
Perdido Key State Park
Pristine barrier island with squeaky quartz sand, offering Gulf and sound-side access for swimming, wildlife viewing, and beachcombing.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds & secure parking

Perdido Key State Park
Best Time
Avoid crowds & secure parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pristine barrier island with squeaky quartz sand, offering Gulf and sound-side access for swimming, wildlife viewing, and beachcombing.
"A beautiful white sand beach, relaxing. I saw a lot of birds an osprey a group of brown pelicans and I even saw a small stingray."

Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends! Get there before 10 AM for the best chance. :car:
Check Beach Flags Daily
Purple flags mean stinging creatures! Always be aware of rip currents and marine life. :warning:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pristine White Sand Beaches
Gulf-facing shoreline
Sink your toes into squeaky, quartz-rich sand and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf.

Abundant Wildlife Viewing
Throughout the park
Spot ospreys, pelicans, dolphins, manta rays, and even sharks in their natural habitat.

Sound Side Access
Intracoastal Waterway side
Explore calmer waters on the sound side, perfect for wading and observing different marine life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Beach Bliss
Pack Smart for a Perfect Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends! Get there before 10 AM for the best chance. :car:
Check Beach Flags Daily
Purple flags mean stinging creatures! Always be aware of rip currents and marine life. :warning:
Shelling Paradise
The beach is known for amazing shells! Keep an eye out for treasures washed ashore. :shell:
Sound Side Serenity
For calmer waters and different wildlife, explore the sound side. Bring a blanket! :blanket:
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends! Get there before 10 AM for the best chance. :car:
Check Beach Flags Daily
Purple flags mean stinging creatures! Always be aware of rip currents and marine life. :warning:
Shelling Paradise
The beach is known for amazing shells! Keep an eye out for treasures washed ashore. :shell:
Sound Side Serenity
For calmer waters and different wildlife, explore the sound side. Bring a blanket! :blanket:
Pack Sting Relief Spray
Jellyfish can be dense. Having sting relief spray on hand is a good idea. :pill:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning white-sand beaches and clear waters, often describing the sand as 'squeaky' due to its quartz content. The abundance of wildlife, including dolphins and various birds, is a major highlight. However, some guests noted issues with the functionality of outdoor showers and the density of jellyfish during certain times.
"Amazing shells! There were four outdoor showers but only 1.25 of them worked. Two out of four did not work at all and the third one only had the foot shower part working. There are restrooms. I didn't use . It is a beautiful white sand beach, relaxing. I saw a lot of birds an osprey a group of brown pelicans and I even saw a small stingray"
Coco Bijan
"The park was at the Gulf. It was nice and clean. The beach was wonderful. If you went down the road to the West, on the right side of the road, they had a trail and you could get in the water on the sound side. It had no benches or tables on this side of the park. You would need to bring a blanket or something to sit on
It cost $3 per vehicle. Other parks nearby had more things though."
Belinda Clouse
"We stopped along the beach and road for a few hours. This Is a beautiful Beach with clean restrooms. And picnic tables under shade. The sand actually SQUEEKS under your feet! Due to high quartz content."
Mike Longenbaker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Perdido Key State Park is located on a barrier island, just 15 minutes from Pensacola, Florida.
Access is straightforward via Highway 98. If you're coming from Orange Beach, Alabama, it's also a short drive. Parking is available within the park, but it fills up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.Public transport options directly to Perdido Key State Park are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving yourself.
Perdido Key State Park is a Florida State Park focused on the eastern portion of the key. Gulf Islands National Seashore is a larger, federally managed area that includes parts of Perdido Key, offering different access points and experiences, including Johnson Beach.
Yes, Perdido Key State Park is very close to the Alabama border. Many visitors stay in Orange Beach, Alabama, and make a day trip to the park.
You can usually find park maps at the entrance station or on the official Florida State Parks website. These maps will show you the layout, parking areas, and access points to the beach and sound side.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically $3 per vehicle.
This is a reasonable price for a day of beach access and amenities. It's always a good idea to check the official Florida State Parks website for the most current pricing.The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, specific hours can vary, so it's best to confirm with the Florida State Parks website before your visit.
No, advance ticket booking is typically not required for Perdido Key State Park. Entry is usually on a first-come, first-served basis, and payment is made at the park entrance. However, on very busy days, parking can fill up.
While there isn't a specific pass just for Perdido Key State Park, an annual Florida State Parks pass might offer entry to multiple state parks. Check the Florida State Parks website for details on available passes.
No, the park is closed to vehicles and visitors after sunset for safety and security reasons. Ensure you plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the park before closing.
🎫 🏖️ Beach & Activities
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, birding, and fishing. Kayaking is also popular, with some visitors enjoying exploring the waters.
The park offers access to both the Gulf and the sound side for varied experiences.Yes, the Gulf-facing beaches are beautiful for swimming. However, always pay close attention to the beach flag system, as rip currents can be dangerous.
Purple flags indicate stinging creatures like jellyfish.Perdido Key State Park does not offer camping facilities. For camping in the area, you would need to look at nearby options like Johnson Beach within Gulf Islands National Seashore or other private campgrounds.
Yes, the park has picnic tables available, often located under shade structures. It's a great spot for a family lunch with a view of the Gulf.
Visitors frequently report seeing a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, manta rays, fish, crabs, ospreys, and brown pelicans.
It's a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts.📸 📸 Photography
The white sand beaches with the turquoise Gulf waters are stunning for photos.
The boardwalks over the dunes offer elevated perspectives. Sunsets here are also incredibly picturesque.Absolutely! Sunsets at Perdido Key State Park are often described as magical and are a popular time for photographers to capture the beauty of the Florida coast.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Florida State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the specific park regulations or the Florida State Parks website for current drone policies.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beaches and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the water and sky.
The 'squeaky' sand, due to its high quartz content, can be a unique element to capture in photos. Also, the diverse marine life offers exciting opportunities for close-up shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
🌊 Beachcombers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Perdido Key's Waters: Gulf vs. Sound
Many visitors enjoy exploring both sides to experience the full spectrum of what Perdido Key has to offer. The proximity of these two distinct water bodies within the same park makes it a versatile destination for various water activities. Whether you're looking for the thrill of ocean waves or the serenity of a bay, Perdido Key State Park delivers.
When planning your visit, consider which side best suits your interests. If you're traveling with young children or prefer gentler waters, the sound side might be more appealing. For those who love the open ocean and wave action, the Gulf side is the place to be. Remember to pack accordingly, as amenities can differ between the two areas.
Wildlife Encounters at Perdido Key
Beyond the birds, the waters teem with marine life. Dolphins are frequently sighted playing in the Gulf waves, and manta rays have also been observed. Keep an eye out for smaller creatures like fish and crabs along the shore and in the shallows. While exciting, visitors should also be aware of potential marine hazards. Jellyfish can sometimes be dense in the water, and it's advisable to have sting relief spray on hand. Additionally, larger marine animals, including sharks, have been seen cruising the surf, underscoring the importance of staying informed about beach conditions and safety flags.
Experiencing the wildlife at Perdido Key State Park is a significant part of its appeal. It’s a reminder of the vibrant ecosystem that thrives along the Florida coast. Responsible viewing practices, such as maintaining a safe distance and not feeding the animals, ensure that these creatures can continue to inhabit the park for generations to come.
The Unique 'Squeaky' Sand of Perdido Key
This phenomenon adds a whimsical sensory experience to a visit to Perdido Key. It’s a subtle yet memorable detail that sets the beach apart. The sand itself is also incredibly soft and white, contributing to the overall pristine beauty of the park's shoreline.
While the squeaking sand is a fun novelty, it's also a testament to the natural geological processes that have shaped this beautiful barrier island. It’s a small detail that enhances the overall charm and memorability of a trip to Perdido Key State Park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit