If you find yourself in need a vacation after your holiday vacation, then Perdido Key near Pensacola just might be the place to unwind. Laid-back is the order of the day here at any time of year.

In winter about the most you can expect to do is stroll around and take it all in. Except on this island the things you take in just might happen to be a little more bizarre than what you're used to back home, such as throngs of people swimming in the Gulf of Mexico on a freezing New Year's Day or a parade that floats by on the water.

Maybe in your idle wandering along the key you might discover something a little more serious, such as a historically significant beach or the ruins of old military battlements. Perdido is Spanish for lost. The island may not be as off-the-radar as it once was, but it's still a worthwhile place to disappear for a few days, especially during the off season.

Don't miss

26th annual Polar Bear Dip

A New Year's Day tradition for the past quarter century, hundreds gather at noon to watch dozens take a plunge into the chilly waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Those who don't turn back after hitting the surf are rewarded with a serving of traditional black-eyed peas when they re-emerge on land. The event takes place on the beach at the Florida/Alabama state line in front of the Flora-Bama Lounge, which hosts the event. Libations will most likely be flowing to fuel all the New Year's toasts that are sure to be hoisted. There is no registration required to participate in the swim. Just showing up and taking the dip will make you part of the "in" crowd.

Flora-Bama Lounge

Despite a direct hit by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 that took away its main building, this landmark beach bar lives on. It's now a patchwork compound of tents, trailers, decks and music stages where something always seems to be happening. Kid-friendly by day, veering toward rough-around-the-edges at night, it's as though nothing can stop the crowds from flocking to this establishment that is so legendary it has had a documentary film made about it, "The Last American Roadhouse." Perhaps its most popular event is the Mullet Toss each April, during which contestants compete to see who can throw a dead fish farthest across the state line. Thousands converge on the beach to watch. Don't worry, it's not supposed to make sense, it's just how they roll here. 17401 Perdido Key Drive, 850-492-0611, www.florabama.com

Rosamond Johnson Beach, Gulf Islands National Seashore

The eastern section of Perdido Key is part of the extensive Gulf Islands National Seashore, a federally protected area maintained by the National Park Service. Winter is good for bird-watching, fishing and hiking nature trails where you can see the ruins of military battlements. The beach here was once a popular destination for African-Americans who weren't allowed on nearby Pensacola Beach during segregation. It is named in honor of the heroism of the first African-American killed in combat during the Korean War, Rosamond Johnson, who died while carrying other wounded soldiers to safety. www.nps.gov/guis

The Pirates of Lost Treasure parades

Residents of Perdido Key take Mardi Gras seriously. It is, after all, another reason to party. The Pirates of Lost Treasure is a registered Mardi Gras society based on the island that puts on parades throughout the weekend leading up to, and including, Fat Tuesday. 2010 parades are scheduled for Feb. 12-14 and 16. The Pirates take it one step further in March with a parade flotilla along the waterways surrounding the island. Prizes are given out for best boat-floats in a post-parade ceremony. The date for the flotilla in March has yet to be set. Contact Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce board member Jim Matherly (also a member of the Pirate society and a parade organizer) at 850-492-9696 for the most up-to-date info on the parades.

If you go

How to get there: Perdido Key is about 350 miles -- or a six-hour drive -- from downtown Atlanta. Head south on I-85 to Montgomery. Take I-65 South to Exit 69. Head south on Ala. 113 to U.S. 29. In Pensacola, merge right onto Fla. 292, which will take you into Perdido Key.

Where to stay

Perdido Cove RV Resort & Marina. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, townhomes available for daily rentals. Rates $145-$165. 13770 River Road. 1-877-402-7873, www.perdidocove.com

Eden Condominiums. Beachfront condos with a pool and spa on the premises. Rates $140-$335. 16281 Perdido Key Drive. 1-800-523-8141, www.edencondominiums.com

Where to eat

The Original Point. Family-friendly roadside seafood joint. Entrees 6.95-$17.95. 14340 Innerarity Point Road. 850-492-3577, www.point-restaurant.com

Lillian's Pizza. Made-from-scratch pizzas and Italian dishes. Entrees $8.99-$20.35. 14514 Perdido Key Drive. 850-492-0131, www.lillianspizza.com

Visitor information

Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce. 1-800-328-0107, www.perdidochamber.com

Provided by Demand Studios