Perdido Key is a narrow, long-stretched island right in front of Pensacola and split into two national parks. Protecting and maintaining its nature is the main focus here. Here you find a peaceful, pristine piece of land with a vast richness of species.
Perdido Key – Perdido Key State Park and Gulf Island National Seashore
Perdido Key State Park is in the Panhandle, Northern Florida, close to Pensacola and stretches all the way to the Alabama state border. The island does not have one but two protected areas. That is why this area tends to be a bit confusing too outsiders.
The western part of the park is in Florida and is one of Florida’s state parks, protected by the Florida law (even though Florida is east of the island). The eastern part belongs to the Gulf Island National Seashore, a US National Park. Perdido Key is part of a much larger area that already starts in the state of Mississippi.
To find you way, always consider if you are in the eastern part (Gulf Island National Seashore) or the western part (Perdido Key State Park).
The eastern part of the island can be reached on highway 292 (Perdido Key Drive). The island’s “town” is here: the island gets a little less narrow here and offers enough space for a small town with restaurants, hotels and a golf course.
You need to make a cut at this point. This is where the Gulf Island National Seashore starts. The entire western part of the island is a protected area with only one little street.
Perdido Key is a narrow but long-stretched island (a 26-km-coastline). Because the island is so small, you can reach both coastlines easily and quickly. But that is at the same time a bit confusing. The southern coastline faces the ocean, open water and the Gulf of Mexico. The salt water bathing beaches are here. From the northern coastline, you can see the mainland. You find two landmarks here: Big Lagoon in the East (borders to the Big Lagoon State Park) and all water streets and ports in the west leading to Mobile, Alabama.
Perdido Key: Sand Dunes and Hiking
Sand dunes are a typical landmark in Perdido Key. Many protected plants grow here. There are primary dunes, facing the ocean and more inland secondary dunes. These are particularly important to grow plants and maintain the ecosystem. We got an information sheet about this at the entrance. You are not allowed to walk or hike the dunes. You can reach the beaches on timber walking bridges and wooden walking paths.
Due to the islands special location in front of the coast, many animals find shelter and protection from predators. There are many rare birds, reptiles, amphibians, water turtles, etc. The Gulf Island National Seashore provides information on their website when to find which species on Perdido Key.
https://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/brochures.htm
Gulf Island National Seashore and Rosamond Johnson Beach
Gulf Island National Seashore and Rosamund Johnson Beach are at the very east of the island. Its protected area starts at Johnson Beach, from here on the only available road is Johnson Beach Road. But even this road ends after 3 km. From then on you can only hike the island or reach the lagoon per boat.
From Johnson Beach Road, you can reach Escambia Beach, a beach open to public. This beach has a riff and is good for snorkeling. It also has man picnic options, many of them roofed.
The name Gulf Island National Seashore is a bit confusing. In the context of Perdido Key, it refers to the eastern part of the island. But the park does not end at Perdido Key but continues after that. All the areas further west (the next island) are called Gulf Island National Seashore as well. From East to West, these areas are called: Fort Pickens, Pensacola Island and Santa Rosa Beach. I don’t describe any of these areas in this article; this article focuses on Perdido Key.
Gulf Island National Seashore charges an entrance. Updated information about this can be found on the website of the park (look for Florida Areas and Perdido Key).
Perdido Key: Hotels and Camping
Perdido Key, the town, has several hotels. Apart from that, there is mainly camping available on the island. There is also the Big Lagoon State Park (at the mainland facing Perdido Key) with more than 75 camping areas and long hiking routes.
Perdido Key State Park, 15500 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, FL 32507, phone 850-492-1595
Perdido Key: Comments and General Information
The fact that Perdido Key is one island that belong to two different protected areas tends to be confusing. Unfortunately, the second national park is not restricted to that one island but includes a much larger area. All of that makes things a bit difficult. But if you manage to navigate your way through all this information, Perdido Key is absolutely stunning. Its pristine nature, long hiking paths and rare species are so beautiful. Google Maps and Tripadvisor show pics of big hotels from Perdido Key. I saw something entirely different. Perdido Key is mainly pristine nature, only the town has a few hotels, apart from that mainly camping.
It’s not an island full of entertainment. You can rent a boat or surf but for example kite surfing is not allowed in summer because it upsets the animals. There aren’t many tourist facilities like beach bars, bike rentals, offroad driving or other adventure tours. It is very obvious that protecting and maintaining the nature is the main focus here. They largely refrain from entertainment and big programs. I definitely recommend coming here; you can swim, hike or relax at the beach and enjoy nature and tranquility without action and entertainment.
Google has many results about the word Perdido Key but all of them confusing. Better stick to the links mentioned above (Florida State Park and National Seashore). Both lead to the official websites.