Snorkeling in crystalline waters? Check. Hiking through beautiful, family-friendly parks and nature? Check. Dining in world-class seafood restaurants? Check. A trip to the zoo? They have that too.
The truth is that there is a seemingly endless list of great activities to do in Navarre Beach; you could easily spend six months in the city and still surprise yourself with new things to do and great attractions to see.
The only issue is, if you're spending a shorter time, say a weekend, it can be objectively hard to know where to start.
Worry never. If we can say so ourselves we are experts on what are the best things to do in Navarre Beach, and we are here to reassure you. In this blog, we will go over the perfect weekend itinerary to Navarre Beach, Florida.
Here's a fantastic weekend guide to Navarre Beach, aka Florida's most relaxing place!
Friday afternoon: take a stroll along Navarre Beach Pier
Wondering what to do in Navarre Beach after you settle? To kickstart things in the right way, once you're all settled, head for a stroll on the longest pier in Florida. Standing tall at 30 feet above the water, the 1,545-foot-long Navarre Beach Pier is great for a leisurely walk in the late afternoon and evening. There's nothing like starting your holiday enjoying the wonderful views and feeling the sea breeze.
The very end of the pier is especially nice since that's where most fishermen stay, all hoping to catch that large fish. Views from there are nothing short of spectacular!
If you need a quick snack, the pier restaurant, Windjammers on the Pier, offers sandwiches and burgers, besides amazing seafood. You know the type of place where you go for the food and stay for the views? Yep, that's the one.
The perfect way to end your stroll is by admiring a magical Florida sunset, painting everything in beautiful colors ahead of you. Welcome to Navarre Beach!
Friday evening: get acquainted with the local food scene and then have drinks at Juana's Pagodas & Sailors' Grill
All this walking along the pier will surely work up your appetite. What about having dinner by the sea in a celebratory fashion? Then head to Juana's Pagodas & Sailors' Grill, a family-run business operating since 1989 that's a true institution of Navarre Beach.
The atmosphere is fantastic, with plenty of entertainment. The food and drinks can be served on the deck overlooking the water. This place gets lively and is a great spot to linger for a while, have some drinks, and mingle with friendly locals.
But heads up: this is a popular spot, so try to arrive before the peak times to secure a table straight away.
Saturday morning: start the day with a delicious breakfast at a local favorite, J.J. Chago's
Start your day with a great meal at a local favorite. Housed in a charming blue wooden shack, J.J. Chago's feels like a typical Florida diner: small with not a lot of seating, but very intimate and with lots of quirky art hanging on the walls. Coffee here is fantastic; they even roast their own beans, so you won't be disappointed.
The menu has many options, ranging from brisket, Cuban, and Mexican breakfast, and so on. Not sure what to get? Ask the staff; they have great advice up their sleeves. Vegetarians or vegans are also in luck. They offer avocado meals like Avocado toast, and various sandwiches (Multigrain croissant with avocado, avocado breakfast bowl, and even Avocado cupcakes) that can easily be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.
Oh, don't leave without trying one of their delicious cakes! You'll thank us later.
Saturday morning: embrace the sun-kissed sands and salty waves at Navarre Beach
Twelve miles of immaculate white sand and azure waters? Count us in! Navarre Beach is an excellent way to spend a large chunk of your day — and that goes for everyone, as the beach offers both a space for quiet beachgoers to relax and doubles as an open arena for water sports and outdoor activities.
Even though this beach is popular with both travelers and locals, it's not crowded like other beaches in Florida, such as Pensacola Beach or Destin.
Take it slow and swim in the crystal-clear water, then feel the soft white sand on your feet, or rent paddle boards or kayaks to explore the waters and reefs. The beach is also a stone's throw away from restaurants and stores, so if you ever get peckish, there are plenty of options.
This is definitely one of the best things to do on a weekend in Navarre Beach: a day at the beach is a passport to laughter, relaxation, and pure seaside fun!
Saturday afternoon: meet Sweet Pea and learn all there is to know about sea turtles
After some fun under the sun, how about going for an educational ride? NBSTCC is an institution with a mission to conserve and protect threatened and endangered sea turtles through community education and research.
NBSTCCThat's a great place to visit for every member of the family, and you can learn everything about tortoises, terrapins, and sea turtles. This is a must-visit on a weekend trip to Navarre Beach.
And you'll also meet a local celebrity: the main pool is home to Sweet Pea, a non-releasable green sea turtle with a sad story that makes you think about how you impact the environment and how it affects other living beings around you. As the name suggests, she's a sweetheart!
Throughout the tour, you'll also pass through several interesting interactive displays dealing with the earth and its oceans. The tour concludes outside, with two tortoises, Safari and Flip Flop, and after getting to meet them, it's time to find the perfect souvenir in the gift shop for some quick souvenir shopping.
Saturday evening: enjoy some fine Italian dining at Bella Luna Italian Bistro
What about something a bit more fancy for your Saturday evening? This small Italian place has fewer than 20 tables and a nice bar, both with a sophisticated atmosphere.
Everything is right, from ambient lighting, the neutral color palette, and table presentation, to, of course, the cuisine. Everything is fresh and flavorful — from the Caesar salad, and bread appetizers, to the fresh seafood and pasta and the excellent tiramisu for dessert.
Prices are a little higher than other restaurants, but hey, people say this is the best Italian restaurant in the area and it definitely evokes and brings the Mediterranean vibes to the Emerald Coast.
Sunday morning: have a hearty breakfast at Alphy's Family Restaurant
Once called "a dream come true" by a local newspaper, this place is famous for having the best breakfast in Navarre! For breakfast, they are renowned for their cinnamon bun pancakes, and you can expect all your classic favorites, as well as hotcakes, gravy biscuits, hash browns, and delicious toast & jelly. They also have plenty of vegetarian-friendly and vegan options.
Service is always warm and accommodating and coffee cups are never allowed to go empty. You will definitely leave well satisfied for your second day in town.
Sunday morning: discover an underwater wonderland at Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary.
A haven for marine species, spanning over 150 acres, the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary is an artificial reef system — human-made structures placed underwater to enhance marine life habitat and promote biodiversity.
There are scuba and snorkeling programs available to allow you and your family to learn about the reefs and view local marine life up close. It's also a great idea to rent a paddleboard or a clear-bottom kayak to see everything from above and below the water. That's how the secrets of the sea come to life!
Sunday afternoon: experience the thrill at Navarre Family Watersports Water Park
This one for the thrill-seekers. Navarre Family Watersports Water Park is famous for being one of the best attractions in Navarre Beach and yet another place where you can have more fun by the water.
A lot of the fun happens at the inflatable obstacle course where you can race around and try to overcome the various obstacles. Fair warning: this is a lot harder than it looks in pictures, but it makes for a fun challenge!
If you're looking for something a bit slower, you can also rent kayaks and stand-up paddles. The atmosphere is great and family-friendly, and the staff is helpful and attentive, always making sure everyone is safe.
Sunday afternoon (alternative plan): hit some balls at Hidden Creek Golf Club
Don't feel like getting wet? You can enjoy the Florida sunshine outside with a round of golf. The perfect place to do so in Navarre Beach is The Club at Hidden Creek, also known as The Club at Hidden Creek, a public course that offers golfing options for the entire family and all levels.
The manicured gardens are worth the trip alone. They are simply gorgeous, surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees.
With its mild climate, Florida allows for year-round golfing, and that's why the state has such a vibrant golfing culture. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner, you'll enjoy this spot.
Sunday evening: pick up some fresh seafood at Navarre Seafood Market and don your check hat at your short-term rental
Do you know what makes us feel like a local when we travel? To check the local shops and businesses, talk to locals about their local produce, and then head to our vacation home kitchens to cook a delicious meal with our daily finds. It's always a great moment to remember.
In Navarre Beach, you can spend some time at Navarre Seafood Market, a super local place run by fishermen that sells the freshest, locally sourced catches. And they have been doing so for more than ten years.
Their selection is seemingly endless: oysters, clams, red snappers, shrimps, groupers, salmon, Dungeness crabs, and much more. It's also always fun to talk to the sellers and learn all about the local seafood tradition. They sure have some great stories!
Just make sure to pass by on the earlier side of the afternoon, they usually close at 5 pm. Then it's all about enjoying that wonderful kitchen and dining space in your vacation rental.
A Weekend Vacation Guide & Top Attractions in Navarre Beach, Florida
Indeed, there's so much to see and do in Navarre Beach, Florida, that it's hard to pack everything into a weekend. Some extra mentions for some of the best things to do should go to Gulf Breeze Zoo, just a 15-minute ride from Navarre Beach, and Panhandle Butterfly House & Nature Center.
The untouched natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere of Navarre Beach create a perfect haven for nature lovers and relaxation seekers alike. No matter how long you stay when you visit, you will always feel like coming back for more.
Want to make the most of your time in Navarre Beach? Stay like a local and book one of our Navarre Beach vacation rentals with all the space, privacy, and home-like amenities you need.
From luxury beachfront homes to amazing rental condos, at Navarre Beach Property, we guarantee you'll have a 5-star experience during your Navarre Beach vacation.
