This Secret Florida Paradise Is A Must-Visit Winter Sun Getaway

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As Christmas cheer will soon turn into New Year’s fireworks, once the holidays subside, we’re back to reality, realizing there are no distractions from frigid American winters.

Of course, we all know the perfect antidote is the “Sunshine State”, boasting year-round sun-kissed shores.

Year after year, Americans (and Canadians) known as “snowbirds” flock to Florida to escape the bitter cold back home, swapping driveway shovels for beachside cocktails.

Experts at Midwest Living, who know a thing or two about brutal winters, compiled a hefty list of the top winter sun destinations and one paradise hideaway stood out the most for secluded beachfronts, gleaming white-sand, and practically no crowds compared to Florida’s household names.

Perdido Key Is Florida’s Best-Kept Secret For Winter Sun

We all know Destin, Siesta Key, and Clearwater by now as some of Florida’s most sought-after small town getaways for settings along Florida’s most pristine waters.

But even as Florida continues its record-setting tear in terms of tourism, there are still so-called “hidden gems” to discover that the masses skip over for no particular reason.

One such place is Perdido Key, a barrier island stretching roughly 16 miles, yet practically hidden in plain sight as if it doesn’t exist.

That’s partly because greedy developers have yet to get their grimy hands on this stupendously gorgeous coastline, planting towering resorts to lure in tourists.

But hey, that didn’t exactly work for Punta Gorda, did it?

Perdido Key is fine and dandy just the way it is. In fact, that’s the appeal.

Sometimes travelers want pool foam parties, and sometimes they want to do absolutely nothing. Perdido Key is a laid-back oasis for the latter, though the community’s iconic Flora-Bama honky-tonk gets lit when the drinks are flowing on weekends — especially their famous “Bushwacker”.

The bottom line is, if you’re seeking a quiet retreat this winter, Perdido Key is the place to be. There are far fewer footprints in the sand, plenty of space to sprawl out, and endless sun to come back home with a brag-worthy tan.

A Nature Lover’s Dream

With average temps in the 60s and 70s throughout winter, this hidden Gulf island is a nature lover’s dream.

Unlike back home, where you may get an awkward side-eye if you say you went for a hike in the cold, that’s not the case here.

Perdido is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and there are ample opportunities to explore protected dunes, coastal trails, and wildlife-rich habitats, even during winter.

Perdido Key State Park should top your list if you’re up for exploring seemingly untouched nature with high odds for dolphin sightings and an endless amount of intact seashells to bring back home as free souvenirs.

It’s definitely worth the measly entry fee ($2 for pedestrians; $3 for vehicles) if you ask us.

But if you’re simply looking to enjoy the beach with a new book or a nice swim without fighting off crowds for space, Johnson Beach is right up your alley.

The scenery is astounding, lined with sugary white sand and near-total solitude during wintertime — not even an unabashed retiree in a Speedo to ruin the vibe.

Getting Here & Where To Stay

To no surprise, Perdido Key does not have an airport, so you’ll likely want to rent a car to make the trek.

However, we say the juice is worth the squeeze as Perdido is roughly a 40-minute drive from Pensacola’s airport, where you can fly in on cheap flights from a few different budget airlines or cash in your points with the big names like Delta and American.

Once here, as we said, you won’t find posh resorts here. This side of Florida feels more authentic with local charm, which is why vacation rentals are the way to go.

Our top pick for you is Beach Colony Resort.

Holding rave reviews from countless guests and affordable rates, Beach Colony offers an array of ocean-view condos.

One recent guest summed it up perfectly, stating “The resort is incredibly clean, well-maintained, and peaceful. The pools are beautiful, the beach access is perfect, and the property never feels overcrowded”.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.