Gulf coast dune ecosystems in Florida

Deer Lake State Park, located at 6350 East County Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, is a beautiful park that offers a unique coastal dune lake experience. Visitors are encouraged to use the honor box for entrance fees, which are $3 per vehicle or $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers. The park is home to a rare coastal dune lake, as well as a variety of plant species such as Southern magnolias, golden asters, and scrub oaks. Rare plants like Gulf coast lupine and pitcher plants can also be found here, along with a diverse range of resident and migratory birds and butterflies.

Cayo Costa State Park, located in Captiva, Florida, is a pristine and untouched natural gem along the Gulf Coast. Accessible only by private vessel, this park offers 9 miles of undeveloped shoreline for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, shelling, and bird-watching. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque landscapes of wind-shaped trees, dunes, and beaches while spotting various wildlife like manatees, porpoises, and sea turtles offshore. Restrooms are available on the gulf side of the island, and visitors are reminded to adhere to all posted signs and avoid closed areas. With a $2 per person entry fee, visitors can experience the beauty and tranquility of Cayo Costa State Park while contributing to the preservation of the Charlotte Harbor Estuary.

Discover Perdido Key Beach: A Southern Sanctuary for Nature and Adventure Welcome to Perdido Key Beach, a hidden gem located at 14202 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, Florida. Named after the Spanish term for "lost island," Perdido Key remains true to its roots as a Southern sanctuary, offering a haven for both people and wildlife. Nestled on a narrow strip of land along the far western shores of Florida and the far eastern shores of Alabama, Perdido Key boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, coastal living, and southern charm.