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Top Things to Do in Navarre Beach and Beyond

For most travelers, a visit to Navarre Beach begins and ends with the beach itself — a pristine stretch of crystal-white sand so uncrowded that you can easily find ample real estate to set up, stretch out, and kick back in the sun for as long as you like. And a refreshing dip in the aqua waters of the Gulf is just a few steps away. The soundscape includes little more than the lapping of the water on the shore and the chirps of seabirds.

But there are plenty of other things to do in Navarre Beach! Here are just a few ways — among many — to unwind and spend quality time in and around Florida’s Most Relaxing Place.

Snorkel Artificial Reefs

Given our clear Gulf waters, snorkeling is a favorite activity, and you don’t have to be an adventurer to enjoy it. Navarre Beach has several artificial reefs that are easy to access, and one that’s a bit more demanding — all part of Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary.

The primary reef is just a hundred-yard swim from the hub of Navarre Beach. You’ll marvel at the sight of fish and other marine life congregating by the reef at depths of five to 15 feet.

On the north side of the beach, in Santa Rosa Sound, you’ll find two reefs, 200 to 400 feet from shore. Because there’s no surf, the water here is calmer — ideal for younger children and beginners. For serious snorkelers (and scuba divers), there’s a reef about a mile out that ranges in depth from 20-60 feet.

Go Tubing on the Blackwater River

It’s hard to imagine a more relaxing experience than taking a laid-back float down a lazy river that winds through pine forests. The Blackwater River appears tea-colored from tannins (the leaves and debris that sink to the soft, sandy bottom), but it’s actually clear up close. In fact, one of the delights of tubing the river is its plentiful sandbars. You’ll float along at about one to three miles per hour in water that’s two to three feet deep.

The best way to tube the river is to hire one of several outfitters that provide the tubes, shuttle you upstream, and pick you up downstream (Blackwater Canoe Rental is one option). They’re located about 30 miles north of Navarre Beach in Blackwater River State Park. Tubing excursions typically take two to three hours.

For a change of pace, book an outing with Adventures Unlimited on Coldwater Creek, which is cooler and a bit faster-moving.

Take a Sojourn to Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve

Just 15 miles west of Navarre, you’ll find Naval Live Oaks, 1,400 pastoral acres that have been federally protected since 1971. The preserve is bordered by Santa Rosa Sound to the south and Pensacola Bay to the north.

Heavily forested, the place has paved and unpaved trails and narrow beaches. You can go for an easy stroll or spend the day sunbathing, swimming, picnicking, cycling, fishing, and paddling. Naval Live Oaks is easy to access, with a dedicated parking lot. It’s free to enter, and it’s also commercial-free, so bring your own food and drinks (but no alcohol, please).

mother and son walking down the shoreline at the Naval Live Oaks Area

Stop in at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center

Located within Navarre Beach Marine Park, the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center offers a closer look at the marine life that inhabits these waters and the efforts underway to protect it. Young ones will love the chance to say hi to the resident sea turtle that goes by the name Sweat Pea.

Go to the Zoo

Situated just 10 miles west of Navarre Beach, the 50-acre Gulf Breeze Zoo makes for a fun visit that won’t eat up your day. It’s home to over 1,200 animals and more than 125 species!

On your visit, you can discover walk-through exhibits, an open animal preserve, and the narrated Safari Train Ride that runs through 30 acres of free-roaming giraffes, rhinos, antelope, hippos, primates, and other creatures. This zoo is far less hectic and more hands-on than most larger traditional ones.

Tire the Family Out on the Water

Right on the beach, you’ll find Navarre Family Watersports, a veritable wonderland of wet-and-wild fun. You can rent pontoon boats, waverunners, kayaks, and paddleboards, navigate the floating obstacle course known as Wibit Waterpark, walk a ropes course, take a guided Dolphin Excursion on waverunners, and other adventures.

Spend a Little Time in Milton

Milton, our county seat, is a laid-back, “old Florida” town with a friendly vibe. You can stroll the Milton Riverwalk, a paved promenade that runs a half-mile along the Blackwater River.

Check out the West Florida Railroad Museum, which tells the history of railroads that helped shape the Florida Panhandle. It has vintage rail cars, historic railroad tools, old signal devices, model train displays, and more. In downtown Milton, you’ll find unique restaurants, taverns, charming homes, and more.

Take a Side Trip to Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center

An hour’s drive north of Navarre Beach sits this private outdoor adventure resort, 210 acres of beautiful woodlands and natural springs, all of it built around Coldwater Creek and nearby river systems. Adventures Unlimited offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing, plus an elaborate zipline system that soars over the river, as well as a ropes challenge course. If you want to extend the fun, you might want to consider spending the night in one the resort’s 34 one-of-a-kind cabins, which include a glamorous treehouse, a restored train car, and a 1928 caboose.

Whichever activities you choose in Navarre Beach and its surrounding areas, you’re guaranteed to return home relaxed and refreshed. After all, what more could you expect from Florida’s Most Relaxing Place?

Get Inspired

Endless inspiration.
Many ways to relax.

Within these stories you’ll find a relaxing blend of waterfront beauty and backwoods adventure that begs to be explored on your next Florida vacation. So read on. Plan your visit.