Curious about the best things to do in Navarre Beach Florida all year round? Here's a list of our top picks!
Nestled on Florida's Gulf Coast between Pensacola and Destin, Navarre Beach is celebrated for its powdery white sand beaches and shimmering emerald waters. Often referred to as "Florida's Best Kept Secret," this stretch of sand is a serene, family-friendly getaway perfect for memorable vacations.
Navarre Beach is a fantastic destination year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm and a variety of incredible activities for all ages to enjoy.
Planning a trip soon? In this blog, we've compiled a list of the best things to do in Navarre Beach, Florida during each season, helping you decide the perfect time of year for the experience you're looking for in this Florida gem.
About Us
At Navarre Beach Property, we offer a variety of stunning vacation rentals and we consider ourselves Navarre Beach experts. Our destination blog is filled with helpful posts on beach day tips, where to find the best craft beer and even a quick history of Navarre Beach.
Let's dive into some year-round fun in Navarre Beach!
Navarre Beach Things To Do in Spring (March to May)
Sea Turtle Viewing
Spring marks the beginning of the sea turtle nesting season, so this is the prime time to visit Sea Turtle Nesting Observation.
If you're passionate about nature, don't miss this incredible organization focused on sea turtle conservation and protection through educational outreach and research.
Dive into the world of tortoises, terrapins, and sea turtles, and get introduced to the lovable Sweet Pea, a green sea turtle who acts as a resident ambassador. Throughout the visit, you'll see engaging interactive exhibits about the Earth and its oceans. For the little ones, there are special activities that include a Shark Tooth Treasure Hunt and scavenger hunts.
Snorkeling and Diving
With warming waters, it's an ideal time to explore the artificial reefs at the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary, an extensive reef system spanning over 150 acres.
A haven for marine species and ocean enthusiasts, Navarre Beach offers scuba and snorkeling programs where you can learn about the reefs and explore the clear waters and their colorful inhabitants. If snorkeling and diving aren't for you, you can still experience marine life from above by renting a paddleboard or a clear-bottom kayak.
Bird Watching
Spring migration brings a variety of bird species to the area, and one of the best spots for birdwatching is Gulf Islands National Seashore. Among the stunning birds you might encounter are sandpipers, plovers, sanderlings, gulls, terns, brown pelicans, and raptors such as ospreys and, occasionally, bald eagles, especially near open water and marshes.
The seashore's diverse habitats—beaches, dunes, marshes, and woodlands — attract a wide range of bird species not only in spring but throughout the year. Be sure to explore the Santa Rosa area, where pristine dunes provide a habitat for numerous shorebirds and migratory species. Opal Beach is another excellent choice, offering a serene and less crowded setting perfect for observing seabirds and shorebirds, making for a peaceful birding experience.
Navarre Beach Things To Do in Spring in Summer (June to August)
Navarre Beach Things To Do in Spring in Summer (June to August)
Nothing says summer in Navarre Beach like indulging in beach activities and soaking up the town's pristine shores. The wide beachfront is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, beach volleyball, and, for the little ones, building sandcastles.
The 12 miles of immaculate white sand also offer the perfect setting for water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and surfing. Here's a tip: after watching a spectacular sunset, try evening kayaking in LED-lit clear kayaks for a mesmerizing view of the marine environment.
Extra tip: for even more water activities, don't miss Navarre Family Watersports Water Park. It offers a range of family-friendly options, including the Wibit Water Park — a floating obstacle course featuring inflatable slides, trampolines, and climbing walls, ensuring fun for all ages.
Fishing
Fishing at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier during the summer offers a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. As the longest pier in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, stretching 1,545 feet into the Gulf, it provides opportunities to catch species such as Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Pompano, and Flounder, among others. Fishing poles can be rented for as little as $7.
Most anglers gather at the pier's expansive octagonal tip, a prime spot for landing big catches. The views from this location are breathtaking, with frequent sightings of sea turtles and jumping fish adding to the experience.
Navarre Beach Things To Do in Fall (September to November)
Attend Local Festivals
Fall is festival season in Navarre, making it one of the best times of year to enjoy festive vibes, experience local culture, and meet friendly residents through a variety of events during the shoulder season.
Some of the best fall events in Navarre Beach are:
- Juana's Annual Oktoberfest Beer Tasting: Typically held in early October, Juana's Annual Oktoberfest Beer Tasting offers attendees the opportunity to sample a diverse selection of craft beers from both national and local breweries, including St. Michael's Brewing Company and Ye Olde Brothers Brewery. The event features live music, German-inspired cuisine, and a festive atmosphere, making it a popular gathering for both locals and visitors.
- Navarre Fishing Rodeo: This annual fishing tournament held in Navarre Beach during the first weekend of October is open to anglers of all ages and skill levels, offering multiple divisions, including Open, Kayak, and Junior categories. Participants can fish from the shore, a boat, a kayak, or the pier, targeting a variety of species such as flounder, king mackerel, pompano, redfish, and snapper. Prizes are awarded for the heaviest catches in each category, with first, second, and third-place recognitions.
- Annual Navarre Beach Car Show: The Annual Navarre Beach Car Show is a prominent event organized by Pirates on the Panhandle, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local charities. Beyond the stunning display of over 130 vehicles across more than 25 classes, including Domestic Original, Domestic Modified, Truck/SUV, and Motorcycle categories, the event also features live music, food trucks, and vendor booths, creating a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Movies on the Beach at Windjammers: This is a community event where attendees can enjoy films under the stars, directly on the beach. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to comfortably watch movies projected on a large outdoor screen. The event typically features a variety of films, including family-friendly options and seasonal favorites.
- Holland Farms Pumpkin Patch & Maze: It offers a quintessential fall experience for families with activities like hayrides, a pumpkin patch, an 8-acre corn maze, ziplines, and a train ride around the farm. Additional attractions feature a corn box, horse and regular swings, spider web, pirate ship, pedal tractor cart racing, hill slides, rat racers, and a sandbox. Each visitor receives a complimentary cup of the farm's famous homegrown boiled peanuts. The farm also offers a market porch for relaxation and a farm market store with t-shirts, jams, jellies, preserves, toys, local honey, cold drinks, ice cream, and more.
Hiking and Nature Trails
With cooler temperatures, exploring the nature trails in Navarre Beach Marine Park is especially enjoyable.
Located on Santa Rosa Island, the park offers a blend of coastal beauty and educational experiences for nature enthusiasts. The walking paths allow you to immerse yourself in natural surroundings, featuring sand dunes, coastal vegetation, and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. The park also provides five beach access points—three on the Gulf side and two on the Santa Rosa Sound side — making it easy to transition between walking and beach activities.
Navarre Beach Things To Do in Winter (December to February)
Visit the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station
Visiting the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station is a great indoor activity during cooler days where you can engage in educational programs and learn about marine ecosystems.
Every visit is filled with hands-on learning, where both kids and adults can encounter marine life like sea turtles, fish, and other fascinating coastal creatures. Enjoy family-oriented activities, from guided tours and beach walks to educational programs designed for all ages.
Golfing
Winter is a great time for golfing in Navarre Beach because the season brings comfortable temperatures, the courses are less crowded, and winter's sunny and clean days provide great visibility on the course.
For golfers in Navarre Beach, The Club at Hidden Creek is the top spot. This public course has options for players of all ages and skill levels. The beautifully maintained gardens, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, make it a serene getaway worth visiting, even if you're not swinging a club.
Shelling
Winter tides often bring unique shells ashore, and early morning walks can yield beautiful finds along the beach. Some of the best places for shell collecting include Navarre Beach Marine Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Navarre Beach State Park, and Navarre Beach Causeway. Located on the east end, the causeway offers a boardwalk leading to a secluded beach where collectors can discover a variety of shells.
Wondering Where to Stay on Navarre Beach, FL?
While visiting Navarre, 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.
