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Perdido Key and bird at twilight

Perdido Key [1] is a barrier island at the western tip of Florida's Panhandle.

Perdido Key is a short distance south west of the city of Pensacola. It is the furthest west beach in Florida, and one of the most beautiful beaches on the Gulf Coast.

[edit] Understand

Perdido means "lost" in Spanish, and this means a lot. This is the Florida experience we remember from years ago but with a modern, upscale twist. Like its sister towns, Perdido Key boasts sugar white sands and crystal water. Although boutiques and quaint eateries dot the landscape in Perdido Key, the area feels somewhat removed, enjoying a slower pace. Boating and fishing are naturals in this relaxed community.

The unspoiled, white sands of Perdido Key enjoy a history rich in lore. Rumor has it that pirates buried treasure along the precarious shoals of Perdido Bay where it enters the Gulf. Today, people still wander the beach hoping to uncover the lost treasures. Because of its unique geography the Key is one of the most natural and beautiful areas along the Gulf Coast. Here, the waves invite laughter and surfing, diving and sport fishing. The back bays and lagoons are ideal for boating or waterskiing. No doubt you’ll believe Florida's Perdido Key brims with treasure, whether or not you find anything buried.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By air

The closest airport is Pensacola Regional Airport (IATA: PNS) [2] in Pensacola.

[edit] By car

Florida State Route 292 links Perdido Key with Pensacola.

[edit] Get around

Perdido Key Drive, part of Florida State Route 292, is the island's main road and follows the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

[edit][add listing] See

• Good Time Tours Inc. Daily trips to the casinos in Biloxi, 455 Corday St, Pensacola, 1-800-446-0886, [3].

• Orange Beach Helicopter Tours, 25405 Perdido Bch Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama, 1-866-980-4354. [4].

• Perdido Key Parasail Tours, P O Box 34428, Pensacola, 1-850-492-4000.

• Johnson Beach Park. On the eastern end of the island, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. $8 per car admission (re-entry allowed, for example if you wish to drive out for lunch and come back). Services and showers near the entrance; very quiet peaceful beach especially at the far end.

[edit][add listing] Do

The beautiful beach!

[edit] Fishing charters

• A-1 Charters, 5574 Ponte Verde Ct, 1-888-272-7985, [5].

• Reel Surprise Charters, 24964 Wolf Bay Terrace, Orange Beach, Alabama, 1-800-806-7889, [6].

[edit] Golf

• Lost Key Golf Club, Pensacola, 1-888-256-7853, [7].

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Hub Stacey's 5851 Galvez Road (from Innerarity Point Road turn south on to Galvez at the Fire Station). Good food and drink with a great view of the bay

• Lillian's Pan Pizza, 13821 Perdido Key Dr., 1-850-492-0131, [8].

• Lost Key Java, 13700 Perdido Key Dr (in the Villagio Shopping Center). Coffee, breakfasts, and lunch sandwiches.

• The Original Point Restaurant [9], 14340 Innerarity Pt Rd., 1-850-492-3577.

• The Reef, 13595 Perdido Key (near the intersection of Johnson Beach Road). Restaurant is upstairs from the bar.

• Vallarta Mexican Restaurant, 13584 Perdido Key Dr., 1-850-492-1701.

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Flora-Bama Lounge [10] 17401 Perdido Key Drive, at the far western end of Perdido Key right on the border with Alabama. Raucous road-house dive; live music nightly and also in the afternoons during the weekend.

• Hub Stacey's 5851 Galvez Road. Nice view of the bay; sometimes has live music on weekends.

• The Reef, 13595 Perdido Key (near the intersection of Johnson Beach Road). Smokey bar downstairs from the restaurant.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Perdido Key has few hotel rooms, but there are many rentals of furnished condominums. Most require 3 night stays. For other options, remember central Pensacola is an easy 20 minute drive away.

• Eden Condominiums 16281 Perdido Key Drive, 800-523-8141 [11]. Aptly named; feel like you're in the French Riviera at this fine resort overlooking the beach.

• Island Paradise at Purple Parrot Island Resort, 13555 Perdido Key Blvd., [12]. Newly redecorated villa offers elegant, yet comfortable, tropical décor which will immediately set the mood for an exciting but relaxing vacation.

• Meyer Rentals, tel. 1325705048 [13]. Offers various furnished condominiums.

• Perdido Key Resort Rentals, 14758 Perdido Key Drive, 800.598.1888, [14]. Stay in beautifully furnished, Gulf front condos and beach houses on Perdido beach. Choose from 100s of rentals for a fantastic family vacation.

[edit] Get out

The city of Pensacola is a 15 to 20 minute drive to the north east.

The Alabama Gulf Coast begins a short drive to the west.