12 Reasons Visiting Perdido Key Changes Your Life

Sugar white beaches, emerald green waters, untouched lands, unrivaled history and the Blue Angels. You'll never want to leave.

12. Perdido Key is home to the whitest and softest sand in the world

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Perdido Key’s literal translation means “Lost Key,” so named by the early Spanish who discovered it nearly 500 years ago. The sand on Perdido Key's beaches is the whitest in the world. The powdered sugar-like sand comes from the Appalachian Mountains, and is made of finely ground quartz crystal, giving the appearance of sugar.

11. We're home to the world renowned U.S. Navy Blue Angels

Nicole St Aubin

The Blue Angels fly over Perdido Key as viewed from the Pensacola Lighthouse. The Blue Angels are home-based in Pensacola and often practice multiple times a week during the Summer and Fall seasons over Perdido Key

10. Our beautiful Gulf Coast is perfect for enjoying spectacular sunrises...

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The sun rises from the east along the Gulf Coast, providing unparalleled, awe-inspiring vistas

9. ...and sunsets.

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You're treated to unrivaled sunrises and sunsets that rise and fall along the coastline.

8. It's easy to get lost in the Key and witness nature in action

Nicole St. Aubin

Environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Perdido Key because it is one of the few untouched beaches along the Gulf Coast, Nine and half miles of preserves offer a wealth of opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. Perdido Key is home to three endangered species – the Perdido Key beach mouse, the piping plover and the sea turtle.

7. There are endless opportunities to try something fun and new!

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Whether it's boating, sailing or....even taking your water jetpack for a spin, the recreational opportunities are endless, year round, with an average annual temperature of 75 degrees and 343 days of sunshine.

6. A 10 minute drive down the road will take you to one of the oldest lighthouses on the Gulf Coast

Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum

Climb 177 steps up the historic Pensacola Lighthouse & Museum for one of the most beautiful views on the Gulf Coast. Built in 1859, the lighthouse is located on board NAS Pensacola.

5. When you need to stretch your legs, explore the largest National Seashore in the world

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No more than a few hundred yards wide in most places, Perdido Key stretches some 16 miles, with almost 60 percent of it located in federal or state parks – making it one of the last remaining unblemished stretches of wilderness on the Gulf Coast. In 1978 the National Park Service completed purchase of over 1,000 acres of land on Perdido Key from Johnson Beach to Pensacola Pass for about $8 million dollars. For years this general area was called Gulf Beach, and slowly it evolved into being called Perdido Key.

4. Stop by America's "Last Great Roadhouse," the Flora-Bama and throw a mullet over the state line of Florida and Alabama

The Flora-Bama takes its name from its location on the Florida-Alabama border line. The Flora-Bama property truly does lie in both Alabama and Florida with the bar sitting right on the line...The Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party is legendary. Those who participate in the Mullet Toss will throw a dead mullet over the state line of Florida and Alabama to see who gets the farthest.

3. Visit the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum

National Museum of Naval Aviation

As the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum and one of the most-visited museums in the state of Florida, the National Naval Aviation Museum is home to more than 150 aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation, and a number of attractions sure to captivate the whole family.

2. Just a short boat ride off the coast, dive "The Great Carrier Reef,” the largest artificial reef on Earth

A one-of-a-kind diving experience, the sunken aircraft carrier USS Oriskany is the largest artificial reef in the world. The USS Oriskany was sunk 22 miles south of Perdido Key. Nicknamed “the Great Carrier Reef,” the site is one of the most popular diving destinations in the United States.

1. After soaking up some sun on the Key, you can always enjoy the nightlife and gaze endlessly into the night sky

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Perdido Key is settled away from the city lights and is a great spot to lay out on the beach at night, look up and just be in awe of the beauty of paradise.