Betty and Crawford Rainwater Perdido River Preserve
5955 Hurst Hammock Rd Pensacola, FL 32526
Parks in Pensacola
Outdoor adventures and natural wonders await at our beautiful parks in Pensacola!
Dive into the beauty of our parks, starting with the Gulf Islands National Seashore, where historic forts and sugar-white sand beaches are ready to explore. Immerse yourself in Big Lagoon State Park's serene landscapes, or uncover the hidden gems of Perdido Key State Park's pristine shores. Experience our local parks, where endless recreational activities and breathtaking views await.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key both are home to the longest stretch of federally protected seashore in the United States. You’ll find endless opportunities for solitude and relaxation and miles of unobstructed views and access to the Gulf. A short hike, bike ride, or kayak trip always ensures a swath of beach, sans humans.
Big Lagoon State Park
Big Lagoon State Park
This coastal park sits on the northern shoreline of its namesake, Big Lagoon, which separates the
mainland from Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico. Natural communities, ranging from saltwater marshes to pine flatwoods, attract a wide variety of birds, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Beaches, shallow bays, nature trails, and open woodlands offer splendid opportunities for nature study. The park also beckons visitors with opportunities for camping, swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and hiking. Crabbing in the shallow waters of Big Lagoon is a popular activity as well. The West Beach picnic area, shaded by pines and oaks, is just the place to enjoy a relaxing meal. Located on County Road 292A, 10 miles southwest of Pensacola.
<p><strong>KNOW BEFORE YOU GO </strong>Effective Feb. 1, 2025: The <span style=“background-color: rgb(251, 238, 184);”>campground at Big Lagoon State Park is currently closed</span> for a renovation project. Please check back here for updates on re-opening.</p>
mainland from Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico. Natural communities, ranging from saltwater marshes to pine flatwoods, attract a wide variety of birds, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Beaches, shallow bays, nature trails, and open woodlands offer splendid opportunities for nature study. The park also beckons visitors with opportunities for camping, swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and hiking. Crabbing in the shallow waters of Big Lagoon is a popular activity as well. The West Beach picnic area, shaded by pines and oaks, is just the place to enjoy a relaxing meal. Located on County Road 292A, 10 miles southwest of Pensacola.
<p><strong>KNOW BEFORE YOU GO </strong>Effective Feb. 1, 2025: The <span style=“background-color: rgb(251, 238, 184);”>campground at Big Lagoon State Park is currently closed</span> for a renovation project. Please check back here for updates on re-opening.</p>
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park
<p>At over 4000 acres, Tarkiln Bayou Preserve is home to four species of endangered pitcher plants, as well as other rare and endangered plant species. The carnivorous white-top pitcher plant is unique to the Gulf Coast and found only between the Apalachicola and Mississippi rivers. Almost 100 other rare plants and animals depend on the wet prairie habitat, including the alligator snapping turtle, sweet pitcher plant, and Chapman’s butterwort. A boardwalk offers visitors a view of the wild and beautiful Tarkiln Bayou. Visitors can enjoy a picnic and then take a hike on the nature trails to observe the rare plants and animals. For a more adventurous outing, visitors can take a day-hike across the park to the Perdido Bay.</p>
Perdido Key State Park
Perdido Key State Park
<p>Perdido Key State Park is a 290-acre Florida State Park located on a barrier island known as Perdido Key. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing in this serene natural setting.</p>
<p>The park’s undisturbed dunes and marshes provide essential habitat for nesting shorebirds and sea turtles, making it a vital conservation area along the Gulf of Mexico. At Perdido Key State Park, you can explore diverse ecosystems like dunes, marshes, and coastal forests, providing ample opportunities for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.</p>
<p>The park’s undisturbed dunes and marshes provide essential habitat for nesting shorebirds and sea turtles, making it a vital conservation area along the Gulf of Mexico. At Perdido Key State Park, you can explore diverse ecosystems like dunes, marshes, and coastal forests, providing ample opportunities for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.</p>
Explore All Pensacola Parks
Fort Pickens — Gulf Islands National Seashore
1400 Fort Pickens Road Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 934-2600
Demonstration Gardens
3740 Stefani Road Cantonment, FL 32533
Bayou Marcus Wetlands
8684 Alekai Dr Pensacola, FL 32526
Corinne Jones Park
620 West Government Street Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 436-5670
Edward Ball Nature Trail
University of West Florida Pensacola, FL 32514 (850) 474-2580
Free Pavilions in Pensacola
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Fort Pickens Picnic Pavilion
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Sanders Beach
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Bryan Park
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Navy Federal Credit Union Recreation Center
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Bayview Park
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Civitan Park
An Insider's Look at the Outdoors
Pensacola offers an outdoor mecca of trails for the adventure enthusiast
Adventure (noun) An exciting or very unusual experience; participation in exciting undertakings or enterprises. Experience the ultimate adventure in Pensacola. With rolling hills, bountiful bayous, lazy lagoons, natural national seashores and the emerald green waters of the Gulf, there’s a gamut of outdoor activities that are yours for the taking.
Five Historic Hikes in Pensacola
History, beaches and a hike in the Florida sunshine, is that too much to ask? Absolutely not! Experience these 5 historic hikes in the Pensacola Bay Area.
Migrate to Pensacola to Explore the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail
In Pensacola, we’re lucky to be located under the superhighway for birds, the Atlantic Flyway that stretches 3,000 miles from the Caribbean to the Arctic tundra on which a kaleidoscope of amazing birds migrates to and from their wintering grounds. We’re the official gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail of which we boast 10 stops.
Hiking Scenic Pensacola
Let me guess, you brought some hiking shoes along to the beach and you’re expecting to make a 2-hour trip to get to the nearest place with a secluded trail, woods or a quiet waterway. Well, you and your hiking shoes are in luck.
Birding Trail
Nature & Wildlife
Explore the Best Hiking and Walking Trails in the Pensacola Bay Area
Get Out There – the Trails are Waiting
