Big Lagoon State Park on Gulf Beach Hwy in Pensacola is in the Florida State Parks system. We drove there as day visitors, and while we wanted to see the campground, this is being renovated since Feb 2025. Upgraded facilities are always a good thing down the road. So we walked trails and saw the sights. In mid-November, it’s cool, quiet, and very natural. You can hear birds and the breeze blowing through a variety of trees. Saltwater tidal marshes and pine flatwoods apparently attract a wide variety of birds, but we didn’t see that in Nov. The park offers bicycling, swimming, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, paddling, picnicking, star gazing opportunities, walking/hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and wedding space. Amenities include beach space, a boat ramp, campfire circles, canoe kayak launch, picnic facilities, and a playground. Their restrooms along the areas we walked are really nice and very clean. They have changing space for after a swim. You will be walking along boardwalk areas for short walks and through sand for full hikes. The three story observation deck is very nice and offers views for miles around. There’s a lot to do here. It’s a lovely state park, very clean and well managed. The entry fee for the day was $6 for our car, which is cheaper than my Starbucks drink this morning. Dogs are allowed, just not in all the areas. You’ll see the signs. Our only issue was the stickers the dogs stepped on. I would say dogs do better on the paved/wooden trails than off in the grass.