Big Lagoon State Park sits inland of Innerarity Point on the bay side, and it’s the FL state park most people don’t realize is here. Wooded trails, an observation tower with a real view, protected lagoon water perfect for paddleboards and kayaks, picnic spots, and a real campground.
This is the move when the Gulf is rough and you still want to be outside, or when your kids are more interested in birds and lizards than crashing waves. Rangers run regular interpretive programs.
The lagoon itself is paddle-friendly across the spectrum — first-time SUP, kid-in-a-tandem-kayak, kayak fishermen looking for redfish. Bring your own gear or rent from one of the SUP/kayak operators on the Key — many will deliver to the park.
Modest entry fee, full ranger station, restrooms, picnic pavilions. Camping reservable through Reserve Florida.
What to do
Paddling the protected lagoon is the headline — flat, sheltered water that suits a first-time SUP, a kid in a tandem kayak, or a fly-fisher hunting redfish equally well. The observation tower is worth the climb for the bay view. Wooded nature trails, picnic pavilions, and ranger-led interpretive programs round out a day that doesn’t require the Gulf at all.
When to go
This is the rough-Gulf backup plan: when the surf is blown out or the kids care more about birds and lizards than crashing waves, Big Lagoon delivers an outdoor day on calm water. Mornings are best for paddling, before the afternoon wind picks up across the lagoon.
Getting there
Inland of Innerarity Point on the bay side, off Gulf Beach Highway. Bring your own paddle gear or rent from a SUP/kayak operator on the Key — many will deliver right to the park. Camping books through Reserve Florida; the ranger station, restrooms, and pavilions are all on-site.