Perdido Key Visitor Guide – FAQs, Info, Links
Whether you’re planning or already there, use this Perdido Key Visitor Guide to quickly find the answers and information you need to make your trip more enjoyable.
- Location
- Environment
- Accommodations
- Food [Restaurants, Fast Food, Specialty, Groceries, Fresh Seafood]
- Perdido Key Churches
- Some of the Many Nearby Attractions
Sometimes you just need a quick fact – that restaurant you want to try is in Gulf Shores, but how far is that from Perdido Key? Or maybe you need a link to grocery options. Who wants to waste time hunting for such trivia?
Nobody, and that’s the purpose of this visitor guide. I’ve tried to provide lots of common need-to-know information and answers to help you find what you’re looking for and get on with your day.
Note that there isn’t a ton of info on kid friendly activities and attractions here. Generally speaking, you’ll find much more for kids in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. It’s a very short drive to both (see distances below), but if you’re going to be doing lots of that you may want to find a condo on one of those beaches.
For all of you who travel with young children, I do have plans to put together another guide for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Hopefully that will be in the very near future.
Location
- Is Perdido Key in Florida or Alabama?
It’s in Florida, but read the next answer to understand why it might be confusing. - Where is Perdido Key?
It’s in Escambia County just across the Florida state border, located between Orange Beach, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida. Just to confuse you, if you’re in Florida driving west, just when you cross the state line into Alabama, there is a stretch of beach there (in Alabama) called Perdido Beach. Those are two different locations in two different states. You’ll know when you cross between Florida and Alabama because you’ll pass the famous Flora-Bama Lounge, which sits right on the border. - Where can I find a map of Perdido Key?
For a detailed city map with options to see a street view and lots of local destinations of interest, see the Perdido Key Resort Management Area Map. - What is the closest airport to Perdido Key, Florida?
The nearest commercial airport is the Pensacola International Airport (PNS), approximately 21 miles from Perdido Key. - What is the time zone in Perdido Key, Florida?
Perdido Key is in the Central Standard Time zone, but it’s close to the line between the next time zone. Traveling east, you will cross into the Eastern Standard Time zone when you reach Port St. Joe, Florida.
The line basically follows the Apalachicola River, except when it reaches the town of Apalachicola it turns westward and goes around Port St. Joe. That odd little turn makes Port St. Joe in the Eastern Time zone even though it is west of some Central Time Zone communities. - What are the zip codes in Perdido Key?
It only has one, and that is 32507. - How far is it from…
Going East- Perdido Key to Pensacola Naval Air Station (home of the Blue Angels) – 12 miles
- Perdido Key to town of Pensacola – 27 miles
- Perdido Key to Navarre Beach – 41 miles
- Perdido Key to Fort Walton Beach – 56 miles
- Perdido Key to Destin – 63 miles
- Perdido Key to Panama City Beach – 141 miles (the beach route is shorter but very slow due to heavy traffic)
- Perdido Key to Port St. Joe – 193 miles
- Perdido Key to Orange Beach, Alabama – 12 miles
- Perdido Key to Gulf Shores, Alabama – 18 miles
- Perdido Key to Foley, Alabama (Tanger Outlet Mall) – 23 miles
- Perdido Key to Mobile, Alabama – 66 miles
- Perdido Key to New Orleans, Louisiana – 210 miles
- What is the weather like in Perdido Key?
Monthly Average Temperatures in Perdido Key
- What are the current weather and ocean conditions in the Perdido Key area?
Weather Forecast – LocalConditions.com – Perdido Key, FL Weather
Perdido Key Surf Report – National Weather Service, Experimental Beach Forecast Webpage
See also: Gulf Coast Rip Current Awareness
Perdido Key Jellyfish Report – Look for PURPLE flag flying on the beach. Purple indicates the presence of stinging wildlife in the water, including jellyfish, man o’ war, and stingrays. Note that the absence of a purple flag does NOT mean safe water. Only main beach access points are required to post flags.
Sometimes you may also find current information on the City of Perdido Key website or the Perdido Key Facebook page.
Perdido Key Tides – Perdido Key Tide Charts
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Condo rentals:
VRBO – Perdido Key, FL (Vacation Rental By Owner)
- Perdido Realty Vacations
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My Favorite Restaurants:
- Perdido Key Oyster Bar Restaurant & Marina
13700 River Road, Perdido Key, FL 32507
(850) 492-5600
Fabulous food, great view overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, upscale atmosphere, outdoor seating available – just 5 miles east of the Florida/Alabama state line
Try the bay scallops sautéed in a rich cream sauce, divine! (They aren’t always on the menu, but most of the time they have them if you ask.)
www.oysterbar31.com - The Original Point Restaurant
14340 Innerarity Point Road, Perdido Key, FL 32507
(850) 492-3577
This locals favorite is a little off the beaten path but not far and not hard to find. The exterior is unimpressive, but the seafood is delicious (specialty is fresh local fried Mullet). Very casual atmosphere with super fun bluegrass band on select nights.
See directions here - The Shrimp Basket
14600 Perdido Key, Drive, Perdido Key, FL 32507
(850) 898-1480
Very casual atmosphere, inexpensive, and food is excellent. A variety of fish and seafood as well as great sides like greens, fried okra, and other good ole southern home cooking.
shrimpbasket.com - GTs on the Bay
26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 980-8400
A bit of a drive but well worth it for a wonderful meal and nice atmosphere. Outdoor seating available with view of the bay and big sand playground for the kids. Huge menu with seafood plus much more.
GTs on the Bay website -
AND DON’T MISS THIS… Just down the road in Orange Beach is a fairly new restaurant called The Gulf. It’s a super fun place for the whole family! All seating is outdoors, on picnic tables overlooking the ocean. The “flooring” beneath the tables is artificial turf, and the entire center is a giant sandbox perfect for entertaining the kids. You go up to the window and place your order, find a seat, and then they bring your food when it’s ready.
To offer the freshest selections, the menu changes with the seasons. When I last visited in late May it included appetizers, salads, sandwiches, seafood and specialties. The burgers and shrimp tacos are delicious, and their homemade guacamole is to die for.
And yes, it’s also open in winter. You’ll still sit outdoors, but they have fire pits to keep you warm! The Gulf is located at 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561. Check out their website at TheGulf.com.
- Perdido Key Oyster Bar Restaurant & Marina
- Lillian’s Pizza (Absolutely some of the BEST pizza you’ll ever eat. Anywhere!)
- Nearby fast food joints include Burger King, McDonald’s, Subway, and Sonic. For Chick-fil-A and a lot more choices you may want to make the short drive to Orange Beach.
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Specialty
- Hershey’s Ice Cream on the Beach – 10427 Sorrento Road, Suite 103 and 17288 Perdido key Drive
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Groceries
- Publix
13390 Perdido Key Drive
Delivery and Curbside Pickup (delivery area limited) - Walmart
2951 Blue Angel Parkway
Curbside Pickup - Winn Dixie
13019 Sorrento Road
Delivery and Curbside Pickup (delivery area limited) /li>
- Publix
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Fresh Seafood Market
- Perdido Bay Seafood Inc.
13506 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key, FL 32507
(850) 912-8366
Fish and shrimp fresh off the boats daily. Located under the Baars Bridge.
Selection varies depending on catch but usually includes Amberjack, Grouper, Red Snapper, and lots more.
- Perdido Bay Seafood Inc.
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There are lots of churches of all denominations located at or very near the beaches in Perdido Key. To find the church websites and information about service times see this Google map of churches in the Perdido Key area.
For a non-denominational service, and a rather unique worship experience, consider attending Sunday services at the Flora-Bama Lounge. Yes, I know that sounds bizarre, but I have been and it is a truly wonderful service. Get complete information here.
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- Perdido Key State Park
15301 Perdido Key Drive
Be sure to read this fascinating article about Johnson Beach and Florida Black History. - Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Blue Angels
Naval Air Station Pensacola
Blue Angels website - Tanger Outlet Mall, Foley, Alabama
- Flora-Bama Lounge, Packagek & Oyster Bar
- The Wharf, Orange Beach, Alabama
Blue Angels on Facebook (you’ll often find latest news and updates here)- Waterville USA, Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Adventure Island, Orange Beach, Alabama (go carts, bumper boats, mini golf, lazer tag, arcade, paddle boats, kiddie rides)
- Dolphin Tales dolphin cruise
Besides all that, you’re just a short drive from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. For a full list of area fun events and festivals, be sure to check out Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Events & Festivals.
- Perdido Key State Park
Environment
Accommodations
Food [Restaurants, Fast Food, Specialty, Groceries, Fresh Seafood]
Fast Food
Churches
Some of the Many Nearby Attractions
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