Navarre Beach is bookended by Florida tourism centers Pensacola Beach and Panama City Beach, and receives neither the fanfare nor the crowds of either. However, what it lacks in spring break hordes and rowdy celebrations, it more than makes up for with a wealth of family-friendly outdoor eco-adventures and wildlife experiences.
Featuring 12 miles of pristine white sand shoreline along the southwestern edge of the Florida panhandle and easy access to the Santa Rosa Sound and Blackwater River State Park, Navarre Beach is perfect for those looking for a more low-key vibe. Here, you can spot turtles and birds, paddle, surf, or explore the miles of bike paths.
Meet Baby Sea Turtles
Four of the six species of sea turtles in the United States can be found at Navarre Beach – loggerhead, green, leatherback, and Kemp’s ridley. These threatened animals are protected by the Endangered Species Act, and Navarre Beach has become a refuge for them.
Sea turtles come to Navarre Beach for its comparative quietness and darkness, thanks in large part to its residents, who help protect the turtles by keeping the beaches free of objects and artificial light. Nesting season is May through October, during which time you can see turtles laying eggs on the beaches, provided you follow the visitation rules.
The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center will teach you everything you want to know about seeing baby turtles hatch. You can also meet Sweet Pea, the NBSTCC ambassador-in-residence – a green sea turtle who has been living at the center since 2018, when she was rescued from an entangled fishing line.
Explore Blackwater River State Park
Muscogee Native American Indians called this region’s primary river Oka Lusa (“black water”) due to the naturally occurring tannins that give it a coffee-like color. Today, the Blackwater River is the only intact sand-bottom river left in the United States. Clear tawny water, thick arching tree canopies, and powdery white sandbars give the waterway its signature appeal.
Blackwater River State Park, located within Blackwater River State Forest, is roughly 30 miles east of Navarre Beach. The park is well-known in the region for its canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and tubing. A 31-mile paddling trail is its biggest draw, making it known as the canoe capital of Florida. Additionally, the park offers ziplining, swimming, and biking.
The 590-acre state park is also a haven for birds and their watchers, featuring more than 4.5 miles of birdwatching trails. Birders often come in search of the rare and endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, known to inhabit the Coldwater recreation area, along with herons, warblers, and mockingbirds.
Snorkel the Navarre Beach Marine Park
You won’t need any special skills to see the underwater sights when you visit the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary. Three artificial reefs were created to host marine life and educate the public about the importance of sustainable underwater ecosystems. Situated 150 feet offshore, these man-made reefs consist of environmentally friendly materials and are located 7-14 feet below the surface and 10-20 feet apart.
Visitors who snorkel around the reefs in the Santa Rosa Sound and the Gulf of Mexico will have the opportunity to see sea turtles, jellyfish, octopi, oysters, and many other species of fish – an unforgettable experience, especially for families.
Go Fishing
The 1,545-foot-long Navarre Beach Pier is the longest fishing pier in Florida, making it the best place to see dolphins, stingrays, and schools of fish. You can purchase fishing passes for $4-7, which include fishing licenses. Poles are available to rent at the nearby privately-owned bait and tackle shop.
Make sure to read and follow all of the Santa Rosa County rules, such as no fish cleaning on the pier, before you drop your line. If you’re lucky, you might catch Mahi Mahi, Amberjack, Red Snapper, King Mackerel, Wahoo, or Cobia. This is also a great spot to catch a spectacular sunset or simply enjoy some people-watching.
Catch Some Waves
Deep aquamarine ocean hues, bright white sand, and idyllic 360-degree views make Navarre Beach one of the most premier locations for surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the Emerald Coast.
Wave seekers from near and far are drawn by the consistently good swells, alongside a tight-knit community of surfers, kitesurfers, windsurfers, and stand-up paddleboarders who ride the tides at Navarre Beach. Visitors can take lessons and rent surfboards, kayaks, and paddleboards from numerous local vendors.
Pedal the Paths
The town of Navarre Beach is as full of charm as the beach itself, and a great way to see it is by riding its scenic bike paths. The main Navarre Beach bike path stretches 3.6 miles along the coast from Spinnaker Court on Gulf Boulevard to Navarre Beach Marine Park. This path is part of the Seashore section of the Florida Trail, connecting residential neighborhoods from the western to the eastern ends of Navarre Beach.
If you’re looking for a longer route, consider riding the highly rated 40-mile Navarre Pensacola Beach Loop. With the exception of two bridge crossings, it’s remarkably flat, winding around the beautiful Santa Rosa Sound. Bike rentals are available from The Boardwalk Shop and Sage Paddle on Gulf Boulevard.
Natural beauty abounds in this small corner of Northwest Florida, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it all.
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