Access Upgrades Now Open at Perdido Key Area

Upgrades to public access in the Perdido Key Area in the Gulf Islands National Seashore near Gulf Breeze are now open, according to officials.

The $2.6-million project includes three new parking lots, seven beach crossovers and a half-mile multi-use trail. All were opened on March 1. National Seashore officials say the project to improve visitor access and experience, restore habitat and protect critical resources began in September.

Gulf Islands National Seashore Perdido Key Area Map

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Florida Sportsman Editor Jeff Weakley is personally familiar with that stretch of beach and says it’s a super place to fish the surf for pompano, redfish and whiting in March and April. What to know:

• 7 new accessible boardwalks (six along the road and 1 at the pavilion).
• 3 new paved parking areas to eliminate roadside parking.
• New speed tables with pedestrian crosswalks.
• The new half-mile bike/pedestrian trail is part of the previous Johnson Beach Road. It begins at the eastern point of the new parking area and continues east to the roundabout at the end. The beginning is easily identifiable by yellow barricades to prevent vehicle use and to provide a saferecreation trail walk or bike.
• Dogs on a six-foot leash will be allowed on the roadway and multi-use path. They are not allowed on beaches or in the water.

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The Perdido Key Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore is a vital resource open year-round as the only public beach available in the immediate area. In 2023 it received more than 805,000 visitors. It also provides critical habitat for the Perdido Key beach mouse, the most critically endangered small mammal in North America, as well as imperiled nesting shorebirds.

The project is funded by Gulf Restoration funding associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement in partnership with the Florida Trustee Implementation Group (TIG).

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