Best time to travel to Pensacola, FL

Big Lagoon State Park in Pensacola, FL

Go on a kayaking or fishing adventure near Pensacola

Best time: all year round (best in April–November)

Big Lagoon State Park
Big Lagoon State Park
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Big Lagoon State Park, located just 30-minutes-drive from Pensacola, is a perfect weekend getaway with a plethora of outdoor and recreational activities. The park features a variety of natural landscapes, like saltwater tidal marshes, pine flatwoods, and pristine sandy beaches.

Big Lagoon State Park is a perfect spot for birdwatching during the fall and spring migrations. The park is home to over 20 species of wood-warbler, various ducks, sandpiper species, as well as black-bellied plovers.

The park is open year-round, however, such activities like swimming, paddling, boating, and camping are most enjoyable during warmer months, from April through November. In winter, Northern Florida might experience colder temperatures, although it never drops below freezing.

If you are thinking of a real adventure, go on a 1,515 mi (2,438 km) sea kayaking journey on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail which starts near the park. Big Lagoon is also the starting point for the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Fishing enthusiasts won't be disappointed with the abundance of redfish, bluefish, flounder, and sea trout in the park. There are also crabbing and cast netting for mullet opportunities.

To enjoy the view of the park's natural landscape you can climb the observation tower, located in the middle.

Practical info

What is the best time to schedule a visit to Big Lagoon State Park?

Big Lagoon State Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to November. During this period, temperatures are warmer, and visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching. Winter sees lower temperatures, but it is still possible to participate in activities; visitors should check the weather conditions before planning their visit. Bird watchers will experience exceptional bird species sightings during fall and spring migrations. Show more

Which specific areas of Big Lagoon State Park are exceptional for migratory bird watching activities?

Big Lagoon State Park offers birdwatchers an excellent opportunity to observe bird species like wood-warblers, ducks, sandpiper, and black-bellied plovers. The observation tower strategically situated in the lagoon and the birding trail are two exceptional areas for bird watching. Visitors who want to spot migratory birds should plan their visit during fall and spring migrations. Please remember to come with bird-watching essentials such as binoculars and field guides. Show more

What kind of popular fish species can fishing enthusiasts catch in Big Lagoon?

Fishing is an activity enjoyed by visitors to Big Lagoon State Park; the lagoon is home to various fish species like redfish, bluefish, flounder, and sea trout. Two other popular activities visitors can enjoy are crabbing and cast-netting for mullet. Fishing gear rental services are not available within the park, but visitors can find rental services at bait and tackle shops located near the park. Show more

Is it possible to rent kayaks or fishing gear within Big Lagoon State Park?

Authorized vendors within Big Lagoon State Park offer rental services to visitors, allowing them to enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding in the lagoon. Fishing gear rentals are not available within the park, but visitors can find rental services at bait and tackle shops near the park. Before visiting the park, visitors can check for authorized vendors, pricing, and relevant information on the official park website. Show more

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Last updated: by Olga Valchyshen