Best Outdoor Activities in Perdido Key

"Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches a full 160 miles and offers several distinct areas for visitors to explore. With plenty of beach access for sunbathing, more active adventurers will also enjoy hiking trails, fishing access points, historical sites (including Fort Pickens), and great options for migratory birdwatching. Since this area is part of the National Parks system, visitors can also participate in tours and other educational events, so be sure to check the NPS site for upcoming dates and programming."

"One of the area’s all-time most well-visited tourist stops, Gulf Islands National Seashore has a lot to offer: clean, lovely beaches, stunning natural views, flourishing wildlife, and–more to the point–spectacular sunsets. Many of the framed sunset prints you’ll find in local shops are taken here, thanks to the easily-accessible, well-maintained stretches of coast and unhurried, non-crowded atmosphere. Some even argue that the sky looks more colorful from the Gulf Islands’ remote shores."

"Take a trip around the world’s different ecosystems without leaving the Emerald Coast with a visit to the Gulf Breeze Zoo, home to 800-plus animals and involved in important conservation work all around the globe. From orangutans to lions, from kangaroos to giant anteaters, from toucans to clouded leopard, the zoo’s residents make a thrilling lineup that’ll enthrall all ages. Defining visitor experiences here include a walk along the boardwalk, which serves up awesome, fence-free views of rhinos, gorillas, zebra, and other critters; rides on the Safari Express Train; and the opportunity to feed everything from giraffes and camels to hippos and American alligators."

"Feed the giraffes, goats, pigs, and sheep in the petting zoo, take a train ride, or visit the Gulf Breeze Zoo animals. Located at 5701 Gulf Breeze Hwy, Gulf Breeze. Check the website for prices."

"A longer pier extending well into the gulf waters, Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier makes a gorgeous stop at any time of day, but it’s particularly enthralling at sunrise and sunset. Visitors come to the pier year-round to see what marine life they can spot in the waters along the edge; manta rays, sea turtles, sharks, and a slew of fish are regulars around the pier’s supports. You’ll pay about a dollar to gain admission, but it’s well worth the pocket change for a clean, well-maintained pier offering such attractive views of the Gulf–especially at sunset."

"Want to get truly up close and personal with the powerful Gulf Coast?. A day spent by the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is in order!. Stretching over a quarter mile into the Gulf, this massive piers allows plenty of access for fishing and strolling, for a small fee."

"Are you looking for calm, nice, less crowded, intercoastal beach?. If yes, then Park west is your best choice to enjoy your weekends and holidays peacefully. The beach offers clean white sand and cool still water."

"The Wharf is Orange Beach’s premier entertainment district, so there’s no better place to be a part of the action while also enjoying a cup of joe or a scoop of gelato than Southern Grind. You’ll be dazzled by not only their coffee and cuisine but by their curated collection of coastal-inspired décor. Southern Grind also has another location inside Hotel Indigo in Orange Beach (pictured here)."

"The SpringHill Suites Orange Beach at The Wharf is an all-suite hotel in Orange Beach located close to the coast. It is within walking distance to shopping and entertainment in the area and a short drive from the beach. The studio suites include a mini refrigerator and microwave, and some suites come with a balcony."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cynthia Catellier used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Another fun thing to do in Pensacola at night is exploring the shops of Palafox Street. This section is one of Pensacola’s most bustling retail districts, which has grown to include a plethora of shops and entertainment venues."

"The hibachi grill offers plenty of entertainment for adults and kids to enjoy through dinner. Have miso soup, sushi, or seaweed salad. The kid’s menu offers everything from filet mignon or shrimp to chicken fingers."

"Whenever my friends and I have a ‘girl’s night’ we head to Sake for some sushi and sake to split before a night out. They’ve got great lunch specials, but you may want to order your lunch in advance if you’re getting it to go because Sake is always slammed for lunch. Sake boasts a casual and fun atmosphere, and is always buzzing with activity."

"For an extensive menu of some of the freshest nigiri, sashimi, and hand-crafted rolls around, stop into Sake Café. Prepared by a sushi chef with 23 years under his belt, you’ll be presented with stunning platters that taste as good as they look. Some of our favorites include the Party Boat, filled with just-cut slices of nigiri and sashimi."