Perdido Key with Kids: A Laid-Back Family Beach Vacation Guide

Tucked between Pensacola and Orange Beach, Perdido Key is the quieter, slower, secret-sauce version of a Gulf Coast family vacation. Think wide beaches without the crowds, family-owned seafood joints, and calm water perfect for little swimmers. It’s a place where sandy feet are the dress code and kids can be kids without a schedule.

If you're heading to Perdido Key with children in tow, here’s everything you need to know—where to stay, what to eat, what to do (when you’re beached out), and how to keep everyone happy, sunscreened, and safe.

When to Visit Perdido Key with Kids

  • Spring and Fall (March–May, September–October): Ideal for warm weather and fewer crowds. The Gulf is swimmable, the wildlife is active, and you’re not melting.

  • Summer: Beautiful but intense. Avoid the midday sun (10 AM to 3 PM) and plan indoor or shaded activities in the heat.

  • Winter: Quiet and peaceful. No swimming, but great for exploring, hiking, and shell hunting with a sweater on.

Where to Stay with Kids in Perdido Key

  • Purple Parrot Village Resort: A family favorite for a reason. Cute pastel-colored condos, a lagoon-style pool, indoor pool for rainy days, and a tiki bar for parents. Perfect if you want space, comfort, and a fun home base.

  • Beachfront Condos (like Windemere, Perdido Sun, or Eden): These offer direct beach access and are ideal for families who want to maximize ocean time and minimize car time. Many come with full kitchens and laundry—huge wins when traveling with kids.

Look for rentals that include beach gear and have a pool as a backup plan.

Where to Eat with Kids in Perdido Key

  • Flora-Bama Ole River Grill: Right on the water, super casual, and great for families. The menu covers picky eaters to seafood lovers, and the vibe is very come-as-you-are.

  • The Jellyfish Bar: More laid-back than it sounds. Sushi, burgers, and seafood in a spot that’s nicer than a shack but still kid-appropriate.

  • Perdido Key Breakfast Club: For breakfast or brunch. Pancakes, eggs, and a mimosa if you need it.

  • Lillian’s Pizza: Just across the bridge and worth it. Great for takeout after a long beach day when everyone’s too tired to sit still.

  • The Gulf (Orange Beach): Just a short drive from Perdido Key and absolutely worth it. Built from shipping containers with a breezy outdoor setup, this spot is your go-to for fresh, modern food with a view. There's room for kids to roam while you enjoy fish tacos and a frosty drink. Stylish, relaxed, and beachy in the best way.

Pro Tip: Go for lunch or early dinner—sunset here is magical and keeps the evening stress-free for little ones.

Things to Do in Perdido Key with Kids

  • The Beach, of course! The Gulf side is great for wave-jumping and shell hunting.

  • Johnson Beach (part of Gulf Islands National Seashore) has a quiet side with calm, clear waters and the Gulf side has excellent facilities: picnic tables, bathrooms, showers, and a less crowded, more natural feel. Entry requires a $25/week vehicle pass, or the Gulf Islands annual pass ($40), or a National Parks Pass.

  • National Naval Aviation Museum. One of the best free museums in the country, and only about 30 minutes from Perdido Key. Planes you can touch, flight simulators, and loads of space to run around indoors.

  • Want an epic bonus? Visit on Blue Angels practice days (usually Tuesdays) and watch the jets scream overhead. Always check their Facebook page before you go for schedule changes.

  • Hike the Seashore. There’s a quiet nature trail along the National Seashore—easy enough for small kids, with plenty of wildlife to spot. Ideal for cooler mornings or after-dinner strolls.

  • While Perdido Key itself is more chill than flashy, nearby Goofy Golf (in Pensacola) is a classic roadside attraction with kitschy charm—dinosaurs, windmills, and holes that defy logic.

  • Big Lagoon State Park also offers trails, boardwalks, and birdwatching—super mellow and great for kids who love the outdoors.

  • Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: About 45 minutes from Perdido Key in Gulf Shores, and absolutely worth the drive. Known as “The Little Zoo That Could,” it offers close-up animal encounters, a petting zoo, and a manageable layout perfect for young explorers. Shady, interactive, and just the right size.

🧴 Practical Tips for Parents

  • Avoid peak sun hours: Head to the beach early (before 10 a.m.) or after 3 p.m. for happier, less crispy kids.

  • Sunscreen restocks: Grab more at Publix just across the bridge or The Islander gift shop for beach essentials.

  • Closest urgent care:

    • Baptist Medical Park – Nine Mile Road (Pensacola) is your best bet for non-emergencies.

    • In an emergency? Call 911. Lifeguards are present at Johnson Beach and staffed public access points in season.

  • Restrooms + rinsing off: Johnson Beach has great public facilities, or stay in a condo with outdoor showers to keep sand outside where it belongs.

Want to Capture It All?

There’s something magical about this stretch of beach—less noise, more connection. It’s the perfect place to slow down, unplug, and be present with your people. I offer laid-back, family-friendly photo sessions right here in Perdido Key. Golden hour, natural light, sandy toes, no stress. Just you and the people you love, captured beautifully.

Let’s turn your family vacation into lasting memories.

FamilyNatalie WeberBeach Photography, Perdido Key, FloridaComment