When it comes to family vacations, Navarre Beach is a hidden gem along Florida's Emerald Coast. Located between Pensacola and Destin, this charming beach destination offers a relaxing and safe atmosphere for families, especially those with young children. The area boasts beautiful white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of exciting, kid-friendly activities that promise endless fun for the whole family. If you're searching for the best Navarre Beach attractions to make your vacation unforgettable, you've come to the right place.
From natural wonders to exciting water sports, there's something for every age group to enjoy in Navarre Beach. Whether you're looking to explore the outdoors or enjoy a laid-back day with your little ones, you'll find plenty of fun things to do in Navarre Florida. In this article, we will explore some of the top family-friendly activities to make your trip to Navarre Beach a memorable one.
1. Spend the Day at Navarre Beach
It might seem obvious, but the first thing you should do when visiting Navarre Beach is to spend time at its pristine shoreline. With its wide, uncrowded beaches, Navarre is the perfect place to set up camp for the day. Families can relax on the soft, powdery sand while the kids build sandcastles, play beach volleyball, or splash in the shallow waters.
The beach is known for its gentle waves, which are ideal for young swimmers and beginner surfers. Parents can relax while keeping an eye on their kids playing in the water, knowing that the conditions are safe. For families who prefer a little more privacy, there are quieter sections of the beach, so you can enjoy a peaceful day with a stunning view.
2. Visit the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
For a fun and educational experience, make sure to visit the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. This family-friendly attraction is dedicated to protecting and conserving the sea turtle population along Florida's Gulf Coast. Kids will love learning about the different species of sea turtles that make their way to the area's shores.
The center features interactive exhibits, including a hatchling tank where children can see baby turtles up close. There's also a wealth of information about the life cycle of sea turtles, their habitats, and conservation efforts. During nesting season, there's even the chance to take part in turtle walks, where visitors can observe sea turtles laying eggs on the beach at night.
3. Explore the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station
Another educational but fun experience for the entire family is a visit to the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station. This hands-on educational facility focuses on teaching children about marine life, local ecosystems, and environmental conservation. The center offers a variety of programs and activities that allow kids to get involved in learning about the area's aquatic life.
Children can participate in touch tanks where they can feel and learn about starfish, sea urchins, and other marine creatures. The staff often conducts interactive lessons about the animals that call Navarre Beach home, making it a great activity to combine education with fun. The center also offers field trips for schools and private groups, making it a popular stop for families.
4. Take a Dolphin Cruise
One of the best Navarre Florida attractions for families is a dolphin cruise. These boat tours take visitors on an unforgettable journey along the Gulf of Mexico, where you can spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Children will be amazed by the playful dolphins jumping and swimming alongside the boat. Many of the tours also include other wildlife sightings, such as sea birds and manatees, making the experience even more exciting.
These tours typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours, providing plenty of time for kids to interact with the crew and learn more about the local marine life. Some tours even offer the chance to swim with dolphins or snorkel in the Gulf, making it an extra special experience for the whole family.
5. Visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore
For families who love to explore the outdoors, the Gulf Islands National Seashore is an absolute must-visit. This stunning stretch of preserved land offers families the chance to hike, bike, and explore nature trails with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. The park is home to several protected species of wildlife, and kids will love spotting birds, butterflies, and small mammals as they walk through the park.
The Seashore also features pristine beaches, where families can enjoy a picnic, swim, or simply relax in the sun. The Gulf Islands National Seashore offers something for everyone, from beachgoers to nature enthusiasts, making it one of the best fun things to do in Navarre Florida.
6. Go Fishing on the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier
If your family enjoys fishing, you won't want to miss out on a trip to the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. This 1,545-foot pier extends out into the Gulf of Mexico, offering prime fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Families can rent fishing poles, purchase bait, and spend the day fishing for a variety of species such as snapper, grouper, and redfish.
The pier is also a great spot for a leisurely walk to enjoy the views of the Gulf and the surrounding coastline. It's especially scenic during sunrise or sunset, making it a peaceful activity that everyone can enjoy together.
7. Enjoy Water Sports at Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach is a popular destination for water sports, and it's no surprise that it ranks among the top Navarre Beach attractions. Families can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or jet skis and explore the waters at their own pace. Younger children can enjoy calmer activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, which is both fun and great exercise.
For more adventurous families, jet skiing is an exciting way to explore the Gulf at high speed. Many rental shops offer lessons for beginners, so even those with little experience can join in the fun. For a more relaxed pace, families can rent a pontoon boat to cruise the waters and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
8. Explore the Blackwater River State Forest
For families that enjoy hiking, biking, or simply exploring the great outdoors, the Blackwater River State Forest is a great day trip from Navarre Beach. Located just a short drive away, this massive state forest offers miles of trails through stunning pine forests, wetlands, and along the Blackwater River.
The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and numerous bird species. Families can enjoy a peaceful day hiking, biking, or picnicking along the river. With its serene atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery, it's the perfect spot to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy quality family time.
9. Check Out the Navarre Park
If you're looking for a more traditional park experience, Navarre Park offers a great spot for families to spend the day. The park features a large playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures, making it a hit with younger children. It also has plenty of open green space where families can play games or have a picnic.
The park's location near the bay provides scenic views and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, or simply watching the boats go by. There's also a pavilion where families can gather for barbecues or special events. This is a low-key but enjoyable way to spend a day outdoors with kids.
10. Take a Trip to Pensacola Beach
Just a short drive from Navarre Beach, Pensacola Beach is another family-friendly destination worth exploring. Known for its beautiful white sand beaches and calm waters, Pensacola Beach offers plenty of activities for kids. The beach is perfect for swimming, sandcastle building, and playing beach games.
Families can also visit the Pensacola Lighthouse and climb to the top for panoramic views of the Gulf Coast. The Pensacola Beach area also has several family-friendly restaurants, ice cream shops, and attractions like the Gulf Breeze Zoo, making it an excellent day trip from Navarre.
11. Visit the Gulf Breeze Zoo
Located just across the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze, the Gulf Breeze Zoo is a fun and educational stop for families visiting Navarre Beach. The zoo is home to more than 800 animals, including exotic species such as giraffes, tigers, and primates. Kids can enjoy feeding and interacting with animals, taking a safari ride, or even visiting the petting zoo.
In addition to the animals, the zoo features a splash pad and a train ride that takes visitors through the park. The Gulf Breeze Zoo is a great place to relax and let kids burn off some energy.
vacation with navarre beach properties
Navarre Beach offers an abundance of fun things to do in Navarre Florida that will appeal to families with kids of all ages. Whether you're spending the day on the beach, taking a boat tour, or exploring the area's natural wonders, you'll find a plethora of family-friendly things to do here. With its safe and family-friendly atmosphere, Navarre Beach is the perfect destination for making lasting memories with your loved ones.
If you're planning to visit Navarre Beach with your family, expect an unforgettable vacation filled with laughter, adventure, and relaxation. Navarre Beach Properties has the best vacation rentals if you need a place to stay.
