 35 minute drive from Perdido Key, Cordova Mall has a wide range of stores from Sephora and Pandora, to Footlocker and American Eagle, these stores have everything you need conveniently in one place. As well as having great dining options, you can easily spend all day at Cordova Mall.
8. Annual Events and Festivals
Perdido Key, with its rich culture and stunning natural beauty, offers a tapestry of festivals and events throughout the year that resonate with its vibrant community spirit. The spring season is ushered in with the Pensacola Key Wine & Art Festival, a blend of regional artistry and fine wine that lets visitors indulge in both visual and gastronomic delights. This artistic flair is further complemented by the Songwriters’ Festival, where talented musicians from far and wide gather to serenade attendees with their melodies and stories. Families especially look forward to the summer’s Pirates Festival, brimming with treasure hunts and pirate escapades, while the unique traditions of the Gulf Coast come alive with Perdido Key’s own Mardi Gras Parades.
As winter approaches, the festive spirit blankets the region, evident in the boat parades, enchanting tree lighting ceremonies, and bustling markets that mark Christmas in Perdido. Not too far from Perdido Key, the eccentric Flora-Bama’s Interstate Mullet Toss event offers an experience like no other, where the simple act of tossing a mullet fish becomes a symbol of camaraderie, accompanied by lively parties and music.
9. Visit Historic Pensacola Village
Stepping into Historic Pensacola Village is like taking a journey back in time. Found in the heart of downtown Pensacola (under a 30 minute drive from Perdido Key), this complex is a beautifully preserved collection of over 20 historical buildings and museums, each telling the tale of the city’s vibrant past.
Visitors can explore furnished houses from the 19th century, witness reenactments of historical events, and peruse exhibits detailing the area’s rich cultural heritage. The T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum, once City Hall, now houses intriguing artifacts and exhibits. With guided tours offering insights into Pensacola’s evolution from its colonial beginnings to the present day, the Historic Pensacola Village is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
10. Wine and Dine in Perdido Key
Perdido Key’s culinary landscape is as enticing as its beaches, offering a delightful fusion of flavors that capture the essence of the Gulf Coast. Seafood enthusiasts will find a haven in establishments like the Fisherman’s Corner, known for its delectable Southern and Creole-inspired dishes, as well as a tasty wine list. The iconic Flora-Bama Yacht Club is another must visit, where fresh catches are paired with stunning waterfront views.
For a relaxed beach vibe, The Crab Trap is a popular choice among both locals and tourists, serving up a variety of coastal favorites. Whether you’re indulging in fresh oysters, savoring locally-caught grouper, or exploring the eclectic mix of international cuisines available, dining in Perdido Key is a flavorful journey that adds to the overall charm of this picturesque destination.
Perdido in Paradise: Your Next Adventure Awaits!
With its tranquil beaches, vibrant culinary scene and exciting water adventures, Perdido Key offers a myriad of experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or someone simply looking to relax by the waves, this Gulf Coast gem promises memories that will last a lifetime. Pack your bags and set sail for a journey of discovery in Perdido Key!
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