20 Best Things to Do in Navarre Beach, FL

Are you a beach lover looking for a secluded beach where you can experience peace and tranquility?

Unlike the other popular destinations in Florida, Navarre is a sleepy little Florida town whose main attraction is Navarre Beach.

Navarre Beach is gradually gaining popularity, with more and more tourists visiting the place.

Navarre Beach is nestled in Northwest Florida on Santa Rosa Island,, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico.

The beach is characterized by clear turquoise water, clean powdery white sand, and a simplicity that is hard to find in today’s time.

The place is a joy for sun-seekers, nature lovers, adventurers, and water sports enthusiasts.

Interested to know more about this place?

Here are the best things to do in Navarre beach, Florida:

Interact with Sea Animals at Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center

The main mission of the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center is to conserve and preserve endangered sea turtles and other marine resources.

Their vision is to educate the community through various programs and hands-on learning experiences.

Along with turtles, they are also invested in the well-being of other marine species like tortoises, terrapins, and crabs.

You will have a fun time interacting with marine species which are normally not seen in traditional zoos.

Kids will love to see Sweet Pea, a green sea turtle and residential ambassador of the Center.

Apart from Sweet Pea, you can see Grumpy the Lionfish, the Jellysih Aquarium, the Seahorse habitat, and Artificial Reef Aquarium.

This center is an excellent place for children to have fun and education simultaneously.

The NBSTCC also features engaging activities like Scavenger Hunts and Shark Tooth Treasure hunt for kids.

You can find popular items and a great assortment of books on sea turtles and marine conservation at their Seamore store.

You can shop with a purpose and show your support for their exemplary mission.

See the Marine Ecosystems at the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station

Navarre Beach Marine Science Station was founded by some marine science students to educate the community and visitors about marine species and the ecosystems supporting them.

It is a great place to learn about the local marine life and species.

They have programs on sea turtles and Gulf artificial reefs.

Kids will surely love the interactive as well as educational activities offered there.

The center makes learning about fascinating marine science easy and fun.

Navarre Beach Marine Science Station hosts summer camps, birthdays, and guided beach tours.

Visit and Relax at Navarre Beach

When at Navarre beach, why not simply soak in the sun at Navarre Beach itself?

With its pristine white shore and clear Gulf water, the beach makes for a beautiful sight.

Simply don your beachwear, take your beach sports equipment, and head towards the Navarre beach.

You are also allowed to carry your food and drinks.

Find yourself a good spot, get comfortable and enjoy a day under the sky.

You can simply unwind or can engage in some beach sports.

As the beach is not crowded, you can, sometimes find an entire stretch of beach waiting, all for you!

You will fall in love with the exquisite Navarre Beach.

It is aptly said that Navarre Beach is Florida’s best-kept secret!

Enjoy a Walk at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier

If you are at Navarre Beach, visiting Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is a must.

You can take a leisurely stroll at the longest pier in Florida.

The best part is that the walking fee is only $1 per person.

Due to the clear water, you can see a lot of dolphins, turtles, rays, and other fishes.

You can also engage in fishing or surfing.

Enjoy the brilliant sunset view from the pier – take the opportunity and click a couple of beautiful pictures.

The pier, like the beach, is not too crowded.

The pier provides a fabulous view of Navarre Beach.

Have Fun at Navarre Family Watersports and Mini Golf

If you are vacationing on a beach, you may engage in some form of watersports and other outdoor activities.

The Navarre Family Watersports and Mini Golf is the perfect place for you.

Your entire family can plunge into a day full of exciting watersports.

You can rent a wide gamut of things – Jetski/Waverunner, pontoon, Slingshot, kayak, and stand-up paddleboards.

This full-service watersports establishment also offers a18 holes, miniature golf, seaplane intro flights, and a floating waterpark.

With so much in store for you, fun and excitement never stop at the Navarre Family Watersports and Mini Golf.

Enjoy Diving and Snorkeling at Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary

If you want to spot reefs and enjoy snorkeling in Navarre, visit the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary.

It consists of three different artificial reef areas.

They are located offshore of Navarre Beach Marine Park – two of them at Santa Rosa Sound and one in the Gulf of Mexico.

As the reefs are near the shores, seeing the marine life and ecosystems is easily accessible.

The reef sites help you to enhance and improve your diving and snorkeling abilities easily and inexpensively.

Explore and discover Navarre beach reef – take their 45 minutes Clear Bottom Kayak Tour of the Gulf Side Reef.

Buy Locally Sourced Seafood at Navarre Seafood Market

You can savor a great selection of high-quality seafood at Navarre Seafood Market.

Purchase fresh, locally sourced raw shrimp, fish, crab, oysters, crawfish, and more from this market.

You also have the option of steaming your choice of seafood.

Their steamed fresh seafood to-go option is loved by the visitors.

Pair your steamed items with exclusive local dips and desserts.

Their tuna dip, cocktail sauce, and homemade Key Lime Pie are fan favorites.

The best part of this market is that it remains open seven days a week.

Enjoy Horse Riding at Bay Haven Farms

Enjoy horse riding in a safe and friendly environment at Bay Haven Farms.

This cute little farm is perfect for everyone – from a novice to a pro.

If you want to enjoy something enjoyable, apart from the existing common activities in Navarre, it would be a good idea to check in to Bay Haven Farms.

The welcoming staff and family-friendly atmosphere add to the charm of the place.

The farm also hosts camps and birthday parties.

See the Colorful Butterflies at Panhandle Butterfly House

For a simple and relaxing time amidst nature, visit the Panhandle Butterfly House.

The place is home to native species of Florida butterflies.

You can see the beautiful butterflies soar through the open exhibit of the facility, sitting atop a variety of colorful plants and flowers and feeding on them.

You can also see caterpillars moving here and there on their journey from squishy little larvae to enchanting butterflies.

Grab Some Craft Beers at St. Michael's Brewing Company

Looking for some handcrafted beer after a full day of activities?

The St.Michaels’s Brewing Company might just be the perfect place for you.

Located in the heart of Navarre, the craft beers they offer are loved by locals and visitors alike.

Go to the taproom, sit back, relax and enjoy sampling beers from their extensive selection.

They also have an extensive and nice beer garden with a friendly atmosphere.

Seat outside, and enjoy the breezy weather while enjoying a pint or two of their handcrafted beers.

The beers over there are named in honor of their local heroes, defense personnel, and protectors.

The place also has wine and cider in store for you.

Shop at Salt Water Cottage

Local art, gifts, gourmet food, jewelry, books, and home décor – the Salt Water Cottage houses all.

It is the oldest and the only original cottage that exists in Navarre.

The cozy and welcoming ambiance outside will attract you.

You will be welcomed by lots of books at the front door.

The owner of the cottage is a friendly and welcoming person.

Here, you can find rugs, baskets, and even towels that are made of recycled materials.

The shop offers locally made items, as it helps the local community.

Dine at Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar

The Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar is a casual place to enjoy delicious sushi when in Navarre.

The dishes at the bar are unique, with some creative spin to the basic sushi.

However, the menu is not limited to sushi.

If you are someone who is not fond of raw fish, you can try their veggie sushi rolls or sushi rolls made with cooked seafood.

The bar also offers non-seafood rolls like grilled chicken and seared steak.

The Psycho Mermaid is their bestselling sushi roll.

The other favorites are The Tropical Mermaid, The Sassy Mermaid, and The Land and Sea.

The Merman Roll and the Stealer Pleaser for meat lovers will please your palates.

The vibrant and creative interior adds to the charm of the place.

You can also enjoy outdoor dining on the lovely patio.

So, visit this casual and comfortable neighborhood sushi bar, dive in, and experience a whole new culinary world.

Shop at Farm to Table NWF – Navarre Farmer’s Market

For those who love food and are looking for local produce, the Farm to Table NWF – Navarre Farmer’s Market is the ideal place to spend a Saturday morning.

You can find a plethora of local products in this Navarre beach attraction.

From fresh local produce to homemade jams and butter to baked goods – they have something for everyone.

You will also find locally sourced meat, eggs, and even treats for your pets for purchase.

You experience the small-town charm of Navarre while shopping.

The friendly, tight-knit community aims to offer the best that Navarre and its surrounding areas and farms have in store.

Your every purchase will help the local artisans and community to thrive and flourish.

Book a Day of Fun Water Expeditions at Sage Paddle Company

Sage Paddle Company was established to provide customers with expeditions, events, and memories that can only be experienced while paddling.

The company has been administering for over six years and has grown into new areas and merchandise.

With more than 150 rental units, Sage Paddle Company is currently the biggest independent rental business in the region.

View the available rentals and interesting sights, such as the paddle boards, kayaks, bikes, scooters, and Sages Snack Shack.

Spend a fun-filled day discovering the oceans and participating in different water sports.

Order a Drink or Two at the Grey Taproom

Visit The Grey Taproom, Navarre Beach's preferred Craft Beer & Wine Bar.

The Grey Taproom is unique to this neighborhood and offers an industrial environment with a contemporary touch.

They have 30 beers on tap, a vast choice of bottled and canned beers, outstanding wines from around the globe, and various excellent cigars.

The Grey Taproom is filled with summer hues and provides apparel items to keep!

Come by to gather with friends, and sample the wide range of alcoholic beverages and cocktails.

Experience a Sunset Cruise with Coastal Life Charters & Adventures

Are you looking for a boat trip, dolphin trip, sunset cruise, or fishing charter?

Coastal Life Charters & Adventures offers family-friendly fishing excursions, which also feature a comfortable boat with an enclosed bathroom and a plethora of information.

All excursions include ice, quality rods, reels, bait, equipment, and licenses for you and your group.

All kinds of anglers are welcome since the only prerequisite is a desire to have fun.

Book a trip with Coastal Life Charters & Adventures if you are interested in fishing, observing dolphins, dipping in emerald seas, watching the Blue Angels train, going on an adventure to Crab Island, or experiencing a sunset cruise!

Spend a Relaxing Overnight Stay at Navarre Beach Camping Resort

The best-kept vacation gem in Northwest Florida is Navarre Beach Camping Resort.

It has stunning, untouched white sand beaches and green water.

In five minutes, you may drive to the Gulf Beaches or take advantage of the private beach on the Santa Rosa Sound.

Waterfront campsites on Santa Rosa Sound, a pier, heated swimming pool, hot tub, beach, roomy pull-thru sites with patios, 50-amp service, cable Television, protected paved roads, spotlessly clean facilities, and a restricted entrance gate are available at Navarre Beach Camping Resort.

Additionally, they are now renting out kayaks and paddleboards!

Taste Fresh Seafood at Scooter's Fish House

Scooter's Fish House is a modest fish restaurant delivering excellent services for dine-in and takeout in the center of Navarre, Florida.

You can dine inside or get it to go, yet still the most reasonably priced and fresh available local seafood.

It ranks as one of the top eateries in Navarre and serves the greatest seafood.

They take pleasure in serving delectable dishes that entice you and your companions to return for more.

All the seafood is locally sourced and fresh, and all dressings and sides are homemade.

The fish is caught directly from the boats in Destin and the nearby places.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Explore the Gulf Breeze Zoo

Enjoy an exciting time with your kids with a visit to the Gulf Breeze Zoo, a place providing 50 acres of wild adventure.

The Zoo which is a 10-minute drive from Navarre is perfect for animal lovers.

You will have loads of things to do when inside the zoo.

The featured animals of the zoo are giraffe, gorilla, hippo, orangutan, and rhino.

Experience the animals in different ways – simply choose your adventure.

You can stroll through the park and observe the animals in their habitat.

You can also observe them from the elevated boardwalk or the safari express train ride.

For a more interactive experience, you can opt for a unique animal encounter or visit their farm.

The zoo also allows animal feeding – you can purchase food for animals and budgies from the gift shop and feed them.

Enjoy the opportunity of making an up, close and personal connection with animals at this zoo.

Final Thoughts

Several of the activities to explore in Navarre are pursuits that use the region's natural beauty and unique fauna.

The beach is where much of the action occurs, whether swimming, relaxing, fishing, or snorkeling.

A zoo and a day excursion to Blackwater River State Park are just a couple of the family-friendly activities you can enjoy nearby the beach on the mainland, which is accessible through a picturesque bridge.

Make travel arrangements with this selection of the best things to do in Navarre Beach!

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