Perdido Key Attractions Showcase Beach Life, Nature and History
Perdido Key offers a scenic escape in Florida’s Gulf Coast. This destination sits between Orange Beach, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, providing a convenient location to three waterways and famous Perdido Key attractions. From scenic hideaways to one of the most famous beach bars in the world, there are plenty of things to do. For some ideas, keep reading.
Best Perdido Key Attractions for Gulf Coast Getaways
Big Lagoon State Park
Big Lagoon State Park offers more than 700 acres spread throughout the mainland. With access to scenic beauty, the park provides the opportunity to boat, fish, kayak, hike and swim. In fact, adventurous souls can kayak over 1,515 miles around the entire area.
Big Lagoon State Park serves as a top spot for bird-watching. Visitors should bring binoculars and search for ducks, 23 species of wood-warbler, and sandpipers. For a bird’s-eye view, climb the three-story observation tower or take a ranger-guided tour.
Other amenities at Big Lagoon State Park include beaches, public showers, picnic facilities, walkable boardwalk and boat ramps. Star-gazing programs are also offered throughout the year.
Perdido Key State Park
Want to visit Gulf Coast beaches? Head to Perdido Key State Park. This top among the best Perdido Key attractions has long welcomed surf fishers and sunbathers to its white-sand beaches. Guests are welcome to shell, surf and swim.
Perdido Key State Park features two miles of Gulf Coast beaches. In addition, visitors have access to public restrooms, outdoor showers, boardwalks and covered pavilions perfect for picnics. While playing, watch for loggerhead sea turtles, Perdido Key beach mouse and nesting shorebirds — all protected species.
Chute ‘Em Up Parasail
Want to fly? Book a Perdido Key parasailing adventure with Chute ‘Em Up Parasail. This company is located in nearby Orange Beach, but has a spot on Perdido Key Beach.
For over 15 years, Chute ‘Em Up Parasail has ranked among the best parasailing in the Perdido Key area. Trips suit riders ages 3 and older, and each vessel carries up to 15 passengers. Guests will sail 800 feet over the Gulf, and then have the option to add dolphin cruises and flyboarding.
Two Golf Courses
Golfers in Perdido Key enjoy playing two highly-rated courses, which both have practice facilities, dining, professional lessons and a fully stocked pro shop.
Perdido Bay Golf Club has been nominated as the best new public golf course by Golf Digest. The 18-hole course has welcomed golf greats such as Tom Kite and Payne Stewart, and hosted Pensacola Open for 10 years.
Lost Key Golf Club sits on a resort and blends the city’s natural beauty with golf amenities. The course measures 18 holes and doubles as a sanctuary for protected plants and wildlife.
Naval Aviation Museum
Those new to the area may not realize the Blue Angels rank among the top Perdido Key attractions. They are so loved, they regularly appear at a museum in Pensacola and practice every week beginning in March.
To learn all about them – and even meet a few – tour Naval Aviation Museum. This site ranks among the largest naval aviation museums in the U.S., and is one of the most popular museums in Florida. See more than 150 aircraft and exhibits, watch movies, experience flight simulators, and enjoy virtual reality adventures.
Naval Aviation Museum also has autograph sessions, virtual flight deck, interactive cockpits, a play area and gift shop. A few aircraft include skyhawks, tomcats, F-series wildcats and dozens more.
Flora Bama
When it’s time to recharge from fun in the sun, stop by Flora Bama. This bar and restaurant is famous for beach-loving vibes, live music, local grub and Bushwackers, a raved-about adult beverage.
Flora Bama’s oyster bar is the perfect place to start. Select from sandwiches, burgers, tacos, oysters, shrimp and baskets. Oyster fans have raw and cooked options, and the sampler offers a taste of the most popular.
Flora Bama also has live music and welcomes country, rock, dance, and beach music. The venue hosts live bands every night as well some of the biggest events in the area. Annual events include Miss Flora-Bama, Polar Beach Dip, annual chili cook-offs, Mullet Toss, marathons and holiday events. For more hot spots, check out these top Perdido Key restaurants.
Cordova Mall
Cordova Mall in Pensacola provides a laid-back place to shop. The center operates as the largest shopping mall in Perdido Key.
Anchored by Belk’s, Dick’s and Dillard’s, to name a few, Cordova Mall offers indoor and outdoor shopping. Guests find over 120 retailers and restaurants, so the family can shop for special souvenirs. Popular options include American Eagle, Loft, Rue 21, Kay Jewelers and Old Navy. Or peruse Vans, Game Stop, Ross, Best Buy and Spencer’s.
Cordova Mall also has several dining options, ranging from burgers and cookies to steak and sushi. In addition, the mall has an escape room game and indoor mini-golf course.
After picking some Perdido Key attractions to visit, learn why it’s a top beach destination in Florida.