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Gulf Island National Seashore - Perdido Key Entrance
Perdido Key and Johnson Beach: White-sand Gulf Coast Beach without the Crowds
Entrance Station
in
Gulf Islands National Seashore
,
Atlantic Coastal Plain
on
Perdido Key
near
Perdido Beach
,
FL
Johnson Beach is a 6.5-mile stretch of shore along Perdido Key, at the western end of the Florida panhandle. It’s a part of the Gulf Island National Seashore. The park entrance is at the west end of Perdido Key, and an access road parallels the beach to the east for about 2 miles. Beyond that, the key is only accessible by foot or by boat. Primitive camping is allowed, as long as the campsite is at least a half-mile beyond the end of the access road. The outer beach is white sand; the waters of the Gulf of Mexico are often clear green, but strong currents and windy conditions can stir up sand in the water. The north side of Perdido Key faces Big Lagoon; the water in the lagoon varies from salt to brackish, and is usually yellower and calmer than the waters of the Gulf. The Gulf side of Perdido Key (Johnson Beach proper) is excellent for sunbathing, picnicking, and surf fishing. Swimming is usually good as well, but some wind conditions create strong along-shore currents, and rip currents which flow from the beach out to sea.
There are a few other dangers for swimmers which, while rare, should be mentioned. Stingrays are common in the shallows off the beach, but injuries from them are uncommon. While wading, you can shuffle your feet and the rays will move away. During the summer, microscopic larval jellyfish, dubbed "sea wasps", have been encountered in the Gulf a little farther east, though not at Johnson Beach. These tiny creatures can get between clothing and skin, and then when rubbed or squeezed, they sting. Sharks are almost certainly present, but no shark attacks have been reported from Johnson Beach. Non-fatal shark attacks have been reported from other beaches near Pensacola, but only very, very rarely. (
http://www.sharkattackdata.com/place/united_states_of_america/florida
)
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Perdido Key is an important nesting area for some birds. Parts of the dry-sand and dune area are closed to access to protect wildlife during critical times of year. Sea turtles also dig nests on the beach; volunteers try to identify new sea turtle nests as quickly as possible, and set up protective barriers so that the nests aren’t accidentally disrupted. Away from the access road, the beach is often nearly deserted, and birdwatchers will see terns, herons, pelicans, and other birds. A sharp-eyed observer might also see sea turtles or dolphins break the surface offshore.
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Entrance Station
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