Accommodations That Get You Close to Nature (“roughing it” optional)


Visitors come to Navarre Beach to decompress, to breathe easy, to do what comes naturally in this part of Florida — relax.

And more often than not, that means connecting with nature: hiking, cycling, paddling, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, strolling the beach, sipping a drink while looking out over the Gulf of Mexico, or just napping in a hammock. To take your stay to the next level, we suggest finding overnight accommodations that bring you close to nature.

Here are a few suggestions:

  • From tree houses to a vintage train caboose — Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center, a sprawling resort and recreational complex 15 miles north of Milton, offers an array of close-to-nature lodging. You can book one of the eight rooms in the Old Schoolhouse Inn. Three group cabins are ideal for family gatherings; each can accommodate more than 20 people (Nature’s Glenn, set atop a hill, can fit 35-70 folks). Consider stepping up to one of the 21 secluded cabins, each with its own style. The Lorax Loft is an intimate tree house. Katie’s Kaboose is a Micro Cottage housed in a bright red vintage train caboose. Granny Peaden’s is a classic two-bedroom overlooking Wolfe Creek. Adventures Unlimited also offers an array of campsites — for tents and RVs. Whatever lodging you choose here, you’re just minutes away from a variety of outdoor activities.
Photo by Coldwater Gardens
  • Your own private sandbar — Eco-conscious Coldwater Gardens, just a few clicks north of Adventures Unlimited, has several charming options for overnight stays. The Eco-Design Cottages, Modern Treehouse and Tiny-House Cabana are private, comfortable and unique. Camping choices include: Glamping (tents with beds and amenities); Creekview Platform (on a creek-side bluff surrounded by pine and cypress trees); and Creekside Camping (bring your own gear and set up camp on a private sandbar). While there, tour the farm and gardens and take an eco-tour.
  • In a tent down by the pristine sand-bottom river — Blackwater River State Park, 16 miles northeast of Milton, has 30 shaded campsites. They accommodate tents and/or RVs, and come with an array of basic amenities (water, electricity, bathhouse). Best of all, these sites are just a short walk from one of the most pristine sand-bottom rivers in the U.S and 600 acres of undisturbed natural areas.
Instagram user @bailey_heemstra
  • If roughing it is not an option — Trust us, booking a condo or townhome on Navarre Beach will give you that relaxing, close-to-nature feeling. You’ll look out over one of the most picturesque stretches of sand anywhere. Gulf breezes waft through the windows. Plus, you’ll be within convenient distance of more woodsy activities. Navarre Beach has several agencies that arrange these accommodations.