Top 10 Things to Do in Navarre Beach, Florida | Miramar Beach, Florida
But what to do after you’ve soaked in the stunning views? We’ve got 10 things that can make your time in Navarre even more fun and memorable!
1. Navarre Beach Fishing Pier
Take a walk down the longest fishing pier in the Gulf of Mexico. At 1545-foot, the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is a nice stroll and offers a great vantage point to see the horizon, marine life, Navarre skyline and more.
If you’re interested in fishing the gulf, the pier is a great choice since they offer rod and reel rental, short-term fishing licenses and bait and tackle in the adjoining shop.
While most of the traffic on the pier comes from fishermen, the pier also offers a great spot for watching the sunset, taking photos and date night. The nearby restaurant offers local food, spirits and live music.
Address: The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is located at 8579 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, Florida 32566.
Hours: The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is open most of the year from 5am to 11pm.
Price: Admission into The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is free for children under 5 and otherwise ranges from $4 – $7.
2. Juana’s Pagodas & Sailor’s Grill
You’ve got to stop by Juana’s while you’re in Navarre Beach. What you do there is entirely up to you. There is much to do in this one stop shop. A one of a kind spot, Juana’s features a restaurant, live music venue and a nightclub. And that’s just the beginning!
You can also rent all kinds of water sports equipment at Juana’s, ranging from jet skis to paddleboards. At any given time there are bound to be a few live volleyball games going on the six courts.
Address: Juana’s is located at 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway, Navarre, Florida 32566.
Hours: The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is open most of the year from 8am to 1am.
3. Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
Who doesn’t want to watch a sea turtle playfully swimming around in a pool? We know you do. That’s what you get the chance to do at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, home to Sweet Pea, a non-releasable green sea turtle. Sweet Pea is somewhat famous on Instagram as she is often the first time visitors have seen a sea turtle up close.
The Sea Turtle Center also has many educational displays and interactive exhibits for visitors. Add to that the eye-catching, larger-than-life mural of a seascape with a sea turtle and photo cut-out boards and you’ve got a great day trip. The Center is situated in Navarre Beach State Park, making it very convenient.
Address: The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center is located at 8740 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, Florida 32566.
Hours: The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center is open most of the year Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Price: Admission into The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center is free for children under 2 and $5 otherwise.
4. Gulf Breeze Zoo
If you want to interact with more than pelicans, herons and sandpipers, head on over to the Gulf Breeze Zoo. You can feed the giraffes, alligators, cows, camels or budgies. You can also check out the guerillas on their own island or the hippos in the water. If you’re in the mood, take a train ride that runs around the campus or head to the cafeteria to purchase food.
The zoo has many fun activities and events throughout the year including World Giraffe Day in June, Boo at the Zoo for Halloween and the Christmas Zoobilee.
Address: The Gulf Breeze Zoo is located at 5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Florida 32563.
Hours: The Gulf Breeze Zoo is open most of the year from 9am to 5pm.
Price: Admission into the Gulf Breeze Zoo is around $20 to $28.
5. Navarre Park & Splash Pad
The Navarre Park and Splash Pad are a great stop for your family. The newly renovated soundside park features playgrounds, water features, walking trails and picnic tables.
If you find yourself out and about, the Navarre Park & Splash Pad is a great place to stop and have a bite to eat, use the restroom and relax.
Address: The Navarre Park & Splash Pad is located at 8513 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, Florida 32566.
Hours: The Splash Pad at the Navarre Park is open in the summer, Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 6pm.
Price: Admission into Navarre Park is free.
6. Clear Bottom Kayak Tour Over Man-Made Reefs
Four different man-made reefs are available to visit at Navarre Beach, but the one in the emerald waters is the most popular. A short 100 feet from shore, the reefs consist of thin concrete discs covered in Florida Limestone and mounted into environmentally friendly composite pilings.
You can view the ecosystems and sea life from inside a clear-bottom kayak on a 45-minute guided tour. You can also scuba and snorkel to the reef and get an even closer look.
Address: The Navarre Beach Marine Park is located at 8739 Gulf Boulevard Navarre, FL 32566. You will find the gulf reef directly south of the Sea Oat Pavillion, marked on shore by four large PVC posts.
Hours: The Clear Bottom Kayak Tours at Navarre Beach Marine Park are available two Saturdays a month at 8:30am, 9:30am & 10:30am.
Price: Ticket prices per person are $25 and include admission to the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center.
7. Take the Scenic Route
There is a beach road between Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach that makes for an incredible drive or bike ride. The best part is an 8 mile stretch through the Gulf Islands National Seashore with protected, unspoiled sands and dunes. On one side you’ll see gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico while the other side’s view is laced with dune grass leading to the Santa Rosa Sound.
Every so often you’ll find a designated beachfront with a parking lot for visitors to stop and enjoy. Also along the trail is the National Park at Opal Beach, which houses bathrooms, pavilions, showers and more.
Just before you enter the scenic route on both sides you’ll find spots to rent electric bikes, scooters and golf carts if you’re looking to ramp up the fun.
Address: The Navarre Beach Marine Park is located at 8739 Gulf Boulevard Navarre, FL 32566. You will find the gulf reef directly south of the Sea Oat Pavillion, marked on shore by four large PVC posts.
Hours: The Gulf Island National Seashore road is open 24 hours a day, year round. The Opal Beach Complex is open 8am to sunset and closed on major holidays.
Price: Admission to the Gulf Island National Seashore road is free but there is a $25 entrance fee per car for the Opal Beach Complex.
8. Gone Fishing
You can fish in saltwater, freshwater and brackish water near Navarre Beach. You also have your choice of water source including the Gulf of Mexico, the Santa Rosa Sound, East Bay and the East Bay River among others.
The fishermen who choose saltwater are divided between the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier and the beachfront itself. Either way, the fishermen are often accompanied by herons or egrets waiting for a free treat.
Other fishermen can be found all along the bridge to Navarre Beach or heading into the Santa Rosa Sound from the Navarre Beach Boat Ramp near Juana’s. Still others can be found readying their boats, kayaks and canoes to enter the East Bay River or the East Bay at the East River Boat Ramp on Highway 87.
9. Head to the Outdoor Market
Every first and third Saturday you can find an outdoor market hosted by the local business owners of Pik-itz and the Sand Dollar Cottage. Dozens of vendors set up to sell handmade and homemade goods including local produce, baked goods, artwork and more.
The market is also home to the food truck alley where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines and dessert to top it off.
Address: The Outdoor Market is located at 1922 Hwy 87, Navarre, FL 32566.
Hours: The Outdoor Market happens every first and third Saturday from 9am to 2pm.
Price: Admission to the market is free.
10. Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge
The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is a rehabilitation center for injured, sick or orphaned wildlife. On any given day you’ll find a variety of wildlife to see and learn about as they receive care in preparation to be released back into the wild.
Visitors can expect to see rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, birds, racoons, coyotes, foxes or skunks among the many types of animals that receive care at the refuge. An education center also provides displays and exhibits on Florida ecosystems, wildlife rehabilitation, marine mammal stranding as well as education on how to coexist with wildlife.
Address: The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is located at 3051 Cloptons Circle, Navarre, Florida 32566.
Hours: The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9am to 3pm. You can visit on Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
Price: Admission to the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is free for children under 2 and ranges from $4 to $7 otherwise.
If you’re planning a stay at Navarre Beach, be sure to check out our properties at Emerald Waters Property Management. We pride ourselves on our premier properties, unmatched cleanliness, exceptional service, local expertise and look forward to the opportunity to help you unwind, explore, connect and make new memories.