Looking for things to do in Pensacola? Try one of our three state parks

Pensacola is known for its beaches, but there are more outdoor activities than lounging by the water. Escambia County is home to three state parks, and you can skip over to Santa Rosa County to check out Blackwater River State Park.

Each of our parks has a unique identity, too, so visiting all three is worthwhile. Perdido Key State Park is all about enjoying our beachfront dunes, Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park is a great place to see rare plant and animal species and Big Lagoon Bayou offers a bit of both worlds.

Not sure where to start? Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of every trip.

Big Lagoon State Park

• Hours: 8 a.m. until sunset, every day

• Fees: $6 per vehicle

• Location: 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola

Big Lagoon State Park features 704 upland acres separate from Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico. Its web page describes it as a gateway, allowing visitors to swim, boat, fish, camp, hike and paddle. Adventure enthusiasts can even begin or end a 1,515-mile sea kayaking path along the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail that wraps around all of Florida.

Visitors will also find that there is plenty of wildlife to spot. Big Lagoon State Park is a stopover for over 23 wood-warbler species and various ducks, sandpipers and black-belling plovers. Don’t leave your binoculars at home.

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Here is a quick overview of what you can expect during a visit to Big Lagoon State Park:

• Recreational Activities: Visitors can enjoy various activities including bicycling, birding, boating, fishing, geocaching, hiking, paddling, picnicking, stargazing, swimming and walking/running.

• Wildlife: Enjoy watching the wildlife such as sea birds, shore birds and other migratory birds.

• Astronomy Events: Hosts stargazing events with the Escambia Amateur Astronomer Association.

• Unique Flora: Home to rare plants like the large-leaf jointweed, unique to Northwest Florida.

• Camping & Lodging: The park offers a campground with 75 sites, each equipped with electric, water, picnic table and a grill. There are also primitive group/youth camps available for reservation.

• Facilities for Rent: The park has facilities like the Governor’s Pavilion and Amphitheater available for rent, suitable for large events and gatherings.

• Accessibility: Big Lagoon State Park provides several wheelchair-accessible amenities, including beach wheelchairs, boardwalks, campsites, picnic facilities and seating at the amphitheater.

Perdido Key State Park

• Hours: 8 a.m. until sunset, every day

• Fees: $3 per vehicle; additional fees may apply

• Location: 15301 Perdido Key Dr., Pensacola

Perdido Key State Park is the perfect spot if you want the tranquility the beach is supposed to offer without all the crowds. Here, you'll find the same white sand beaches and sea-oat-covered dunes you expect when visiting Pensacola, but you'll find yourself surrounded by nature instead of beach umbrellas.

Here's an overview of how to make the most of your trip to Perdido Key State Park:

• Wildlife: Perdido Key State Park is home to the endangered Perdido Key beach mouse, nesting shorebirds and sea turtles.

• Birding and fishing: The park is a haven for birdwatchers and anglers, offering opportunities to observe various bird species and catch fish like redfish and pompano.

• Shelling and surfing: Visitors can enjoy shelling during winter and surfing, especially when the waters are warmer, although there are no lifeguards on duty. Note: Live shelling is prohibited in all of Florida's state parks.

• Amenities: The park provides accessible amenities, including beach wheelchairs, boardwalks, picnic facilities and restrooms.

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

• Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset, every day

• Fees: $3 per vehicle; additional fees may apply

• Location: 2401 Bauer Road, Pensacola

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve is the biggest of the three state parks in Escambia County, clocking in at over 4,000 acres. It's home to four species of endangered pitcher plants as well as almost 100 other rare and endangered species, such as the alligator snapping turtle, sweet pitcher plant and Chapman's butterwort.

The park's winding boardwalk is its big draw, offering visitors an undisturbed glimpse at the bayou. Enjoy a picnic or take a hike on the nature trails to observe the local wildlife.

Here's what to know about Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park:

• Birds and wildlife: The park is home to various upland and migratory birds, as well as wildlife like white-tailed deer, opossums, raccoons and bobcats.

• Recreational activities: Visitors can enjoy fishing (with proper licensing), geocaching and hiking on two trails.

• Amenities: The park offers a picnic pavilion, parking, restrooms and is pet-friendly with certain restrictions.

• Accessibility: Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park is dedicated to providing accessible amenities to all visitors, including welcoming service animals.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida state parks: Big Lagoon, Perdido Key, Tarkiln Bayou Preserve