Navarre Attractions for Fun, Sun and Adventure
Located between Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, Navarre is known as a hidden gem. Most of the area is protected, providing a place for wildlife and travelers to co-exist in a laid-back environment. However, this coastal town also offers fun activities for those who want more action. Keep reading to learn about the top Navarre attractions and things to do.
Family-friendly Navarre Attractions for Outdoor Fun
Navarre Beach Marine Park
This park connects Santa Rosa Sound and Gulf of Mexico, providing guests a place to dive and learn about marine life. Plus, it’s free of charge and open to the public.
Popular things to do include swimming, sunbathing, bodyboarding, snorkeling and shore diving. The park has artificial reefs near the shore, so visitors can see marine life and ecosystems.
Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
Located in Navarre Beach Park, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center houses rescued sea turtles, sea horses, lion fish and other marine species. The center also offers interactive exhibits and fun ways to learn about environmental conservation. All ages are welcome, but call ahead for available tour times.
Beaches and Parks
Laid back and beautiful are just two words to describe Navarre Beach. Here visitors enjoy soft white sand and clean waters with fewer crowds. For some adventure, outdoor lovers enjoy kayaking, canoeing and wildlife watching at area parks. Blackwater River State Park in Holt and Coldwater Gardens in Milton are great places to explore Florida’s back-country.
Gulf Breeze Zoo
Gulf Breeze Zoo allows visitors to see animals in different ways. Suitable for all ages, this attraction has a boardwalk and safari line train perfect for watching exotic animals. Plus, visitors can schedule personal interactions for a closer look.
Animals that live at Gulf Breeze Zoo include hippo, rhino, clouded leopard, kangaroo, gorilla, orangutan, anteater, bats, and many more species. There is also a farm where kids feed animals such as giraffes, cows and goats. For some photo opportunities, head to the budgiery (parakeets) aviary where they fly free and land on guests.
Navarre Beach Pier
Want to fish? Navarre Beach Pier stands 30 feet above the water and welcomes anglers to cast a line in the Gulf. All they need to do is rent a pole, buy bait and spend a few hours on the pier. Those not fishing enjoy watching the sunset and strollingthe longest pier in Florida. That’s right: Navarre Pier measures 1,545 feet into the Gulf.
Club at Hidden Creek
Club at Hidden Creek ranks among the top Navarre attractions for golfers. The 18-hole championship course opens to the public was designed by Ron Garl. Players come to Hidden Creek for its lush greens, rolling terrain and scenery. Mature trees and water hazards add plenty of challenges, and the course measures 6,823 yards from the back tee.
Those who want more golf course options will find additional public golf courses. Top-rated options include Tiger Point Golf Club in Gulf Breeze; Gator Lakes Golf Course in Hulburt Field; and the Pines Course at Fort Walton Beach Club.
Other Attractions Close to Navarre
In addition to these Navarre attractions, travelers will find more things to do in nearby Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach. Each beach town offers its own charm and fun activities.
For example in Pensacola, tour a historic lighthouse, Fort Barrancas and National Naval Aviation Museum. In Fort Walton Beach, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone and Okaloosa Island provide a place for families to play. The area also has more parks with beaches, golf courses, art museums and science centers.
Next book a vacation rental in Navarre and plan a getaway.