Big Lagoon State Park in Pensacola, FL 2024
Go on a kayaking or fishing adventure near Pensacola
Best time: all year round (best in April–November)
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.
