Navarre Beach is pristine and peaceful. You will find something to do, whether here on vacation for a beach retreat or more of an adventure. Let's talk about the best activities around your Navarre Beach vacation rental.
The main attraction of Navarre Beach is, of course, the beach itself. With soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, it's the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. Whether you're looking to swim, sunbathe, or build sandcastles with the family, the beach offers many spaces to enjoy. The waves are generally mild, which makes it perfect for families with small children or those new to water sports. You can also collect seashells along the shore or take a peaceful stroll at sunset.
Nearby, you’ll find beach access points, showers, and restrooms, making it easy to spend the whole day without needing to leave the area. The nearby pier is also a great spot to catch a glimpse of local wildlife, like dolphins or seabirds.
Some of the local attractions near the vacation rental will be the Navarre Beach Pier. With 1,545 feet that extend into the Gulf of Mexico, this great pier offers nice views of the coastline and amazing fishing spots. The pier is open to visitors and is preferred by both an experienced angler and a nonpracticed angler. Gear for fishing may be rented onsite if you didn't bring one.
Even if you don't like fishing, the pier is a wonderful place to walk and enjoy the ocean breeze while looking at the ocean views. You might even spot dolphins swimming along the shoreline. For a small fee, you can also get access to the pier's observation deck where you can see fantastic panoramas of the Gulf.
Just a short drive from Navarre Beach is the Gulf Islands National Seashore, an absolute must-see. This protected area consists of barrier islands, sandy beaches, and salt marshes. The National Seashore offers several outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and exploring historic sites like Fort Pickens.
Take a walk along the scenic trails, or pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in one of the park’s designated areas. The seashore is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, turtles, and even wild horses. If you’re into photography, this is an excellent spot for capturing the natural beauty of the area.
Navarre Beach is an ideal destination for water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. The calm waters surrounding the beach and the bay areas provide ideal conditions for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from one of the local rental shops and spend some time exploring the coastline from the water.
You paddle along the shore to be close to the area's natural beauty, from diverse marine life. You can see dolphins swimming in the surrounding waters or spot manatees grazing in the shallow waters. Guided tours are available for those who prefer not to paddle out alone.
A trip to Navarre Beach just isn't the same without an organized dolphin tour. Off its coast lies many bottlenose dolphins, and so there are boat tours organized with local companies, to view them within their habitat of natural movement in the water.
Generally, most tours take you along the coastal and in to the gulf with the dolphins swimming alongside the boat. There's usually other wildlife, including sea turtles, pelicans, and stingrays, besides the dolphins. It is fun learning for your family as it avails an opportunity to connect with marine life along the local areas.
Navarre Beach has a variety of excellent restaurants offering fresh, locally sourced seafood. Whether you’re in the mood for casual dining or an upscale experience, there’s something for everyone. Local favorites include seafood shacks with casual outdoor seating, as well as elegant restaurants serving dishes made from fresh catches.
Be sure to try the local specialties, such as Gulf shrimp, oysters, or the famous local grouper. Many restaurants offer stunning views of the beach and Gulf, making your dining experience even more memorable. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after a day on the beach or enjoying a leisurely dinner with friends or family, the local dining scene won’t disappoint.
If interested in marine life, the place to go is the Navarre Beach Marine Park. This park has several educational exhibits and interactive activities that will help to better illustrate the local ecosystems to the visitors. Marine Park includes a touch tank where visitors can see the close-up views of the lifestyle of the Gulf's inhabitants, for example, starfish, sea urchins, and other fish species.
There are also walking trails, picnic areas, and observation decks throughout the park that allow it to be a perfect place for enjoying the serenity of the afternoon. For nature lovers as well as those families with children, Marine Park is a great place during your trip.
Scenic drives along Highway 399 running along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico will be breathtakingly beautiful. Along the drive, you'll see natural landscapes, beachfront properties, and secluded areas that are perfect for stopping and taking in the view.
The road runs parallel to the beach, and there are several pull-off spots where you can stop to stretch your legs and take some photos. In fact, if you want to get away from the more touristic areas to enjoy a more peaceful ride, this is also a great route. The scenery alone makes it worth the trip.
Navarre Beach has several biking trails that are perfect for exploring the area. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just looking for a leisurely ride, you'll find scenic routes that take you through the surrounding parks and along the coastline. The Florida Panhandle is known for its mild weather, making it a great place for a bike ride almost year-round.
If you didn't bring your own, you can rent bikes from local shops. There are many trails of varying skill levels, so take your time to appreciate the natural beauty of the area and don't forget to stop for photos.
If you feel like shopping or want to explore local culture, head to the nearby towns and shops. Navarre Beach is close to several charming coastal communities where you can find unique boutiques, galleries, and shops selling handmade crafts, local art, and souvenirs. You can also find beachwear, gifts, and other items to remember your trip.
For those interested in the local arts scene, several art galleries exhibit the work of regional artists. Some galleries also offer classes or workshops, and you can take a piece of the local art scene home with you.
The range of activities at Navarre Beach accommodates each and every style of traveler: the ocean where one can lay and relax by, the unending beauty of nature, and experience the taste of local life-there's something exciting for everybody around that vacation rental you just rented.