Big Lagoon State Park in Florida, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-29. Check linked official notices before travel.

Big Lagoon State Park in Pensacola, Florida, combines coastal woodland, tidal marsh and small beaches along the Intracoastal Waterway. It suits a day of birding, walking and a picnic. Choose it for lagoon-side recreation; the swimming areas here face the waterway rather than an open-Gulf beach.

Coastal birds and lagoon views

Spring and fall migrations bring birds to the park’s different habitats. The three-story observation tower provides a view across the landscape, while the shore and forest offer places to watch at ground level. Bring binoculars, or ask the ranger station about borrowing a pair.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Use the designated swimming areas

Swimming is limited to designated areas along the Intracoastal Waterway. There are no lifeguards, so supervise children closely and assess conditions before entering. Do not assume the sheltered-looking shore provides supervised swimming. A land-based visit remains an option when conditions do not suit your group.

Keep pets off beaches and waterways

Pets may use designated areas only. Escambia County prohibits pets on beaches and in waterways, so a dog cannot join a beach or swimming plan. Check the park’s activity and amenity guidance when deciding which facilities your group can use.

Group facility reservations

For a group gathering, Governor’s Pavilion can be reserved by calling 850-492-1595 up to 11 months ahead. The listed cost is USD 150 plus tax per day, with park entrance fees additional. Confirm the facility and booking terms before inviting a large group.

Location and park orientation

The entrance address is 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, FL 32507. Use the official park map to distinguish East Beach, West Beach, the observation tower and boat access. A two-lane boat ramp and a separate hand kayak launch serve the Intracoastal Waterway; plan equipment arrangements before arrival.

Other parks near Perdido Key

Perdido Key State Park, at 15301 Perdido Key Drive, offers the nearby open-coast beach setting and boardwalk access from its parking areas. Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park, at 2401 Bauer Road, is another local road outing for a bayou boardwalk and nature trails. Select each park’s entrance when planning the onward drive.

Choose a land-based coastal outing

• Walk and look for birds: the park lists 5 miles of hiking and nature trails through varied coastal habitats.
• Use the observation tower: combine the view with shore-level birdwatching.
• Plan a picnic: tables, grills and covered shelters give the day a base between walks.

Beach facilities and accessibility

East Beach and West Beach have restrooms. Outdoor showers are provided in picnic areas; enclosed hot-water showers are for registered campers. Ask the ranger station about a free beach wheelchair. Boardwalk access serves the East Beach picnic area and the route to the tower, but confirm the particular route for your mobility needs. West Beach also has a playground.

About Big Lagoon

A coastal landscape shaped by people and storms

The Florida Park Service acquired the park in 1978. Shell deposits record earlier Indigenous use of the maritime environment. Saltwater flooding from Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and subsequent tropical systems changed swamp habitat; dead standing trees reflect some of those changes. Park management uses prescribed fire and invasive plant control to maintain and restore habitat.

Migration habitat

Saltwater marsh and pine flatwoods support different birds. Wood-warblers stop during migration, alongside ducks and shorebirds such as sandpipers and black-bellied plovers. Watch without expecting a fixed species list on a single visit; season and conditions affect what is present.

Contact Big Lagoon State Park

Call 850-492-1595 for local conditions, group bookings and specific accessibility questions. The official park page includes the downloadable park map and current visitor notices.