9/04

In June, 2004, I visited Johnson’s Beach at Gulf National Seashore in Florida. This is the gulf-side beach that runs along the tip of Perdido Key (to get here you actually pass through Alabama), about 10 miles from Gulf Shores, AL and about 25 miles by the crow flies from Pensacola, FL.

There is a pavilion area with restrooms, etc. and is lifeguarded not far into the park. We (myself, husband, another female friend) parked here and went a short distance to the right (west). I had heard elsewhere of topfree activity here but didn't see any other women with tops off. However, the weather was indifferent and not many were there anyway. After awhile I did take off my top but, given the weather, we didn't remain there for much longer. Nobody seemed to mind, including the lifeguards.

For more privacy, one could walk further down the beach on either side, or there are other crossovers farther into the park that don't get much beach traffic. It costs $8 for a week's pass or $25 for a year's pass.

--Elizabeth