Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Navarre, FL

  • Published 2022/03/15

With a laid-back vibe as a coastal community, the best things to do in Navarre, Florida, will provide you a getaway of a lifetime.

This unincorporated community in Santa Rosa County is located in Florida’s northwest region.

Guy Wyman, a colonel in the US Army, founded the state.

During World War I, he met Noelle, a French nurse, while serving in the army.

A fiancée or wife would not have been allowed, Wyman took Noelle home to the United States as an adopted child.

After purchasing a vast piece of land in Florida, he asked Noelle to name the property, and she chose Navarre, after a province in Spain bordering France.

With its proximity to the Gulf Islands National Seashore and Navarre Beach Marine Park, which together cover 6.4 kilometers of beach frontage on the Gulf of Mexico, Navarre boasts a modest but constantly rising population of nature lovers and visitors.

Experience this coastal community with the best things to do in Navarre, Florida.

Go Fishing at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier

Sunset behind Navarre Beach Fishing Pier

Holly Mazour / Shutterstock.com

A simple trip to Navarre Beach is one of the most accessible and flexible options when visiting this coastal town.

Aside from its stunning landscape, Navarre provides fun activities for all, including fishing.

You can get to the Navarre Beach Pier by turning right at Gulf Boulevard after taking the Navarre Causeway to the barrier island.

Here, you may catch Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Cobia, Wahoo, and more.

Details under Navarre Beach Fishing Pier

Heather MacDonald / Shutterstock.com

With its 1,545-foot length and 30 feet of height above the ocean, this pier has something for everyone.

In addition to world-class fishing, the Navarre Beach Pier is the best site to catch a sunset, whether you’re an expert angler or this is your first time out on the water.

In addition to food and beverages, you may bring your own beach sports equipment.

Just keep in mind to do your part in maintaining a tidy environment.

View of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier from the shore

Split Second Photography / Shutterstock.com

Learn More about Turtles at Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center

Visiting the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center near Navarre Beach, Florida, allows you to learn about the conservation and protection of sea turtles.

Through community outreach and partnering research, the facility aims to protect and conserve vulnerable and endangered sea turtle populations.

A 2,010-square-foot conservation and teaching center to the public year-round by NBSTCC, a volunteer-run group.

There is a 15,000-gallon saltwater pool home to Sweet Pea, a green sea turtle that cannot be released and is the NBSTCC ambassador-in-residence.

Sweet Pea is a sea turtle that many visitors have never seen before.

Her story illustrates both the risks and the opportunities that human choices present for this rapidly dwindling species.

There is a lot here for kids to learn about the value of conservation and the things humans can do to aid sea turtles and other aquatic animals.

Tour the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station

In 2008, Navarre students convened with the Santa Rosa County School Board and the Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners to discuss the possibility of transforming an abandoned ranger station into an environmental center.

Students were able to secure the location in March 2009 following an outpouring of support from the local community.

The Navarre Beach Marine Science Station is the fruit of more than 2,000 hours of community service by said students.

Since its opening, the center has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors interested in learning more about Pensacola’s marine life.

Guests may participate in fun, instructive, and inspirational activities that are both participatory and hands-on.

The facility hosts summer programs, birthday parties, and guided beach tours.

Everything you need to learn about marine biology is available here.

Go Scuba Diving at Navarre Beach Marine Park

Navarre Beach Marine Park, which encompasses 150 acres, is one of Santa Rosa Island’s most popular recreation and entertainment hotspots.

You may spend your days lounging on its sugar-white sand beaches, which stretch from the Santa Rosa Sound to the Gulf of Mexico.

You can even go shell-hunting or diving to learn more about the ocean’s wildlife and conservation.

Many beach access sites and well-developed tourist amenities make Navarre Beach Marine Park one of the few places in the area that isn’t overrun with visitors.

Its facilities include showers, pavilions, and lifeguard towers along the wide Gulf beaches.

Wheelchair access to the beach is made possible by the Mobi Mat and ADA-friendly pavilions.

At Navarre Beach Marine Park, you’ll find kayak launches on both sides of the beach, as well as a boat ramp directly next to the Navarre Beach Causeway.

The Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary offshore, which contains three complexes of artificial reefs that provide aquatic habitat and access to scuba diving and snorkeling, is one of the genuinely significant advantages of this location.

Rent a Jetski at Navarre Family Watersports

Since its establishment, Navarre Family Watersports has become a sought-after tourist attraction in the Northwest Florida area.

Whether you’re here for a day or a week to take advantage of everything the region has to offer, its goal is to create a memory you won’t forget.

It provides pontoon rentals, Jetski/Waverunner rentals, Slingshot rentals, paddleboard, kayak rentals.

It also holds eco-tours, dolphin excursions, fishing charters, seaplane intro flight classes.

The facility also features a waterpark and miniature golf.

Try Kayak Fishing with Navarre Kayak Fishing

This company began in 2016 as Nick’s Guide Service, a kayak fishing charter company.

It rebranded as Navarre Kayak Fishing in 2017 and expanded its charter activities.

After years on the sea, professional fishing guide and enthusiastic fisherman Nicholas Lytle began investigating methods to improve the kayak fishing experience.

In addition to its own line of kayak components, Navarre Kayak Fishing also features a selection of water-activity equipment and items.

If you are new to kayak fishing, don’t worry because the owners and employees of this small, family-run firm are all well-versed in fishing and other outdoor pursuits.

Witness Wildlife Rehabilitation at Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

This wildlife rehabilitation center offers a safe haven for local wildlife that has been orphaned, injured, sick, or otherwise unable to care for themselves, allowing the animals to recover before being released back into the wild.

Stranding teams are available to respond to marine animals that are stranded, injured, trapped, or dead in Walton and Okaloosa Counties and the Alabama state boundary.

In 2020, ECWR received about 2,000 animals, including a record-breaking amount of animals, after Hurricane Sally struck.

Sea turtles and marine mammals are also part of the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program run by the East Coast Wildlife Resources (ECWR).

To learn more about animals endemic to Florida, their habitats, and our ambassador animals, visit the center’s teaching facility.

Snap Lifetime Memories with Jessica Salort Photography

Are you on vacation in Navarre for your honeymoon?

Jessica Salort is your best bet in Navarre if you’re looking to have your holiday photographs done by a professional who knows where the most incredible backdrops are.

A Navarre, Florida native, she now travels the Gulf Coast as a photographer, taking her unique artistic vision along for the ride.

It’s easiest to characterize her work as a mix of classic modern documentarian and warm and colorful color photography.

She aims to capture moments in time for future generations to appreciate and cherish.

Let her know what you have in mind, and she will bring it to fruition.

As a mother herself, she is more than capable of handling your children for photographs.

Make the most of Jessica’s adventurous and creative nature and have a great time!

Tee Off at The Club at Hidden Creek

The Club at Hidden Creek is a must-visit location if you’re a golf enthusiast.

The club’s 18-hole, par-72 course has been lauded by the game’s elite.

The Creekside Southern Grill, which offers lunch, supper, and breakfast, is another great highlight of the course.

There are also practice facilities for driving, chipping, and putting.

Depending on the day and time of the week and how many people wish to play, different rates apply.

Visit The Club at Hidden Creek if you’re looking to play some world-class golf while on vacation.

Spend a Day or Two at Navarre Beach Camping Resort

Located in Northwest Florida, Navarre Beach Camping Resort is the “best-kept vacation secret.”

It is a paradise for beachgoers with pristine white sand beaches and emerald-colored water.

Take a walk on the Santa Rosa Sound or the Gulf Beaches, both of which are only a five-minute drive away.

The camping resort features a pier, heated swimming pool, hot tub, beach, and large pull-through sites with patios.

It boasts 50 amp service, cable TV, sparkling clean toilets, shaded paved roads, and a limited access gate.

Chill with Your Friends at Johnny Huston’s Grille & Bar

Whether it’s a sporting game, a beer, or some chat with friends or the locals, Johnny Huston’s Grille & Bar provides you a relaxing atmosphere in Navarre.

Only the finest and freshest ingredients are used in its food.

Your meal is prepared to your specifications: you order it, and its staff makes it.

Do note that food prep will take a bit longer than your typical chain restaurant.

Johnny Huston’s Grille & Bar is not your typical food restaurant but a location where you can get fresh, high-quality meals.

Grab Your Fishing Supplies at Half Hitch-Navarre

Half Hitch is an angler’s paradise.

At Half Hitch Tackle in Navarre, you’ll find a limitless range of sporting goods.

Nearly everything you might need for an outdoor excursion or adventure can be found at Half Hitch in Navarre.

It also holds seminars, tournaments, special promos, and contests, so watch out for these.

With six sites, Half Hitch is ready to assist you on your journey to the outside world! There’s no need to stress about finding a place to park.

Experience Luxurious Comfort at Santa Rosa Waterfront RV Resort

The Santa Rosa RV Resort on Florida’s Gulf Coast is a stunning example of a high-end RV resort.

This holiday destination offers 88 luxurious RV camping sites, including 24 lakefront ones.

Sugar-white sand beaches and emerald green seas of the Gulf of Mexico are just a short drive from the resort.

Relax and enjoy the luxurious atmosphere they’ve created just for you.

Family-friendly features include an outdoor heated pool with sun deck; an expansive and covered gathering area with a fire pit and several seating spaces; an exercise room; laundry; a children’s play area; and a private beach with white sand.

You may use its fleet of kayaks and paddleboards.

Bring Home Souvenirs from Painted Lady Soap Company

The smell is said to be one of the most evocative senses, and the Painted Lady Soap Company has a wide selection of lovely aromas for you and your loved ones to enjoy.

The Painted Lady Soap Company started as a kitchen experiment from a self-taught woman.

However, don’t be deceived by the name.

Lotions, candles, sugar masks, bath bombs, various scrubs, and soaps are also available here.

These items are excellent if you have sensitive skin.

All items are handcrafted right here in our shop, with lots of love and fun.

Owned and operated by women and veterans, its products are cruelty-free and created from natural ingredients.

Buy Your Favorite Seafood at Navarre Seafood Market

If you’re looking for fresh seafood, head to this market.

Navarre Seafood Market has the most comprehensive range of seafood.

Everything from whole fish to fillets is available at our store.

A fisherman runs this market, so you are sure to get the highest quality of ingredients.

For more than a decade, the market has served Navarre, Navarre Beach, and the surrounding communities with the freshest Gulf of Mexico seafood.

You may either steam it yourself or have it delivered to your door, so you can eat it right away.

Come see what the market is all about, and its vendors are more than happy to answer any questions you have.

Final Thoughts

There are many activities and attractions in Navarre, even if it appears to be a quiet Florida vacation.

If you’re looking for something exciting or relaxing, we’ve got something for you.

Relax on beautiful white-sand beaches and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico while enjoying water sports, hiking, and paddling.

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