Things To Do in Navarre Beach: Why You Need a Vacation in Navarre Beach

You may be looking for things to do in Navarre Beach because you are already there or are planning a trip.  We found this post from Wander Wisdom and this Navarre Rentals company had good information as well.

You’re sitting at your desk, rain pouring outside your office window. You’re buried with work, overwhelmed by to-do lists, and bored with life. You’re desperate for time to reconnect with your spouse and you would like to spend time with the kids without nagging them to get along, pick up their stuff, or finish their homework. You wish you were anywhere but here. 

Navarre Beach Activity Schedule

You start to daydream about where you’d really like to be and what you wish you were doing instead of work. Florida sounds pretty good right about now, doesn’t it? Sunbathing on the beach, fishing, sightseeing with the kids, feasting on fresh seafood at a romantic restaurant. How long has it been since you last got away? It’s time to start planning your next summer vacation now. 

Consider a visit to Navarre Beach.  A destination some consider to be Florida’s most relaxing place, Navarre Beach is part of Florida’s Emerald Coast, the unofficial name for the coastal area on the Gulf of Mexico that stretches about 100 miles through five counties; Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay. Perhaps the sleepiest of the towns on the Emerald Coast (Pensacola Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Panama City), Navarre Beach is a quiet bedroom community populated largely by military personnel due to its proximity to several military bases. Navarre Beach is located on a quarter-mile wide barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, facing the ocean to the south and the Santa Rosa Sound to the north. 

Navarre Beach boasts miles of pristine white sandy beaches and warm, emerald waters. Unlike most other popular Florida vacation destinations, the beaches here are uncrowded and clean. You will enjoy spectacular views, cool Gulf breezes, and tranquility. It has a simple but relaxing small beach town vibe. It’s no wonder why the local Chamber of Commerce calls Navarre Beach “Florida’s Best Kept Secret”.

What is there to do at Navarre Beach?

Though there’s plenty to do in the area, the beach is the star attraction. You will enjoy relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and exploring reefs in the sound. You’ll find plenty of parking spaces, covered shelters, and clean restroom facilities.  One hidden gem is Opal Beach. There are lifeguards on duty and a beach flag warning system for your family’s safety.   To get a view of what is going on live use our Navarre Beach cam page to get 5 different views of the beach and town.  Consult our ultimate Navarre Beach restaurants guide to plan dinner on your night out.

The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, just a short jog from the causeway, is the longest fishing pier in Florida at 1,545 feet long. It costs $1 to walk the pier (no charge for children under age 5) and $7.50 to fish. Here you’ll see many types of fish swimming below, as well as dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles, and sometimes, sharks.

If you aren’t the fishing type, you can surf, scuba dive, boat, hike, bike, sightsee, and shop. 

There are fun and educational activities for the kiddos too. The ocean, coves, rivers, and parks provide an endless and diverse variety of places to explore and learn. 

Navarre Beach is Family-Friendly

Navarre Beach is the place to go for a family vacation. There is so much to do that will occupy the kids and please the parents. Here’s a sample of things you’ll want to put on your to-do list.

Comb The Beach for Seashells

Comb the beach for seashells. Kids love collecting seashells and this is definitely the place for junior beachcombers to practice their craft. A wide variety of shells wash up daily along with jelly fish, urchins, and sometimes even a fish.  Warn the kids to never step on or pick up a fish, though, as the spiny Armored catfish delivers a painful scrape.

Pet Giraffes at the Gulf Breeze Zoo

Pet giraffes at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, a 50-acre wildlife park home to more than 800 animals. Ride the Safari Train through the African preserve filled with hippos, zebras, and gorillas. You can also feed alligators or watch colorful tiny parrots land on you in the Budgie Aviary.

Learn About Endangered Sea Turtles

Learn about endangered sea turtles at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. In addition to the sea turtle aquariums, the center also has a jellyfish aquarium, seahorse habitat, artificial reef aquarium as well as other interactive exhibits and displays.

Study Marine Science

Study marine science at the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station. The center promotes marine conservation by teaching kids and adults through hands-on activities and programs. 

Play at Navarre Park

Play at Navarre Park near the Santa Rosa Sound just before you cross the causeway into Navarre Beach. Your littles will enjoy the splash pad and playgrounds. Later, picnic at the many pavilions and tables or visit the Navarre Black Hawk Memorial, a tribute to members of the military who have lost their lives in service to our country. Older kids will enjoy the Navarre Sports Complex, a newer playground on the mainland with tons of equipment including a zip-line.

Enjoy a Dolphin Cruise

Take the family on a dolphin cruise. Kids will be enchanted as dolphins swim alongside and behind your catamaran on a guided cruise from the Portofino Boardwalk in Pensacola Beach. They have no fear of the boats and captains speculate they enjoy the humming of the engines.  Check out our full Navarre Beach dolphin cruise directory.

We did not know about TripShock, which consolidates Dolphin Cruise listings in the Navarre and Pensacola areas.  You may want to start there to see what Dolphin tour options and discounts they have available.

Check Dolphin Tour Schedules

One money-saving tip is to always see if there is a Groupon available for Dolphin cruises in the area.

Check Dolphin Tours on Groupon

Travel the Nature Trails

Traverse the nature trails at Blackwater River State Park, one of the largest and rarest ecosystems of longleaf pine and native wiregrass. Pack a lunch or plan a camping trip in this diverse wonderland of dense forests, swamps, and white sandbars along the Blackwater River. Be on the lookout for wildlife including wild turkey, gopher tortoises, and deer.  Or take a look at our complete Navarre Beach campgrounds guide to find your campsite.

Explore Turtle Reefs

Explore turtle reefs at the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary. These three man-made reefs in the Santa Rosa Sound are perfect for snorkeling. The shallow water is clear and perfect for wading and spotting sea turtles, coral, and many types of colorful fish. 

Visit Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Visit Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, one of the world’s oldest marine animal parks, a 30-minute  drive east in Fort Walton Beach. Take in dolphin and sea lion shows, visit the saltwater aquariums, or participate in special animal encounters with dolphins, seals, stingrays, or sharks.

Check Gulfarium Tickets

Eat Cool Treats

After all of these fun activities, a cool treat will hit the spot.  Stop at family-friendly places like The Twist Custom Ice Cream where cake batter is a favorite flavor, The Boardwalk Shop, and Tommy’s Snoballs. Pick up a gourmet Oreo or maple bacon donut from Donuts in Paradise. If the sweet stuff isn’t your game, grab a breakfast burrito or shrimp tacos at Shark Bite, located in a bright green food truck you won’t miss.

Where to Fish in and Around Navarre Beach 

The Florida Panhandle is a premier fishing destination. This area of the Gulf of Mexico is home to Red Snapper, Sea Trout, Flounder, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Grouper, and Redfish. Besides ocean fishing, the area is graced with miles of rivers, tidal shores, and acres of lakes in close proximity to Navarre Beach. Navarre’s mild weather makes it ideal for fishing year-round.

We found another good listing and booking site by Fishing Booker was useful if you want to book a charter.

Check FishingBooker.com

You may also want to check Groupon for any charter fishing deals that may be available.  Always be sure to read the fine print, but we have had good luck finding deals on Groupon.

Check Groupon

Navarre Beach Park Fishing Pier

The Navarre Beach Park Fishing Pier is one of the most popular spots for fishing with plenty of room to fish. Stop at the bait and tackle shop before the pier to rent poles and tackle. Don’t forget a fishing license for non-residents who are 16 years or older.  Unless you are on a charter boat you will need a license, even for catch and release, and out of state licenses are not valid here. License-free days are a great opportunity for those who don’t yet have a license to experience fishing or for youth fishing. Saltwater license-free days are the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June, the first Saturday in September, and the Saturday following Thanksgiving. You can find daily fishing reports at the Navarre Pier Facebook page or at the Navarre Newspaper. 

There are lots of options for fishing charters too. Working with a fishing guide or booking a charter is a great place for inexperienced fishermen to start. A fishing tour with a seasoned captain takes you to the right spots yielding the best catch.  We have a great Navarre Beach Fishing Charters directory.

Flatout Inshore Charters

Flatout Inshore Charters has fishing trips suitable for young children.  For the more adventurous, book a shark expedition.

Navarre Beach Inshore Charters

Navarre Beach Inshore Charters is a local guide who specializes in light tackle fishing.

Full Net Fishing Charters

Full Net Fishing Charters guides inshore and nearshore anglers and specializes in light tackle fishing including fly fishing.

Check FishingBooker.com

Navarre Kayak Fishing

Prefer to get out there on your own? Try kayak fishing with Navarre Kayak Fishing. This outfit also provides fishing trips and lessons all year long. 

Watersports for the Water Enthusiast

If fishing isn’t your thing or the fish aren’t biting, there are many other water activities to enjoy. Here are a few of the many options available. 

Check Watersports on Groupon

Navarre Family Water Sports

Get in a wet workout at Witbit Waterpark, a floating waterpark with an inflatable navigation course at Navarre Family Water Sports. You can also rent wave runners, pontoon boats for both short and extended trips, kayaks, and paddle boards. Cruise the coast in a Waverunner, or try a CraigCat, a miniature version of a powerboat. 

Sage Paddle Company

Rent paddleboards, kayaks, bikes or scooters from Sage Paddle Company. It’s owned and operated by young entrepreneur Sage Offutt who started the business when she was only 12. Her dad makes the deliveries.

Navarre Kayak Rentals

Kayak the coast alone or with a buddy. Navarre Kayak Rentals rents from the ½ day to a week and even provide short lessons with each rental.

Learn To Surf in Navarre Beach

Get out of your comfort zone & try something new and learn to surf at Gulf Coast Surf School.  Safe, fun family activity.   A typical lesson will include 1.5 hours of instruction and board rental.  All ages are welcome!

Navarre Beach Sea and Sail

Learn how to stand-up paddle board (SUP) or rent jet skis, kayaks, sailboats and pontoon boats from Navarre Beach Sea and Sail at Juana’s Pagoda. They also offer parasailing and dolphin cruises.  

Check Parasailing Prices

Crab Island

Rent a jet ski and drive out or snorkel on a charter to Crab Island, a sand bar that attracts an all-ages crowd. The activity level varies by the day of the week but there’s always something going on, even a band playing from a barge if you’re lucky. It’s also a great spot for children as it’s a shallow area and the currents are usually not too strong.

Check Crab Island Tours

We have a full post on Crab Island cruises and tours to help you plan your activities.

Fort Walton Beach Scuba

Scuba dive along coral reefs where you’ll view sharks and a variety of tropical fish with Fort Walton Beach Scuba. You can rent all your equipment here. If there is a specialty diving certification you want to work on, this is the place.

Emerald Coast Scuba

Get PADI Scuba certified with Emerald Coast Scuba. They have a full dive shop with all the equipment you need to rent or purchase. Book a snorkeling or dive trip to explore reefs and shipwrecks or choose underwater spearfishing. Schedule the kids for swim lessons with their professional instructors. 

Check Scuba Tours

Black Water Canoe Rental

Canoe, kayak, or tube the Blackwater River, a spring-fed river with sandy beaches perfect to stop and sunbathe. Rent from an outfitter such as Black Water Canoe Rental who transport you to your start point.

Check Blackwater Canoe Tours

Romantic Things to do in Navarre Beach

Navarre Beach is certainly one of the most romantic locations on the Gulf Coast. You can watch the sunrise from your condo patio or the evening sunset on the ocean. The quiet and unhurried pace lends opportunities for you and your loved one to reconnect. Here are a few suggestions for a special date night.

Sandestin Cruise

Dress up for dinner and dancing aboard the Sandestin Cruise, the only dining yacht in northwestern Florida. Indulge in fresh seafood while listening to live entertainment. Later, enjoy a cocktail on the observation deck. 

Check Sandestin Cruise Schedule

Scream Machine

Take a sunset cruise to Crab Island Pass aboard the Scream Machine. Despite the name and its potential speed, this sunset cruise travels at a much more leisurely pace.

Spider Crab Charters Catamaran

Board the Spider Crab Charters Catamaran for a sunset sail. Reserve a private cruise for just you and your loved one.

Check Sailing Charters

Father’s Daughter Portuguese Cuisine

Stroll the beach hand in hand under a full moon as you search for sea turtle nests (just keep your distance, please). Then, order a late-night dinner from Father’s Daughter Portuguese Cuisine, a food truck just off the Navarre pier. Everything delicious morsel is made to order and there is an outdoor dining area with tables and umbrellas.

Juana’s Pagodas

Have a drink at Juana’s Pagodas under the grass huts at the Deck Bar. Enjoy a casual dinner at the Sailor’s Grill. Then dance the night away to live music at the Pagoda Bar.  Check out our more detailed page on Juana’s Pagodas for more information.

Navarre Seafood Market

Prepare a fresh seafood dinner in your Airbnb rental. Pick up fresh fish, crab or shrimp at the Navarre Seafood Market. If you prefer some light bites, select specialty seafood dips with locally-made gourmet crackers. Finish your meal with a luscious Key Lime Pie. 

Vine Wine Bar and Shop

Discover new wines bar at  Vine Wine Bar and Shop, Navarre’s only wine shop. Pair your selection with small appetizer plates or try one of their rotating weekly wine flights.  There’s live music from local artists on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  They did change ownership during the pandemic, but our insiders say it continues to be a great place.

More Outdoor Things to do in Navarre Beach

Maybe you want a little break from the sun and surf. There’s so much to do in the Navarre Beach area that doesn’t involve water that you’ll surely want to check out these activities too.

Club at Hidden Creek

Play golf at the Club at Hidden Creek. This top-rated public 18-hole course has a lush rolling terrain. Pick up some lessons or purchase a seasonal pass if you are a snow-bird wintering in Navarre.

Check Groupon

Old Tree Nature Preserve

Escape the sun for a bit with a hike in Old Tree Nature Preserve, a dense forest with shady trails. This lovely trail feels like a mystical old-world forest. Be aware of ticks, though, and stay on the trails.

Navarre Beach Multi-Use Path

Bike the Navarre Beach Multi-Use Path on a beach cruiser or a scooter from Sage Paddle Company or The Boardwalk Shop. This paved 3-mile path keeps you out of the way of traffic and affords both ocean and sound views.

Navarre Family Water Sports

Play the fun 18-hole miniature golf course at Navarre Family Water Sports. This cute little course overlooks the Santa Rosa Sound and is a fun way to spend a few hours.

Juana’s Pagoda

Join in a summer volleyball or winter cornhole league at Juana’s Pagoda. Day or night, there’s always a game on at least one of the six lighted volleyball courts. Prefer to be a spectator? Have a seat in the bar and watch the activity below, instead.

Fly The Boat

Fly the gulf coast in an amphibious plane with Fly The Boat. This incredible and scenic flight starts on the water and then takes flight. You can even get training to learn how to pilot one yourself.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Camp out at Gulf Islands National Seashore located on the north side of the Santa Rosa Sound. Hike the salt marsh habitats on a ranger-led tour. Visit historic military sites and learn about the role of these key military forts on the Gulf.

What Can You Do in Navarre Beach When It’s Rainy?

Depending on the time of year you visit, there’s a chance you may experience some rainy weather. Most showers are short-lived, but if it gets too stormy to be out on the water, you don’t have to hole up in a hotel room with cranky kids. 

Farm to Table Farmers Market

Peruse the homemade goods and homegrown produce at the Farm to Table Farmers Market every first and third Saturday. This community market provides fresh dairy goods, locally sourced grass fed beef, beautiful fruits and vegetables, and homemade crafts ranging from baked goods to marinara sauce. And while the market is outdoors, it remains open except under the most serious weather conditions like a hurricane.

Sand Dollar Cottage

Shop for souvenirs and other tchotkes you need to bring home. The Sand Dollar Cottage is a cute shop filled with an eclectic array of soaps, jewelry, cards, and artwork crafted by local artisans. At the adorable Saltwater Cottage, you can shop for locally made jewelry, unique home decor, candles, t-shirts, and other gift items. Pick up seashells and other touristy items at Marlen’s Sea Shell City. Shop for beach attire, giftware, and souvenirs at Island Style.

MAXIMUM Magic Theater

See fascinating illusionist acts, mindreading, and magic tricks at MAXIMUM Magic Theater with world-class illusionists Noah and Heather Wells. This popular and fun duo invite crowd participation and are sure to delight everyone from the kids to the grandparents. A special add-on option is the VIP Package with front row seats, a backstage meet and greet session, and a magic kit for your kids to bring home and more. 

Suds-n-Cinema

Watch a movie at Suds-n-Cinema in the landmark Tringas Theater in Fort Walton. This historic theater has only one screen, but tickets are just $5. The theater is furnished with tables and counter seating. On the menu are cafe type options including hot dogs, pizza, and sandwiches.

Escape Zone 60

Solve a mystery and complete an escape room adventure for adults and kids age 9 and up at Escape Zone 60. Some popular games include helping the great Houdini Escape from a water tank or the Escape Mars to find the survivors of a stranded spaceship on a mission to Mars. 

Check Escape Room Prices

Where Can You Stay?

By now, you have a good idea of what to do on your vacation to Navarre Beach. There are plenty of activities for the kids as well as options for a romantic anniversary or honeymoon. It’s time to put in the vacation request, book a flight, and reserve the room.  

Whether you’re on a budget or want to splurge, you will be able to find the right accommodation for you. You can choose from beachfront condos and hotels with luxurious amenities and ocean-front views or a modest rental on the mainland. The drive to the beach is quick, and you won’t have to worry about finding a parking spot or lugging your beach gear too far.

Check Listings on VRBO

Check Listings on AIR B & B

For more tips on selecting a Navarre Beach rental, check our comprehensive guide.  

Check out our detailed Navarre Beach hotels guide for more in depth information on area hotels.

What Should You Bring on Vacation to Navarre Beach?

Once you’ve made your reservations, take the time to plan what you’ll need to bring. You’ll want to make sure you have the right gear for the beach but not overspend. Use our beach vacation packing list for planning what to pack on your Navarre Beach vacation or where you can purchase reasonably priced beach gear once you arrive.

Final Thoughts on Things to do in Navarre!

Winter is cold and long. Summer often feels like a brief moment that passes too quickly and uneventfully. You know you need a break. Your family needs a real vacation.

With a little planning, your family can have the vacation of a lifetime. Not the budget-breaking fast-paced extravaganza, but the kind of slow-paced vacation that produces memories that last a lifetime. Years from now, your kids will retell stories of their family vacation to Navarre Beach, making sandcastles, hunting for seashells, and the school of dolphins they watched frolicking under the pier. After your trip, when you rush out the door for work, you’ll see the dish of seashells you collected on your entry table. As you pause a moment and feel the shells between your fingers, you’ll be warmed by the memory of the night you and your spouse walked the beach under a magical starry sky. Life won’t feel quite so hard because of the deep connections you have which were renewed on your vacation to Navarre Beach. 

Don’t wait too long to plan your vacation. The kids are getting older and the demands of life never cease. And you never know when the word is going to get out to the rest of the world about the charms of Navarre Beach.