Perdido Key feels like a secret treasure of nature with a sense of tranquility and connection to the Gulf’s untouched beauty. It’s a tranquil escape where time slows down, and the wide open beachfront takes center stage.
This was the start of my journey to walk a mile on every beach in Florida.
Perdido at the Alabama-Florida Border
At the border that separates Florida and Alabama is the reknowned Flori-bama. With live music, fresh oysters, and quirky events like the famous “Mullet Toss,” this lively spot is a perfect balance to the area’s quieter beaches. Get a drink or a bite to eat, listen to live music, attend an event. You can even sit out on the sand and enjoy the view while you eat.
Perdido Key State Park
If you’re a coastal nature lover like me, Perdido Key State Park is where you’ll find the real magic. The park’s vast open sandy beachfront park and the Gulf’s crystal-clear waters create a serene setting with plenty of space to enjoy the soft sands and salty breeze.
This Florida State Park incorporates over a mile of wide beachfront, perfect for playing at the beach! If you want to explore off the beach, this park stretches across the entire barrier island to the river where you can explore.
Learn more about this park on Florida State Park website here.
The state park has plenty of shaded picnic areas that make it ideal for an afternoon lunch while enjoying views of the water. When we visited, there was still damage from Hurricane Sally so not all of the boardwalks and picnic areas were accessible.
Perdido Key State Park is the perfect spot for a hike in the sand where you can kick off your shoes and enjoy the soft glorious sand between your toes.
The Gorgeous Sand
Perdido Key is not messing around when it comes to sand.
Walking along the sand feels like stepping into a serene coastal haven. The first thing you notice is the softness of the powdery white quartz sand beneath your feet. It feels cool and smooth, even under the hot Florida sun, which is a pleasant surprise compared to other beaches where sand can become scorching.
Shelling, Beachfront and Water
While this is not a popular beach for shelling, there are still plenty of treasures from the sea washing up on the shore every day. Just keep in mind, live shelling is prohibited so if it’s alive or has an inhabitant, put it back.
The beachfront is vast and wide and relatively flat which makes playing sports like football, frizbee or other activity, much easier. When you step out onto this beach and look across the shoreline, it is stunningly beautiful with the super white fine sand and aqua-blue water.
The gulf waters along the coastline here are pristine, with shades of blue and green that invite you to swim, snorkel, or simply walk with your feet in the shallow water. The water tends to be calmer compared to other beaches, which makes it great for swimming and water activities and particularly appealing for families and children.
Wildlife
Birding is very popular along Perdido Key with good reason, there are many species of native shore birds and unique seasonal visitors. Herons, gulls, terns and plovers are common all year while black skimmers, loons, gannets and mergansers visit in the winter months.
The Perdido Key Beach Mouse is unique to this barrier island and is one of many protected wildlife. At specific times of the year there are nesting sea turtles and nesting shorebirds, both of which are roped off to prevent harming or damaging future generations.
There’s an unspoken rule here to respect the environment, and it feels like a sanctuary for not just visitors but also for the flora and fauna that call this place home.
Parking & Amenities
Parking is available across the street from Flori-bama, at the State Park (paid + facilities), 3 road side access points (free parking, only one has restrooms), and Johnson Park (paid + facilities).
One thing to note, there are not alot of beachside sports for food and drinks east of Flori-bama until you get to the central access point where there are a few small local restaurants. Make sure you bring your own water and snacks!
Activities
Surf fishing is popular with catches including redfish, pompano, whiting, flounder and others. A fishing license may be required and all fishing must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
Water Activities include swimming, snorkeling and surfing (mostly body surfing!) The water is usually calm and inviting, perfect for swimming or snorkeling close to shore. On the days when the waves pick up, the surfing fun kicks in!
A Peaceful Escape
The beach at Perdido Key is often peaceful, with fewer crowds than other nearby destinations. The quietness adds to the feeling of isolation, as though the beach is your own personal escape. It’s a reminder that some of the best beaches aren’t the ones crowded with shops and nightlife but rather the ones that let you connect with the natural world. When you find a beach like this where you can relax and absorb the surroundings of pristine sand, calm waves and natural habitats, you leave feeling refreshed and more grounded.
