Big Lagoon Beach

Near Big Lagoon Beach, there are several excellent dining options. Crabs is a popular seafood spot overlooking the Gulf, known for its lively atmosphere and outdoor seating. Another favorite is Shaggy's Pensacola Beach, a waterfront bar and grill offering a seafood-centric menu and frozen daiquiris. For a unique dining experience, Flounder's Chowder House features a church-like decor with stained-glass windows and offers a variety of seafood dishes. Peg Leg Pete's is also a must-visit, with its pirate-themed decor and lively atmosphere.

These restaurants offer a mix of casual dining and upscale experiences, catering to different tastes and preferences. They are well-regarded for their service, food quality, and ambiance, making them ideal spots to enjoy a meal after a day at the beach.

For accommodations near Big Lagoon Beach, several hotels offer convenient and comfortable stays. The Hilton Pensacola Beach is a modern beachfront hotel with multiple dining options and two outdoor pools. The Pensacola Beach Resort offers relaxed gulf-front lodging with a beach bar and seasonal entertainment. For a more luxurious experience, Portofino Island Resort features oceanfront condos with multiple pools and a spa.

These hotels provide a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, pools, and fitness centers, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors to Big Lagoon Beach.

Big Lagoon State Park offers a variety of amenities to enhance the visitor experience. The park includes restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and rental equipment for kayaking and canoeing. There are also boardwalks and an observation tower that provide stunning views of the surrounding lagoon and Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, the park features a boat ramp and dock, making it easy to access the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf. Beach wheelchairs are available at no cost, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

The park's campground has 75 sites with electricity, water, picnic tables, and fire rings, making it an ideal spot for those who want to immerse themselves in nature. Pets are welcome in designated areas, including the campground, but not on beaches or waterways.

The park also offers guided walks and recreational programs seasonally, providing opportunities for nature study and outdoor skills development.

Big Lagoon Beach offers a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Swimming and sunbathing are popular on the beach, while the calm waters are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Fishing is another favorite pastime, with catches including redfish, bluefish, and sea trout. The park's hiking trails, including boardwalks and sandy paths, provide opportunities for nature walks and bird watching. Visitors can also enjoy star-gazing programs and yoga sessions on the beach.

For those interested in water sports, jet-skiing and waterskiing are available, though they require proper equipment and safety precautions. The park's observation tower is a great spot for birders, as it overlooks areas popular with nesting shorebirds and marsh birds.

Overall, Big Lagoon Beach is an excellent destination for anyone looking to engage in a variety of outdoor activities while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Big Lagoon State Park offers several accessibility options to ensure that all visitors can enjoy its facilities. Beach wheelchairs are available at no cost, which can be requested at the ranger station. The park's boardwalks and observation tower are also accessible, providing scenic views for visitors with mobility impairments.

Additionally, restrooms and picnic areas are designed to be wheelchair accessible, ensuring that visitors with disabilities can fully participate in park activities. However, pets are not allowed on beaches or waterways, though they are welcome in other designated areas.

The park's commitment to accessibility makes it an inclusive destination for nature lovers of all abilities.

Parking at Big Lagoon State Park is convenient and accessible. The park offers paid parking, with fees starting at $6 per vehicle for up to eight people. Single-occupant vehicles pay $4, and pedestrians or bicyclists pay $2. Parking is located near the entrance and is easily accessible to the beach and other park facilities.

While there is no dedicated parking lot specifically for Big Lagoon Beach, the park's parking areas are sufficient for visitors. It's important to note that parking fees do not include additional costs for activities like boat launches or camping.

The proximity of the parking to the beach and other amenities makes it easy for visitors to explore the park without worrying about transportation.

Big Lagoon State Park has several interesting historical and natural facts. The park is named after the large lagoon that borders it, which is a significant natural feature along the Intracoastal Waterway. The area is rich in wildlife, including alligators, foxes, raccoons, and numerous bird species, making it a haven for nature lovers.

The park has been affected by hurricanes over the years, which has led to ongoing conservation efforts to protect its natural habitats. Big Lagoon is also a key stop for migratory birds, particularly during spring and fall migrations.

The park's unique blend of coastal forests and wetlands supports a diverse ecosystem, making it an important site for environmental studies and conservation.

Big Lagoon State Park is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. One of the main attractions is the National Naval Aviation Museum, located nearby, which features over 4,000 historical artifacts and restored aircraft. The park itself is a gateway to the Great Florida Birding Trail, making it a must-visit for bird enthusiasts. The observation tower at East Beach offers stunning views of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and Perdido Key.

For those interested in history, the nearby Naval Air Station Pensacola, the birthplace of naval aviation, is worth visiting. The Blue Angels often practice in the skies above Big Lagoon, providing an exciting spectacle for visitors.

Additionally, the park's proximity to Pensacola Beach and Gulf Breeze offers access to more dining, shopping, and entertainment options.