What are free things to do in Perdido Key and Orange Beach?
The best free things to do are the obvious one — the beach itself — plus hiking or biking the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, watching the sunset, spotting dolphins from the shoreline, browsing Ron Jon Surf Shop, and catching free live music on the Flora-Bama decks. Only the state parks charge a small day-use fee; almost everything else outdoors is free.
Free outdoors
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is free to walk or bike — 15+ miles through several ecosystems. Public beach accesses are free (you just pay to park in some lots). Sunset is the best free show going; here are the top spots.
Free-ish and fun
Live bands on the Flora-Bama decks cost nothing but what you drink. Ron Jon Surf Shop is a free browse, and you can often watch dolphins roll past from the sand — no cruise ticket required (more on that).
Small fee, big value
The state parks — Perdido Key and Big Lagoon — charge just a few dollars per vehicle and are worth every cent for the quiet. More ideas on Things to Do.
More questions
Is beach parking free in Perdido Key?
Some public accesses have free parking and some charge; the state parks charge a small day-use fee. See our beach access answer for where to leave the car.
Reviewed July 2026. Conditions change daily — for live numbers see Beach Today.