20 Things To Do In Navarre Beach

If you’re seeking an idyllic, summer retreat, you can’t go wrong with Navarre Beach. Overlooking the Gulf Of Mexico and just minutes from Navarre town and the city of Pensacola, Navarre Beach offers the relaxation of a laid-back beach vacation and the convenience and entertainment of a city break. The main draw of Navarre is of course its stunning beaches. Miles long stretches of soft white sand await, ready for you to lay down a towel and sunbathe the day away. When you want a bit more activity, the sparkling waves of the Gulf or the emerald waters of the Santa Rosa Sound beckon you to splash about in the surf. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling around the reef are all popular pastimes, and the area is also a haven for wildlife.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the sea turtles that use the beach as their hatching grounds too, or cast a line to catch your own lunch and spot the plentiful seabirds doing the same. When you’re not down on the sand, you can be enjoying the view from one of the many waterfront bars and restaurants, or head further inland to explore the many museums and landmarks to be found around Navarre and Pensacola. However you prefer to spend your vacation, this article will help you plan your perfect trip. I’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Navarre Beach and beyond, so all you have left to do is sit back and pick out which attractions are most attractive to you.

Navarre Beach, Florida

20 Things To Do In Navarre Beach

1- Relax On The Beach

Of course, the main thing many visitors to Navarre Beach will plan on doing is relaxing on the soft, white sand.

There’s plenty of it for you to stretch out on, so pick a spot to lay down your towel and set up for a day of soaking in the sun and splashing about in the waves.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as public bathrooms, right by the beach, so you’ll be able to relax in total comfort.
Head down to 8579 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, FL 32566, United States.

2- Explore Navarre Beach Marine Park

Alternatively, take yourself off on a little adventure, exploring the dunes of Navarre Beach Marine Park.

The area is a hotspot for wildlife, so along with wandering the sandy terrain, you should make sure to keep your eyes open for all the local critters that call the area home.

The marine park is especially lovely to explore in the evenings, as the sun goes down and you can enjoy a stunning view of the Navarre city lights from across the Santa Rosa Sound.

It’s even more serene after the flocks of daytime sunbathers have headed home.

Go to 8739 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, FL 32566, United States.

3- Look Around Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Centre

The most well-known of the local critters that make their homes on Navarre Beach are the sea turtles.

The beach is a popular hatching ground for them, and the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre does important work in ensuring it stays a safe haven for generations to come.

Visitors can take a look around the conservation centre to learn more about the local species. You can even meet some of the centre’s residents, which include various species of turtles and fish.

Find it at 8740 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, FL 32566, United States.

4- Conquer The Waves On Kayaks And Paddle Boards

Those who like their vacations a little more action packed than just relaxing on the beach might want to take the opportunity to try a new water sport while you’re here.

Several companies around Navarre Beach rent out water sports equipment, including kayaks and paddleboards.

It’s perfect for seasoned pros, but guides and the calmer waters of the sheltered Santa Rosa Sound make it accessible for newbies to give it a go too.

Rent them from 930-976 FL-399, Navarre, FL 32566, United States.

5- Cast A Line From Navarre Beach Fishing Pier

If the many restaurants along the beach aren’t offering anything to interest you, you can try your hand at catching your own dinner instead.

The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is a popular location for both local and visiting anglers to set up a pole and see what’s biting.

Extending several hundred feet out into the water, there’s plenty of room for people to set up, so even on busier days, you should be able to find a spot.

Just watch out for wily seagulls trying to snatch up what you reel in.

Head over to 8579 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, FL 32566, United States.

6- Go Snorkelling Along The Reef

For a closer look at the local wildlife, get your snorkelling gear on and go exploring beneath the waves. Navarre Beach’s reef is a whole other world, teeming with exotic species for you to discover.

You can learn about what local sea creatures you might spot down there at the Conservation Centre before you head out, so you’ll have a better idea of what you’re looking at.

Head to 94JW+P6, Navarre, FL 32566, United States.

7- Hang Out On The Sandpiper Pavilion

When you just want to relax on the beach, but you’re getting tired of laying out in the harsh, Floridian sun, you can retire to one of the several wooden pavilions that overlook the sand.

The Sandpiper Pavilion is in the Marine Park. Just a little removed from the main beach, it’s typically quieter than the other pavilions, so it’s perfect for when you need a break from the crowds of sunbathers and beachball games.

Spot it at 8937 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, FL 32566, United States.

8- Enjoy Dinner With A View At Windjammers on the Pier

Navarre Beach boasts many bars and restaurants with stunning water views but Windjammers On The Pier has one of the best, uninterrupted views of them all.

Located on Navarre Beach itself, the laidback grill offers fantastically fresh seafood in an idyllic location.

If gazing at the ocean isn’t enough entertainment for you, they host regular live music events too.

Head down to 8579 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, FL 32566, United States.

9- Meet The Residents Of Gulf Breeze Zoo

Home to over eight hundred animals, there are sure to be some funky critters to interest any visitor to Gulf Breeze Zoo, and there is even a miniature train that you can ride around some of the exhibits.

With the opportunity to feed some of the animals yourself, and plenty of informational exhibits, there’s tons of fun to be had across the zoo’s fifty acres.

If you’re looking for the perfect family friendly attraction, just minutes from the beach, this is a great choice.

Go along to 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563, United States.

10- Explore Fort Pickens

Built in the 1830’s, Fort Pickens was once an integral part of the area’s defence network.

Long since decommissioned, much of the complex now lays in various states of ruin, but many of the main structures remain open to be explored.

Visitors can explore the site themselves or take a scheduled tour to learn more about what the fort would have been like during its hay day.

Head out to 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, United States.

11- Wander Around Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve

Just west of the city of Navarre, the Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve is a unique location bursting with wildlife.

Over seven and a half miles of hiking trails wind through the preserve, which features a range of semi aquatic habitats and a wealth of species to keep your eyes peeled for.

Go to 1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563, United States.

12- Spot The Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

Across the water from Fort Pickens, you can spot the blinking light of Pensacola Lighthouse. Erected around 1859, the lighthouse is a fascinating relic of the area’s early development. Now it stands as a testament to the regions heritage and offers stunning views for anyone who climbs to the top.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the attached Maritime Museum hosts various exhibits on the history and development of the local area.

Find it at 2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508, United States.

13- Browse The National Naval Aviation Museum

Just down the road from the Pensacola Lighthouse is the National Aviation Museum.

Home to over 150 military aircrafts, the museum is a must visit for anyone with an interest in either military or aviation advancement.

Along with the huge range of exhibits, there are also flight simulators and various other activities and shows for visitors to get involved in.

Fly over to 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508, United States.

14- Catch A Glimpse Of The Pensacola Beach Ball Tower

Go west along the beach and you’ll spot a giant beach ball looming over the surrounding buildings.

The Pensacola Beach Ball Tower was erected as a functional water tower, along with a twin at the other end of the beach.

The other tower has since been demolished, and the remaining Beach Ball Tower no longer serves as a water tower but does still stand as an iconic symbol of the area.

Spot it at Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, United States.

15- Find The Plaza De Luna Memorial Monument

If you find yourself exploring the Pensacola waterfront, you should stumble across the Plaza De Luna Memorial.

Along with being a fun spot to cool down on a hot day, the splash fountain commemorates the founding of one of the first free black communities in the United States.

Go to 900 S Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States.

16- Splash Out At Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

If the marine animals you can see in the wild all around Navarre Beach aren’t enough for you, then you can meet even more at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

Home to dolphins, sharks, and myriad other aquatic critters from fish to birds, there’s tons to do and see here.

Drop in on a dolphin show or take the opportunity to interact with a stingray.

You’re sure to have a memorable day out.

Head along to 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, United States.

17- Have A Blast At Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone

When you want fun and excitement to be guaranteed, head over to Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone. Packed with rollercoasters, arcades, and family games, all packed up in immersive prehistoric décor, Wild Willy’s is a fantastic day out for visitors of all ages.

Start the adventure at 1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, United States.

18- Learn Something New At Emerald Coast Science Centre

If you need something to keep the kids entertained and educated at the same time, take them over to the Emeral Coast Science Centre.

The wide range of interactive exhibits encourages children to learn through play about a vasty array of subjects.

Your kids will have tons of fun engaging and expanding their minds. And you can enjoy a peaceful naptime after they’ve tired themselves out.

Head to 31 Memorial Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, United States.

19- Look Around The Air Force Armament Museum

Head to the Air Force Armament Museum to admire dozens of military planes and other exhibits in the heart of the world’s largest air base.

With artefacts and exhibits ranging from the first planes to be employed in warfare to modern aviation advancements, there are tons of fascinating displays for you to marvel at.

Admission is free and the museum is open every day, even on most holidays, so there’s no excuse not to make a visit.

Go to 100 Museum Dr, Eglin AFB, FL 32542, United States.

20- Look Out For The Navarre Black Hawk Memorial

Take a stroll along the waterfront of Navarre City and you should come across the Navarre Black Hawk Memorial.

The statue was erected in tribute to the local marines who lost their lives in a Black Hawk training exercise nearby.

If you pass by, stop for a moment to remember them and others who have given their lives for their countries.

Find it around Navarre, FL 32566, United States.