Dubbed "Florida's most relaxing place," Navarre Beach is nestled along the scenic shores of the Gulf of Mexico, west of Destin, on Santa Rosa Island.
There are many attractions and things to do in this paradise-like spot with white-sand beaches and emerald-green waters, so it's tough to pick the best activities. Still, in this blog, we try our best to list the top 10 things you can't miss doing in Navarre Beach, FL.
From radical outdoor recreation to family-friendly attractions and award-winning seafood dining, here's a glimpse of what awaits you in Navarre Beach.
Let's dive right in!
1. Enjoy a blend of natural beauty and fun activities at Navarre Beach
Stretching over 12 miles of immaculate white sand, Navarre Beach is an excellent start for every visitor and has a great family atmosphere. It offers both a space for quiet beachgoers to relax as well as an open arena for water sports and outdoor activities.This beach is made of pristine shores, but the atmosphere is also vibrant. In short, this is a coastal haven with a mix of natural beauty and exciting activities.
Swim in the crystal-clear waters, and then feel the soft white sand on your feet. The little ones will love testing their engineering skills by building sandcastles.
For something more exciting, you can rent paddle boards or kayaks to explore the waters and reefs. What's more, the beach is also a stone's throw away from restaurants and stores.
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. What better place to start your Navarre experience?
Fun fact: did you know that a large portion of Jaws II was filmed at Navarre Beach?
Don't worry; that doesn't mean you will encounter a great white shark during your visit, but keep an eye on the signs nevertheless!
Heads up: Navarre Beach is not pet-friendly, but other spots are available for you and your canine pal to visit and enjoy a fun-filled day out. Check these guidelines on where to go and how to vacation with your pet in the area.
2. Feel all the Florida allure as you stroll along Navarre Beach Pier
For a different perspective on all the coastal beauty of Navarre Beach, head for a stroll on the longest pier in Florida and the whole of the Gulf of Mexico. Rising 30 feet above the water, and at 1,545 feet,
Navarre Beach Pier is a great spot to spend some time with the family, enjoying the sea breeze.At the very end of the pier, at a large octagonal tip, that's where most fishermen stay, all hoping to catch that large fish. Views from there are nothing short of spectacular, and you can take a peek at sea turtles and jumping fish.
Maybe try your hand at fishing (rent a fishing pole for up to $7), or eat at one of the many waterfront restaurants. The pier restaurant, Windjammers on the Pier, offers Gulf seafood, sandwiches, and burgers — this is that classic place where you go for the food and stay for the views.
The perfect way to end your day is witnessing a magical Florida sunset, painting everything in beautiful colors ahead of you.
Extra tip: as you stroll along, notice the Wildlife Protection guidelines posted here and there — they define guidelines for protecting sea turtles, birds, and dolphins. If you see an animal in danger, there's a phone number there for you to call, and someone will be fast to the rescue!
3. Meet Sweet Pea at Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
If you're a real nature lover, you can't miss a visit to the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. This is an institution with a mission to conserve and protect threatened and endangered sea turtles through community education and research. There, you can learn everything about tortoises, terrapins, and sea turtles, and we can safely say this is one of the best things to do in Navarre Beach.
The main pool is home to Sweet Pea, a non-releasable green sea turtle who is like an Ambassador-in-Residence. Her story is sad, though, and it really makes you think about how you leave the environment and how it affects other living beings around you.
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.
Throughout, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the displays are well done.
There's even a Marine Debris Recycling Corner. For the little ones, there are special activities that include a Shark Tooth Treasure Hunt and scavenger hunts, so check the daily schedule.
A family-friendly activity that has immense educational value. Can't be missed.
Image retrieved from www.navarrebeachseaturtles.org.
4. Discover more wildlife wonders at the Gulf Breeze Zoo
Here's another great family-friendly activity to do in Navarre Beach. Encompassing at least 50 acres, the Gulf Breeze Zoo is just a 15-minute ride from Navarre Beach and features over 900 animals across a diverse range of species, including all-time favorites like giraffes, rhinos, gorillas, and hippos.
There are animal exhibits, a safari express train, an elevated boardwalk, and you can even enjoy a little gem mining.
You can also have up-close encounters with some of the resident animals, and enjoy feeding sessions or interactions with them, all activities overseen by zookeepers, of course.
In the end, if you're feeling peckish, pay a visit to the onsite eatery and try the pizzas, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, pretzels, hot dogs, and other great treats.
5. Scuba or snorkel around at the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary
A haven for marine species, spanning over 150 acres, the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary is an artificial reef system. Artificial reefs are human-made structures placed underwater to enhance marine life habitat and promote biodiversity. But it's also a lot of fun for activities such as snorkeling and diving.
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. If you don't feel like getting in the water, you can rent a paddleboard or a clear-bottom kayak or jump on a regular kayak to see everything from above.
There are well-developed visitor facilities all around, and rarely overcrowded, the shiny white sands at the waterfront are also perfect for just relaxing, sunbathing, swimming, and seashell-hunting.
6. Enjoy nature and have a picnic at Live Oaks Naval Campground
Another great thing to do in Navarre is spend a day by the bay at Live Oaks Naval Campground — the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
This area, nestled within the serene expanse of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, has calm waters, and you can engage in activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming, or snorkeling.
Picnicking is also a hit. If you book one of the pavilions, you'll have a perfect place for it, with restrooms, a grill, and a campfire circle nearby.
Explore over seven miles of picturesque hiking trails with tons of wildlife and lush surroundings, and admire the naval live oak trees that have inhabited the area for ages.
7. Seek the thrill for the whole family at Navarre Family Watersports Water Park
Looking for some thrill? Then head to the Navarre Family Watersports Water Park, where you can have more fun by the water.
Try the inflatable obstacle course, but fair warning, it looks easier than it actually is! The fun part is to race around and navigate the various obstacles. This is a challenge full of fun, so completing the course or not, you deserve a medal anyway!
For something a little less challenging, you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boarding from Sage Paddle or rent your own pontoon boat. At night, there's the glow paddle adventure. The atmosphere is great and family-friendly, and the staff is helpful and attentive.
Photo by Navarre Family Watersports.
8. Hit some balls at Hidden Creek Golf Club (aka The Club at Hidden Creek)
Not a beach person? Then why not enjoy the Florida sunshine with a round of golf? The Club at Hidden Creek is 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, making it perfect for some quiet time in great company.
9. Soak in the lively atmosphere of Juana's Pagodas & Sailors' Grill
With all this Navarre Beach activity, you'll work up an appetite sooner or later.
In business since 1989, Navarre's oldest family-owned restaurant and bar, Juana's Pagodas & Sailors' Grill is a waterfront establishment that offers a great atmosphere and lots of entertainment. Expect live music, people enjoying beach volleyball, and even a pool.
The food and drinks are delicious and can be served on the deck overlooking the water. But heads up: this place is very popular, so try to arrive before the peak times to get a table straight away.
Then, all you have to worry about is soaking in the Florida vibes and marveling at a wonderful sunset with a drink in hand.
10. Pay a visit to Navarre Seafood Market
You can't visit the Emerald Coast and not try some of the fresh seafood that the area is famous for (unless you are a vegetarian, in which case you should check these tips for places to go).
The best place to hit and see it all is Navarre Seafood Market, a place run by fishermen serving the freshest, locally sourced catches for more than a decade.
Their selection is seemingly endless: oysters, clams, red snappers, shrimps, groupers, salmon, Dungeness crabs, and much more. It's also an educational experience as you can talk to the sellers and learn all about the local seafood tradition.
After a visit, you can try your hand at cooking a delicious meal at your vacation rental in Navarre Beach and create even better memories with your family.
Explore the best activities in Navarre Beach, FL
There's so much more to do in Navarre Beach! Extra honorable mentions go to the Panhandle Butterfly House & Nature Center, a well-known tourist attraction and nature center in the nearby city of Milton, where all stages of the butterfly life cycle can be observed.
Another unmissable activity is to bike the paved multi-use path of the Florida National Scenic Trail from Navarre Beach to Pensacola Beach, accompanied by sweeping sea views.
The untouched natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere of Navarre Beach create a perfect haven for nature lovers and relaxation seekers alike, and this place is ideal to visit all year round!
Beaches are busy in May, June, and July. For some nice hiking in less humidity, mid-February and the end of May are great. And festivals and events happen all year round!
Want another idea for great things to do 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.
Make sure to check our options in scenic places. 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.
