How to Visit Johnson Beach on Perdido Key, Florida

Four species of sea turtles nest in the Johnson Beach area.

Johnson Beach is situated between Pensacola, Florida, and Gulf Shores, Alabama, on the barrier island of Perdido Key. It is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Johnson Beach was named after Rosamond Johnson Jr., a local African-American soldier who died a hero early in the Korean War. This was one of the few beaches open to blacks during segregation and it became part of the National Park Service in 1973. The area is noted for its Gulf Coast beach activities, unspoiled wilderness and preserves, and nearby historic forts that saw action in the Civil War.

Things You'll Need

• Beachwear
• Sunscreen

Instructions

1. Travel from the Panama City area to Perdido Key by taking exit 12 to Interstate 110. Or use exit 22 to the Garcon Point Bridge to U.S. Highway 98. Johnson Beach is west on Johnson Beach Road, bordering the park's nature trail and the west end boundary of the park.

2. Visit during the park hours of 8 a.m. to sunset. Winter hours vary. Extended hours are allowed for those with primitive camping or Night Owl permits obtained through the park service.

3. Pay the admission price to Gulf Islands National Seashore. Incoming private vehicle drivers pay an $8 entrance fee (as of 2011) that's good for one week. You can also use Golden Age/IA Senior or Golden Access/IA Access for senior citizens, the IA America the Beautiful Annual Pass or purchase a Gulf Islands NS Annual Pass.

4. Check the Visit Pensacola website (visitpensacola.com) to find local events and maps and get information on the beaches, things to do and where to stay in the Perdido Beach area. For accommodations, click on "Where to Stay" and then click "Perdido Beach." Enter your desired amenities to come up with preferred hotels. If you've brought a pet, click "Pet Friendly," because pets are not allowed on Florida beaches and should not be left in cars due to the heat.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of storm or hurricane warnings that affect the tides.

References

• National Park Service: Gulf Island National Seashore; African-American History: Rosamond Johnson
• Outdoor Gulf Coast: Johnson Beach on Perdido Key
• Recreation.gov: Perdido Key Johnson Beach
• Visit Pensacola: Pensacola and Perdido Key

Resources

• Gulf Coast African-American Visitors Bureau: Perdido Key and Johnson Beach
• Surfline; Johnson's Beach Travel Guide and Directory; Dave Raushkolb